The Garmin Instinct series is popular among outdoor lovers for its toughness and reliable performance. The new Garmin Instinct 2 has people wondering how it stacks up against the original.
Both the Garmin Instinct and Instinct 2 have great features. The Instinct is light and has accurate GPS, while the Instinct 2 comes with solar charging, giving it a battery life of up to 28 days. But, the Instinct is still the cheaper option.
This article looks at both watches to help you choose which one suits you best. So, let’s find out—Garmin Instinct vs. Instinct 2: which one is better for you?
Comparing the Garmin Instinct vs Instinct 2
| Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Garmin Instinct | 84 | Best lightweight option with accurate GPS support | Check Out On Amazon |
 Garmin Instinct 2 | 86 |  Best long-lasting battery and solar charging feature | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the Garmin Instinct vs Instinct 2
If you’re thinking about whether to go with the Garmin Instinct or the Instinct 2, it’s important to know that while they may look similar, there are some key differences that could really influence your choice once you know the details.
So, let’s dive into our analysis:
1. Garmin Instinct
Overall Score: 84
First, let’s talk about what the Garmin Instinct brings to the table.
The Garmin Instinct is well-loved by athletes because it’s lightweight and comfortable, making it a handy tool for workouts and outdoor activities.
This watch can connect to your smartphone, allowing you to get smart notifications like texts and emails. It also syncs your data with the Garmin Connect fitness community, so you can track your progress.
It’s sweatproof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged during intense workouts like cycling, running, or any other exercise.
The screen has a resolution of 480 x 272, and it’s designed to be used even at night with features like night vision mode.
When it comes to battery life, the Garmin Instinct really shines. It lasts up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, 16 hours in GPS mode, and up to 40 hours in UltraTrac battery-saver mode.
This watch also monitors your heart rate, activity, and stress levels. It comes with preloaded profiles for different sports and activities.
For location tracking, it supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, so it’s accurate even in tough environments.
You can use this watch with both Android and iOS devices through Garmin Connect, which lets you control your music, manage texts, and get notifications all from your wrist.
Advantages
- Super durable and tough design.
- Great battery life.
- Accurate GPS tracking with support from multiple satellites.
- Tracks a wide range of outdoor activities.
- Easy-to-read display in all lighting conditions.
Disadvantages
- The monochrome display might not appeal to everyone.
- The design is more about function than style.
- Some users have reported that the battery dies quickly.
2. Garmin Instinct 2
Overall Score: 84
Now, let’s look at the Garmin Instinct 2, a top-notch product from the well-known Garmin brand.
When comparing the Garmin Instinct vs. Instinct 2, one of the first things you’ll notice is the battery life. The Instinct 2 can last up to an impressive 28 days in smartwatch mode.
If you choose the solar edition, the battery can last indefinitely, depending on how much sunlight it gets.
The watch has a tough, military-grade build, with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass.
It’s built to handle extreme conditions, with water resistance up to 100 meters, thermal resistance, and shock resistance.
The display, though still monochrome, is easy to read even in bright sunlight, which is great for outdoor activities.
The Instinct 2 is slightly slimmer than the original, making it more comfortable for everyday use.
It also supports GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, so you can count on precise navigation and tracking.
The interface is simple, with button controls that work well even in cold weather or when you’re wearing gloves.
You can check out my article on cold weather biking tips to ensure that you make the most of the experience even in the harshest of winters!
Another big plus is that the Instinct 2 has more sports modes, including mountain biking, triathlons, and tactical activities, making it a better fit for a wider range of activities.
Plus, the addition of features like VO2 max, sleep score, and advanced fitness metrics gives you a better overall picture of your health.
Advantages
- Tough, durable design with military-grade protection.
- Improved battery life, with the option for solar charging.
- Accurate GPS tracking.
- Enhanced health and fitness features like VO2 max and sleep score.
- A wide variety of sports modes that you can customize.
- Garmin Pay and smart notifications.
Disadvantages
- The price is higher than the original Instinct.
- The monochrome display might still feel basic compared to other smartwatches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know the differences between the Garmin Instinct and Instinct 2, let’s answer some common questions people have.
What is the main difference between Garmin Instinct and Instinct 2?
The main difference is that the Garmin Instinct 2 has better features, like longer battery life and more advanced health and fitness tracking.
It also offers solar charging, while still keeping the tough design and GPS capabilities of the original Instinct.
How do you charge a Garmin watch?
The easiest way to charge your Garmin watch is by connecting it to a laptop or computer with a USB cable. You can also charge it from a wall charger if you have one.
Which watch has more training features: Garmin Instinct or Instinct 2?
The Garmin Instinct 2 has more training features. It includes advanced fitness tools like VO2 max, recovery time, and training status.
It also has new modes for activities like mountain biking and triathlons, making it better for serious training.
Can Garmin Instinct watches measure heart rate?
Yes, Garmin Instinct watches can measure your heart rate. They have built-in sensors that track your heart rate all day, giving you data on your heart rate zones, stress levels, and overall fitness.
Do Instinct watches track all sports activities?
Garmin Instinct watches track many sports activities, like running, cycling, swimming, and hiking. But they might not cover every sport.
For more specific sports or detailed tracking, you might want to look at Garmin’s Forerunner or Fenix series.
Garmin Instinct Smartwatches Have Built-in ABC Sensors for Navigating Tough Terrains…
The ABC Sensors (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) are super useful when you’re navigating tough terrains.
When comparing the Garmin Instinct and Instinct 2, it’s a common debate since these watches look almost the same. But once you dig deeper, you’ll see they have some key differences.
The Garmin Instinct 2 is great for anyone who wants to keep track of their vitals without constantly worrying about charging the battery, thanks to its long battery life and solar charging option.
On the other hand, the Garmin Instinct is perfect for those who don’t mind having a bit less battery life and fewer sports modes.
Overall, the Instinct offers many of the same great features as the Instinct 2, but at a more affordable price.