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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSuunto Vertical Solar vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
The Suunto Vertical Solar is the premium option here, boasting a remarkable battery life of up to 60 days with solar charging. This makes it a powerhouse for adventurers who need constant tracking, while the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar offers potentially unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode, a game-changer for long excursions. In real-world use, the Suunto's 32GB storage for offline maps is impressive, especially when you're exploring off the grid. However, the Garmin's lightweight design at 1.83 oz makes it a more comfortable wear for daily use, despite its monochrome display lacking the vibrancy seen in the Suunto's MIP screen. The decision ultimately hinges on your specific needs for battery longevity versus comfort and map access.
⚖️ Weight: 2.61 oz vs 1.83 oz💽 Storage: 32 GB vs 64 GB🏷️ Battery: 60 days vs Unlimited with solar
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Suunto Vertical Solar
★4.3
(200)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
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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
Suunto Vertical Solar
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Suunto Vertical Solar
1.4 in
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter
Resolution
Suunto Vertical Solar
280 x 280 pixels
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
176 x 176 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Suunto Vertical Solar
32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage)Winner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Suunto Vertical Solar
Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar)
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
Suunto Vertical Solar
74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
52 gWinner
Water Resistance
Suunto Vertical Solar
100 m (10 ATM)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
10 ATM (100 meters)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Suunto Vertical Solar
Suunto UI
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Proprietary Garmin OS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Suunto Vertical Solar
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads)
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: Suunto Vertical Solar vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Suunto Vertical Solar
★4.3(200)Amazon
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
★4.6(1,634)Amazon
| Criterion | Suunto Vertical Solar | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(200)Amazon | ★4.6(1,634)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android and iOS (via Suunto app) | iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later) |
Operating System | Suunto UI | Proprietary Garmin OS |
Case Size | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in) | 45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm) |
Case Material | Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens |
Display Type | Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight | 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 | 176 x 176 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (Passive technology) | Yes (MIP display is always visible) |
Water Resistance | 100 m (10 ATM) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H tested (Military Standard); Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F) | MIL-STD-810 thermal, shock, and water resistance; Metal-reinforced polymer bezel |
GPS | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads) | Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB |
NFC Payments | No (Not supported) | Garmin Pay |
Sensors | Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m) | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 wrist heart rate monitor; Pulse Ox; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer |
Health Features | HRV (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max | Sleep Coach; Nap detection; Body Battery energy monitoring; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration rate |
Workout Modes | 95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation | Strength; HIIT; Cardio; Elliptical; Stair Stepping; Indoor Rowing; Running (Outdoor/Trail/Treadmill); Cycling; Swimming (Pool/Open Water); Obstacle Racing; Triathlon |
Storage | 32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps) | 64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage) |
Speaker Mic | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) | — |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only; predefined quick replies on Android) | No (Call notifications only) |
Battery | Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar) | Smartwatch: Unlimited with solar (28 days without); GPS: Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar |
Charging | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A); Solar charging | Garmin proprietary plug charger; Solar charging (Power Glass) |
Weight | 74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model) | 52 g |
Band Sizes | Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width | Fits wrists 135-230 mm; Compatible with QuickFit 22 watch bands |
Extras | Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode | Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red strobe); Safety and Tracking features; Reference Point; TracBack routing |
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Suunto Vertical Solar
Rating:★4.3(200)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Display Type:Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight
Display Size:1.4 in
Resolution:280 x 280 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (Passive technology)
Water Resistance:100 m (10 ATM)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H tested (Military Standard); Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F)
GPS:Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m)
Health Features:HRV (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max
Workout Modes:95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation
Storage:32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only; predefined quick replies on Android)
Battery:Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar)
Charging:Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A); Solar charging
Weight:74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width
Extras:Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency
- • Free global offline maps with ample 32GB storage and Wi-Fi downloading
- • Dual-band GNSS offers exceptional accuracy in deep canyons and forests
- • Military-grade construction (MIL-STD-810H) with Titanium and Sapphire
- • Made in Finland with 100% renewable energy
✗ Cons:
- • MIP display is less vibrant than AMOLED competitors
- • No music storage (music controls only)
- • No NFC payments or smart features like voice assistants
- • Large 49mm footprint may be too bulky for small wrists
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.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Suunto Vertical Solar is the better buy for most people - its 60-day battery life crushes the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar's smartwatch mode. That said, grab the Garmin if you want a lighter watch with potentially unlimited battery life, making it easier for daily wear.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Suunto Vertical Solar if: you need extensive battery life for long outdoor trips, want precise offline navigation with 32GB storage, or prefer a more rugged build for extreme conditions.
Choose the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar if: you want a lightweight watch for everyday wear, appreciate the built-in LED flashlight for emergencies, or need a budget-friendly option with solid GPS features. (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?
Suunto Vertical Solar excels if you value industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency. 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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