OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£400Screen size:0.90 inchBattery life:28 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 6 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

8.1

Overall score

Score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models
Score components

70%

7.9

Technical score

30%

8.8

Review score

Review score 30% · 8.8 · based on 6 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades.
▲Better than 89% of smartwatches
7.9

Technical score

Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 84% of models
Score components

24%

8.1

Health

21%

9.5

Fitness

16%

7.8

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

6.8

Connectivity

9%

7.0

Display & Design

4%

4.5

Hardware

▲Better than 84% of smartwatches
8.8

Review score

Review score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Grades by review (6)
6 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
✓ explicit
1

16.7%

8.0

livefortheoutdoors.com

≈ estimated
2

16.7%

9.5

treelinereview.com

16.7%

9.0

thetrek.co

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
★Better than 98% of smartwatches
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Best rankings

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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm

Technical score
Technical score
7.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 84% of models
Score components:

24%

8.1

Health

21%

9.5

Fitness

16%

7.8

Battery

14%

7.6

Smart features

12%

6.8

Connectivity

9%

7.0

Display & Design

4%

4.5

Hardware

7.9
Review score
Review score
8.8/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 98% of models
Grades by review (6)
6 reviews: 2 with a printed score, 4 estimated from the review. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
✓ explicit
1

16.7%

8.0

livefortheoutdoors.com

≈ estimated
2

16.7%

9.5

treelinereview.com

16.7%

9.0

thetrek.co

estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.8
Popularity
Popularity
6.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 54% of models
Popularity:
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm has a popularity of 6.6 points, which is higher than 53.9% of smartwatches.
6.6
Value for money
Value for money
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 79% of models
Score components:

