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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerAmazfit Balance vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
The Amazfit Balance is the premium option here, thanks to its vibrant 1.5" AMOLED display and advanced wellness features. However, its battery life is limited to 14 days under typical use, while the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar shines with potentially unlimited battery life thanks to solar charging. In my testing, the Amazfit Balance offers an impressive 156 workout modes, which is fantastic for fitness enthusiasts, but the Garmin's rugged build and multi-band GPS make it the go-to for outdoor adventurers. The deciding factor is really about whether you prioritize a stunning display or longevity in battery life—both critical for different user needs in 2026.
⚖️ Weight: 1.23 oz vs 1.83 oz💽 Storage: 2.2 GB vs 64 GB📱 Display: 1.5" vs 0.9"
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Amazfit Balance
★4.4
(1,543)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 7.0 and above; iOS 14.0 and above
Operating System:Zepp OS 4
Case Size:46mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.42 inches; without heart rate base)
Case Material:Aluminum alloy middle frame; fiber-reinforced polymer bottom shell
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Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
★4.6
(1,634)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later)
Operating System:Proprietary Garmin OS
Case Size:45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm)
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Amazfit Balance
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Amazfit Balance
1.5"
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter
Resolution
Amazfit Balance
480 x 480 (323 ppi)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
176 x 176 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Amazfit Balance
Music storage (approx. 2.2GB available)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage)Winner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Amazfit Balance
475 mAh; up to 14 days typical use; up to 25 days battery saver; up to 5 days AOD; up to 26 hours (Accuracy GPS mode); up to 52 hours (Power Saving GPS mode)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Smartwatch: Unlimited with solar (28 days without); GPS: Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar
Design2 specs
Weight
Amazfit Balance
1.23 oz (without strap)Winner
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
52 g
Water Resistance
Amazfit Balance
5 ATM (up to 164 feet)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
10 ATM (100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Amazfit Balance
Zepp OS 4
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Proprietary Garmin OS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Amazfit Balance
WLAN 2.4GHz; Bluetooth 5.3
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Amazfit Balance vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Amazfit Balance
★4.4(1,543)Amazon
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
★4.6(1,634)Amazon
| Criterion | Amazfit Balance | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(1,543)Amazon | ★4.6(1,634)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 7.0 and above; iOS 14.0 and above | iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later) |
Operating System | Zepp OS 4 | Proprietary Garmin OS |
Case Size | 46mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.42 inches; without heart rate base) | 45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm) |
Case Material | Aluminum alloy middle frame; fiber-reinforced polymer bottom shell | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens |
Display Type | AMOLED (tempered glass; anti-glare bezel; anti-fingerprint coating) | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) with solar charging |
Display Size | 1.5" | Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 480 x 480 (323 ppi) | 176 x 176 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (AOD mode supported) | Yes (MIP display is always visible) |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (up to 164 feet) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | Tempered glass with anti-glare bezel; aluminum alloy frame | MIL-STD-810 thermal, shock, and water resistance; Metal-reinforced polymer bezel |
GPS | Circularly-polarized GPS antenna; dual-band positioning; 6 satellite positioning systems | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
Connectivity | WLAN 2.4GHz; Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB |
NFC Payments | Zepp Pay (supported in select regions and banks only) | Garmin Pay |
Sensors | BioTracker 5.0 PPG biometric sensor (8PD + 2LED); BIA bioelectric impedance sensor; 3-axis acceleration sensor; Gyroscope sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Air pressure sensor; Ambient light sensor; Temperature sensor | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 wrist heart rate monitor; Pulse Ox; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer |
Health Features | Readiness score; 24/7 heart rate, SpO2, and stress monitoring; sleep tracking (incl. breathing quality); one-tap health measurement; body composition measurement (BIA) | Sleep Coach; Nap detection; Body Battery energy monitoring; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration rate |
Workout Modes | 156 sports modes; Zepp Coach; offline maps and navigation; training templates + interval training; supports external peripherals (HR belt, cycling power meter) | Strength; HIIT; Cardio; Elliptical; Stair Stepping; Indoor Rowing; Running (Outdoor/Trail/Treadmill); Cycling; Swimming (Pool/Open Water); Obstacle Racing; Triathlon |
Storage | Music storage (approx. 2.2GB available) | 64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage) |
Speaker Mic | Microphone: supported; speaker: supported | — |
Calls | Yes (Bluetooth phone calls) | No (Call notifications only) |
Battery | 475 mAh; up to 14 days typical use; up to 25 days battery saver; up to 5 days AOD; up to 26 hours (Accuracy GPS mode); up to 52 hours (Power Saving GPS mode) | Smartwatch: Unlimited with solar (28 days without); GPS: Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar |
Charging | Magnetic charging; approx. 2 hours | Garmin proprietary plug charger; Solar charging (Power Glass) |
Weight | 1.23 oz (without strap) | 52 g |
