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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerAmazfit Falcon vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
You'd expect the Amazfit Falcon to dominate, but the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar's battery life changes everything. The Falcon offers up to 14 days, while the Instinct can go unlimited in smartwatch mode with solar charging. This means less time charging and more time enjoying your adventures in 2026. In real-world use, the Amazfit Falcon shines with its 20 ATM water resistance, perfect for high-speed water sports. On the flip side, the Instinct's rugged design and built-in flashlight make it a go-to for outdoor enthusiasts, especially when navigating in low light. So, what's the better buy? Let's break it down.
⚖️ Weight: 2.26 oz vs 1.83 oz💽 Storage: 4 GB vs 64 GB💧 Water Resistance: 20 ATM vs 10 ATM
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Amazfit Falcon
★4.4
(557)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 7.0 or later; iOS 12.0 or later (Zepp App required)
Operating System:Zepp OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:49mm (49.45 x 47.2 x 12.95 mm)
Case Material:Titanium unibody; Sapphire Crystal glass; Titanium bezel
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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 Falcon
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Amazfit Falcon
1.28 in (32.5 mm) diameter
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter
Resolution
Amazfit Falcon
416 x 416 pixels (326 ppi)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
176 x 176 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Amazfit Falcon
4GB total (Approx. 2.3GB user-accessible for music)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage)Winner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Amazfit Falcon
500 mAh; Up to 14 days (Typical usage); Up to 7 days (Heavy usage); Up to 21 hours (Accuracy GPS mode); Up to 50 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 Falcon
64 g (Body only)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
52 gWinner
Water Resistance
Amazfit Falcon
20 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 200 meters); High-speed water sports capable
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
10 ATM (100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Amazfit Falcon
Zepp OS (Proprietary)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Proprietary Garmin OS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Amazfit Falcon
WLAN 2.4GHz; Bluetooth 5.0 BLE
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 Falcon vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Amazfit Falcon
★4.4(557)Amazon
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
★4.6(1,634)Amazon
| Criterion | Amazfit Falcon | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(557)Amazon | ★4.6(1,634)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 7.0 or later; iOS 12.0 or later (Zepp App required) | iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later) |
Operating System | Zepp OS (Proprietary) | Proprietary Garmin OS |
Case Size | 49mm (49.45 x 47.2 x 12.95 mm) | 45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm) |
Case Material | Titanium unibody; Sapphire Crystal glass; Titanium bezel | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Display supported; Anti-fingerprint coating | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) with solar charging |
Display Size | 1.28 in (32.5 mm) diameter | Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 416 x 416 pixels (326 ppi) | 176 x 176 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (MIP display is always visible) |
Water Resistance | 20 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 200 meters); High-speed water sports capable | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810G tested; Titanium unibody; Sapphire crystal screen | MIL-STD-810 thermal, shock, and water resistance; Metal-reinforced polymer bezel |
GPS | Dual-band GNSS; 6 Satellite Positioning Systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, NAVIC) | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
Connectivity | WLAN 2.4GHz; Bluetooth 5.0 BLE | Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB |
NFC Payments | No | Garmin Pay |
Sensors | BioTracker™ 3.0 PPG biometric sensor (supports blood-oxygen, 6PD); Accelerometer; Gyroscope; Geomagnetic sensor; Barometric altimeter; Ambient light sensor | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 wrist heart rate monitor; Pulse Ox; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer |
Health Features | Zepp Coach (AI-powered training guidance); 24H Heart Rate; SpO2; Stress monitoring; Sleep tracking (Light, Deep, REM); SomnusCare™ sleep score; Breathing exercises | Sleep Coach; Nap detection; Body Battery energy monitoring; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration rate |
