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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerCOROS VERTIX 2S vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
The COROS VERTIX 2S is the flagship option here, boasting a jaw-dropping 118 hours of battery life in standard GPS mode. In real-world use, that means you can tackle back-to-back adventures without worrying about charging. Meanwhile, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar offers unique solar capabilities, making it a versatile mid-range contender with potentially unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode. The key difference lies in their strengths: the COROS VERTIX 2S excels with its rugged build and extensive tracking features, while the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar introduces a built-in flashlight for nighttime adventures. If you're into serious outdoor activities, the COROS's 32GB of storage allows for offline maps and music, offering a level of convenience you might miss with the Garmin's limited storage options.
⚖️ Weight: 3.07 oz vs 1.83 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB📱 Size: 50.3mm vs 45mm
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COROS VERTIX 2S
★4
(89)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via COROS app)
Operating System:COROS UI
Case Size:50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal
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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
COROS VERTIX 2S
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
COROS VERTIX 2S
1.4 in
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter
Resolution
COROS VERTIX 2S
280 x 280 pixels (64 colors)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
176 x 176 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
COROS VERTIX 2S
32 GB (Music storage and Maps)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage)Winner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
COROS VERTIX 2S
Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency)
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
COROS VERTIX 2S
87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
52 gWinner
Water Resistance
COROS VERTIX 2S
10 ATM (100 m)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
10 ATM (100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
COROS VERTIX 2S
COROS UI
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Proprietary Garmin OS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
COROS VERTIX 2S
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates)
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: COROS VERTIX 2S vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
COROS VERTIX 2S
★4(89)Amazon
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
★4.6(1,634)Amazon
| Criterion | COROS VERTIX 2S | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(89)Amazon | ★4.6(1,634)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android and iOS (via COROS app) | iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later) |
Operating System | COROS UI | Proprietary Garmin OS |
Case Size | 50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in) | 45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm) |
Case Material | Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens |
Display Type | Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (LCD) touchscreen | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) with solar charging |
Display Size | 1.4 in | Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 280 x 280 pixels (64 colors) | 176 x 176 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (Memory LCD technology) | Yes (MIP display is always visible) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (100 m) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | Operating temp: -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C); scratch-resistant sapphire; titanium chassis | MIL-STD-810 thermal, shock, and water resistance; Metal-reinforced polymer bezel |
GPS | Dual-Frequency GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates) | Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB |
NFC Payments | No (Not supported) | Garmin Pay |
Sensors | Next-Gen Optical Heart Rate; Barometric Altimeter; Accelerometer; Gyroscope; 3D Compass; Thermometer; Optical Pulse Oximeter; ECG Sensor | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 wrist heart rate monitor; Pulse Ox; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer |
Health Features | HRV Index; Sleep tracking (REM/Deep/Light); SpO2 (Altitude mode); Daily Stress; Recovery time; Resting Heart Rate | Sleep Coach; Nap detection; Body Battery energy monitoring; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration rate |
Workout Modes | Multi-pitch climbing, Trail Running, Hiking, Skiing (XC/Touring/Downhill), Surfing (Speed/Wind), Whitewater, Triathlon, Strength | Strength; HIIT; Cardio; Elliptical; Stair Stepping; Indoor Rowing; Running (Outdoor/Trail/Treadmill); Cycling; Swimming (Pool/Open Water); Obstacle Racing; Triathlon |
Storage | 32 GB (Music storage and Maps) | 64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage) |
Speaker Mic | No (Beep alerts and vibration only) | — |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only) | No (Call notifications only) |
Battery | Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency) | Smartwatch: Unlimited with solar (28 days without); GPS: Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar |
Charging | COROS proprietary charging cable (USB-A) | Garmin proprietary plug charger; Solar charging (Power Glass) |
Weight | 87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only) | 52 g |
Band Sizes | Silicone: 130–240 mm; Nylon: 155–225 mm; 26 mm Quick Fit width | Fits wrists 135-230 mm; Compatible with QuickFit 22 watch bands |
Extras | Global offline landscape/topo maps; Music playback (MP3 via Bluetooth); GoPro/Insta360 camera control; Digital Dial navigation; Storm alerts | Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red strobe); Safety and Tracking features; Reference Point; TracBack routing |
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COROS VERTIX 2S
Rating:★4(89)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via COROS app)
Operating System:COROS UI
Case Size:50.3mm (50.3 x 50.3 x 16.0 mm / 1.98 x 1.98 x 0.63 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Grade 5 Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Body: Titanium Alloy with PVD coating; Glass: Sapphire crystal
Display Type:Transflective Memory-in-Pixel (LCD) touchscreen
Display Size:1.4 in
Resolution:280 x 280 pixels (64 colors)
Always On Display:Yes (Memory LCD technology)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 m)
Durability:Operating temp: -22°F to 122°F (-30°C to 50°C); scratch-resistant sapphire; titanium chassis
GPS:Dual-Frequency GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou, QZSS
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for data sync and firmware updates)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Next-Gen Optical Heart Rate; Barometric Altimeter; Accelerometer; Gyroscope; 3D Compass; Thermometer; Optical Pulse Oximeter; ECG Sensor
Health Features:HRV Index; Sleep tracking (REM/Deep/Light); SpO2 (Altitude mode); Daily Stress; Recovery time; Resting Heart Rate
Workout Modes:Multi-pitch climbing, Trail Running, Hiking, Skiing (XC/Touring/Downhill), Surfing (Speed/Wind), Whitewater, Triathlon, Strength
Storage:32 GB (Music storage and Maps)
Speaker Mic:No (Beep alerts and vibration only)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:Up to 40 days (Daily Use); 118 hours (Standard Full GPS); 73 hours (All Systems On); 43 hours (Dual Frequency)
Charging:COROS proprietary charging cable (USB-A)
Weight:87 g (with Silicone band) / 70 g (with Nylon band) / 61 g (Body only)
Band Sizes:Silicone: 130–240 mm; Nylon: 155–225 mm; 26 mm Quick Fit width
Extras:Global offline landscape/topo maps; Music playback (MP3 via Bluetooth); GoPro/Insta360 camera control; Digital Dial navigation; Storm alerts
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading battery life (118 hours standard GPS, 40 days daily use)
- • Updated next-gen heart rate sensor for improved accuracy over Vertix 2
- • Dual-frequency GNSS provides rock-solid tracking in steep terrain
- • Bombproof build quality with full titanium body and sapphire glass
- • 32GB storage for offline global maps and music without phone dependency
✗ Cons:
- • No NFC payments or streaming music support (Spotify/Apple Music)
- • Large 50.3mm case is very bulky for smaller wrists
- • Screen is less vibrant and lower resolution than AMOLED competitors
- • No built-in speaker or microphone for voice notes or calls
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 COROS VERTIX 2S is the better buy for most people - its staggering 118 hours of battery life crushes the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar’s 30 hours in GPS mode. That said, grab the Garmin if you need a lighter watch with a built-in flashlight and solar charging capabilities - it's lighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the COROS VERTIX 2S if: you need extreme battery life for long adventures, want extensive offline mapping, or value rugged durability. (3.07 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Choose the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar if: you prefer a lighter watch, want potentially unlimited battery life with solar, or need a built-in flashlight for emergencies. (1.83 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
COROS VERTIX 2S excels if you value class-leading battery life (118 hours standard gps, 40 days daily use). 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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