Garmin Instinct vs. Garmin Approach G12

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Detailed comparison and review of Garmin Instinct and Garmin Approach G12. With our comprehensive overview, you can simply compare size, design, functions, battery capacities, but also other key features of both smartwatches and easily decide which one is the right choice for you. Our goal is to help you identify the main differences between products and find the watch that best fits your needs and expectations.

Smartwatch Specifications Comparison

Garmin Instinct vs. Garmin Approach G12 Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach G12
Product Type Sport watch Sport watch
Supported Host Device OS iOS, Android iOS, Android
Activity/Sport Running, swimming, ski, cycling, hiking, eSport, climbing, yoga, workout, snowboarding, cardio training, rower, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, mountain biking Golf
Wearing Style Watch style Clothing
Width 45 mm 45.8 mm
Height 45 mm 51.3 mm
Depth 15.3 mm 12.4 mm
Weight 53 g 25.1 g
Body Material Fibre-reinforced polymer -
Protection Waterproof -
Clock Display Yes -
FEATURES Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach G12
Sensors Accelerometer, digital compass, thermometre, barometric altimeter, optical heart sensor Odometer
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, stress level, menstrual cycle, hydration Distance, golf shot distance, stroke data
Goal Setting Yes -
Features Music remote handling, find phone function, VIRB control, inactivity alert, Move IQ, Find my Device, Garmin Elevate, LiveTrack, TrueUp, Body Battery, Physio TrueUp Sunlight readable, Bluetooth Smart technology
Notifications Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps -
Vibrating Alert Yes -
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver -
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach G12
Wireless Interface Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ Bluetooth
DISPLAY Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach G12
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective Monochrome
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels 175 x 175 pixels
Dimensions (WxH) 23 mm x 23 mm 23 mm x 23 mm
Screen Protection Chemically strengthened glass -
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach G12
Type Touch buttons Push buttons
CASE Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach G12
Case Shape Round Circular
Bezel Fibre-reinforced polymer -
Case Details Black lava | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam | Tundra | Graphite | Flame red -
BAND Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach G12
Band Type Strap -
Band Width 22 mm -
Fits Wrist with Circumference 132-224 mm -
Changeable Yes -
Clasp Type Buckle -
Band Material Silicone -
Band Colour Lava black | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam -
BATTERY Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach G12
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Battery Life 14 day(s) 30 hours
Battery Life Details Smartwatch mode - up to 14 days
Esports mode - up to 80 hour(s)
GPS mode - up to 16 hour(s)
UltraTrac mode - up to 40 hour(s)
GPS mode - up to 30 hour(s)
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Instinct Garmin Approach G12
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Charging/data cable
Preloaded Software STR3AMUP! -
Compliant Standards MIL-STD 810G IEC 60529 IPX7
Max Depth of Water Resistance 100 m -
Max Operating Temperature 60 °C 60 °C
Min Operating Temperature -20 °C -20 °C
Warranty 1-year warranty 1-year warranty
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