Withings ScanWatch Nova vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
The Withings ScanWatch Nova is the premium option here, offering a luxurious look and clinical-grade health sensors. In real-world use, its 30-day battery life crushes most smartwatches, making it ideal for those who prioritize health metrics and style. However, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar brings rugged durability and potentially unlimited battery life with solar charging, making it a strong fit for outdoor enthusiasts. Key specs: Weight: 2.22 oz vs 1.83 oz and Display: 0.63" vs 0.9".
Why compare these? The Withings ScanWatch Nova (high-end) and Garmin Instinct 3 Solar (mid-range) represent different approaches to smartwatches. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Withings ScanWatch | Garmin Instinct |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | 4★ (268 reviews) | ✓4.6★ (1,634 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass | Potentially infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging |
| Main Drawback | Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features | Monochrome low-resolution display (176x176) lacks detail compared to AMOLED rivals |
| Market Position | ✓Premium | Mid-range |
Withings ScanWatch Nova
iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later)
Proprietary Garmin OS
45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm)
Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+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
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
| 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
iPhone (iOS 15+) and Android (Android 9+)
HealthSense™ OS (Proprietary)
42mm (42 mm diameter / 1.65 in; 12.8 mm thickness)
Case: Polished stainless steel; Bezel: Ceramic and stainless steel (rotating); Glass: Anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Grayscale OLED (0.63 inch) + Analog hands (Hybrid)
0.63 in (digital screen)
Pros
- Elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass
- Clinical-grade health sensors (ECG, SpO2, Temperature) in a non-intrusive form factor
Cons
- Small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features
- No built-in GPS (relies on phone connection for tracking routes)
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
iPhone (iOS 16 or later); Android (8.0 or later)
Proprietary Garmin OS
45mm (45 x 45 x 14.5 mm)
Fiber-reinforced polymer case with metal-reinforced bezel; Power Glass lens
Monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) with solar charging
Custom two-window design; 0.9 in (23 mm) diameter
Pros
- Potentially infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging
- Built-in LED flashlight is now available on the standard 45mm size
Cons
- Monochrome low-resolution display (176x176) lacks detail compared to AMOLED rivals
- No onboard music storage or maps (breadcrumb navigation only)
Which one is better?
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is the better buy for most people - its potentially unlimited battery life crushes the Withings ScanWatch Nova. That said, grab the Withings if you want an elegant design and advanced health tracking features - it's heavier but worth it for the style.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Withings ScanWatch Nova if: you want a stylish watch with elegant aesthetics, prioritize health tracking with ECG and SpO2, or prefer a longer battery life of 30 days.
Choose the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar if: you need rugged durability for outdoor activities, want potentially unlimited battery life with solar charging, or require built-in GPS for accurate tracking. (1.83 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.6★ vs 4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Garmin Instinct
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 1,634 reviews vs 268
→ Choose Garmin Instinct
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Withings ScanWatch
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Garmin Instinct
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar leads with a 4.6★ rating versus 4★. That said, Withings ScanWatch Nova could still be the right pick depending on your specific priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Withings ScanWatch Nova or Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
Withings ScanWatch Nova is the better choice if you prioritize elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. Garmin Instinct 3 Solar wins if you value potentially infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging. Both are rated highly (4★ vs 4.6★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Withings ScanWatch Nova and Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
Key differences: Withings ScanWatch Nova offers elegant 'diver' aesthetic with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass, while Garmin Instinct 3 Solar stands out with potentially infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging. Consider that Withings ScanWatch Nova small monochrome screen limits notification readability and smart features. Meanwhile, Garmin Instinct 3 Solar monochrome low-resolution display (176x176) lacks detail compared to amoled rivals. Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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