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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Get the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) unless you need extreme battery life. The numbers tell the story: 40 hours of battery life vs unlimited with solar for the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar. But, in real-world use, the Samsung shines with its stunning 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display, making it a premium choice for those who prioritize visuals. While the Garmin offers incredible battery longevity, it's limited by its monochrome display and lacks advanced health features like ECG. So, if you want a smartwatch that excels in health tracking and display quality, the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) is the no-brainer choice for most users in 2026.
⚖️ Weight: 2.08 oz vs 1.83 oz💽 Storage: 16 GB vs 64 GB📱 Display: 1.5" Super AMOLED vs 0.9" Monochrome
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Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
★3.9
(565)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android 10.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (iOS NOT supported; some health features like ECG require a Samsung Galaxy phone)
Operating System:Wear OS 4 (Powered by Samsung, One UI 5 Watch)
Case Size:47mm (46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm / 1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in)
Case Material:Case: Stainless Steel; Glass: Sapphire Crystal; Strap: Hybrid Eco-Leather (standard US retail)
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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
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
1.5 in (37.3 mm)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter
Resolution
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
480 x 480 pixels
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
176 x 176 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
16 GB (Internal) / 2 GB RAM
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage)Winner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
425 mAh; Up to 40 hours (AOD Off); Up to 30 hours (AOD On)
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
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
59.0 g / 2.08 oz (Case weight only)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
52 gWinner
Water Resistance
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
10 ATM (100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
Wear OS 4 (Powered by Samsung, One UI 5 Watch)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Proprietary Garmin OS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n); NFC
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: Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
★3.9(565)Amazon
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
★4.6(1,634)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★3.9(565)Amazon | ★4.6(1,634)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android 10.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (iOS NOT supported; some health features like ECG require a Samsung Galaxy phone) | iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later) |
Operating System | Wear OS 4 (Powered by Samsung, One UI 5 Watch) | Proprietary Garmin OS |
Case Size | 47mm (46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm / 1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm) |
Case Material | Case: Stainless Steel; Glass: Sapphire Crystal; Strap: Hybrid Eco-Leather (standard US retail) | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens |
Display Type | Super AMOLED touchscreen (Always-On capable) | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) with solar charging |
Display Size | 1.5 in (37.3 mm) | Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 480 x 480 pixels | 176 x 176 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (MIP display is always visible) |
Water Resistance | 5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H compliant (Environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests) | MIL-STD-810 thermal, shock, and water resistance; Metal-reinforced polymer bezel |
GPS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n); NFC | Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB |
NFC Payments | Yes (Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet) | Garmin Pay |
Sensors | Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature Sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro Sensor; Geomagnetic Sensor; Light Sensor; 3D Hall Sensor | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 wrist heart rate monitor; Pulse Ox; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer |
Health Features | Body Composition (BIA); ECG (AFib detection); Sleep Coaching & Analysis; Blood Oxygen (SpO2); Cycle Tracking (Skin Temperature); Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification | Sleep Coach; Nap detection; Body Battery energy monitoring; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration rate |