60%

8.1

Overall score

40%

8.4

Price

8.2
Brand name
Garmin
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
▲ Better than 11% of models
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
▲ Better than 33% of models
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
▼ Worse than 17% of models
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
▲ Better than 1% of models
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
no
Gyroscope
no
▼ Worse than 70% of models
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 70% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
yes
Cadence sensor
yes
▲ Better than 69% of models
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 69% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
▲ Better than 4% of models
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
28 days
Battery life
28 days
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <1 days – >16 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 28 days which is longer than that of 95.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.6% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
81 h
Battery life in training mode
81 h
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
This smartwatch lasts 81 h in training mode which is longer than 97.8% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
20 h
Battery life with GPS on
20 h
▼ Worse than 48% of models
Market range: <5.75 h – >43 h
This smartwatch lasts 20 h with GPS on which is longer than 46.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 5.6% of smartwatches.
Battery power
350 mAh
Battery power
350 mAh
▲ Better than 65% of models
Market range: <195 mAh – >475 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 350 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 64.5% of smartwatches and equal to those in 2.1% of smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Garmin OS
Operating system
Garmin OS
▲ Better than 71% of models
This smartwatch runs Garmin OS which is more advanced than the operating system in 71.1% of smartwatches and the same as that in 7.7% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
Software update frequency
occasional
▲ Better than 58% of models
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 57.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 36.2% of smartwatches.
Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
Third-party app support
yes
Third-party app support
yes
▲ Better than 52% of models
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 52.4% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
▲ Better than 32% of models
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
Cellular module
no
Cellular module
no
▼ Worse than 18% of models
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 18% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
▲ Better than 44% of models
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
▲ Better than 62% of models
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
▲ Better than 47% of models
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
Show more
What reviewers say
Screen size
0.9 inch
Screen size
0.9 inch
▼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 0.9 inch which is smaller than the screens of 98.2% of smartwatches.
Display type
MIP LCD
Display type
MIP LCD
▼ Worse than 60% of models
This smartwatch uses a MIP LCD display type which is less advanced than that of 60% of smartwatches and the same as that of 5% of smartwatches.
Resolution
176x 176
Resolution
176x 176
▼ Worse than 93% of models
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 176x176 which is lower than that of 93.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.6% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
277 ppi
Pixel density
277 ppi
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 277 ppi which is lower than that of 71.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.2% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0.125 GB
Internal storage
0.125 GB
▼ Worse than 67% of models
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch uses 0.125 GB for internal storage which is smaller than that of 66.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 3.4% of smartwatches.
128 MB internal storage
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
Category Benchmark
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • 21 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    28 days
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 28 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    28 days vs 7 days
  • 61.75 h longer training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    81 h
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (81 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    81 h vs 19.25 h
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • Readiness score
    Readiness score
    yes
    ▲ Better than 83% of models
    This smartwatch supports readiness scores, the average smartwatch does not. 17.5% of smartwatches support readiness scores.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Temperature sensing
    Temperature sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 73% of models
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 26.8% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • Readiness score
    Readiness score
    yes
    ▲ Better than 83% of models
    This smartwatch supports readiness scores, the average smartwatch does not. 17.5% of smartwatches support readiness scores.
  • HRV tracking
    HRV tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 59% of models
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 40.8% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
    Supports abnormal high/low heart-rate alerts (typically after inactivity).
  • Calorie tracking
    Calorie tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.6% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • Weight tracking
    Weight tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 61% of models
    This smartwatch supports weight tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 39.1% of smartwatches support weight tracking.
    Weight tracking may rely on manual app entry or smart-scale sync.
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    ▲ Better than 56% of models
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • Cadence tracking
    Cadence sensor
    yes
    ▲ Better than 69% of models
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.1% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • Route support
    Route support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 50% of models
    This smartwatch supports route support, the average smartwatch does not. 50% of smartwatches support route support.
    Supports course sync and route guidance via Garmin Connect / Garmin Explore.
  • 20 more exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    100
    ▲ Better than 32% of models
    This smartwatch supports more exercise modes than the average smartwatch (100 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    Reported as at least 100 exercise modes.
    100 vs 80
  • 21 days day/s longer battery life
    Battery life
    28 days
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <1 days – >16 days
    This smartwatch offers 28 days of battery life, while the average smartwatch offers 7 days.
    28 days vs 7 days
  • 61.75 h longer training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    81 h
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    Market range: <5.5 h – >48 h
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (81 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    81 h vs 19.25 h
  • Solar charging support
    Solar power battery
    yes
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This smartwatch supports solar charging, the average smartwatch does not. 2.1% of smartwatches support solar charging.
    Supports solar charging.
  • 50 mAh larger battery capacity
    Solar power battery
    350 mAh
    ★ Better than 98% of models
    This smartwatch has a larger battery capacity than the average smartwatch (350 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    Supports solar charging.
    350 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Supports ANT+
    ANT+ support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    This smartwatch supports ANT+, the average smartwatch does not. 11.7% of smartwatches support ANT+.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Rugged construction
    Rugged design
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 37.9% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
    Rugged design supported by MIL-STD/military-grade durability claim.
  • 50 m deeper water resistance
    Waterproof depth rating
    100 m
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <1 m – >50 m
    This smartwatch has a deeper waterproof rating than the average smartwatch (100 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch reaches 50 m.
    10 ATM class (ISO 22,810 shallow-water rating, not diving certification).
    100 m vs 50 m
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    chemically strengthened glass
    ▼ Worse than 59% of models
    This smartwatch uses chemically strengthened glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Power Glass branding (chemically strengthened)
    chemically strengthened glass vs mineral glass
  • 15 °C higher max temperature
    Maximum operating temperature
    60.0 °C
    ▲ Better than 88% of models
    Market range: <35 °C – >60 °C
    This smartwatch handles a higher maximum operating temperature than the average smartwatch (60 °C vs 45 °C). The average smartwatch reaches 45.0 °C.
    60.0 °C vs 45.0 °C
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    ▲ Better than 87% of models
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    Garmin OS
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Garmin OS vs Proprietary OS
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    ▲ Better than 57% of models
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
    SOS feature has implementation limits (phone/app/subscription/activity dependent).
  • Third-party app support
    Third-party app support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 52% of models
    This smartwatch supports third-party apps, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    occasional
    ▲ Better than 58% of models
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    Updates are typically released about every 3 months.
    occasional vs ended
  • 4 year/s newer release date
    Release date
    2025
    ★ Better than 95% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This smartwatch has a newer release date than the average smartwatch (2025 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    April 2025
    2025 vs 2021
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No gyroscope
    Gyroscope
    no
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 69.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    MIP LCD
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 0.5 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    0.90 inch
    ▼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (0.9 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    0.90 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 3.3 mm thicker watch body
    Thickness
    14.90 mm
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (14.9 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    14.90 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 3.08x more expensive
    Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£400 vs £130).
    £400 vs £130
  • No gyroscope
    Gyroscope
    no
    ▼ Worse than 70% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 69.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • Basic battery type
    Battery type
    Li-ion
    ▼ Worse than 51% of models
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • Basic display type
    Display type
    MIP LCD
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch uses MIP LCD display technology, while the average smartwatch features AMOLED.
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • 0.5 inch smaller screen size
    Screen size
    0.90 inch
    ▼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.82 inch
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen size than the average smartwatch (0.9 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch screen is 1.40 inch.
    0.90 inch vs 1.40 inch
  • 3.3 mm thicker watch body
    Thickness
    14.90 mm
    ▼ Worse than 95% of models
    Market range: <9.8 mm – >14.1 mm
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (14.9 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    14.90 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • Lower resolution
    Display type
    176 x 176
    ▼ Worse than 60% of models
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 176x176, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    176x176 vs 352x430
  • 7 g heavier weight
    Weight
    52.0 g
    ▼ Worse than 65% of models
    Market range: <29 g – >80 g
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (52 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45.0 g.
    52.0 g vs 45.0 g
  • 49 ppi lower pixel density
    Pixel density
    277 ppi
    ▼ Worse than 71% of models
    Market range: <207 ppi – >461 ppi
    This smartwatch has a lower pixel density than the average smartwatch (277 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    277 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • No touchscreen
    Touch screen
    no
    ▼ Worse than 91% of models
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.3% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • 3 mm wider watch width
    Width
    45.0 mm
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <34.6 mm – >46.8 mm
    This smartwatch is wider than the average smartwatch (45 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    45.0 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • 4 mm wider band
    Width of band
    26.0 mm
    ▼ Worse than 96% of models
    Market range: <20 mm – >22 mm
    This smartwatch has a wider band width than the average smartwatch (26 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch band is 22.0 mm wide.
    26.0 mm vs 22.0 mm
  • No music playback
    Music playback
    no
    ▼ Worse than 54% of models
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 54.2% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No call answering
    Call answering
    no
    ▼ Worse than 58% of models
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 58.1% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    Voice commands
    no
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 67% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No speaker
    Built-in speaker
    no
    ▼ Worse than 56% of models
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.1% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Number of microphones
    0
    ▼ Worse than 75% of models
    Market range: <0 – >1
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch includes 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 3.88 GB less storage
    Internal storage
    0.125 GB
    ▼ Worse than 67% of models
    Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
    This smartwatch offers less internal storage than the average smartwatch (0.1 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch provides 4 GB of storage.
    128 MB internal storage
    0.125 GB vs 4 GB

