I’ve a confession to make: I’ve by no means climbed a rock wall and actually had no plans to take action. Nevertheless, when Garmin invited me to take a brief break from the CES 2025 grind to check out a pair of its latest rugged smartwatches, I agreed, if just for the possibility to check out one, the Photo voltaic Intuition 3 with battery life that can final perpetually.
The Garmin Intuition 3 rugged watches have daring, even aggressive seems and appear greater than as much as the duty of surviving a mountain climbing wall fall (Editor’s be aware: No one fell).
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There’s the brand new solar-powered one that includes a non-touch monochrome show surrounded by a metallic band that additional protects the watch and its display screen, most of which is roofed by a clear photo voltaic panel. There are ample black areas surrounding the digital show which are extra environment friendly at capturing the daylight.
The opposite Encourage 3 watch encompasses a sensible and colourful AMOLED display screen. Whereas the Photo voltaic Intuition 3 will, with sufficient daylight, run indefinitely, the AMOLED isn’t any slouch, working as much as 24 days on a cost.
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There are a pair of buttons on the correct and a trio of them on the left aspect of every watch. Navigating the wealthy interfaces is a bit difficult at first, particularly for those who’re used to the touch screens however I’d reckon you’d get used to it shortly.
I do like that the readouts on each watches are fairly clear. And I discovered them simple to learn whilst I climbed and glanced at my wrist.
Oh, sure, I did climb. It was a V0 problem wall, and I used to be in a position to observe that actual climb with the Garmin Intuition 3 Photo voltaic on one wrist and the Garmin Intuition 3 AMOLED on the opposite.
Each watches have a deep properly of activity-tracking choices, and you may add extra for those who don’t see your most popular exercise.
I wore the bigger 50mm watches (there are additionally a 45mm choices) however regardless of their rugged look I didn’t discover them uncomfortable. The practically limitless battery life may encourage you to put on them to mattress. Sleep monitoring, in spite of everything, is a core a part of the well being monitoring options. You get a each day battery degree rating that helps you determine if it’s worthwhile to match extra in your wellness or health actions.
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The watches will present all the standard notifications you’d count on from a wise wearable, however you received’t be receiving calls. There are not any microphones or audio system on both Intuition 3.
At $399.99 to begin for the Photo voltaic line ( AMOLED begins at $449.99), that is thought of Garmin’s extra reasonably priced rugged watch. One of many stuff you lose with a cheaper price is the detailed, lively topo-active maps, however you continue to have GPS and all of the navigation options that include that.
I didn’t have quite a lot of time with each watches, principally simply my pair of uneventful climbs, however one cool function that I did get to attempt is the built-in flashlight.
On each the photo voltaic and AMOLED fashions, the little lamp sits between the lugs on the highest aspect of the watch. A double press on one button turns it on, then urgent one of many two buttons under raises and lowers the brightness. You may maintain urgent, after which the sunshine turns pink, which is perhaps a nice shock for individuals who hate shiny white flashlight lights.
Usually, I appreciated what I noticed in these Garmin Intuition 3 rugged smartwatches. They’re comfy and fun-looking, have nice screens, and have unbelievable battery life. The costs are first rate for this near-ultra class of smartwatches and could also be an important various for somebody who doesn’t need to spend money on a dear Apple Extremely.