Garmin Instinct Solar vs. Garmin Approach S42

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Side by side comparison and review of Garmin Instinct Solar and Garmin Approach S42. Compare design, displays, functions, batteries and other key specifications and features to simplify the choice of your perfect smartwatch. Our goal is to make it easier for you to decide on the watch that will best meet your expectations by revealing the main differences between the products.

Smartwatch Specifications Comparison

Garmin Instinct Solar vs. Garmin Approach S42 Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Approach S42
Product Type Sport watch Sport watch
Supported Host Device OS iOS, Android iOS, Android
Activity/Sport Running, swimming, ski, cycling, hiking, fishing, climbing, snowboarding, rower, kayaking, hunting, jumpmaster, stand up paddleboarding Golf
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Width 45 mm 43.4 mm
Height 45 mm 43.4 mm
Depth 15.3 mm 11.7 mm
Weight 53 g 43 g
Body Material Fibre-reinforced polymer -
Protection Waterproof Waterproof
Colours Pipeline | Tidal blue | Cloudbreak -
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Approach S42
Sensors Accelerometer, barometer, thermometre, altimeter, 3-axis compass, optical heart sensor Accelerometer, gyro sensor
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, blood oxygen saturation, stress level Distance, time, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, steps taken
Modes Stealth mode -
Goal Setting Yes Yes
Features Music remote handling, Heart Rate target zone selector, find phone function, Bluetooth Smart technology, VIRB control, inactivity alert, Move IQ, Find my Device, Garmin Elevate, TrueUp, Body Battery, solar charging, night vision compatibility, dual grid coordinates format, trackback routing Find phone function, sunlight readable, Bluetooth Smart technology, inactivity alert, Garmin Connect compatible, Find my Device, TrueUp, Garmin AutoShot, TruSwing, weather information, 42000+ preloaded courses
Notifications Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps Calendar, incoming calls, applications
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Feedback Type - Vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver GPS receiver
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Approach S42
Wireless Interface Bluetooth, ANT+ Bluetooth
DISPLAY Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Approach S42
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective Memory-in-Pixel LCD - colour
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels 240 x 240 pixels
Screen Size - 1.2"
Dimensions (WxH) 23 mm x 23 mm -
Screen Protection Power Glass -
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Approach S42
Type Touch buttons Touch sensitive screen
CASE Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Approach S42
Case Shape Round Round
Bezel - Metal
Case Details Graphite | Black | Moss | Flame red | Sunburst | Lichen camo Gunmetal | Polished silver | Rose gold
BAND Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Approach S42
Band Type Band Band
Band Width 22 mm -
Fits Wrist with Circumference 132-224 mm 125-202 mm
Changeable Yes Yes
Clasp Type Buckle Buckle
Band Material Silicone Silicone
Band Colour Graphite | Black | Moss | Flame red | Sunburst | Lichen camo | Orchid | Graphite camo Black | White | Light sand
STORAGE Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Approach S42
Storage Capacity - 64 MB
BATTERY Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Approach S42
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Battery Life 56 day(s) 10 day(s)
Battery Life Details Smartwatch mode - up to 24 days
Smartwatch mode (with solar) - up to 54 days
Battery Saver Watch Mode - up to 56 days
Max Battery GPS Mode - up to 30 hour(s)
Max Battery GPS Mode (with solar) - up to 38 hour(s)
Smartwatch mode - up to 10 days
GPS mode - up to 15 hours
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Approach S42
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Charging/data cable
Compliant Standards MIL-STD-810 -
Max Depth of Water Resistance 100 m 50 m
Max Operating Temperature - 60 °C
Min Operating Temperature - -20 °C
Warranty - 1-year warranty
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