Garmin Instinct vs. Garmin epix Gen 2

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Garmin Instinct and Garmin epix Gen 2. Compare sizes, functions, displays, batteries and other important specifications and features to easily choose the right smartwatch for you. Our goal is to help you uncover differences between the products and find the watch that will best fit your needs.

Smartwatch Specifications Comparison

Garmin Instinct vs. Garmin epix Gen 2 Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Instinct Garmin epix Gen 2
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 Multisport
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Width 45 mm -
Height 45 mm -
Depth 15.3 mm -
Weight 53 g -
Body Details - With band: 76 g
Case only: 53 g
Body Material Fibre-reinforced polymer Steel, fibre-reinforced polymer
Protection Waterproof Water-resistant
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Instinct Garmin epix Gen 2
Sensors Accelerometer, digital compass, thermometre, barometric altimeter, optical heart sensor Accelerometer, barometer, altimeter, optical heart sensor, 3-axis electronic compass
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, stress level, menstrual cycle, hydration Distance, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, blood oxygen saturation, pace, stress level, respiratory rate, active time, water balance
Goal Setting Yes 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 Music remote handling, find phone function, VIRB control, inactivity alert, Move IQ, Find my Device, Downloadable workouts, store & play music, rejecting a call, LiveTrack, Physio TrueUp, PacePro pace guidance, animated workouts, weather information, dual grid coordinates format, Body Battery Energy Monitor
Notifications Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps Calendar, SMS, Email, incoming calls, high and low heart rate
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Feedback Type - Audio alert, vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver
Payment Technology - Garmin Pay
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Instinct Garmin epix Gen 2
Wireless Interface Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+
DISPLAY Garmin Instinct Garmin epix Gen 2
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective AMOLED - colour
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels 416 x 416 pixels
Screen Size - 1.3"
Dimensions (WxH) 23 mm x 23 mm -
Screen Protection Chemically strengthened glass Corning Gorilla Glass DX (scratch resistant glass)
Always On Display (AOD) - Yes
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Instinct Garmin epix Gen 2
Type Touch buttons Touch sensitive screen, push buttons
CASE Garmin Instinct Garmin epix Gen 2
Case Shape Round Round
Bezel Fibre-reinforced polymer Passivated stainless steel
Case Back - Steel
Case Details Black lava | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam | Tundra | Graphite | Flame red Slate steel
BAND Garmin Instinct Garmin epix Gen 2
Band Type Strap Band
Band Width 22 mm 22 mm
Fits Wrist with Circumference 132-224 mm 125-208 mm
Changeable Yes Yes
Clasp Type Buckle Buckle
Band Material Silicone Silicone
Band Colour Lava black | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam -
STORAGE Garmin Instinct Garmin epix Gen 2
Storage Capacity - 16 GB
BATTERY Garmin Instinct Garmin epix Gen 2
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Battery Life 14 day(s) -
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)
Smartwatch mode - up to 16 days
Battery Saver Watch Mode - up to 21 days
GPS mode - up to 42 hour(s)
All satellite systems mode - up to 32 hours
All satellite systems with music mode - up to 10 hour(s)
Max Battery GPS Mode - up to 75 hour(s)
Expedition GPS Mode - up to 14 days
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Instinct Garmin epix Gen 2
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Charging/data cable
Preloaded Software STR3AMUP! -
Compliant Standards MIL-STD 810G -
SAR Value - 0.32 W/kg (body), 0.28 W/kg (limb)
Max Depth of Water Resistance 100 m 100 m
Max Operating Temperature 60 °C 45 °C
Min Operating Temperature -20 °C -20 °C
Warranty 1-year warranty -
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