Garmin Instinct E vs Instinct 3: Sizes, Price Gap and Best Pick

On the Garmin Instinct E vs Instinct 3 question, the short answer is this: the Instinct E (from RM1,159) is enough if you want a rugged GPS watch with a monochrome display and up to 14 days of battery in smartwatch mode. The Instinct 3 (from RM1,579) is worth the extra RM420 if you want longer battery life, an AMOLED screen or a 50 mm case.

There are three watches in this comparison, because the Instinct 3 comes in two versions at the same starting price. They are the Garmin Instinct E Smartwatch, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Smartwatch and the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED Smartwatch. All three are listed as rugged outdoor GPS smartwatches, and all three share a fiber-reinforced polymer case, a silicone strap and a 10 ATM water rating.

Garmin Instinct E vs Instinct 3 at a glance

The “from” prices are the lowest variation price for each watch. Other sizes or colours can cost more, so select your size on the product page to see the exact figure. The RM420 gap is the difference between the two starting prices, and the gap between two specific variations may be different.

Sizes: where the two lines overlap

The Instinct E comes in 40 mm and 45 mm. Both Instinct 3 versions come in 45 mm and 50 mm. So 45 mm is the only size where you can choose any of the three, and the ends of the range each belong to one line.

If you want a 40 mm case, the Instinct E is the only option here. At 40 mm it comes in Black with Charcoal Band. The 45 mm Instinct E comes in Black with Charcoal Band or Electric Lime with Electric Lime Band.

If you want a 50 mm case, you are choosing an Instinct 3. The 50 mm Solar comes in Black with Charcoal Band or Sunburst with Sunburst/Gray Band. The 50 mm AMOLED comes in Black with Charcoal Band or Fern Green with Fern Green Band. At 45 mm, both Instinct 3 versions come in Black with Black Band only.

Our product data does not include weight or case thickness, so check Garmin’s spec sheet for those. If you already own a watch that fits well, its case diameter is a useful reference before you commit to a size.

What the extra RM420 buys

The 45 mm size is the cleanest place to compare, because all three watches exist there. Going by the listed specs, the differences come down to four things.

• Battery: the Instinct E is listed at up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. The Instinct 3 Solar is listed at up to 28 days, and unlimited with solar. The Instinct 3 AMOLED is listed at up to 18 days, or 7 days with the display always on.
• Display: the Instinct E and the Instinct 3 Solar use the same type of screen, a monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective MIP display. The Instinct 3 AMOLED has an AMOLED display with an always-on option.
• Lens: the Solar uses Power Glass. The Instinct E and the AMOLED use chemically strengthened glass.
• Bezel: the Instinct E bezel is fiber-reinforced polymer. Both Instinct 3 versions use fiber-reinforced polymer/aluminum.

What stays the same matters too. The case material, the silicone strap and the 10 ATM water rating are identical across all three, so the cheaper watch gives up nothing on those points.

The Instinct E is described as having essential smart features. The product data does not give a full feature list for either line, so if one specific function matters to you (a particular sensor or activity profile, for example), compare the two models on Garmin’s spec sheet before you order.

Solar or AMOLED: choosing between the two Instinct 3 versions

Both start from RM1,579 and both come in 45 mm and 50 mm, so price and size will not settle this. Display and battery will.

The Solar keeps the same monochrome screen type as the Instinct E and doubles the listed battery figure, from up to 14 days to up to 28 days, with unlimited listed for solar. Garmin’s spec sheet sets out the conditions behind the solar figure. It suits you if charging is the thing you most want to avoid, for example on long trips away from a power source.

The AMOLED trades some of that battery for a brighter screen. With always-on turned off, its listed figure of up to 18 days is still longer than the Instinct E’s 14. With always-on turned on, the listed figure is 7 days, which is half of what the Instinct E offers.

Which one to pick

• Pick the Garmin Instinct E Smartwatch if you want the 40 mm size, the lowest price, or a monochrome display and you are fine charging roughly every two weeks.
• Pick the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Smartwatch if battery life is your priority, or if you want a 50 mm case with the monochrome display.
• Pick the Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED Smartwatch if the screen is your priority and more frequent charging does not bother you.

If you are set on 45 mm and undecided, ask yourself whether you would notice 14 extra days of listed battery or an AMOLED screen in daily use. If neither would change how you use the watch, the Instinct E does the job and keeps RM420 in your pocket.

Price and how ordering works

The Instinct E starts from RM1,159, and both Instinct 3 versions start from RM1,579. All three are preorders: Amaboxly buys the watch new from the US brand store after you order, and estimated delivery is 30 calendar days. You can see the full range on the Garmin brand page.

You can pay in full. Where the product page offers it, you can also pay a 50% deposit now and the balance later, and checkout shows when the balance is due for your country.

Delivery is free within Peninsular Malaysia. Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan pay RM21 per item, or nothing on orders over RM 2,200. Buyers in every other country see their shipping fee at checkout, and the shipping fees page has the details.

Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery. A change-of-mind return must be in new condition, carries a 10% restocking fee, and the cost of shipping it back to the seller is deducted from your refund. Exchanges are only for items that arrive damaged, so choose your size carefully. If the watch is damaged when it arrives, report it with photos straight away. Full terms are on the refund and returns page.

If you want a colour or model that is not listed, you can ask us to buy it from a US store through the buy for me service. For questions, WhatsApp +1 603 440 9886.