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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerWithings ScanWatch Nova vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
The Withings ScanWatch Nova is the premium option here, but the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar steals the spotlight with its unlimited battery life. You'd expect Withings to dominate, but Garmin's solar charging changes everything. In real-world use, the ScanWatch Nova boasts an impressive 30-day battery life, while Garmin's innovative solar feature can lead to potentially infinite use. For outdoor enthusiasts, that means you can keep track of your adventures without worrying about charging, while the ScanWatch Nova's elegant design is more suitable for everyday wear.
⚖️ Weight: 2.22 oz vs 1.83 oz🏷️ Battery: 30 days vs unlimited with solar🏋️♂️ Workout modes: 40+ vs multiple sports options
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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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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
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Withings ScanWatch Nova
0.63 in (digital screen)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter
Resolution
Withings ScanWatch Nova
14,504 pixels (282 PPI)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
176 x 176 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage)
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Up to 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion
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
Design1 specs
Weight
Withings ScanWatch Nova
63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
52 gWinner
Software1 specs
Operating System
Withings ScanWatch Nova
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Proprietary Garmin OS
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
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: Withings ScanWatch Nova vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Withings ScanWatch Nova
★4(268)Amazon
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
★4.6(1,634)Amazon
| Criterion | Withings ScanWatch Nova | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4(268)Amazon | ★4.6(1,634)Amazon |
Compatibility | iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+) | iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later) |
Operating System | HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary) | Proprietary Garmin OS |
Case Size | 42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness) | 45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm) |
Case Material | Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal | Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens |
Display Type | Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid) | Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) with solar charging |
Display Size | 0.63 in (digital screen) | Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter |
Resolution | 14,504 pixels (282 PPI) | 176 x 176 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes (Analog hands always visible) | Yes (MIP display is always visible) |
Water Resistance | 10 ATM (100 meters) | 10 ATM (100 meters) |
Durability | Sapphire crystal face; Stainless steel case; Ceramic bezel; 5-year guarantee (region dependent) | MIL-STD-810 thermal, shock, and water resistance; Metal-reinforced polymer bezel |
GPS | Connected GPS (Requires smartphone connection) | Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo |
Connectivity | Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) | Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB |
NFC Payments | No (Not supported) | Garmin Pay |
Sensors | Multi-wavelength PPG (Heart rate/SpO2); TempTech24/7 Module (Body temp); High Dynamic Range Accelerometer; Altimeter; ECG electrodes | Garmin Elevate Gen 4 wrist heart rate monitor; Pulse Ox; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer |
Health Features | ECG (AFib detection); Body temperature variation (day/night); Blood oxygen (SpO2); Sleep quality score; Respiratory scan; Heart rate variability (HRV) | Sleep Coach; Nap detection; Body Battery energy monitoring; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration rate |
Workout Modes | 40+ sports modes; Automatic activity detection (Walking, Running, Swimming, Cycling); Fitness Level (VO2 max estimation) | Strength; HIIT; Cardio; Elliptical; Stair Stepping; Indoor Rowing; Running (Outdoor/Trail/Treadmill); Cycling; Swimming (Pool/Open Water); Obstacle Racing; Triathlon |
Storage | Free unlimited online storage; 7 days of data stored on watch | 64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage) |
Speaker Mic | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) | — |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only) | No (Call notifications only) |
Battery | Up to 30 days (Standard use); Rechargeable Lithium-ion | Smartwatch: Unlimited with solar (28 days without); GPS: Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar |
Charging | USB-C compatible docking station (approx. 2 hours to 100%) | Garmin proprietary plug charger; Solar charging (Power Glass) |
Weight | 63 g (2.22 oz) without wristband | 52 g |
Band Sizes | Fits wrist sizes (approx. 163–239 mm); Standard 20 mm lug width | Fits wrists 135-230 mm; Compatible with QuickFit 22 watch bands |
Extras | Luminova hands/indexes; Digital crown for navigation; Stopwatch; Timer; Alarm; Breathwork; Apple Health & Google Fit sync | Built-in LED Flashlight (White/Red strobe); Safety and Tracking features; Reference Point; TracBack routing |
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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
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 Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is the better buy for most people - its potential infinite battery life crushes the Withings ScanWatch Nova. That said, grab the ScanWatch Nova if you want a sleek design and clinical-grade health metrics - it's worth the upgrade for those features.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Withings ScanWatch Nova if: you value elegant design, need clinical-grade health tracking, or prefer a classic watch style. (2.22 oz weight)
Choose the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar if: you require unlimited battery life, enjoy rugged outdoor activities, or want robust GPS features. (1.83 oz weight)
Conclusion
Withings ScanWatch Nova and Garmin Instinct 3 Solar are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Withings ScanWatch Nova excels if you value elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
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