Garmin this year has launched an array of new multisport smartwatches in a line-up that offers fitness wearables to suit every need and budget.
I’ve recently been testing the Instinct Solar, a GPS running watch with incredible battery life that was first launched in 2020.
The name would suggest it’s a solar update to the 2018 Instinct but it is probably more accurately described as a Fenix 6-lite because of the updated GPS chipset and the range of features on board.
Features
It offers many of of the same tools and capabilities available on the more expensive Garmin models, such as support for a huge number of sports and activities, in-depth metrics, training plans, heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox, sleep tracking and smartphone notifications to your wrist.
The optical HR sensor is the same as the one found in the Fenix 6 series.
The wearable looks similar to the rugged flagship watches too, but isn’t made from the same ultra-premium materials.
Its 45mm diameter body is instead crafted from robust and durable fibre-reinforced polymer, while its silicone strap is easily interchangeable thanks to quick-release pins.
Instinct Solar is waterproof up to a depth of 100 metres.
Using the watch
There are the usual five Garmin buttons around the outside of the screen and bezel for controlling the always-on monochrome screen interface.
The non-colour screen is always easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
Despite the rugged look and fell, the watch is light enough to wear all day.
The solar tech used is what Garmin calls Power Glass and the company advises covering it with a screen protector.
Battery life
Battery life without solar assistance is an impressive 24 days of smartwatch use, or 30 hours of constant GPS use. This can increase up to 54 days/38 hours depending on how much sunlight there is.
And you get an incredible 60 days of use if you turn on battery saver mode, which disables phone and sensor connectivity and just displays time, date, steps and distance walked.
Garmin actually says if you get three hours of sunlight solar power a day when in battery saver mode then the battery can last forever.
If only we lived in a country with three hours of sunlight a day.
But if you do, then Instinct Solar one of the best solar options as it doesn´t consume nearly as much power as, for example, a Fenix 6.
This is because it has a somewhat less battery-hungry display, no topographical maps and no music playback.
Other features
That lack of music playback is something you might notice on Instinct Solar, as is the lack of support for Garmin Pay. There is also no training recovery guidance.
Instinct Solar's GPS is fast, accurate and reliable when compared to both Fenix 6 Pro Solar and Apple Watch Series 7. It has great point-to-point navigation and a back-to-start feature, which leads you back to your starting point in breadcrumb tracks in real time.
The watch pairs with your smartphone using the free Garmin Connect app which is easy to use and offers more detailed insights into your data.
Verdict
On the whole, this is an excellent value for money outdoor GPS watch.
It currently costs €150 less than the Instinct 2 Solar and is €400 cheaper than the Fenix 6S Solar.
Pricing
Garmin Instinct Solar costs €299 from Garmin.com, Harvey Norman and Curry’s.
