Title: Garmin's Instinct 3 Watch Tops the OLED Revolution
Garmin has unveiled the Instinct 3, introducing OLED display technology to its popular adventure watch lineup. This announcement marks the end of the major, mainstream sport watch families receiving this tech, following the Venu, Fenix, and Forerunner lines.
The Instinct series retains its signature robust look, characterized by chunky watches with protective bezels that rise above the screen surface. Not all Instinct 3 models incorporate the OLED technology; Garmin continues to cater to various preferences. The OLED variants come in two sizes: 45mm or 50mm diameter.
Garmin Instinct 3 OLED Features
The 50mm Instinct 3 OLED boasts a 1.3-inch 416 x 416 pixel OLED screen, while the 45mm model features a 1.2-inch 390 x 390 display. Compared to the Forerunner 965, the Instinct 3 OLED models offer smaller screens despite their larger diameters.
Battery life remains impressive for both OLED models. The larger variant promises 24 days of use, and the smaller model offers 18 days, with 'always on' mode reducing these figures to 9 days and 7 days, respectively.
The Instinct 3 series has limitations, including a lack of support for music playback and map downloads. However, it does allow for course planning through the Garmin Connect app, allowing for breadcrumb-trail navigation.
Additionally, the Instinct 3 boasts remarkable water resistance for a mid-tier watch, with a 10ATM rating. The bezel design has been improved, using a blend of aluminum and fiber-reinforced polymer.
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar and Instinct E

For those not drawn to OLED displays, alternatives within the Instinct family include the solar-powered Instinct 3 Solar and the budget-friendly Instinct E.
The Instinct 3 Solar incorporates a classic transflective panel with the series' typical "two window" style, a 50mm diameter watch, and a battery rated at 40 days with sunlight or "unlimited" with sufficient daylight exposure.
The Instinct E caters to budget-conscious customers, lacking the metal bezel elements and LED flashlight. It shares many features of the other Instinct 3 models but at a more affordable $299 price point.
Here's a brief overview of the pricing for each Instinct 3 model:
- Instinct 3 OLED 45mm: $449
- Instinct 3 OLED 50mm: $499
- Instinct 3 Solar 50mm: $449
- Instinct E 40mm: $299
All models will be available for purchase from January 10.
The Garmin Instinct 3, despite its OLED variants, still caters to those preferring non-OLED models, offering alternatives like the solar-powered Instinct 3 Solar and budget-friendly Instinct E. Garmin's announcement of OLED technology in the Instinct 3 series has made it the last major, mainstream sport watch family to incorporate this tech, following the Venu, Fenix, and Forerunner lines.