Garmin Instinct vs. Polar Unite

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

Side by side comparison and review of Garmin Instinct and Polar Unite. 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 vs. Polar Unite Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Instinct Polar Unite
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 -
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Width 45 mm 43.4 mm
Height 45 mm 43.4 mm
Depth 15.3 mm 10.4 mm
Weight 53 g 32 g
Body Material Fibre-reinforced polymer Fibreglass reinforced polymer
Protection Waterproof Water-resistant
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Instinct Polar Unite
Sensors Accelerometer, digital compass, thermometre, barometric altimeter, optical heart sensor Accelerometer, ambient light sensor, optical heart sensor
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, stress level, menstrual cycle, hydration Distance, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken
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 Fitness test, Bluetooth Smart technology, inactivity alert, GPS via mobile, guided breathing session, Nightly Recharge recovery measurement, FitSpark training guide
Notifications Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps Calendar, SMS, Email
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver -
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Instinct Polar Unite
Wireless Interface Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ Bluetooth
Connectors - USB
DISPLAY Garmin Instinct Polar Unite
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective IPS - colour
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels 240 x 204 pixels
Dimensions (WxH) 23 mm x 23 mm -
Screen Protection Chemically strengthened glass -
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Instinct Polar Unite
Type Touch buttons Touch sensitive screen
CASE Garmin Instinct Polar Unite
Case Shape Round Round
Bezel Fibre-reinforced polymer -
Case Details Black lava | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam | Tundra | Graphite | Flame red -
BAND Garmin Instinct Polar Unite
Band Type Strap Band
Band Size - S/L
Band Width 22 mm 20 mm
Fits Wrist with Circumference 132-224 mm 130-210 mm
Changeable Yes Yes
Clasp Type Buckle Snap & slip
Band Material Silicone Silicone
Band Colour Lava black | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam Black | Blue | Pink | White
BATTERY Garmin Instinct Polar Unite
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium polymer
Capacity - 174 mAh
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)
Watch mode + HR - up to 4 days
Training mode + HR - up to 50 hour(s)
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Instinct Polar Unite
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Charging/data cable
Preloaded Software STR3AMUP! Polar Fitness Test, Polar Flow
Compliant Standards MIL-STD 810G -
Max Depth of Water Resistance 100 m 30 m
Max Operating Temperature 60 °C 50 °C
Min Operating Temperature -20 °C -10 °C
Warranty 1-year warranty 2-year warranty
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