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

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What reviewers agree on

Based on 7

Reviewers praise its accurate GPS, solar charging and handy flashlight, but the lack of proper maps is the main drawback.
Praised
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
livefortheoutdoors.com
✓ explicit
20/08/2025
Trail test · Rugged hiking watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is a tough, light multi-sport watch with strong solar battery life, but its upgrades over the Instinct 2 are small.
9.0
thetrek.co
≈ estimated
24/04/2025
Field test · Backcountry hiking
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar suits long-distance hikers and runners and can run indefinitely in smartwatch mode with enough sun, but its monochrome screen is basic.
9.5
treelinereview.com
≈ estimated
27/02/2026
Hands-on test · Hiking watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is a long-lasting hiking watch with multi-band GPS and detailed training stats, but it has no built-in maps.
bikeboard.at
20/10/2025
Not graded yet
8.0
journaldugeek.com
✓ explicit
24/04/2025
Hands-on test · Trail and gravel
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 3 is a sturdy outdoor watch with precise multi-band GPS and long battery life, though it lacks full maps and has a chunky look.
9.0
hrdlpn.nl
≈ estimated
30/01/2026
Full review · Rugged outdoor watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 3 is a rugged outdoor watch whose MIP Solar models go much longer between charges, but it has no touchscreen and only basic navigation.
9.0
wielrenner.eu
≈ estimated
09/01/2026
Hands-on test · Rugged outdoor watch
Verdict
The Garmin Instinct 3 is a rugged outdoor watch with long battery life and several Fenix 8 features, but it has no touchscreen and simpler navigation.

Third-party reviews

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm

  • Exceptional battery life, reaching 'unlimited' potential in smartwatch mode with sufficient solar exposure.
  • Extreme durability with military-grade (MIL-STD-810) thermal, shock, and 10 ATM water resistance.
  • Highly practical built-in LED flashlight with adjustable white and red light modes.
  • Excellent screen readability in direct sunlight due to the monochrome MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) display.
  • Tactical-specific features including Stealth Mode, Kill Switch, and Applied Ballistics solver.
  • Lightweight and comfortable design, weighing approximately 52g, which is lighter than previous generations.

What we don't like about Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm

  • Lack of on-device topographical maps, restricted to basic 'breadcrumb' style navigation.
  • Absence of a touchscreen, which some users find cumbersome for menu navigation compared to other modern smartwatches.
  • Use of the older Elevate Gen 4 heart rate sensor rather than the more accurate Gen 5 found in premium models.
  • High price point that some feel is difficult to justify given the lack of color display or music storage.

Verdict

The Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Edition 45mm is a mission-ready GPS smartwatch featuring a 45mm fiber-reinforced polymer case, a 176 x 176 pixel monochrome memory-in-pixel display, and a metal-reinforced bezel built to MIL-STD-810 standards. Its standout characteristics include Power Glass for potentially unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode, a built-in multi-mode LED flashlight, and specialized tactical tools like stealth mode, kill switch, night vision compatibility, and a preloaded Applied Ballistics solver. Main pros are its extreme 10 ATM water resistance, multi-band GNSS with SatIQ for superior positioning, and comprehensive 24/7 health tracking (HRV, Pulse Ox, sleep coaching). However, primary cons include the small 0.9-inch non-touchscreen display, which lacks color and detailed topographical mapping found in higher-end models.

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