Garmin
Instinct 3 45mm Solar
Based on 160 Reddit mentions
$299.99
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Most discussed features
Sentiment summary across the product areas Reddit users mention most.
Reddit mentions
Original Reddit posts and comments behind this analysis.
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
...intelligent-goldfish in r/Garmininstinct
September 26, 2025 2:02 AM
20
Full charge, we'll see how long it lasts. 🔋 100%
Let’s not scare the poor lad. Yes, using more features will pull more power. I’m sure op realizes that. Enjoy the watch! I’m a former apple watch user, then moved to casio/gshock, and ended up with garmin. I love my i3 tactical solar.
Smellyhotdog-27 in r/Garmininstinct
July 30, 2025 10:06 PM
11
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
...pudgewack1 in r/Garmininstinct
July 23, 2025 2:58 PM
9
What is up with everyone wanting AMOLED and touchscreen? Go get a forerunner or Fenix or venu or RESEARCH THE OTHER WATCHES!
What you wrote, but I also don't understand people who are upset that Instinct 3 has no maps. This watch will never have maps. People basically ask for a Fenix 8 watch in an Instinct body for the Instinct prices. For me this watch must be basically a GPS enabled G-shock from Garmin. I like the monoc
...BoboDupla in r/Garmininstinct
January 13, 2025 10:48 AM
20
What Garmin Watch for Surfr App
Instinct 3 solar, it has an amazing battery life between charges. Runs Surfr activity well. No touchscreen, just 5 buttons, which makes it very usable with wet hands and wetsuit gloves. Surfr will sometimes record and show a big jump on the watch, then when it uploads it to the app it deletes it. So
...read-before-writing in r/Kiteboarding
November 11, 2025 12:15 AM
7
Outdoorsy
If you are willing to go out of the Casio world get a garmin instinct for her. I has a lot more functionality ... if she will ever need it. They have Instinct E ( the smallest at 40mm but no solar charging, still 14 days of battery life) the instinct 3 solar at 45mm and the instinct 3 solar at 50mm.
...my_t_v_account in r/gshock
April 22, 2026 1:24 PM
3
Really wanted the Instinct 3 Tactical…
I have the I3 Solar 45mm and absolutely love it. Did a software update out of the box and a couple of weeks in not an issue in sight! Very happy with my purchase except maybe an old set of eyes struggling with the smaller text but that’s my fault not Garmin’s! I had an OG I1. It’s a big upgrade and
...Travissea76 in r/Garmininstinct
March 11, 2025 6:41 AM
14
Is the Instinct 3 really worth paying twice as much as the Instinct 2?
Garmin watches are an investment due to their longevity. As you read in other comments, people are still rocking GEN 1 with no issues. So, I would go with the new I3 model. Your looking at 5+ years of use easy, so just go with what you want. I have the 50mm I3 Solar and I love this watch. I went Fen
...Lopsided-Actuator744 in r/Garmininstinct
October 31, 2025 5:19 PM
5
Instinct 3 AMOLED - Yay or Nay?
Go for it! The Instinct is the best value in Garmin's entire lineup. It has 95% of Fenix features at <50% of Fenix pricing, and better battery to boot. The AMOLED I3 outperforms every watch battery in Garmin's lineup except the F8 solar, Enduro 3, and I3 solar. It's perfectly legible in direct sunli
...intelligent-goldfish in r/Garmininstinct
November 2, 2025 8:21 PM
5