Garmin Instinct Solar Graphite
Score: 86/100
Amazfit Active 2
Score: 85/100Rankings
The Instinct Solar is a rugged outdoor-focused GPS smartwatch with industry-leading battery life thanks to solar charging. Its utilitarian plastic design and tiny monochrome display may deter fashion-oriented users. Best suited for adventurers who prioritize endurance over style.
The Amazfit Active 2 Premium is a round smartwatch that blends a stainless-steel case, sapphire glass, and dual-frequency GPS with a respectable 10-12-day battery life. Drawbacks include the lack of an included charger, occasional Bluetooth hiccups, and a relatively small screen. Best suited for style-conscious fitness fans who value premium materials and accurate navigation without paying flagship prices.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1,296 hoursbest | 264 hours | |
— | 33.528 mmbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 159 g | 31.65 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 140 minutesbest | — |
— | 160best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 159 g | 31.65 g |
Water & Dust Resistance (IP Rating) | 100 meters | 5 ATM |
Battery & Power(1) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 1296 hours | 264 hours |
Display(1) | ||
Display Type | Monochrome | AMOLED |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth | 5.3 |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently highlight the Instinct Solar's unmatched battery longevity, reliable GPS accuracy, and rugged build, while noting its utilitarian plastic styling and limited modular features.
Everyday users love the near-never-charging experience, solar charging effectiveness, and durability, but they frequently mention the watch's plastic aesthetic, small display, and accidental button presses as drawbacks.
“one of the best running watches around”
“incredibly tough and practical”
“the Instinct Solar is a great hiking watch, worthy of our top recommendation”
Professional reviewers describe the Amazfit Active 2 Premium as delivering premium-grade features-speakers, microphone, offline maps and a high-brightness sapphire-protected display-at a budget-friendly $129 price. They commend its compact 44 mm round case, 5 ATM water resistance, precise BioTracker sensor and impressive 10-day battery life, while noting the missing USB-C charger and occasional Bluetooth hiccups as minor drawbacks.
Everyday users consistently praise the watch's comfortable fit, long battery endurance, stylish strap options and bright, readable display. The inclusion of offline maps and voice control is also well-received. Recurring complaints focus on Bluetooth stability issues and the absence of a charging cable in the box, with some noting modest audio quality.
