Polar M430 vs. Garmin Instinct

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Polar M430 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

Polar M430 vs. Garmin Instinct Comparison Chart
GENERAL Polar M430 Garmin Instinct
Product Type Sport watch Sport watch
Supported Host Device OS iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS 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
Height - 45 mm
Depth 12 mm 15.3 mm
Weight 51 g 53 g
Body Material - Fibre-reinforced polymer
Protection Water-resistant Waterproof
Colours White | Orange | Black | Blue | Grey -
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Polar M430 Garmin Instinct
Sensors Accelerometer, optical heart sensor Accelerometer, digital compass, thermometre, barometric altimeter, optical heart sensor
Tracking Data Distance, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, stress level, menstrual cycle, hydration
Goal Setting Yes Yes
Features Fitness test 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, social apps, incoming calls Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Feedback Type Vibration alert, visual interface -
Navigation (GPS) GPS/A-GPS receiver GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver
CONNECTIVITY Polar M430 Garmin Instinct
Wireless Interface Bluetooth Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ANT+
Connectors USB -
DISPLAY Polar M430 Garmin Instinct
Type LCD - monochrome Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels 128 x 128 pixels
Dimensions (WxH) - 23 mm x 23 mm
Screen Protection - Chemically strengthened glass
INPUT DEVICE Polar M430 Garmin Instinct
Type Push buttons Touch buttons
CASE Polar M430 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 Polar M430 Garmin Instinct
Band Type - Strap
Band Size S -
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 Polar M430 Garmin Instinct
Technology Lithium polymer Lithium Ion
Capacity 240 mAh -
Battery Life 8 hours 14 day(s)
Battery Life Details Watch mode - up to 14 days
Training mode - up to 5 days
Training mode (GPS and wrist-based heart rate) - up to 8 hour(s)
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)
Standby Time 14 days -
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Polar M430 Garmin Instinct
Included Accessories USB charging cable Charging/data cable
Preloaded Software - STR3AMUP!
Compliant Standards - MIL-STD 810G
Max Depth of Water Resistance 30 m 100 m
Max Operating Temperature 50 °C 60 °C
Min Operating Temperature -10 °C -20 °C
Warranty 2-year warranty 1-year warranty
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