Workout Modes | Triathlon; Track Run (with lap data correction); Strength Training (auto-detection of 25 movements); Golf Swing; Skiing; High-speed water sports; and 150+ others | Strength; HIIT; Cardio; Elliptical; Stair Stepping; Indoor Rowing; Running (Outdoor/Trail/Treadmill); Cycling; Swimming (Pool/Open Water); Obstacle Racing; Triathlon |
Storage | 4GB total (Approx. 2.3GB user-accessible for music) | 64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage) |
Speaker Mic | None (Bluetooth headphones required for music/audio feedback) | — |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only) | No (Call notifications only) |
Battery | 500 mAh; Up to 14 days (Typical usage); Up to 7 days (Heavy usage); Up to 21 hours (Accuracy GPS mode); Up to 50 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 | 5-pin plug charger; Approx. 2 hours to full charge | Garmin proprietary plug charger; Solar charging (Power Glass) |
Weight | 64 g (Body only) | 52 g |
Band Sizes | 22mm width; Fits 150–205 mm wrists (Liquid Silicone strap included) | Fits wrists 135-230 mm; Compatible with QuickFit 22 watch bands |
Extras | Offline Maps (Import route files); Real-time navigation; Music storage (MP3); Broadcast heart rate via Bluetooth; External workout device support (Heart rate belts, power meters) | Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red strobe); Safety and Tracking features; Reference Point; TracBack routing |
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Amazfit Falcon
Rating:★4.4(557)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 7.0 or later; iOS 12.0 or later (Zepp App required)
Operating System:Zepp OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:49mm (49.45 x 47.2 x 12.95 mm)
Case Material:Titanium unibody; Sapphire Crystal glass; Titanium bezel
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Display supported; Anti-fingerprint coating
Display Size:1.28 in (32.5 mm) diameter
Resolution:416 x 416 pixels (326 ppi)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:20 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 200 meters); High-speed water sports capable
Durability:MIL-STD-810G tested; Titanium unibody; Sapphire crystal screen
GPS:Dual-band GNSS; 6 Satellite Positioning Systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS, NAVIC)
Connectivity:WLAN 2.4GHz; Bluetooth 5.0 BLE
NFC Payments:No
Sensors:BioTracker™ 3.0 PPG biometric sensor (supports blood-oxygen, 6PD); Accelerometer; Gyroscope; Geomagnetic sensor; Barometric altimeter; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:Zepp Coach (AI-powered training guidance); 24H Heart Rate; SpO2; Stress monitoring; Sleep tracking (Light, Deep, REM); SomnusCare™ sleep score; Breathing exercises
Workout Modes:Triathlon; Track Run (with lap data correction); Strength Training (auto-detection of 25 movements); Golf Swing; Skiing; High-speed water sports; and 150+ others
Storage:4GB total (Approx. 2.3GB user-accessible for music)
Speaker Mic:None (Bluetooth headphones required for music/audio feedback)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:500 mAh; Up to 14 days (Typical usage); Up to 7 days (Heavy usage); Up to 21 hours (Accuracy GPS mode); Up to 50 hours (Power Saving GPS mode)
Charging:5-pin plug charger; Approx. 2 hours to full charge
Weight:64 g (Body only)
Band Sizes:22mm width; Fits 150–205 mm wrists (Liquid Silicone strap included)
Extras:Offline Maps (Import route files); Real-time navigation; Music storage (MP3); Broadcast heart rate via Bluetooth; External workout device support (Heart rate belts, power meters)
✓ Pros:
- • Elite build quality: Titanium unibody with Sapphire Crystal
- • 20 ATM water resistance is double that of most outdoor watches
- • Dual-band GPS with 6 satellite systems ensures precise tracking
- • Offline music storage allows phone-free running
- • Zepp Coach provides AI-driven training plans without a subscription
✗ Cons:
- • Uses older BioTracker 3.0 sensor (newer models use 5.0/6.0)
- • No speaker or microphone for calls or voice assistants
- • Display size (1.28") is smaller than T-Rex 3 or GTR 4
- • No NFC payment support
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.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Amazfit Falcon is the better buy for most people - its 20 ATM water resistance crushes the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar's 10 ATM. That said, grab the Instinct if you need potentially unlimited battery life for long hikes or expeditions - it offers serious endurance for outdoor adventures.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Amazfit Falcon if: you need exceptional water resistance at 20 ATM, want an AMOLED display for vibrant visuals, or prefer a titanium build for durability.
Choose the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar if: you need unlimited battery life for extensive outdoor activities, value a built-in flashlight for night navigation, or want a lighter watch at just 1.83 oz.
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 Falcon excels if you value elite build quality: titanium unibody with sapphire crystal. 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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