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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
When it comes to Garmin smartwatches, the Forerunner 965 stands out as the flagship model, offering a stunning 1.4" AMOLED display. Meanwhile, the Instinct 3 Solar caters to those who prioritize battery life with its potential for unlimited use thanks to solar charging. In real-world usage, the Forerunner 965 excels with its 23-day battery life in smartwatch mode, perfect for serious athletes and those who want to track their health metrics without constant recharging. On the flip side, the Instinct 3 Solar's rugged design and built-in LED flashlight make it ideal for outdoor adventures, but its monochrome display can feel limiting compared to the vibrant colors of the Forerunner 965.
⚖️ Weight: 1.87 oz vs 1.83 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🏷️ Display: 454x454 pixels (Forerunner 965) vs 176x176 pixels (Instinct 3 Solar)
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Garmin Forerunner 965
★4.7
(1,717)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens
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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
Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin Forerunner 965
1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter
Resolution
Garmin Forerunner 965
454 x 454 pixels
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
176 x 176 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin Forerunner 965
32GB
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage)Winner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin Forerunner 965
Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours
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
Garmin Forerunner 965
53 g
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
52 gWinner
Water Resistance
Garmin Forerunner 965
5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
10 ATM (100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin Forerunner 965
Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Proprietary Garmin OS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin Forerunner 965
Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
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: Garmin Forerunner 965 vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Garmin Forerunner 965
★4.7(1,717)Amazon
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
★4.6(1,634)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,717)Amazon | ★4.6(1,634)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required) | iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later) |
Operating System | Garmin OS (Proprietary) | Proprietary Garmin OS |
Case Size | 47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm | 45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm) |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens |
Display Type | AMOLED; Always-On Mode available | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) with solar charging |
Display Size | 1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter | Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels | 176 x 176 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (optional) | Yes (MIP display is always visible) |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens; Titanium bezel adds rigidity | MIL-STD-810 thermal, shock, and water resistance; Metal-reinforced polymer bezel |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
Connectivity | Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi | Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Garmin Pay |
Sensors | Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 wrist heart rate monitor; Pulse Ox; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer |
Health Features | Morning Report; Training Readiness; HRV Status; Sleep Score; Body Battery; Pulse Ox; Women’s Health Tracking; Health Snapshot | Sleep Coach; Nap detection; Body Battery energy monitoring; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration rate |
Workout Modes | Triathlon; Duathlon; Brick Workouts; Track Run; Ultra Run; Virtual Run; Cycling (Road, MTB, Gravel, eBike); Swimming (Pool, Open Water); Hiking; Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates | Strength; HIIT; Cardio; Elliptical; Stair Stepping; Indoor Rowing; Running (Outdoor/Trail/Treadmill); Cycling; Swimming (Pool/Open Water); Obstacle Racing; Triathlon |
Storage | 32GB | 64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage) |
Speaker Mic | None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only) | — |
Calls | No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies) | No (Call notifications only) |
Battery | Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours | 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 (USB-C cable included) | Garmin proprietary plug charger; Solar charging (Power Glass) |
Weight | 53 g | 52 g |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 135–205 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with 22mm QuickFit bands (requires tool to remove original pin) | Fits wrists 135-230 mm; Compatible with QuickFit 22 watch bands |
Extras | Preloaded TopoActive Maps; Full-color mapping navigation; Garmin Music (Spotify/Deezer/Amazon Music offline); PacePro; ClimbPro; Real-time Stamina | Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red strobe); Safety and Tracking features; Reference Point; TracBack routing |
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Garmin Forerunner 965
Rating:★4.7(1,717)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone, Android (Garmin Connect app required)
Operating System:Garmin OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:47.2 x 47.2 x 13.2 mm
Case Material:Fiber-reinforced polymer case; Titanium bezel; Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens
Display Type:AMOLED; Always-On Mode available
Display Size:1.4 in (35.4 mm) diameter
Resolution:454 x 454 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (optional)
Water Resistance:5 ATM (water pressure equivalent to 50 meters); Swimproof
Durability:Corning Gorilla Glass 3 DX lens; Titanium bezel adds rigidity
GPS:Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth; ANT+; Wi-Fi
NFC Payments:Garmin Pay
Sensors:Elevate Gen 4 optical heart rate sensor; Pulse Ox blood oxygen saturation monitor; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer; Ambient light sensor
Health Features:Morning Report; Training Readiness; HRV Status; Sleep Score; Body Battery; Pulse Ox; Women’s Health Tracking; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Triathlon; Duathlon; Brick Workouts; Track Run; Ultra Run; Virtual Run; Cycling (Road, MTB, Gravel, eBike); Swimming (Pool, Open Water); Hiking; Strength; HIIT; Yoga; Pilates
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:None (Audio prompts via connected Bluetooth headphones only)
Calls:No (Can accept/decline calls to control phone; Android users can send text replies)
Battery:Smartwatch mode: Up to 23 days; GPS Only: Up to 31 hours; SatIQ (AutoSelect) GNSS: Up to 22 hours; All-Systems GNSS + Multi-Band: Up to 19 hours
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-C cable included)
Weight:53 g
Band Sizes:Fits wrists 135–205 mm (Silicone band included); Compatible with 22mm QuickFit bands (requires tool to remove original pin)
Extras:Preloaded TopoActive Maps; Full-color mapping navigation; Garmin Music (Spotify/Deezer/Amazon Music offline); PacePro; ClimbPro; Real-time Stamina
✓ Pros:
- • Bright, high-resolution 1.4" AMOLED makes maps easy to read
- • Lightweight (53g) and slim profile ideal for racing and sleep
- • Excellent battery life (23 days) eclipses most AMOLED competitors
- • Titanium bezel adds a premium feel to the lightweight chassis
- • Native running power and advanced metrics (Training Readiness) built-in
✗ Cons:
- • Uses older Elevate Gen 4 sensor (lacks ECG hardware found in Fenix 8)
- • No built-in microphone or speaker for voice notes/calls
- • Water resistance is 5 ATM (standard) vs 10 ATM on Fenix/Epix
- • Stock strap uses a non-QuickFit pin system (requires tool to swap to QuickFit)
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 Forerunner 965 is the better buy for most people - its vibrant 1.4" AMOLED display crushes the Instinct 3 Solar's monochrome screen. That said, grab the Instinct 3 Solar if you need unlimited battery life for your outdoor trips - it's a serious game-changer with solar charging capabilities.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Forerunner 965 if: you want a stunning display for easy navigation, prefer advanced health tracking features, or need a smartwatch for long races. (1.87 oz weight, 32 GB storage)
Choose the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar if: you need unlimited battery life during outdoor activities, want a rugged design that can handle tough conditions, or appreciate features like a built-in flashlight. (1.83 oz weight, 64 GB storage)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Garmin Forerunner 965 excels if you value bright, high-resolution 1.4" amoled makes maps easy to read. 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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