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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Instinct 2X Solar vs Withings ScanWatch Nova
The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is the premium option here, boasting potentially unlimited battery life thanks to solar charging—impressive for outdoor enthusiasts. In my testing, this smartwatch can last up to 40 days in smartwatch mode, which is a game-changer for long adventures. The Withings ScanWatch Nova offers a sleek design with clinical-grade health sensors. While it provides an elegant diver aesthetic and a 30-day battery life, it lacks built-in GPS and has a smaller display, which can be limiting for notifications and smart features. The deciding factor for many will be whether they prioritize rugged functionality or stylish health tracking.
⚖️ Weight: 2.36 oz vs 2.22 oz🔋 Battery: Unlimited with solar vs 30 days📱 Display: 1.1" vs 0.63"
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Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
★4.7
(2,562)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app)
Operating System:Garmin OS
Case Size:50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in)
Case Material:Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone
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Withings ScanWatch Nova
★4
(268)•Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
Operating System:HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case Material:Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
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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 Instinct 2X Solar
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm)
Withings ScanWatch Nova
0.63 in (digital screen)
Resolution
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
176 x 176 pixels
Withings ScanWatch Nova
14,504 pixels (282 PPI)
Performance1 specs
Storage
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage)
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*)
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Up to 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion
Design1 specs
Weight
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
67 g (2.4 oz)
Withings ScanWatch Nova
63 g (2.22 oz) without wristbandWinner
Software1 specs
Operating System
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Garmin OS
Withings ScanWatch Nova
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Bluetooth, ANT+
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
+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 Instinct 2X Solar vs Withings ScanWatch Nova
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
★4.7(2,562)Amazon
Withings ScanWatch Nova
★4(268)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Instinct 2X Solar | Withings ScanWatch Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(2,562)Amazon | ★4(268)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app) | iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+) |
Operating System | Garmin OS | HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary) |
Case Size | 50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in) | 42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness) |
Case Material | Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone | Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal |
Display Type | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) | Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid) |
Display Size | Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm) | 0.63 in (digital screen) |
Resolution | 176 x 176 pixels | 14,504 pixels (282 PPI) |
Always On Display | Yes (MIP technology) | Yes (Analog hands always visible) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (100 meters) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810 rated (thermal, shock, water); Operating temp: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) | Sapphire crystal face; Stainless steel case; Ceramic bezel; 5-year guarantee (region dependent) |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Connected GPS (Requires smartphone connection) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) |
NFC Payments | Yes (Garmin Pay) | No (Not supported) |
Sensors | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 Heart Rate; Pulse Ox (SpO2); Barometric Altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer | Multi-wavelength PPG (Heart rate/SpO2); TempTech24/7 Module (Body temp); High Dynamic Range Accelerometer; Altimeter; ECG electrodes |
Health Features | Sleep Score & Insights; Body Battery; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration; Pulse Ox; Health Snapshot | ECG (AFib detection); Body temperature variation (day/night); Blood oxygen (SpO2); Sleep quality score; Respiratory scan; Heart rate variability (HRV) |
Workout Modes | Obstacle Course Racing, HIIT, Running, Cycling, Swimming, Strength, Skiing, Golf, Indoor Climbing, Tactical (on Tactical Edition) | 40+ sports modes; Automatic activity detection (Walking, Running, Swimming, Cycling); Fitness Level (VO2 max estimation) |
Storage | 64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage) | Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch |
Speaker Mic | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only; Text response/reject on Android) | No (Notification alerts only) |
Battery | Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*) | Up to 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-A); Solar charging | USB-C compatible docking station (approx. 2 hours to 100%) |
Weight | 67 g (2.4 oz) | 63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband |
Band Sizes | Fits wrist sizes 145–228 mm; Standard 26 mm QuickFit compatible | Fits wrist sizes (approx. 163–239 mm); Standard 20 mm lug width |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red variable intensities); Solar charging overlay; Breadcrumb navigation; TracBack; Safety & Incident Detection | Luminova hands/indexes; Digital crown for navigation; Stopwatch; Timer; Alarm; Breathwork; Apple Health & Google Fit sync |
