In 2022, Garmin released the Instinct 2 and 2S, upgrading the lineup while introducing various improvements compared to their predecessors. Both have a rugged, sporty look specifically designed for athletes and adventure seekers.
But which one should I choose between the Garmin Instinct 2 and the Instinct 2S? Below, we’ll delve into the comparison of both of these smartwatches to help you decide which one fits your needs and budget.
Key Takeaways
At first glance, you can easily spot the difference, like the Garmin Instinct 2 having a bigger 45mm size and the Instinct 2S having a smaller 42mm size. Both come with a silicone band, but the Instinct 2 has a 22mm quick fit strap, while the Instinct 2S has a 20mm quick fit strap.
There’s also a slight difference in the screen size. The Instinct 2 boasts a 0.9” x 0.9” display with a screen resolution of 176 x 176 pixels. It measures 45 x 45 x 14.5 mm and weighs 53 grams. In contrast, the Instinct 2S boasts a 0.79” x 0.79” display with a screen resolution of 156 x 156 pixels. It measures 40 x 40 x 13.3 mm and weighs only 43 grams.
One of the major differences lies in the battery life. The Instinct 2 can last for around 28 days in between charges. In the solar model, the smartwatch can go forever without needing to recharge again. On the other hand, the Instinct 2S can last for slightly less at 21 days and 51 days with solar charging.
The Instinct 2 comes in two colors — Graphite and Electric Lime for the standard edition and the solar version comes in Graphite and Mist Gray. Whereas, the Instinct 2S comes in three different colors — Graphite, Mist Gray, and Neo Tropic for the solar edition and Graphite and Deep Orchid for the standard edition.
In terms of pricing, the Instinct 2 Solar edition retails for $399, and the standard edition costs $100 less, or $299. In contrast, the Instinct 2S also costs the same — $399 for the solar edition and $299 for the standard edition.
Garmin Instinct 2 vs 2S: Comparison
| Device name | Garmin Instinct 2S | Garmin Instinct 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Device type | Smartwatch | Smartwatch |
| Gender | Unisex | Unisex |
| Release date | March, 2022 | March, 2022 |
| Versions | Standard edition | Standard edition |
| Body | ||
| Dimension | 40 x 40 x 13.3 mm | 45 x 45 x 14.5 mm |
| Weight | 43 grams | 52 grams |
| Shape | Circular | Circular |
| Case material | Fiber-Reinforced Polymer | Fiber-Reinforced Polymer |
| Strap material | Silicone | Silicone |
| Bezel material | Fiber-Reinforced Polymer | Fiber-Reinforced Polymer |
| Strap size | 20mm | 22mm |
| Screen protection | Chemically Strengthened Glass | Chemically Strengthened Glass |
| Water resistance | 10 ATM | 10 ATM |
| Swim-proof | Yes, recommended | Yes, recommended |
| Display | ||
| Display size | 0.79” x 0.79” | 0.9” x 0.9” |
| Display type | Transflective Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) | Transflective Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) |
| Display resolution | 156 x 156 pixels | 176 x 176 pixels |
| Pixel density | 110 PPI | 124 PPI |
| Always on | Yes | Yes |
| Custom watch face | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
| Connectivity | ||
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth calling | No | No |
| GPS | Yes | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | — | — |
| Internal Storage | 32 MB | 32 GB |
| Memory card slot | No | No |
| Cellular Connectivity | ||
| Technology | None | None |
| SIM type | None | None |
| Band | — | — |
| Sensors | ||
| Accelerometer | Yes | Yes |
| Altimeter | No | No |
| Ambient light | No | No |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes |
| Compass | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | No | No |
| Gyroscope | No | No |
| HRM | No | No |
| Pulse oximeter (SpO2) | Yes | No |
| Thermometer | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | ||
| Battery type | non-removable Lithium-polymer | non-removable Lithium-polymer |
| Battery capacity | — | — |
| Battery life | 21 days | 28 days |
| Charging type | Plug Charger | Plug Charger |
| Charging time | 1-2 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Solar charging | No | No |
Garmin Instinct 2 vs 2S: Design and Display
When it comes to design, there’s no difference in the build quality or bezel design. Both smartwatches are housed in a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel and case with chemically strengthend glass on top.
