Garmin Instinct 2 vs 2S: Which one is better?

If you are interested in buying a Garmin Instinct 2 or 2S and are not sure which one is the right option for you, then this guide is for you.

Garmin Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S are two of the best smartwatches by Garmin and both of them were launched in the mid of 2022. At first glance, both smartwatches look similar but there are some major differences between them and we are going to tell you about them.

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Garmin Instinct 2 vs 2S: Short Review

Garmin offers two similar smartwatches, the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S, with a few key differences. The Instinct 2 boasts a larger size and battery, resulting in an extended battery life. For those who prioritize larger smartwatches and longer battery life, Instinct 2 may be the ideal choice. Alternatively, the Instinct 2S is more compact and suitable for smaller wrists, albeit with a shorter battery life. For those looking for a lightweight and portable smartwatch, the Instinct 2S is worth considering.

Garmin Instinct 2 vs 2S: Design and Durability

The first thing you will notice about the Garmin Instinct 2 and Instinct 2s is their similar design. Both watches have a round case made of fiber-reinforced polymer and a lens made of Power Glass, which is a solar-charging material that extends the battery life.

Both watches also have a silicone strap that is comfortable and adjustable. The watches have a monochrome display with a resolution of 128 x 128 pixels and five buttons for navigation and control.

The main difference between the Garmin Instinct 2 and Instinct 2s is their size and weight. The Garmin Instinct 2 has a case diameter of 45 mm and a thickness of 14.5 mm, while the Garmin Instinct 2s has a case diameter of 40 mm and a thickness of 13.3 mm.

The Garmin Instinct 2 weighs 53 g, while the Garmin Instinct 2s weighs 42 g. This means that the Garmin Instinct 2 is slightly larger and heavier than the Garmin Instinct 2s, which might be an issue for some people with smaller wrists or who prefer a more lightweight watch.

Both watches are very durable and can withstand harsh conditions. They are water-resistant up to 100 meters (10 ATM) and have a military-grade certification (MIL-STD-810G) for thermal, shock, and water resistance. They also have scratch-resistant screens and protective bezels.

Garmin Instinct 2 vs 2S: Features and Functionality

The Garmin Instinct 2 and Instinct 2s are packed with features and functionality for outdoor enthusiasts. Both watches have GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo satellite systems for accurate location tracking and navigation.

They also have built-in sensors for measuring heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), stress levels, body battery, sleep quality, altitude, barometric pressure, temperature, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, and thermometer.

Both smartwatches also support various activity profiles for running, cycling, swimming, hiking, skiing, surfing, golfing, rowing, kayaking, fishing, hunting, tactical operations, trucking, etc.

Similarly, Both watches also have smart features such as smart notifications, music controls, calendar reminders, weather forecasts, find my phone/watch functions, etc.

They can also connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and sync with the Garmin Connect app for more data analysis and customization options.

The main difference between the Garmin Instinct 2 and Instinct 2s is their solar charging capability. The Garmin Instinct 2 has two versions: standard and solar.

The standard version does not have solar charging capability while the solar version does. The solar version has a transparent solar panel on the lens that can harvest energy from sunlight or artificial light sources to extend the battery life.

The Garmin Instinct 2s only has one version: solar. This means that all models of the Garmin Instinct 2s have solar charging capability.

Garmin Instinct 2 vs 2S: Battery Life

The battery life of the Garmin Instinct 2 and Instinct 2s depends on several factors like usage mode, settings, sensors activated, etc. However, generally speaking, the Instinct 2 has a longer battery life than the Instinct 2s due to its larger size and solar-charging capability.

The Instinct 2 can last up to 28 days in smartwatch mode without solar charging and up to an unlimited time with sufficient solar exposure. The Instinct 2s can last up to 21 days in smartwatch mode without solar charging and up to 51 days with sufficient solar exposure.

In GPS mode without solar charging, the Instinct 2 can last up to 36 hours and up to an unlimited time with sufficient solar exposure. The Instinct 2s can last up to 25 hours without solar charging and up to an unlimited time with sufficient solar exposure.

Garmin Instinct 2 vs 2S: Price Comparison

The price of the Garmin Instinct 2 and Instinct 2s varies depending on the edition and model you choose.

The standard non-solar models start from $299.99 for both watches. The standard solar models start from $399.99 for both watches. The Surf Edition starts from $399.99 for both watches (non-solar) or $449.99 (solar).

Garmin Instinct 2 vs 2S: Table Comparison

Garmin Instinct 2 vs 2S: Which one you should consider?

Garmin Instinct 2 and 2S are two of the best smartwatches out there and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them.

However, If you are someone who has big wrists and prefers a big display, then you should consider Garmin Instinct 2. It’s because Instinct 2 comes with a bigger display and it looks good on big wrists.

Similarly, if you have small wrists and you prefer compact smartwatches, you should consider Garmin Instinct 2S because of its compact form factor.

FAQs

Is Garmin Instinct 2S touch screen?

No, Garmin Instinct 2S doesn’t come with a touch screen.

What is the difference between Garmin Instinct 2 normal and tactical?

The difference between the Garmin Instinct 2 normal and tactical versions is that the tactical version includes additional features such as night vision compatibility, stealth mode, jumpmaster mode, and dual-position GPS format. These features are designed to cater to military personnel and law enforcement officers who require specialized tools for their operations. The normal version, on the other hand, is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and offers a range of fitness and navigation features.

Does Garmin Instinct 2s have maps?

Yes, the Garmin Instinct 2S has maps that can be downloaded and used for navigation. However, it does not have preloaded maps like some other Garmin GPS watches, and the mapping features are more basic compared to higher-end Garmin devices. The watch supports downloading topographic maps and using them for navigation, as well as marking and saving waypoints on the map.

Can you answer calls on Garmin Instinct 2?

Yes, you can answer calls on Garmin Instinct 2 but you will need to use the connected smartphone to talk to the caller.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, Garmin Instinct 2 and 2S are two of the best smartwatches out there and both of them are equally good. So, in the end, it will all come down to your personal preference.

If you want a smartwatch with a bulky design and better battery life, you can consider Garmin Instinct 2. However, if you are looking for a more compact option, you can consider Garmin Instinct 2S.