The new Garmin Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S are now official, a series of smartwatches geared towards sport and adventure . Therefore, they are watches with many options to monitor physical activity, they also resist harsh environments and, in solar models, they can offer an infinite battery.
The Instinct 2 is the larger 45mm model , while the Instinct 2S is 40mm , perfect for slimmer wrists. Garmin actually sells 19 models based on size, external finish, and whether it includes a sunscreen or relies solely on the internal battery.
The solar panel is hidden under the screen, and it prevents us from charging the battery if we carry it for at least 3 hours a day in a sunny environment (from 50,000 lux). Of course, the use of the charger will be necessary if we use functions of high energy consumption, especially the location through.
When we depend on the battery, we managed 28 days of use with the advanced functions, up to 65 days in energy saving mode and about 30 hours of autonomy with GPS, which are really very outstanding figures.
Another aspect that allows infinite autonomy and great resistance is that the Garmin Instinct 2 opt for a transflective monochrome screen . It is perfectly visible outdoors, but does not use a backlight by default like standard screens, which reduces consumption.
This moves the Garmin Instinct 2 away from the image quality of standard smartwatches, instead it is key to offering a good experience to demanding athletes.
Garmin Instinct 2 and 2S, sports functions
Garmin considers the Instinct 2 to be rugged adventure watches , although they offer a design and features that allow them to be used on a daily basis. Of course, sport is key in these smartwatches, and its options in this regard are very wide, leaving aside other intelligent functions.
These are the most important health and sports features of the Garmin Instinct 2 and 2S:
- Continuous heart rate monitor with irregular pulse alerts.
- Oximeter for blood oxygen (SpO2).
- Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max).
- Location using GPS, Galileo and Glonass.
- Includes altimeter, barometer and compass, supports return to the starting point (trackback).
- Sports monitoring, with intensity monitor and recovery times.
- HIIT sessions pre-installed.
- Control of sleep, stress and menstrual cycle.
The Garmin Instinct 2 resist impacts, extreme temperatures and up to 10 ATM under water , and the dial uses Gorilla Glass protective glass. Regarding the smart functions, it allows us to receive mobile notifications on the wrist.
Garmin Instinct 2 and 2S, prices and models
The Instinct 2 series is already on sale in Spain, and starts at 349.99 euros, a figure that goes up if we want a specific version. Of course, the prices are the same for the 40 mm and 45 mm sizes, according to this table:
- Standard models for €349.99.
- Standard Solar Editions for €449.99.
- Special editions for €399.99.
- Special solar editions for €499.99.
Buy: Garmin Instinct 2 (Amazon)
In addition to the standard finishes, the Garmin Instinct 2 and 2S will be sold in Camo (camouflage), Tactical (military-style), Surf, and Dezl (carrier-oriented) editions.
In general, the Garmin Instinct 2 and 2S are good smartwatches for athletes and adventurers , with a very good battery that can even be infinite if we choose a solar model and spend a lot of time outdoors every day.
