TechSmartwatchesI bought a Garmin watch – 48 hours in, it’s blown away my Apple Watch for goodThe Garmin Instinct Solar offers everything I need in a smartwatch, so my Apple Watch needs a new homeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechSmartwatchesI bought a Garmin watch – 48 hours in, it’s blown away my Apple Watch for goodThe Garmin Instinct Solar offers everything I need in a smartwatch, so my Apple Watch needs a new homeWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
The Garmin Instinct Solar offers everything I need in a smartwatch, so my Apple Watch needs a new home
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
As a lover of traditionalwatches, I’ve always had a love-hate relationship withsmartwatches. I love the information they offer, whether that’s health data or quick access to messages and notifications. I’m less enamoured with their constant need to be charged.
Recently, I decided to enjoy the best of both worlds. Following in the footsteps of swathes of celebrities and royal figures, I opted towear two watches. On one wrist, a gorgeous timepiece, on the other, something which can let me know if I’m about to drop dead – perfect!
I’ve tried a couple of different smartwatches to try and find the right one. Mostly, that’s been anApple Watch SE. But that’s resigned to its box now, after I snagged aGarmin Instinct Solarearlier this week. In an insaneAmazon Prime Day deal– which at the time of writing is stillreduced at Amazon– the affordableGarmin watchwas better than half price.
As I write this, it has been on my wrist for about 48 hours – and it’s beating theApple Watchhands down. There are a few reasons for this.
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
Lets start with the strap. It’s much nicer than the silicone straps that come on the Apple alternative. TheGarminstrap is much thinner, making it more pliable. That’s great for comfort. The holes for the buckle are also much more numerous, making it easy to find a good fit. Plus, as a secondary benefit, the unused holes allow air to flow more freely around your wrist, making it more comfortable again.
Then there’s the dial. Sure, it’s not the colour-heavy display you’ll find on anApple Watch, but I really don’t mind that. In fact, the monochrome is much easier on the eye. It doesn’t feel like I’m missing out on any crucial information, either – maybe a little of the animation, but I can live without that.
Then, there’s the battery life. Garmin’s are notorious for having a ridiculous battery life, and this doesn’t disappoint. Straight out of the box, the battery was about half full. On any other device, that might have made me reach for a charging cable. Here though, that meant around 15days.
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More than anything else, though, I love the interface. The Garmin isn’t a touchscreen device. I did have some concerns about that – would it really be intuitive enough to control everything with a selection of five buttons? As it turns out, yes. It’s effortlessly simple to use.
Clearing notifications on the watch also does so on the phone – saving time, while you tell the time!(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
Clearing notifications on the watch also does so on the phone – saving time, while you tell the time!
Clearing notifications on the watch also does so on the phone – saving time, while you tell the time!
(Image credit: Future / Sam Cross)
That’s not all. One of the best things I’ve found on this device so far is the option to clear notifications as they come in. Pressing the down button will get rid of the notification. Crucially, it mirrors this on the linkedphonewhere the notification came from.
On alternative devices I’ve used, clearing a notification on the watch doesn’t mean it’s cleared on the phone. That, effectively doubles the amount of time you spend swiping away things you aren’t interested in. That feature alone is worth the price of entry for me.
There’s also the Garmin Connect app. Is it necessarily any better than Apple’s Health app? No. But it’s certainly no worse. I like the interface a little better, but that’s just down to personal preference. All of the health data will sync up anyway.
So, should you make the switch too? Well, not necessarily. It all comes down to personal preference. For me, the Garmin feels like a smartwatch that hides its ‘smart’ credentials. It’s not overbearing, and it doesn’t feel overly technological.
If that’s something you crave, then it’s definitely worth a look – particularly while it’s stilldiscounted at Amazon. If not though, the Apple Watch is still worthy of its place. Just be sure to keep that charging cable at arms length.
Today’s best Garmin Instinct Solar deals$29.99View$399.99ViewLow Stock$404.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Garmin Instinct Solar deals$29.99View$399.99ViewLow Stock$404.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Garmin Instinct Solar deals
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