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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGarmin Instinct 3 Solar vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Time to compare Garmin Instinct 3 Solar with Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. We will cover the essentials so you can buy with confidence.
Ratings: 4.6★ vs 4.4★
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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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Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
★4.4
(243)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features
Operating System:Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch)
Case Size:47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D
Case Material:Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass
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Comparison: Garmin Instinct 3 Solar vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
★4.6(1,634)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
★4.4(243)Amazon
| Criterion | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar | Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,634)Amazon | ★4.4(243)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later) | Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features |
Operating System | Proprietary Garmin OS | Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch) |
Case Size | 45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm) | 47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens | Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass |
Display Type | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) with solar charging | Super AMOLED; Always-On Display; Peak brightness 3000 nits |
Display Size | Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter | 1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display |
Resolution | 176 x 176 pixels | 480 x 480 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (MIP display is always visible) | Yes |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (100 meters) | 10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable |
Durability | MIL-STD-810 thermal, shock, and water resistance; Metal-reinforced polymer bezel | MIL-STD-810H certified; Operating temp -20°C to 55°C; 9000m altitude resistance |
GPS | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); Glonass; Beidou; Galileo |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB | LTE (eSIM standard on all models); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC |
NFC Payments | Garmin Pay | Samsung Wallet / Google Wallet |
Sensors | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 wrist heart rate monitor; Pulse Ox; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Light sensor |
Health Features | Sleep Coach; Nap detection; Body Battery energy monitoring; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration rate | Energy Score; Sleep Apnea detection (FDA authorized); AGEs Index; Body Composition; ECG; Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification; Cycle Tracking with skin temperature; Sleep coaching |
Workout Modes | Strength; HIIT; Cardio; Elliptical; Stair Stepping; Indoor Rowing; Running (Outdoor/Trail/Treadmill); Cycling; Swimming (Pool/Open Water); Obstacle Racing; Triathlon | Multisport tile (Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquathlon); Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling; Race Partner; Track Back; Custom workouts via Quick Button |
Storage | 64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage) | 32GB |
Speaker Mic | — | Speaker (with Siren support); Microphone |
Calls | No (Call notifications only) | Yes (LTE standalone or via paired phone) |
Battery | Smartwatch: Unlimited with solar (28 days without); GPS: Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar | 590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving) |
Charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger; Solar charging (Power Glass) | Fast Wireless Charging (WPC Inductive); Proprietary puck required for max speed |
Weight | 52 g | 60.5 g (Body only) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrists 135-230 mm; Compatible with QuickFit 22 watch bands | One Size (fits 145–205mm wrists via Dynamic Lug System) |
Extras | Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red strobe); Safety and Tracking features; Reference Point; TracBack routing | Quick Button (customizable); 86dB Emergency Siren; Night Mode watch face; Gesture controls (Double Pinch) |
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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
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Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Rating:★4.4(243)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 11.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM; Samsung Galaxy phone required for Energy Score, ECG, Sleep Apnea, and IHRN features
Operating System:Wear OS 5 powered by Samsung (One UI 6 Watch)
Case Size:47.4mm H x 47.1mm W x 12.1mm D
Case Material:Titanium (Grade 4) frame with cushion design; Sapphire Crystal glass
Display Type:Super AMOLED; Always-On Display; Peak brightness 3000 nits
Display Size:1.5 in (37.3 mm) circular display
Resolution:480 x 480 pixels
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:10 ATM + IP68 (ISO 22810 standard); Ocean swimming capable
Durability:MIL-STD-810H certified; Operating temp -20°C to 55°C; 9000m altitude resistance
GPS:Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5); Glonass; Beidou; Galileo
Connectivity:LTE (eSIM standard on all models); Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz; Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
NFC Payments:Samsung Wallet / Google Wallet
Sensors:Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro sensor; Geomagnetic sensor; Light sensor
Health Features:Energy Score; Sleep Apnea detection (FDA authorized); AGEs Index; Body Composition; ECG; Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification; Cycle Tracking with skin temperature; Sleep coaching
Workout Modes:Multisport tile (Triathlon/Duathlon/Aquathlon); Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling; Race Partner; Track Back; Custom workouts via Quick Button
Storage:32GB
Speaker Mic:Speaker (with Siren support); Microphone
Calls:Yes (LTE standalone or via paired phone)
Battery:590mAh; Up to 100 hours (Power Saving); Up to 60 hours (Normal use, AOD off); Up to 48 hours (Exercise Power Saving)
Charging:Fast Wireless Charging (WPC Inductive); Proprietary puck required for max speed
Weight:60.5 g (Body only)
Band Sizes:One Size (fits 145–205mm wrists via Dynamic Lug System)
Extras:Quick Button (customizable); 86dB Emergency Siren; Night Mode watch face; Gesture controls (Double Pinch)
✓ Pros:
- • True multi-day battery life (up to 100h in power saving)
- • Extremely durable Grade 4 Titanium build with 10ATM rating
- • Dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5) provides superior tracking accuracy
- • Brightest display in class (3000 nits) for outdoor visibility
- • Exclusive features like Siren and Multisport tile for triathletes
✗ Cons:
- • Large 47mm square-circle design may not fit smaller wrists
- • Key health features (ECG, Sleep Apnea) locked to Samsung phones
- • Proprietary band attachment (Dynamic Lug) limits third-party options
- • Charging speed is slower (~2 hours) compared to competitors
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
Overall, Garmin Instinct 3 Solar delivers better satisfaction. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is still a quality option with specific strengths worth considering.
Who should buy each?
Expert take:
- Garmin Instinct 3 Solar suits buyers who need Potentially infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging, Built-in LED flashlight is now available on the standard 45mm size
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra suits buyers who want True multi-day battery life (up to 100h in power saving), Extremely durable Grade 4 Titanium build with 10ATM rating
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 Instinct 3 Solar excels if you value potentially infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is better if you prioritize true multi-day battery life (up to 100h in power saving). 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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