Why I like to recommend this Garmin mannequin to most smartwatch customers – particularly at this worth

The Garmin Intuition sequence has all the time been centered on the out of doors adventurer who wants a rugged watch that performs it doesn’t matter what is thrown at it. I purchased the Intuition 2X Photo voltaic a few years in the past, and it’s nonetheless my first selection in relation to fly fishing and tenting as a result of I by no means have to fret in regards to the battery life, and the watch gives the necessities.

Additionally: I changed my Apple Watch Extremely with this flagship Garmin mannequin – and did not remorse it

Garmin launched the Intuition 3 sequence a number of months in the past and, for the primary time, gives prospects with the choice for a memory-in-pixel (MIP) show or a vibrant AMOLED show. On condition that lengthy battery life, marketed as limitless with enough photo voltaic charging, is a staple of the Intuition model, I requested to assessment the MIP show mannequin and take a look at the enhancements over the Intuition 2X Photo voltaic.

I perceive the attraction of AMOLED shows, however I am not satisfied that Garmin ought to have added one to the Intuition lineup. I would favor to have seen solely a photo voltaic mannequin that bumped up the MIP show from monochrome to paint, as we see on the unimaginable Enduro 3. Garmin has confirmed that it could possibly nonetheless present unimaginable battery life with a shade MIP show, and that’s the improve I wished to see. 

Monochrome MIP shows have been utilized in Intuition fashions for years, and I do not thoughts it within the Intuition 2X, however after testing the Intuition 3 Photo voltaic for a number of weeks, I believe I am finished with a monochrome show from Garmin. Garmin now gives so many fascinating well being and wellness metrics that even delicate colours show helpful for fast glances and understanding of these metrics.

Transferring away from the show dialogue, we see that Garmin has improved the Intuition 3 Photo voltaic in a number of methods when in comparison with the Intuition 2X Photo voltaic. 

Additionally: As a golfer, that is the smartwatch I like to recommend most on the course

Photo voltaic charging energy has been considerably improved, as much as 5 instances that supplied by the final mannequin. The distinction has been improved and is clearly noticeable when each watches are positioned side-by-side. New shade choices can be found, and enhancements in software program options have been added. 

These software program enhancements embody coaching load, sleep coach, nap detection, Garmin Messenger, and multi-sport auto transition.

The Garmin Intuition 3 Photo voltaic has demonstrated correct location monitoring, strong coronary heart price monitoring accuracy, and flawless, dependable efficiency with all the pieces I threw at it. That LED flashlight stays a staple I take advantage of day by day and is one purpose you’ll all the time discover a Garmin watch on certainly one of my wrists. I attempted the bigger 50mm mannequin with that cool Twilight and Solstice orange band, and it suits me completely. I particularly love the load and look on my wrist.

Additionally: Why I changed my Whoop band with this health strap (trace: there is not any subscription)

The watch has rugged components with raised polymer body items across the bezel defending the scratch-resistant show, a splash of shade on the aluminum bezel ring, and fiber-reinforced case materials. It’s rated for 10 ATM water resistance, so you possibly can put on it anyplace with out fear. I additionally get pleasure from utilizing that small show within the higher proper, particularly for marking once I land fish within the rivers.

The Garmin Intuition 3 Photo voltaic is an efficient possibility for these searching for one of many longest-lasting GPS sports activities watches for below $500. It is time to transfer on from monochrome MIP shows, and I might like to see the Intuition 4 supplied with a shade MIP mannequin and the AMOLED one so you possibly can select shade after which make a battery life resolution like we do now with flagship Fenix 8 sequence.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

Garmin’s Intuition lineup stays one centered on those that desire a rugged, chunky watch that may take a beating and carry on going. The Intuition 3 Photo voltaic provides extraordinarily lengthy battery life and a few compelling shade and dimension choices, however Garmin ought to take into account retiring the monochrome show expertise. The Intuition 3 Photo voltaic provides a lot of what the Fenix 8 provides, with no help for offline music, speaker/mic performance, and the older era optical coronary heart price sensor. 

This text was initially revealed on February 25, 2025, and was up to date on April 28, 2025.