Both have a rating of 10 ATM for water resistance, meaning these smartwatches are suitable for swimming and can withstand being submerged underwater for up to 100 metres.
The Instinct 2 comes in only a 45mm size and a 22mm quick fit, with a silicone band as standard, suitable for individuals with a bigger wrist. On the other hand, the Instinct 2S comes in a 42mm size and a 20mm quick fit silicone band, suitable for individuals with shorter wrists (generally women).
In terms of display, the Instinct 2 sports a 0.9 x 0.9 inch monochrome, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display and 176 x 176 pixels of screen resolution, while the Instinct 2S sports a 0.79 x 0.79 inch transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display and 156 x 156 pixels of screen resolution.
Garmin Instinct 2 vs 2S: Health and Fitness Tracking
If we talk about health and fitness tracking, both smartwatches offer identical features.
Both can track heart rate, daily resting heart rate, abnormal heart rate, 24 x 7 respiration rate, stress, sleep, hydration, and women’s health. They also offer body battery and health snapshots, which track important health metrics in 2-minute intervals.
Plus, both offer sleep scores and insights that analyse your sleep over multiple nights and provide a score from 0 to 100. They can also track basic activities like steps, calories burned, distance travelled, floor climbed, and intensity minutes.
In terms of fitness tracking, both can track identical sports modes, including swimming, running, walking, cycling, and much more. They also offer VO2 max, training plans, training load, recovery time (which tracks if you are recovered or not for your next workout), and much more.
Additionally, they feature a virtual partner that lets you compete against yourself. It uses your previous running miles and compares them with the current miles. Plus, training readiness assesses how ready your body is for the next workout by using six key metrics (acute load, sleep, recovery time, HRV status, sleep and stress history, and recent sleep quality) and provides a score from 0 to 100.
Garmin Instinct 2 vs 2S: Battery Life
This is where you get to see a major difference. Both offer battery life that can last up to several days, but the Instinct 2 larger size takes the lead with an extra few days of battery life.
The Instinct 2 (standard) can last for about 28 days in smartwatch mode. In battery-saving watch mode, it can last for up to 65 days and drops down to 30 hours with GPS enabled. The Instinct 2 (solar) offers unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode. With GPS enabled, it drops down to 48 hours.
In contrast, the Instinct 2S (standard) can last for up to 21 days on a single charge. In battery-saving watch mode, it can last for 55 days and drops down to 22 hours with GPS enabled. The Instinct 2S (solar) offers 51 days in smartwatch mode and 28 hours in GPS mode.
Both come with a Garmin proprietary plug charger and take 1.5–2 hours to fully charge the device.
Which should you choose?
The device you choose comes down to individual size preference; the only major difference you get on these models. They even offer the same pricing. If you have a bigger wrist and you want a slightly bigger display, and extra battery life, then the Garmin Instinct 2 might be a good choice for you.
But if you have a shorter wrist and the battery life doesn’t bother you, then the Garmin Instinct 2S might be a way to go.
Consider your wrist size and the features you want in your smartwatch, and choose the one that fits your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long will a Garmin Instinct 2 last?
Typically, the Garmin Instinct 2 can last for up to 28 days in smartwatch mode, which lets you do activity tracking and 24 x 7 heart rate tracking. But if you want to use features like an always on display and GPS tracking, it consumes much more battery and could only last for 5–6 days.
Is the Garmin Instinct 2 good for cycling?
Yes, the device has various features for cyclists for both casual and seasoned riders, including bike lap and lap maximum power, race an activity, alerts, and more.
Is the Garmin Instinct 2 touch screen?
No, both the Garmin Instinct 2 and 2S do not offer touch-screen support; rather, both have the typical Garmin five-button setup for start, back, up, down, and light. Plus, touchscreens also get locked during sports tracking on Garmin smartwatches.
Does the Garmin Instinct 2 have blood oxygen?
Yes, both the Instinct 2 and 2S come with a pulse OX blood oxygen sensor.