Garmin Instinct Solar vs. Garmin Forerunner 30

Smartwatch Comparison, Reviews and Tests

In depth comparison and review of Garmin Instinct Solar and Garmin Forerunner 30. 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 Solar vs. Garmin Forerunner 30 Comparison Chart
GENERAL Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Forerunner 30
Product Type Sport watch Smart watch
Supported Host Device OS iOS, Android iOS, Android
Activity/Sport Running, swimming, ski, cycling, hiking, fishing, climbing, snowboarding, rower, kayaking, hunting, jumpmaster, stand up paddleboarding Running, cycling
Wearing Style Watch style Watch style
Width 45 mm 35.5 mm
Height 45 mm 40.7 mm
Depth 15.3 mm 13.4 mm
Weight 53 g 37.3 g
Body Material Fibre-reinforced polymer -
Protection Waterproof Waterproof
Colours Pipeline | Tidal blue | Cloudbreak -
Clock Display Yes Yes
FEATURES Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Forerunner 30
Sensors Accelerometer, barometer, thermometre, altimeter, 3-axis compass, optical heart sensor Accelerometer, heart rate
Tracking Data Distance, time, speed, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate, steps taken, floors climbed, blood oxygen saturation, stress level Distance, time, speed, calories burned, sleep activity, heart rate, pace, cadence
Modes Stealth mode -
Goal Setting Yes Yes
Features Music remote handling, Heart Rate target zone selector, find phone function, Bluetooth Smart technology, VIRB control, inactivity alert, Move IQ, Find my Device, Garmin Elevate, TrueUp, Body Battery, solar charging, night vision compatibility, dual grid coordinates format, trackback routing VO2 max, sunlight readable, HR zones, Move IQ, Garmin Connect compatible, Garmin Elevate, LiveTrack, TrueUp, auto pause, auto lap
Notifications Missed calls, calendar, SMS, Email, social apps -
Vibrating Alert Yes Yes
Feedback Type - Vibration alert, visual interface
Navigation (GPS) GPS/GLONASS/Galileo receiver GPS receiver
CONNECTIVITY Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Forerunner 30
Wireless Interface Bluetooth, ANT+ Bluetooth
DISPLAY Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Forerunner 30
Type Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective Memory-in-Pixel LCD - monochrome - transflective
Resolution 128 x 128 pixels 128 x 128 pixels
Screen Size - 0.93"
Dimensions (WxH) 23 mm x 23 mm 23.5 mm x 23.4 mm
Screen Protection Power Glass -
INPUT DEVICE Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Forerunner 30
Type Touch buttons -
CASE Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Forerunner 30
Crystal Type - Chemically strengthened glass
Case Shape Round Rounded square
Case Details Graphite | Black | Moss | Flame red | Sunburst | Lichen camo Black
BAND Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Forerunner 30
Band Type Band Strap
Band Width 22 mm -
Fits Wrist with Circumference 132-224 mm 140-200 mm
Changeable Yes -
Clasp Type Buckle Buckle
Band Material Silicone Silicone
Band Colour Graphite | Black | Moss | Flame red | Sunburst | Lichen camo | Orchid | Graphite camo Slate grey
BATTERY Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Forerunner 30
Technology Lithium Ion -
Battery Life 56 day(s) 5 day(s)
Battery Life Details Smartwatch mode - up to 24 days
Smartwatch mode (with solar) - up to 54 days
Battery Saver Watch Mode - up to 56 days
Max Battery GPS Mode - up to 30 hour(s)
Max Battery GPS Mode (with solar) - up to 38 hour(s)
GPS mode - up to 8 hour(s)
Smartwatch mode - up to 5 days
Rechargeable Battery Yes Yes
MISCELLANEOUS Garmin Instinct Solar Garmin Forerunner 30
Included Accessories Charging/data cable Charging cable
Preloaded Software - Stopwatch, Calendar, Alarm, Timer, Find My Phone, Garmion Connect IQ
Compliant Standards MIL-STD-810 -
Max Depth of Water Resistance 100 m 50 m
Warranty - 2-year warranty
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