Band Sizes | 22mm width; silicone fits wrists 5.51–8.46 inches; nylon fits wrists 5.51–8.27 inches | Fits wrists 135-230 mm; Compatible with QuickFit 22 watch bands |
Extras | Zepp Flow AI voice assistant; Amazon Alexa integrated; offline voice assistant; mini apps ecosystem; quick reply on Android (supported apps vary) | Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red strobe); Safety and Tracking features; Reference Point; TracBack routing |
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Amazfit Balance
Rating:★4.4(1,543)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 7.0 and above; iOS 14.0 and above
Operating System:Zepp OS 4
Case Size:46mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.42 inches; without heart rate base)
Case Material:Aluminum alloy middle frame; fiber-reinforced polymer bottom shell
Display Type:AMOLED (tempered glass; anti-glare bezel; anti-fingerprint coating)
Display Size:1.5"
Resolution:480 x 480 (323 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes (AOD mode supported)
Water Resistance:5 ATM (up to 164 feet)
Durability:Tempered glass with anti-glare bezel; aluminum alloy frame
GPS:Circularly-polarized GPS antenna; dual-band positioning; 6 satellite positioning systems
Connectivity:WLAN 2.4GHz; Bluetooth 5.3
NFC Payments:Zepp Pay (supported in select regions and banks only)
Sensors:BioTracker 5.0 PPG biometric sensor (8PD + 2LED); BIA bioelectric impedance sensor; 3-axis acceleration sensor; Gyroscope sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Air pressure sensor; Ambient light sensor; Temperature sensor
Health Features:Readiness score; 24/7 heart rate, SpO2, and stress monitoring; sleep tracking (incl. breathing quality); one-tap health measurement; body composition measurement (BIA)
Workout Modes:156 sports modes; Zepp Coach; offline maps and navigation; training templates + interval training; supports external peripherals (HR belt, cycling power meter)
Storage:Music storage (approx. 2.2GB available)
Speaker Mic:Microphone: supported; speaker: supported
Calls:Yes (Bluetooth phone calls)
Battery:475 mAh; up to 14 days typical use; up to 25 days battery saver; up to 5 days AOD; up to 26 hours (Accuracy GPS mode); up to 52 hours (Power Saving GPS mode)
Charging:Magnetic charging; approx. 2 hours
Weight:1.23 oz (without strap)
Band Sizes:22mm width; silicone fits wrists 5.51–8.46 inches; nylon fits wrists 5.51–8.27 inches
Extras:Zepp Flow AI voice assistant; Amazon Alexa integrated; offline voice assistant; mini apps ecosystem; quick reply on Android (supported apps vary)
✓ Pros:
- • Extremely lightweight design (1.23 oz) for its 46mm size
- • Advanced wellness toolkit including Readiness score and Body Composition analysis
- • Highly accurate dual-band circularly-polarized GPS system
- • Bluetooth calling and local music storage (2.2GB) for phone-free workouts
- • Efficient battery life managing up to 2 weeks on a single charge
✗ Cons:
- • Zepp Pay ecosystem is limited compared to Apple or Google Pay
- • Significant battery impact when Always-On Display is enabled (drops to 5 days)
- • No LTE/Cellular connectivity option available
- • Limited third-party app ecosystem compared to WearOS or watchOS
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Rating:★4.6(1,634)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later)
Operating System:Proprietary Garmin OS
Case Size:45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm)
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens
Display Type:Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) with solar charging
Display Size:Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter
Resolution:176 x 176 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (MIP display is always visible)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810 thermal, shock, and water resistance; Metal-reinforced polymer bezel
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Garmin Elevate Gen 4 wrist heart rate monitor; Pulse Ox; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer
Health Features:Sleep Coach; Nap detection; Body Battery energy monitoring; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration rate
Workout Modes:Strength; HIIT; Cardio; Elliptical; Stair Stepping; Indoor Rowing; Running (Outdoor/Trail/Treadmill); Cycling; Swimming (Pool/Open Water); Obstacle Racing; Triathlon
Storage:64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage)
Speaker Mic:—
Calls:No (Call notifications only)
Battery:Smartwatch: Unlimited with solar (28 days without); GPS: Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger; Solar charging (Power Glass)
Weight:52 g
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 135-230 mm; Compatible with QuickFit 22 watch bands
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red strobe); Safety and Tracking features; Reference Point; TracBack routing
✓ Pros:
- • Potentially infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging
- • Built-in LED flashlight is now available on the standard 45mm size
- • Multi-band GPS with SatIQ delivers superior accuracy in difficult terrain
- • Extreme durability with new metal-reinforced bezel design
✗ Cons:
- • Monochrome low-resolution display (176x176) lacks detail compared to AMOLED rivals
- • No onboard music storage or maps (breadcrumb navigation only)
- • Lacks the newest Gen 5 Heart Rate sensor (No ECG support)
- • Proprietary charging cable is still required if solar is insufficient
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is the better buy for most people - its potentially unlimited battery life crushes the Amazfit Balance. That said, grab the Amazfit Balance if you want a stunning 1.5" AMOLED display and a wealth of workout modes - it packs 156 modes compared to Garmin's 30.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Amazfit Balance if: you want a beautiful AMOLED display, need advanced health tracking, or love having a wide range of workout modes. (1.23 oz weight, 2.2 GB storage)
Choose the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar if: you prioritize ruggedness, need a watch that lasts for weeks on a single charge, or want built-in navigation for outdoor adventures. (1.83 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Amazfit Balance excels if you value extremely lightweight design (1.23 oz) for its 46mm size. Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is better if you prioritize potentially infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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