Garmin Instinct 3 Series rugged smartwatches launched in India with GPS support, solar charging

Garmin has introduced its latest range of rugged smartwatches in India dubbed the Instinct 3 Series, aimed squarely at outdoor enthusiasts and fitness lovers who need gear as tough as they are. The lineup includes the Instinct 3 and Instinct E models, with the Instinct 3 available in two distinct variants: one featuring a vibrant AMOLED display and another equipped with a power-efficient MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) screen that supports solar charging.

These watches aren’t just about surviving the elements, they’re designed to thrive in them. Eager to know more about these rugged smartwatches? Read on!

Garmin Instinct Series 3 smartwatches: Price and availability in India

The Garmin Instinct E is priced at Rs 35,999, offering a solid entry point into the rugged smartwatch category. The Instinct 3, with its solar-powered MIP display and 45mm case, comes in at Rs 46,999.

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For those seeking a more vibrant, high-contrast display, the AMOLED variant is priced at Rs 52,999 for the 45mm version and Rs 58,999 for the larger 55mm option. All models from the Instinct 3 Series are now available via the Garmin India website and can also be found at select premium retail outlets across the country.

Garmin Instinct Series 3: Everything you need to know

The build quality of the Instinct 3 Series is where these smartwatches truly shine. Designed for adventure, they feature metal-reinforced bezels and fiber-reinforced polymer cases that can withstand significant wear and tear. The displays are scratch-resistant, making them well-suited for rugged environments, whether you’re scaling rocky hills or navigating dense forest trails.

Backing up this tough exterior are MIL-STD-810 military-grade certification and 10ATM water resistance, ensuring these watches can endure extreme temperatures, shocks, and submersion in water up to 100 meters.

Display technology is tailored to different needs. The AMOLED variant of the Instinct 3 includes a 1.2-inch panel with a crisp 390×390 resolution and Always-On support for quick glances during intense activities. Meanwhile, the MIP display, found in the solar and E models, favours longevity and visibility in direct sunlight. These screens consume significantly less power and are ideal for users who prefer extended battery life over visual flair.

The solar charging feature in the MIP models takes that endurance even further, promising unlimited battery life under optimal sunlight conditions — a huge win for trekkers and travelers often off-grid.

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Functionality is another strong suit of the Instinct 3 Series. The smartwatches come equipped with multi-band GPS and Garmin’s SatIQ technology, which enhances location tracking accuracy while managing power consumption efficiently.

Navigation tools like the altimeter, barometer, compass, and TracBack routing offer peace of mind during long expeditions, with the latter allowing users to safely retrace their steps back to the starting point. An in-built LED flashlight with red light and strobe modes adds another layer of utility for low-light environments. If you aren’t necessarily looking for a rugged build, you can also consider the Apple Watch Series 10 and Google Pixel Watch 3 in the similar price bracket.

Garmin has also baked in two-way messaging through Garmin Messenger, ensuring users can stay connected even in remote areas. Safety features such as LiveTrack, incident detection, and assistance alerts are all included, catering to those who want extra security when heading into the unknown.

Of course, health and fitness tracking remains core to the Garmin experience. The watches monitor heart rate, SpO2, stress, and sleep patterns, while also offering heart rate variability insights to flag any unusual readings. For female users, there’s also support for menstrual tracking and pregnancy insights. The inclusion of Garmin Coach brings a wide selection of preloaded workouts and sport modes including running, swimming, cycling, skiing, hiking, strength training, and more, making the Instinct 3 Series a well-rounded fitness companion.

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Battery life varies across models to suit different types of users. The AMOLED variant of the Instinct 3 can last up to 24 days on a single charge in smartwatch mode, an impressive feat for a watch with such a power-hungry display. The solar variant takes things a step further by offering potentially unlimited battery life with enough sunlight exposure. Meanwhile, the more compact Instinct E delivers a respectable 14-day battery backup, balancing features and longevity for users who want a lightweight rugged watch.

What do you think of Garmin’s latest rugged smartwatch lineup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.