Design:
| screen size |
1.1" |
| Display type |
OLED/AMOLED |
| water resistance |
Waterproof |
| has branded damage-resistant glass |
✕ |
| ATM rating |
10 ATM |
| resolution |
176 x 176 px |
| Watch band is replaceable |
✓ |
| has a touch screen |
✕ |
| weight |
58 g |
| Has sapphire glass display |
✕ |
| thickness |
14.4 mm |
| Always-On Display |
✓ |
| height |
50 mm |
| pixel density |
226 ppi |
| Has a display |
✓ |
| width |
50 mm |
| width of band |
26 mm |
| volume |
36 cm³ |
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition features a 1.1″ OLED display with a resolution of 176 x 176 px and a pixel density of 226 ppi, ensuring clear visibility. The watch is built for durability with a 10 ATM water resistance rating, making it waterproof for most water activities. While it does not include damage-resistant glass or a sapphire display, it offers an Always-On display for constant readability. The watch band is replaceable, and the device weighs just 58 g with a thickness of 14.4 mm, offering a lightweight yet robust design suitable for outdoor use.
Sensors:
| has GPS |
✓ |
| Has a heart rate monitor |
✓ |
| Monitors blood oxygenation levels |
✓ |
| Has a barometer |
✓ |
| has an accelerometer |
✓ |
| has a compass |
✓ |
| Has a temperature sensor |
✓ |
| Has a cadence sensor |
✓ |
| has a gyroscope |
✓ |
| Has a wind speed sensor |
✕ |
| Monitors perspiration |
✕ |
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition is equipped with a wide range of sensors, including a GPS, heart rate monitor, and pulse oximeter to track your activity and health metrics. It also features a barometer, accelerometer, compass, and gyroscope for accurate navigation and movement detection. Additionally, a body temperature sensor and cadence sensor are included, offering even more detailed insights into your performance. However, it does not support wind speed or perspiration monitoring.
Activity tracking:
| Has a route tracker |
✓ |
| Tracks distance |
✓ |
| Measures pace |
✓ |
| Has trackback mode |
✓ |
| Tracks your sleep |
✓ |
| Has multi-sport mode |
✓ |
| Detects activities automatically |
✓ |
| Tracks elevation |
✓ |
| Tracks steps taken |
✓ |
| Provides sleep reports |
✓ |
| Has exercise tagging |
✓ |
| Has a stroke counter for swimming |
✓ |
| Tracks calorie intake |
✓ |
| Designed for diving |
✕ |
| Designed for golf |
✓ |
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition offers robust activity tracking features, including a route tracker, distance tracking, and pace measurement. It also supports trackback mode to help you retrace your steps. With automatic activity detection, sleep tracking, and detailed sleep reports, this watch provides a comprehensive overview of your fitness and health. Additional features include elevation tracking, step tracking, exercise tagging, and swim stroke counting. It also tracks calorie intake and includes a golf mode, though it is not designed for diving.
Connectivity:
| Is compatible with iOS |
✓ |
| Is compatible with Android |
✓ |
| supports Wi-Fi |
✕ |
| has a cellular module |
✕ |
| supports ANT+ |
✓ |
| has NFC |
✓ |
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition offers versatile connectivity options, supporting both iOS and Android devices. It features ANT+ compatibility and includes NFC for easy pairing with other devices. However, it does not support Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, limiting its wireless capabilities to Bluetooth-based options.
Battery:
| battery life |
Infinity days |
| battery life with GPS on |
260 hours |
| battery life in training mode |
60 hours |
| has wireless charging |
✕ |
| Has a solar power battery |
✓ |
| has a rechargeable battery |
✓ |
| has a removable battery |
✕ |
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition is equipped with a solar-powered battery that ensures extended usage, with an impressive battery life of up to infinity days under normal conditions. When using GPS, the watch provides up to 260 hours of battery life, and up to 60 hours in training mode. It also features a rechargeable battery, but lacks wireless charging and a removable battery option, making it more suited for users who prefer long-lasting, sustainable power.
Features:
| release date |
April 2025 |
| has HRV tracking |
✓ |
| measures VO2 max |
✓ |
| measures resting heart rate |
✓ |
| has fast/slow heart rate notifications |
✓ |
| shows readiness level |
✓ |
| Can upload maps |
✕ |
| Has vibrating alerts |
✕ |
| Has a stopwatch |
✓ |
| Locates your phone |
✓ |
| Has silent alarm |
✓ |
| has irregular heart rate warnings |
✕ |
| has fall detection |
✓ |
| Has notifications |
✓ |
| Acquires GPS faster |
✓ |
| Has call control |
✕ |
| Provides the sunrise/sunset time |
✓ |
| internal storage |
0.128GB |
| Can be used to answer calls |
✕ |
| supports Galileo |
✓ |
| Has smart alarm |
✕ |
| Informs about the risk of thunderstorms |
✓ |
| warranty period |
1 years |
| has voice commands |
✕ |
| Has a built-in camera remote control function |
✕ |
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition includes a variety of helpful features designed for fitness and safety, such as HRV tracking, VO2 max measurement, and resting heart rate monitoring. It also provides fast GPS lock for quicker navigation and fall detection for added security. Additionally, the watch offers useful tools like a stopwatch, silent alarm, and the ability to find your phone. It also supports notifications, sunrise/sunset times, and provides alerts about thunderstorms, though it lacks vibrating alerts and smart alarm functionality.
App & Software:
| Provides activity reports |
✓ |
| Has inactivity alerts |
✓ |
| Counts how many calories you've burned |
✓ |
| Has goal setting |
✓ |
| Has achievements |
✓ |
| Free app |
✓ |
| Has exercise diary |
✓ |
| Ad-free |
✓ |
| Has weight tracking |
✓ |
| Tracks BMI |
✓ |
| Tracks water intake |
✓ |
| Has live tracking |
✓ |
| Has coaching |
✓ |
| Has temperature tracking |
✓ |
| Has period notifications |
✓ |
| Supports routes |
✓ |
| Syncs with existing calendars |
✓ |
| Has voice feedback |
✓ |
| Has music playback |
✓ |
| Displays fertile window notifications |
✓ |
| Includes maps |
✓ |
| Doesn’t require account |
✕ |
| Predicts start date |
✓ |
| Predicts ovulation |
✓ |
| Has video tutorials |
✓ |
| Supports widgets |
✓ |
| Can be personalised |
✓ |
| Has barcode scanner on app |
✕ |
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition offers a comprehensive suite of app and software features to support your fitness journey. It provides activity reports, weight tracking, and live tracking, along with goal setting, achievement tracking, and calorie monitoring. The app also includes features such as workout music, temperature and water intake tracking, and period notifications. Additionally, it supports syncing with calendars, offers personalized coaching, and provides voice feedback during workouts. The app is free to use and ad-free, though it does require an account for full functionality and does not include a barcode scanner.
Miscellaneous:
| has a battery level indicator |
✓ |
| Is compatible with Windows |
✓ |
| Has auto pause |
✓ |
| Compatible with external heart rate monitors |
✓ |
| Available on PC |
✓ |
| Compatible with smart scales |
✓ |
| Is compatible with Mac OS X |
✓ |
| has an external memory slot |
✕ |
| has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack |
✕ |
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition offers several additional functionalities for seamless integration with other devices. It features a battery level indicator, supports external heart rate monitors, and includes auto pause for convenience during workouts. The watch is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and smart scales, and is available for use on PC. However, it lacks an external memory slot and does not have a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack.
