Garmin Instinct 3: specs, who it fits and compatible phones
Garmin Instinct 3 is a sport watch released in 2025 that works with iPhone and Android. It lists Dual-band GNSS, 10ATM and Garmin Pay.
Specifications
| Release year | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Case size | 45 / 50 mm |
| Display | AMOLED |
| Battery as listed | Up to 18 days (AMOLED) · unlimited (solar MIP) |
| Water rating | 10ATM |
| Glass | Chemically hardened / sapphire (variant) |
| Case material | Reinforced polymer |
| GPS type | Dual-band GNSS |
| Operating system | Garmin OS |
| Works with | iPhone and Android |
| Connection | None |
| Contactless wallet | Garmin Pay |
| Plan needed | None |
| Health sensors | SpO2, HRV |
| Safety features | SOS |
Who it fits
- Works with iPhone and Android.
- Lists SOS or fall detection, see our guide for older adults.
- Lists an exact water rating of 5ATM or higher.
How it compares
Closest models from Garmin
| Model | Release year | Case size | Battery as listed | Water rating | GPS type | Works with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Forerunner 570 | 2025 | 42 / 47 mm | Up to 10 days (47 mm) | 5ATM | Dual-band GNSS | iOS and Android |
| Garmin Forerunner 970 | 2025 | 47 mm | Up to 15 days | 5ATM | Dual-band GNSS + maps | iOS and Android |
| Garmin tactix 8 AMOLED | 2025 | 47 / 51 mm | Up to 16 days (47 mm) · 29 days (51 mm) | 10ATM | Dual-band GNSS + maps | iOS and Android |
Closest models from other brands
| Model | Release year | Case size | Battery as listed | Water rating | GPS type | Works with |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro | 2025 | 48 mm | 25 days (approx.) | 10ATM | Dual-band GNSS + maps | iOS and Android |
| COROS Apex 4 | 2025 | 42 / 46 mm | Up to 65 GPS hours (46 mm) | 5ATM | Dual-band GNSS + maps | iOS and Android |
| COROS NOMAD | 2025 | 46 mm | Up to 22 days; 50 hours All-Systems GPS | 5ATM | Dual-band GNSS + maps | iOS and Android |
Compared with Garmin Forerunner 570, Garmin Instinct 3 lists a higher ATM rating (10 against 5), Reinforced polymer case material, where Garmin Forerunner 570 lists Polymer/aluminum and case sizes of 45 / 50 mm against 42 / 47 mm.
Compared with Garmin Forerunner 970, Garmin Instinct 3 lists a higher ATM rating (10 against 5) and Reinforced polymer case material, where Garmin Forerunner 970 lists Titanium bezel.
Compared with Garmin tactix 8 AMOLED, Garmin Instinct 3 lists Reinforced polymer case material, where Garmin tactix 8 AMOLED lists Titanium and case sizes of 45 / 50 mm against 47 / 51 mm.
Compared with Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro, Garmin Instinct 3 lists Reinforced polymer case material, where Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro lists Titanium and a contactless wallet (Garmin Pay), which Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro does not list.
Compared with COROS Apex 4, Garmin Instinct 3 lists a higher ATM rating (10 against 5), Reinforced polymer case material, where COROS Apex 4 lists Grade-5 titanium and case sizes of 45 / 50 mm against 42 / 46 mm.
Compared with COROS NOMAD, Garmin Instinct 3 lists a higher ATM rating (10 against 5) and a contactless wallet (Garmin Pay), which COROS NOMAD does not list.
Only values listed exactly are compared.
Phone compatibility and plan
No plan is listed as needed.
Sensors and features are listed as the maker names them and are not medical measurements.
Related guides and lists
- Battery life explained
- Phone compatibility
- Water resistance ratings
- Sensors explained
- Garmin smartwatches
- All models
Last verified September 26, 2026
Features change with updates. Check the maker's current details. See our methodology