Workout Modes | 90+ exercises; Automatic workout detection (Walking, Running, Cycling, Rowing, Elliptical, Dynamic High-Intensity, Swimming); Personalized Heart Rate Zones | Strength; HIIT; Cardio; Elliptical; Stair Stepping; Indoor Rowing; Running (Outdoor/Trail/Treadmill); Cycling; Swimming (Pool/Open Water); Obstacle Racing; Triathlon |
Storage | 16 GB (Internal) / 2 GB RAM | 64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage) |
Speaker Mic | Yes (Built-in speaker and microphone) | — |
Calls | Yes (Make and answer calls via Bluetooth) | No (Call notifications only) |
Battery | 425 mAh; Up to 40 hours (AOD Off); Up to 30 hours (AOD On) | Smartwatch: Unlimited with solar (28 days without); GPS: Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar |
Charging | Fast Wireless Charging (WPC-based puck included; no wall adapter) | Garmin proprietary plug charger; Solar charging (Power Glass) |
Weight | 59.0 g / 2.08 oz (Case weight only) | 52 g |
Band Sizes | Fits wrist sizes ~145–205 mm (M/L strap); Uses standard 20mm width (new One-Click mechanism, backwards compatible) | Fits wrists 135-230 mm; Compatible with QuickFit 22 watch bands |
Extras | Physical Rotating Bezel for navigation; Camera Controller; SmartThings smart home control; Fall Detection; SOS | Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red strobe); Safety and Tracking features; Reference Point; TracBack routing |
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Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth)
Rating:★3.9(565)Amazon
Compatibility:Android 10.0 or higher with 1.5GB+ RAM (iOS NOT supported; some health features like ECG require a Samsung Galaxy phone)
Operating System:Wear OS 4 (Powered by Samsung, One UI 5 Watch)
Case Size:47mm (46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm / 1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in)
Case Material:Case: Stainless Steel; Glass: Sapphire Crystal; Strap: Hybrid Eco-Leather (standard US retail)
Display Type:Super AMOLED touchscreen (Always-On capable)
Display Size:1.5 in (37.3 mm)
Resolution:480 x 480 pixels
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:5 ATM + IP68 (Water resistant up to 50 meters)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H compliant (Environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests)
GPS:GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.3; Wi-Fi 2.4+5GHz (802.11 a/b/g/n); NFC
NFC Payments:Yes (Samsung Wallet, Google Wallet)
Sensors:Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis); Temperature Sensor; Accelerometer; Barometer; Gyro Sensor; Geomagnetic Sensor; Light Sensor; 3D Hall Sensor
Health Features:Body Composition (BIA); ECG (AFib detection); Sleep Coaching & Analysis; Blood Oxygen (SpO2); Cycle Tracking (Skin Temperature); Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification
Workout Modes:90+ exercises; Automatic workout detection (Walking, Running, Cycling, Rowing, Elliptical, Dynamic High-Intensity, Swimming); Personalized Heart Rate Zones
Storage:16 GB (Internal) / 2 GB RAM
Speaker Mic:Yes (Built-in speaker and microphone)
Calls:Yes (Make and answer calls via Bluetooth)
Battery:425 mAh; Up to 40 hours (AOD Off); Up to 30 hours (AOD On)
Charging:Fast Wireless Charging (WPC-based puck included; no wall adapter)
Weight:59.0 g / 2.08 oz (Case weight only)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes ~145–205 mm (M/L strap); Uses standard 20mm width (new One-Click mechanism, backwards compatible)
Extras:Physical Rotating Bezel for navigation; Camera Controller; SmartThings smart home control; Fall Detection; SOS
✓ Pros:
- • Iconic physical rotating bezel provides intuitive, smudge-free navigation
- • Comprehensive health suite including FDA-cleared ECG and Body Composition (BIA)
- • Stunning 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display with sapphire crystal protection
- • High-quality stainless steel build feels more premium than aluminum competitors
- • Seamless ecosystem integration with Samsung Galaxy phones
✗ Cons:
- • Battery life (max 40h) requires daily charging compared to multi-day competitors
- • Key health features (ECG, IHRN) are locked to Samsung phones only
- • Not compatible with iPhones (iOS)
- • Charging speed is decent but slower than OnePlus Watch 2's rapid charge
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
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) is the better buy for most people - its 1.5" Super AMOLED display crushes the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar's monochrome screen.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) if: you want a vibrant display for daily interactions, you value advanced health tracking features, or you enjoy a premium design with a rotating bezel. (2.08 oz weight, 16 GB storage)
Choose the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar if: you need potentially unlimited battery life, you prefer a rugged design for outdoor activities, or you want basic health monitoring without the bells and whistles. (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?
Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm, Bluetooth) excels if you value iconic physical rotating bezel provides intuitive, smudge-free navigation. 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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