Microsoft Band vs. Garmin Instinct

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Microsoft Band and Garmin Instinct. 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

Microsoft Band vs. Garmin Instinct Comparison Chart
GENERAL Microsoft Band Garmin Instinct
Product Type Smart watch Sport watch
Supported Host Device OS Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean), Android 4.4 (KitKat), Windows Phone OS 8.1, iOS 7.1 or later 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
Audio Input Microphone -
Width 19 mm 45 mm
Height - 45 mm
Depth 8.7 mm 15.3 mm
Weight 60 g 53 g
Body Material TPE Fibre-reinforced polymer
Protection Dustproof, splashproof Waterproof
Clock Display - Yes
FEATURES Microsoft Band Garmin Instinct
Sensors Ambient light sensor, pedometer, 3-axis gyro sensor, thermometre, heart rate, UV sensor, 3-axis accelerometer Accelerometer, digital compass, thermometre, barometric altimeter, optical heart sensor
Tracking Data Distance, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, skin temperature Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, stress level, menstrual cycle, hydration
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
Notifications Calendar, SMS, Email Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Navigation (GPS) - GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver
CONNECTIVITY Microsoft Band Garmin Instinct
Wireless Interface Bluetooth 4.0 Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+
DISPLAY Microsoft Band Garmin Instinct
Type TFT - colour Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective
Resolution 320 x 106 pixels 128 x 128 pixels
Screen Size 1.4" -
Dimensions (WxH) 33 mm x 11 mm 23 mm x 23 mm
Screen Protection - Chemically strengthened glass
INPUT DEVICE Microsoft Band Garmin Instinct
Type Touch sensitive screen Touch buttons
CASE Microsoft Band Garmin Instinct
Case Shape - Round
Bezel - Fibre-reinforced polymer
Case Details - Black lava | Coyote tan | Sunburst | Lakeside blue | Sea foam | Tundra | Graphite | Flame red
BAND Microsoft Band Garmin Instinct
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
STORAGE Microsoft Band Garmin Instinct
Storage Capacity 64 MB -
CPU Microsoft Band Garmin Instinct
Manufacturer ARM -
CPU Type Cortex-M4 -
BATTERY Microsoft Band Garmin Instinct
Technology Lithium Ion Lithium Ion
Capacity 100 mAh -
Battery Life 48 hours 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)
Rechargeable Battery - Yes
Recharge Time 90 min -
MISCELLANEOUS Microsoft Band Garmin Instinct
Included Accessories USB charging cable Charging/data cable
Preloaded Software Alarm, iMapMyFitness, Weather, Timer, Visual Voicemail, MyFitnessPal, RunKeeper, Cortana, Finance, Microsoft Health STR3AMUP!
Compliant Standards - MIL-STD 810G
Max Depth of Water Resistance - 100 m
Max Operating Temperature 40 °C 60 °C
Min Operating Temperature -10 °C -20 °C
Warranty 1-year warranty 1-year warranty
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