Garmin

Instinct 3 – 50 mm, Solar

Garmin Instinct 3 – 50 mm, Solar

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Overall

#21 in

Fitness Trackers

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score81% positive
35
4
4

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: May 20, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconGlad_Secretary146
7 months ago

Epix pro gen 2 51mm and instinct 3 solar 50mm. One AMOLED and one SOLAR I like both screens.

Reddit IconImthenewbee
10 months ago

Garmin instinct crossover, 28 days battery life, 50 without constant hr measurement. Instinct 2x and instinct 3 solar 50mm have 40 days battery life, 70 without hr. And solar charging.

9 months ago

I downgraded to instinct 3 solar, because I want MIP and the instinct MIP screen is very bright. And because of battery life: 28 days in smartwatch mode in a 45mm case! And because it's much more comfortable to wear than a Fenix, is more resistant to scratches... I only (rarely) miss offline maps. But the breadcrumb navigation is great and much clearer to see than on the color MIP screen of the fenix I used to use.

9 months ago

Instinct has no maps. Enduro has maps and has a MIP screen. The Enduro maps are harder to see than the Instinct breadcrumb, because of several reasons: * the Enduro screen is dimmer, due to 1) colors, 2) sapphire * the breadcrumb trail is clearer, because it's high contrast black and white, while the Enduro trail is pink-purplish on a colored maps with lots of things going on. The picture show the difference. https://preview.redd.it/nzt2o5c9a4nf1.jpeg?width=2814&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e952c703a2cc52dd3f73f6cf0b4a88829ac0a397

8 months ago

The instinct had no touch screen. What actually makes the tactix 7dimmer is this: sapphire crystal, solar panel on top of the screen, colour screen, and maybe higher resolution. Maybe the touch screen too, but I don't think so.

Reddit Iconizaak9
3 months ago

If you’re looking for something super practical and easy to read, I’d recommend the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50mm. The numbers are extremely visible in pretty much any lighting condition, which makes it great for outdoor use. On top of that, you barely need to charge it — battery life is honestly one of its biggest strengths. If you want something similar but much more advanced, then the Garmin Enduro 3 would be the next level option. Same great visibility and insane battery life, but with more features and performance-focused tools.

Reddit IconJustLookingaround18
2 months ago

I’m officially on day 51 since original charge. I have 68% (24 days) battery remaining. I do 3x 30 min runs using standard GPS per week. Notifications turned off and pulse ox set to on demand. I came from a Forerunner 255 which is a great watch too. But I’m really enjoying the solar side of the i3 50mm

Reddit Iconkristianfzr
2 months ago

The 50mm version is amazing, with a ton of battery life and enough smart features. Although you can get the 2X probably for cheaper somehere, which is almost identical. But it all comes down to whether you are willing to pay 315. I think it's worth it, especially for a first personal Garmin watch.

Reddit IconMacroCheese
6 months ago

OP should try a Garmin Instinct 3 50mm solar! With the right settings and enough sunlight on the daily, you could theoretically never need to charge it again. As someone that uses it for daily bike commutes, I get at least 3 weeks on one charge with it.

Reddit IconPatchyStash
27 days ago

Fax. I came from an instinct 3 50mm solar and knowing what I know now, I wish I would’ve saved for the enduro 3.

Reddit IconRebl11
9 months ago

I have the 3 Solar 50 mm. It tracks HRV, It works well for overall fitness tracking like any other Garmin watch. In 15 days since last full charge it went down to 44% so if you do more activity tracking it should hold for like 3 weeks.

9 months ago

Instinct 3 Solar. -6% in 80 hours after my first full charge so I estimate at least a month. I really need to update my software version so the watch itself can estimate it's battery life. It's just stuck at 11 days for now.

9 months ago

From my quick 5 second search, tattoos will be a problem for all optical HR sensors so a Garmin watch will be just as problematic as an Apple watch if worn on a tattooed area. So a chest strap + bike computer would probably be a better idea. For me personally when I'm not tattooed yet, my Instinct 3 works perfectly for cycling.

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