Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Rugged 45mm GPS smartwatch with infinite battery life (solar), now featuring a built-in LED flashlight, Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ, and a metal-reinforced bezel.
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Key specifications
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
176 x 176 pixels
Yes (MIP display is always visible)
10 ATM (100 meters)
MIL-STD-810 thermal, shock, and water resistance; Metal-reinforced polymer bezel
Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology; GPS, GLONASS, Galileo
Bluetooth 5.3; ANT+; USB
Garmin Pay
Garmin Elevate Gen 4 wrist heart rate monitor; Pulse Ox; Barometric altimeter; Compass; Gyroscope; Accelerometer; Thermometer
Sleep Coach; Nap detection; Body Battery energy monitoring; HRV Status; Morning Report; Stress tracking; Respiration rate
Strength; HIIT; Cardio; Elliptical; Stair Stepping; Indoor Rowing; Running (Outdoor/Trail/Treadmill); Cycling; Swimming (Pool/Open Water); Obstacle Racing; Triathlon
64MB (History and CIQ apps only; No onboard music storage)
—
No (Call notifications only)
Smartwatch: Unlimited with solar (28 days without); GPS: Up to 30 hours (48 hours with solar); Expedition GPS: Unlimited with solar
Garmin proprietary plug charger; Solar charging (Power Glass)
52 g
Fits wrists 135-230 mm; Compatible with QuickFit 22 watch bands
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
Compare with similar options
See how Garmin Instinct 3 Solar stacks up against other smartwatches we track.
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Frequently Asked Questions
+ Is the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar worth buying in 2026?
Yes, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is worth it if you prioritize potentially infinite battery life in smartwatch mode with solar charging. With a 4.6/5 rating, it stands out in the smartwatches category. However, consider that monochrome low-resolution display (176x176) lacks detail compared to amoled rivals. Check our detailed verdict above.
+ What are the main specs of Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
Key specifications include: 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. See the full specifications table above for complete technical details.
+ Where is the best place to buy Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
For US buyers, Amazon offers the best combination of competitive pricing, fast Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. Use our affiliate links above to check current prices and availability.
+ What are the pros and cons of Garmin Instinct 3 Solar?
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. Cons: Monochrome low-resolution display (176x176) lacks detail compared to AMOLED rivals; No onboard music storage or maps (breadcrumb navigation only). See our detailed breakdown above for the complete analysis.
+ How does Garmin Instinct 3 Solar compare to alternatives?
We have 25+ detailed comparisons with similar smartwatches. Popular matchups include Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 10. Check the comparison section above.
+ Are PageBen reviews independent and unbiased?
Yes. PageBen is an independent review site. While we use affiliate links for monetization, our recommendations are research-driven and based on objective specifications, user feedback, and real-world performance. We are not sponsored by manufacturers.
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