Instinct 3 45mm Solar

Garmin

Instinct 3 45mm Solar

123 positive 0 neutral 37 negative

Based on 160 Reddit mentions

$299.99

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Reddit mentions

Original Reddit posts and comments behind this analysis.

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New positive MIP GBD-200's in the flesh/resin

I love my g shocks but this seems just like a money grab. I have the Garmin instinct 3 solar with a MIP display and you can switch from negative display to positive display. Casio could easily do this also.

jaotero77 in r/gshock

October 4, 2025 11:06 PM

45

Downgraded from Fenix 8 to original Instinct Solar in

My fenix 7 pro SS just leave me after 4-5 year, i just ordered an instinct 3 solar. It has all the feature you need, having a fenix is just too much yep. And the touch screen isn’t that much useful. I think the amoled display eat too much energy and kill the original reason that make us buy Garmin,

...

Affectionate_Load285 in r/Garmininstinct

March 23, 2026 12:51 AM

12

Ol' reliable & new reliable

Upgraded my 1 Solar to the 3 Solar Tactical to celebrate a new job. First thoughts: Resolution on the I3 is surprisingly noticeable Contrast is improved enough that I'm sticking with a black face (vs white on the I1) The gap between glass and display is harder to see, presumably due to solar rework

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intelligent-goldfish in r/Garmininstinct

September 26, 2025 2:02 AM

20

Instinct 3 Tactical

I guess most people will not get it for the tactical functions, but because it's the only option to get the I3 with MIP that doesn't have stupid colored accent on the casing. Garmin knows that well and it's a scummy practice if you ask me.

pawlik23 in r/Garmininstinct

April 24, 2025 10:19 AM

52

Question regarding the Instinct Solar

Gestrue can be turned on and off on all Garmin watches. On an MIP screen with gesture or with a button press, you turn on the backlight. On an AMOLED screen it switches to full power. On the Instinct Solar if you are in daylight and there's enough light, you don't need the backlight but if you are i

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hakapes in r/Garmininstinct

March 15, 2026 9:48 PM

6

Mapping & Touchscreen

I actually am a fan of the lack of a touchscreen. Outside of entering the PIN to use Garmin Pay, I much prefer using buttons. I do miss maps though, especially on my I3 AMOLED. I would probably want a touchscreen if maps were available....a good compromise would be having the new Google Maps app ava

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pudgewack1 in r/Garmininstinct

July 23, 2025 2:58 PM

9

Why I chose instinct 3 over Apple Watch Ultra 3

I3 Long battery (2 weeks) if using gps every day. Flashlight can light up a room HRV status Load Status Daily suggestions Garmin Coach Always on Display No bright screen lighting up There. I mentioned some reasons why it is better. lol

Effective_Treacle996 in r/Garmininstinct

April 19, 2026 11:16 AM

4

2X Solar Tactical vs I3 Solar Tactical

For my eyes, the better screen clarity/contrast on the Instinct 3 line was worth the extra price. If you don’t have diseased, old man eyes like me, the 2X is a better value. I’m sure Garmin will support the Instinct 3 line with more new features longer than the 2X as well. But the 2X will keep getti

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Human_Chemistry6969 in r/Garmininstinct

April 10, 2026 12:54 AM

4

GPS watch recommendations?

Yeah $900 on an enduro is quiet a bit much for something you’ll only truly maybe need 2-5 times a year So I’ll say go instead for a Garmin Instinct 3 Solar (released earlier this year) which is quite the sweet spot for a casual but serious hiker AND is AMOLED too 9 Best Smartwatches for Hiking and R

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Alaskanarrowusa in r/hiking

May 1, 2026 8:10 PM

3

Battery life

Maybe backlight? With all my other Garmin's that are MIP, I would have backlight at 20% and RTW after sunset. With my I3 Solar, backlight is 5% and no RTW or alert light up. Basically...I can always see the time the contrast is that good. If I really need to see something more than the time I activa

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Street-Fault1995 in r/Garmininstinct

April 20, 2026 10:37 PM

3

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