Garmin Instinct vs. Suunto Core Alpha

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Garmin Instinct and Suunto Core Alpha. 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. Suunto Core Alpha Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Instinct Suunto Core Alpha
Product Type Sport watch Sport watch
Supported Host Device OS 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 49.5 mm
Height 45 mm 49.5 mm
Depth 15.3 mm 15.1 mm
Weight 53 g 67 g
Body Material Fibre-reinforced polymer Composite
Protection Waterproof Water-resistant
Colours - Stealth
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Instinct Suunto Core Alpha
Sensors Accelerometer, digital compass, thermometre, barometric altimeter, optical heart sensor Digital compass, barometer, altimeter, temperature
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, stress level, menstrual cycle, hydration Time, speed, altitude, temperature
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 Dual time zone, alarm, timer, countdown timer, weather information, stopwatch timer, storm alarm
Notifications Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps -
Vibrating Alert Yes -
Feedback Type - Visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver -
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Instinct Suunto Core Alpha
Wireless Interface Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+ -
DISPLAY Garmin Instinct Suunto Core Alpha
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective Monochrome
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels -
Dimensions (WxH) 23 mm x 23 mm -
Screen Protection Chemically strengthened glass -
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Instinct Suunto Core Alpha
Type Touch buttons Touch buttons
CASE Garmin Instinct Suunto Core Alpha
Case Shape Round Round
Bezel Fibre-reinforced polymer Aluminium
Case Details Black lava | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam | Tundra | Graphite | Flame red -
BAND Garmin Instinct Suunto Core Alpha
Band Type Strap Strap
Band Width 22 mm -
Fits Wrist with Circumference 132-224 mm 140-240 mm
Changeable Yes Yes
Clasp Type Buckle Buckle
Band Material Silicone Textile
Band Colour Lava black | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam -
BATTERY Garmin Instinct Suunto Core Alpha
Technology Lithium Ion -
Form Factor - CR2032
Battery Life 14 day(s) 12 month(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)
Regular usage - up to 12 months
Rechargeable Battery Yes -
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Instinct Suunto Core Alpha
Included Accessories Charging/data cable -
Preloaded Software STR3AMUP! -
Compliant Standards MIL-STD 810G -
Max Depth of Water Resistance 100 m 30 m
Max Operating Temperature 60 °C 60 °C
Min Operating Temperature -20 °C -20 °C
Warranty 1-year warranty 2-year warranty
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