Comparing Instinct and Watch Series 3
If you’re in the market for a smartwatch with a strong focus on fitness tracking, then you may have come across the Apple Watch Series 3 and Garmin Instinct. These two devices cater to different preferences and lifestyles, offering distinct features and designs. Choosing the right watch for your needs is crucial to getting the most out of your wearable technology.
Apple and Garmin, the brands behind these two smartwatches, have established reputations in the technology industry. While Apple is known for its sleek and sophisticated products, Garmin is recognized for creating durable and dependable devices primarily geared towards outdoor and fitness enthusiasts.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the Apple Watch Series 3 and Garmin Instinct to help you make an informed decision. We will discuss design and build, features and functionality, user interface and user experience, price and value, as well as frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!
Design and Build
Apple Watch Series 3
The Apple Watch Series 3 features a high-quality aluminum or stainless steel case, with sizes of either 38mm or 42mm. This watch has a weight of 26.7g for its smaller variant and 32.3g for the larger one. The display is an AMOLED screen with a resolution of either 340 x 272 or 390 x 312 depending on the size.
Garmin Instinct
On the other hand, the Garmin Instinct has a tough fiber-reinforced polymer casing and weighs 52g, making it bulkier compared to the Apple Watch Series 3. Its monochrome display measures 0.9 inches with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels.
Comparison of Design and Build Quality
Both devices come with unique design elements tailored to their target audiences. The Apple Watch Series 3 sports a sleek and modern look, suitable for casual and professional settings. Garmin Instinct, conversely, is designed for rugged outdoor use and boasts a more robust appearance. Additionally, the Apple Watch has an upgraded display with brighter colors and higher resolution, whereas the Garmin Instinct’s display is simpler and more energy-efficient.
Features and Functionality
Apple Watch Series 3
The Apple Watch Series 3 runs on WatchOS 4 and has an array of sensors, including accelerometer, barometer, and heart rate monitor. It has a battery life of approximately 18 hours and offers multiple fitness tracking features, including tracking for calories, distance, heart rate, oxygen, sleep, steps, and swimming. Other features include Bluetooth, cellular, GPS, NFC, and Wi-Fi capabilities.
Garmin Instinct
The Garmin Instinct offers similar fitness tracking options, like calories, distance, heart rate, sleep, steps, and swimming, but lacks oxygen and cycling tracking. It has a longer battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, and supports Bluetooth and GPS. The Instinct is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, whereas the Apple Watch Series 3 only works with iOS.
Comparison of Features and Performance
While both devices have competitive features, the Apple Watch Series 3 has additional capabilities like cellular, NFC, and Wi-Fi, making it more versatile. Its operating system also supports a wider range of applications. The Garmin Instinct, in contrast, holds an edge with its exceptional battery life and Android compatibility, catering to those with more outdoor-oriented lifestyles and varied smartphone preferences.
User Interface and User Experience
Apple Watch Series 3
With its AMOLED touchscreen display, the Apple Watch Series 3 offers users an easy-to-navigate user interface. It also features a wide range of apps and customization options, giving users more control over their watch experience. However, it is only compatible with iOS smartphones.
Garmin Instinct
The Garmin Instinct uses a combination of buttons and its OMOLED touch-enabled display for navigation. Although it does not have as many available apps or customization options as the Apple Watch Series 3 does, compatibility with both Android and iOS smartphones broadens its user base.
Comparison of User Interface and User Experience
The Apple Watch Series 3 provides a more comprehensive user interface with numerous available apps and customization tools. However, Garmin Instinct’s simpler interface and cross-platform compatibility cater to a broader range of users with a more straightforward experience.
Price and Value
Apple Watch Series 3
With a price tag of $329, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a premium option for those interested in a stylish and feature-rich smartwatch.
Garmin Instinct
The Garmin Instinct, priced at $300, is more affordable compared to the Apple Watch Series 3, while still offering a robust set of features for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Comparison of Price and Value
While the Apple Watch Series 3 delivers a more comprehensive array of features, the Garmin Instinct’s excellent battery life and lower price make it a competitive choice for those looking for reliable fitness tracking and outdoor functionality.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best choice between the Apple Watch Series 3 and Garmin Instinct depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. If you prefer a sleek design, more apps, and compatibility with iOS devices, the Apple Watch Series 3 is the better choice. However, if long battery life, durability, and wider smartphone compatibility are crucial factors for you, the Garmin Instinct will serve you well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for outdoor activities: Apple Watch Series 3 or Garmin Instinct?
The Garmin Instinct is designed for rugged outdoor use and provides a longer battery life, making it better suited for outdoor activities.
Are both the Apple Watch Series 3 and Garmin Instinct water-resistant?
Yes, both devices are water-resistant. The Apple Watch Series 3 is rated at 5 ATM, while the Garmin Instinct has a higher rating of 10 ATM.
Can I receive and send messages from both devices?
Yes, both Apple Watch Series 3 and Garmin Instinct support messaging functions when paired with compatible smartphones.
Do I need to have my smartphone nearby for the GPS function to work?
No, both devices have built-in GPS capabilities and do not require proximity to a paired smartphone for location-tracking functions.
Which device has better battery life: Apple Watch Series 3 or Garmin Instinct?
The Garmin Instinct boasts a significantly longer battery life of up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, compared to the Apple Watch Series 3's estimated 18 hours of battery life.
