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Garmin Instinct 2S — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Fitness TrackersGarmin Instinct 2S

Garmin Instinct 2S — image 1

Garmin

Garmin Instinct 2S

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010-02563-14Deep Orchid40 MM 1 year limited warranty

Fitness Trackers

Expert Review Analysis

The Garmin Instinct 2S Solar is a rugged, compact 40 mm GPS smartwatch weighing 43 g, featuring solar‑extended battery life, a sunlight‑visible monochrome MIP display, and extensive outdoor activity tracking.

✓ Best for: Users with smaller wrists who want a rugged outdoor watch, endurance athletes needing multi‑day GPS sessions, swimmers and water‑sport participants, golfers, budget‑conscious buyers prioritizing battery life over flashy visuals, and adventure athletes who value solar charging and extensive sport profiles.✗ Not ideal for: Consumers who prioritize a vibrant color touchscreen, advanced real‑time weather mapping, or instant plug‑and‑play navigation without configuration; users who dislike a learning curve or need automatic altitude adjustments.

Pros

✓Lightweight and compact design at only 43 g and 40 mm case, ideal for small wrists.
✓Exceptional battery life with up to 51 days in smartwatch mode using solar charging.
✓

Price History

Current

$299.99

Average

$271.96

Lowest

$198.99

Highest

$381.90

Price trend (90d):+50.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#561Best#2Worst#622 -438

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Battery

Smartwatch Mode Battery Life (No Solar)Up to 21 days minutes

Smartwatch Mode Battery Life (Solar)Up to 51 days minutes

Battery Saver Mode Battery Life (No Solar)Up to 50 days minutes

Battery Saver Mode Battery Life (Solar)Unlimited

GPS Mode Battery Life (No Solar)Up to 22 hours minutes

Connectivity

GPS Satellite SupportGPS, GLONASS, Galileo

Bluetooth VersionSmart sensor support

Design

Height13.3 mm mm

Width40 mm mm

Length40 mm mm

Weight42 g g

Case MaterialFiber-reinforced polymer

Display

Display TypeMonochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)

Screen Size0.79" x 0.79" (20 x 20 mm)

Resolution156 x 156 pixels

Features

Health MonitoringHeart Rate, Sleep, Pulse Ox, Respiration

Smart NotificationsSupported

Connect IQ CompatibilitySupported

Widget GlancesSupported

Activity ProfilesRunning, Biking, Swimming, Golf, Mountain Biking, HIIT, Multisport, Gravel Cycling, eMTB, etc.

General

BrandGarmin

ModelInstinct 2S

ColorDeep Orchid

Release Date2022-01-19

Warranty1 year limited warranty

Power

Charging MethodGarmin proprietary plug charger

Sensors

Sensor TypeCompass, Barometer, Altimeter, Optical Heart Rate, Pulse Ox

Storage

Storage Capacity32 MB MB

Research Sources

dcrainmaker.com

oceanmagicsurf.com

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User Reviews

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4.3

(121 reviews)

Rugged fiber‑reinforced polymer construction with 10 ATM water resistance for harsh outdoor use.

✓Comprehensive activity tracking with preloaded profiles for running, cycling, swimming, golf, MTB, and niche sports.

✓Sunlight‑visible monochrome MIP display remains clear in bright conditions and conserves power.

✓Accurate multi‑GNSS navigation (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) with breadcrumb and back‑to‑start features.

Cons

✗Monochrome display lacks color and visual richness compared to competing smartwatches.
✗Navigation maps are basic and do not include advanced features like live weather radar.
✗No automatic altitude adjustment, requiring manual calibration for accurate elevation data.
✗Steeper learning curve; users need several minutes to familiarize with interface and GPS settings.
✗Missing real‑time weather radar (NEXRAD) and live delta time tracking during activities.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Increased display resolution to 156 × 156 pixels improves clarity over first‑generation Instinct.
✓Expanded onboard storage (32 MB) allows more courses and activity files than previous model.
✓Repositioned charging port and altimeter port improve accessibility and sensor reliability.
✓Compact 40 mm case and 43 g weight praised as ideal for users with slim wrists.
✓Solar integration dramatically extends battery life, offering up to 51 days in smartwatch mode.

Criticized by Experts

✗Monochrome screen described as basic and lacking visual appeal.
✗Maps considered functional but basic, lacking advanced navigation features.
✗No automatic altitude adjustment feature noted as a limitation.
✗Absence of NEXRAD weather radar and live delta time tracking.
✗Learning curve noted; users must configure GPS settings to maximize battery.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers commend the Instinct 2S Solar for its durable build, impressive solar‑extended battery life, and upgraded display resolution, while noting the trade‑off of a monochrome screen and basic mapping features. DC Rainmaker highlights the hardware upgrades and improved port placement, and BASE Magazine emphasizes its value, compact size, and extensive sport profiles, though both point out a steeper learning curve and limited advanced navigation.

What Users Say

Everyday users appreciate the watch’s lightweight feel, long battery endurance, and reliable GPS performance in outdoor conditions. Common praise centers on the rugged design, comfortable silicone strap, and breadth of activity tracking, while recurring critiques focus on the lack of a color display and the need to spend time learning the interface.

Common Complaints

Users frequently mention the basic monochrome display, limited map detail, absence of live weather radar, need for manual altitude calibration, and the initial time required to master GPS and battery settings.

How It Compares

vs. Coros Pace 2

Choose the Instinct 2S Solar for solar‑extended battery life and rugged durability; choose Coros Pace 2 for a lightweight design with a color display.

vs. Apple Watch Ultra

Instinct 2S Solar offers longer battery life and superior solar charging for outdoor use, while Apple Watch Ultra provides a full‑color touchscreen and richer app ecosystem.

vs. Suunto Race

Instinct 2S Solar stands out with solar power and extensive Garmin sport profiles; Suunto Race may appeal to users seeking a different UI and brand ecosystem.

Rating Trend

Rating4.3/ 5Reviews121+-849 reviews -0.29

Band Compatibility

QuickFit20 mm strap compatible

Charging

Charging MethodGarmin proprietary plug charger

Dimensions & Weight

Height0.523621 inches

Width1.5748 inches

Depth1.5748 inches

Weight0.09259415004 Pounds