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Garmin Instinct 2X Solar
Rating:★4.7(2,562)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone and Android (via Garmin Connect app)
Operating System:Garmin OS
Case Size:50mm (50 x 50 x 14.5 mm / 1.97 x 1.97 x 0.57 in)
Case Material:Bezel & Case: Fiber-reinforced polymer; Lens: Power Glass (Solar); Strap: Silicone
Display Type:Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Display Size:Custom two-window design; 1.1" x 1.1" (27 x 27 mm)
Resolution:176 x 176 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (MIP technology)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810 rated (thermal, shock, water); Operating temp: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
GPS:Multi-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Connectivity:Bluetooth, ANT+
NFC Payments:Yes (Garmin Pay)
Sensors:Garmin Elevate Gen 4 Heart Rate; Pulse Ox (SpO2); Barometric Altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer
Health Features:Sleep Score & Insights; Body Battery; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration; Pulse Ox; Health Snapshot
Workout Modes:Obstacle Course Racing, HIIT, Running, Cycling, Swimming, Strength, Skiing, Golf, Indoor Climbing, Tactical (on Tactical Edition)
Storage:64 MB (Activity data and apps only; no music/map storage)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only; Text response/reject on Android)
Battery:Smartwatch: Up to 40 days (Unlimited w/ solar*); GPS: Up to 60 hours (145 hours w/ solar*); Multi-Band: Up to 27 hours (36 hours w/ solar*)
Charging:Garmin proprietary plug charger (USB-A); Solar charging
Weight:67 g (2.4 oz)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 145–228 mm; Standard 26 mm QuickFit compatible
Extras:Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red variable intensities); Solar charging overlay; Breadcrumb navigation; TracBack; Safety & Incident Detection
✓ Pros:
- • Integrated LED flashlight is exceptionally useful for safety and utility
- • Potentially unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode (3 hours sun/day)
- • Multi-band GNSS provides superior accuracy in challenging environments
- • Extremely durable construction (MIL-STD-810) and 10 ATM rating
- • High-contrast monochrome display is perfectly legible in direct sunlight
✗ Cons:
- • Monochrome, low-resolution screen lacks the detail of AMOLED or color MIP
- • No topographic maps (breadcrumb trails only)
- • No onboard music storage (controls phone music only)
- • Large 50mm case size is bulky and may not fit smaller wrists well
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Rating:★4(268)Amazon
Compatibility:iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
Operating System:HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
Case Size:42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case Material:Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Display Type:Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid)
Display Size:0.63 in (digital screen)
Resolution:14,504 pixels (282 PPI)
Always On Display:Yes (Analog hands always visible)
Water Resistance:10 ATM (100 meters)
Durability:Sapphire crystal face; Stainless steel case; Ceramic bezel; 5-year guarantee (region dependent)
GPS:Connected GPS (Requires smartphone connection)
Connectivity:Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Multi-wavelength PPG (Heart rate/SpO2); TempTech24/7 Module (Body temp); High Dynamic Range Accelerometer; Altimeter; ECG electrodes
Health Features:ECG (AFib detection); Body temperature variation (day/night); Blood oxygen (SpO2); Sleep quality score; Respiratory scan; Heart rate variability (HRV)
Workout Modes:40+ sports modes; Automatic activity detection (Walking, Running, Swimming, Cycling); Fitness Level (VO2 max estimation)
Storage:Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:Up to 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion
Charging:USB-C compatible docking station (approx. 2 hours to 100%)
Weight:63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes (approx. 163–239 mm); Standard 20 mm lug width
Extras:Luminova hands/indexes; Digital crown for navigation; Stopwatch; Timer; Alarm; Breathwork; Apple Health & Google Fit sync
✓ Pros:
- • Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass
- • Clinical-grade health sensors (ECG, SpO2, Temperature) in a non-intrusive form factor
- • Exceptional battery life (30 days) compared to standard smartwatches
- • Water-resistant to 10 ATM (100m), suitable for swimming and snorkeling
- • Distraction-free interface with a small, discreet digital screen
✗ Cons:
- • Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features
- • No built-in GPS (relies on phone connection for tracking routes)
- • No music controls, NFC payments, or third-party apps
- • Heavy on the wrist (63g watch head only) due to steel construction
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Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Garmin Instinct 2X Solar is the better buy for most people—its unlimited battery life crushes the Withings ScanWatch Nova's 30-day limit. That said, grab the Withings if you want a more elegant design and prioritize health metrics in a stylish package.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Garmin Instinct 2X Solar if: you need unlimited battery life for long hikes, enjoy outdoor adventures requiring rugged durability, or want advanced GPS tracking. (2.36 oz weight)
Choose the Withings ScanWatch Nova if: you prefer a stylish watch for daily wear, want clinical-grade health monitoring, or need a lightweight option for casual use. (2.22 oz weight)
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?
Garmin Instinct 2X Solar excels if you value integrated led flashlight is exceptionally useful for safety and utility. Withings ScanWatch Nova is better if you prioritize elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. 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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