garmin instincts 2
Garmin Instinct 2 / 2s - Unlimited Battery, Training Tools, and more sizes!
The Garmin Instinct has been a staple for hikers, climbers, and trail runners alike since it launched back in 2018. This series was so successful that Garmin updated it with Solar capabilities just a year later with the Instinct Solar which was an entirely different watch despite looking a lot like the original.
So here we are in 2022 and Garmin yet again has updated the Instinct series with the Instinct 2 and 2s. I say series because there’s actually 19 different versions of the Instinct 2 at launch… Yes 19.
Updated Design
Barometer Location Fix
Recently, I have come across numerous complaints from users regarding the inaccurate barometer of Instinct 1 and Solar. This issue has been a topic of discussion in various forums and YouTube comments. However, I am happy to inform you that Garmin has taken note of the users’ concerns and addressed the issue in their latest release, Instinct 2. The new barometer design and port location have been modified to prevent blockage caused by skin contact, which should significantly improve the overall accuracy of the barometer and altimeter over time. Although I have only had a brief experience with Instinct 2, I will keep you posted with more details as I continue to test it.
Display Quality
Garmin has made some exciting improvements to the Instinct 2 display. The new model still uses the same trusted monochrome transflective technology, but it now boasts a significantly higher resolution. With 176×176 pixels, the Instinct 2 offers a higher pixel density which results in smoother text and easier readability throughout the menu system. This is a great improvement that users will definitely appreciate. Additionally, the smaller Instinct 2s model also has a resolution of 156×156, which means that smaller text will be much easier to read than on previous models.
Elevate 4.0 Heart Rate Sensor
This year the Instinct 2 also comes equipped with Garmin’s latest Elevate Revision 4 optical heart rate sensor. This is the same sensor found on the Garmin Venu 2, 945 LTE, Fenix 7, and Epix Gen 2. In all of those watches I saw improved accuracy and that’s also the case with the Instinct 2 as well. In several test runs comparing the Instinct 1, to the Instinct 2 and my Polar H9 ECG chest strap I’ve noticed improved accuracy. That said, I’ve only got a handful of runs in with this watch so I’ll need to continue to keep testing. So far though, it’s looking good!
Connect IQ Support
Here’s a welcome upgrade. Unlike the original Instinct and Instinct Solar the new Instinct 2 is compatible with Garmin Connect IQ! This means you can download additional watch faces, widgets, apps, and data fields on the Instinct 2 which can open a lot of doors for certain activities! This is still new for Connect IQ so developers will need to adopt it but I’m sure it won’t be long before the majority of the apps are available.
Garmin Pay Support
In addition to Connect IQ Garmin has also given the Instinct 2 Garmin Pay support which is contactless payments using the NFC chip within the watch. Simply dial in your password, and tap the watch on most credit card machines to pay. This feature is only available in certain countries and with certain banks. Be sure to check out Garmin’s compatibility list to see if your bank is supported.
User Interface
Instinct 2’s user interface has been improved with some updates that enhance the overall user experience. The interface has undergone some minor tweaks which make use of the increased display resolution. One of the most significant changes is the addition of Widget Glances, which provide truncated views of your widgets, making it easier and more convenient to see important information at a glance. These updates have significantly improved the usability and functionality of the Instinct 2 interface.
Connect App Settings Sync
The Instinct 2 smartwatch offers a fantastic feature that I find very useful – the Garmin Connect App Settings Sync. With this feature, you can conveniently control almost everything on the watch, such as the back light brightness and activity profile data fields, right from the Garmin Connect app on your phone. This functionality was first available on the Fenix 7 and Epix, and I’m delighted to see it on the Instinct 2 as well. It’s incredibly convenient to adjust your settings on your phone instead of struggling through multiple settings pages on the small watch display.
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