Pros
Comfortable silicone band with innovative excess band holders
Great battery life, especially with solar charging capabilities
Accurate GPS and Multi-GNSS support
Customizable watch faces and features
Robust and durable build, highly water-resistant
Easy setup and intuitive use with dedicated buttons
Good integration with smartphone for notifications and controls
Variety of fitness and health metrics including heart rate and pulse oximeter
Incident reporting feature for safety
Lightweight despite robust construction
Cons
Solar charging doesn't completely eliminate the need for plugging in
Heart rate monitor can be slow to update
Complicated user interface with a learning curve
Main Product Advantages
10 Battery Life
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar offers phenomenal battery life. Users report up to 24-30 days of battery life under specific configurations and usage patterns, which is exceptional for a smartwatch. The solar charging capability further extends this life by a day or two under regular sun exposure. This feature particularly stands out when compared to other smartwatches whose battery lives are typically measured in days rather than weeks.
10 Durability
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is highly durable and water-resistant, making it suitable for various rigorous activities including swimming. Users rave about its robust build quality while being lightweight, comparing it favorably to more bulkier smartwatches on the market.
9 Solar Charging Capabilities
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar features an impressive solar charging capability that helps extend the battery life significantly. The watch's face includes a solar panel, with 85% of the solar light absorbed by the outer ring and 15% by the center watch face. While it won't make the watch perpetually charged under typical usage, it does provide noticeable battery extensions, especially during sunny periods.
9 Multi-GNSS Support
The watch supports multiple global navigation satellite systems, enhancing tracking accuracy and reliability. Users find the GPS robust and highly accurate, making it ideal for activities such as hiking, biking, and cardio training. It also ensures you'll rarely encounter signal issues, providing peace of mind during outdoor adventures.
8 Customization Options
The watch offers extensive customization options for watch faces and menu navigation. Users can modify many aspects of the display to suit their preferences, which enhances the user experience. However, some users noted the learning curve involved in navigating and customizing the settings.
8 Health Monitoring Features
The watch includes various health monitoring features such as heart rate, Pulse Ox, sleep patterns, and fitness age metrics. While most users find them generally accurate, certain functions like the heart rate monitor can be slow to update. The incident reporting feature is another valuable addition, although some users feel the Pulse Ox feature significantly drains the battery.
8 Phone Integration and Notifications
Phone alerts and notifications integration works seamlessly, enhancing the smartwatch experience. Users appreciate the ability to receive and reply to messages directly from the watch. However, the non-touch interface means navigating through notifications can involve more button presses.
8 Tracback Routing
TracBack routing is a useful feature that allows users to navigate back to their starting point easily. It provides a simple breadcrumb trail to follow, ensuring users can retrace their steps without getting lost, although it lacks a detailed map background.
7 Ease of Use
Users find the watch relatively easy to set up and pair with smartphones. However, there is a learning curve associated with mastering the button functions and menu navigation, as the watch lacks a touchscreen interface. Once familiar, users appreciate the intuitive and reliable performance.
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar: Rugged GPS Outdoor Watch
Whatever you do, own it with the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar. This rugged GPS smartwatch is built to keep up with any adventure and complements your unique style.
Unlimited Battery Life
Thanks to its solar charging capabilities, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar offers unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode, provided you wear it all day with 3 hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions. This feature ensures you can push your limits without worrying about battery life.
Preloaded Activity Profiles
Do more of what you love with preloaded activity profiles that support running, biking, swimming, strength training, and more. This comprehensive suite of activity options allows you to seamlessly track and improve your performance across a variety of sports.
Smart Connectivity
Stay connected to what matters most with smart notifications when paired with a compatible smartphone. The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar also supports Garmin Pay™ and Connect IQ™ compatibility, ensuring you stay synced and ready for any situation.
Health Monitoring
Understand your body better with all-day health monitoring features. Track your energy levels, stress, sleep, and Pulse Ox. Note that Pulse Ox is not available in all countries and is meant to give an estimation of your activity metrics rather than serve as a medical device.
Conclusion
The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar is an excellent choice for those who lead an active lifestyle and need a smartwatch that can keep up with their demands. With its rugged build, solar charging capabilities, extensive activity profiles, smart connectivity, and health monitoring features, this watch offers tremendous value for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts alike.
