Garmin Instinct 2S
Score: 87/100
Withings ScanWatch Nova
Score: 91/100Rankings
The Withings ScanWatch Nova is a premium 42 mm hybrid watch delivering up to 30 days of battery life and a comprehensive health suite including ECG, SpO₂ and temperature monitoring. Its larger, heavier build and tiny grayscale display, plus the absence of built-in GPS, are its main compromises. Best suited for health-focused users who value extensive metrics and rugged style.
The Garmin Instinct 2S Solar is a rugged, compact 40 mm GPS smartwatch offering exceptional solar-extended battery life and a sunlight-visible monochrome MIP display. Its monochrome screen and basic navigation features limit its appeal for users seeking a colorful, full-featured interface. Ideal for small-wristed outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize durability and endurance.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
504 hours | 720 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 42 gbest | 63 g |
0.79 inchesbest | 0.63 inches | |
156 pixels | 14,504 pixelsbest | |
1 years | 2 yearsbest | |
— | 40 modesbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 504 hours | 720 hours |
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 2 years |
Display(3) | ||
Display Size (inches) | 0.79 inches | 0.63 inches |
Display Resolution (pixels) | 156 pixels | 14504 pixels |
Display Type | Monochrome MIP | Grayscale OLED |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 42 g | 63 g |
Case Material | Fiber-reinforced polymer | Stainless steel |
Connectivity(1) | ||
GPS | true | false |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
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.
Professional reviewers commend the ScanWatch Nova for its exceptional 30-day battery, robust health suite (ECG, temperature, SpO₂) and premium dive-style construction with ceramic bezel and sapphire glass. They note the analog-hybrid aesthetic as a refreshing alternative to notification-heavy smartwatches, but criticize the tiny grayscale display, lack of built-in GPS and reliance on the app for full health insights.
Everyday users love the long-lasting battery, accurate wellness metrics and the classic analog look that disguises a smart device. Common praise centers on reliable swim tracking and overall durability, while recurring complaints focus on the heavy feel, difficulty reading the small hidden screen in bright light, occasional app sync issues, and limited notification capabilities.
“Long battery (weeks without charging)”
“Heavy feel on wrist (especially with metal band)”
