First Look: Garmin Instinct 2 GPS Smartwatch

Garmin have released their new Instinct 2 GPS smartwatch, perfect for cyclists and outdoor adventurers.
Described by Garmin as “tough enough to keep up with you and distinctive enough to fit your style,” the watch is available in a range of models, sizes, and colours to suit your lifestyle and demands.
Garmin Instinct 2 smartwatch at a glance:
- Water resistant to 100 metres
- Built-in sports apps for cycling, running and strength training
- Live connected with smart notifications and Connect IQ compatibility
- Track your adventures thanks to the global navigation satellite systems
- Incredible battery life with up to 28 days in smartwatch mode
Let’s take a closer look at the features of the updated Garmin Instinct 2 watch…
A Model for Everyone
The Garmin Instinct 2 comes in four distinct variants, each with its own set of features to meet everyone’s demands and styles.

Garmin Instinct 2

Garmin Instinct 2S

Garmin Instinct 2 Solar

Garmin Instinct 2S Solar
What’s the battery life on the Garmin Instinct 2?
If you’re looking for an outdoor watch that you won’t have to charge every day or worry about having a charger with you, the Instinct 2 is the watch for you. Available in four models which will all feature three different battery modes within them. It is worth noting that the watch comes in a solar version model, which is Garmin’s revolutionary power glass lens that transforms sunlight into battery power.
Depending on the model you go for will depend on the power the solar can generate, the bigger the screen the more battery life you can get out of it. It’s worth noting that solar charging isn’t meant to be your primary charging source; rather, it’s meant to help you extend your battery life and get the most out of your watch.
Battery Life | Garmin Instinct 2 | Garmin Instinct 2S | Garmin Instinct 2 Solar | Garmin Instinct 2S Solar |
Smartwatch | 28 days | 2 days | Unlimited* | 51 days |
GPS | 30 hours | 22 hours | 48 hours | 28 hours |
Expedition GPS Activity | 32 days | 25 days | Unlimited* | 105 days |
Garmin Instinct 2 Features
The new Garmin Instinct 2 isn’t only about the design or the long battery life; it has a lot more to offer to make your everyday life and cycle activity more enjoyable. Take a look at some of the cool features below:

Rugged Smartwatch
Developed to deal with all the elements the outdoors will throw at you, the Instinct 2 is water rated to 100 metres. The watch is also thermal and shock resistant built with a fiber-reinforced polymer case and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass.

Built-In Sports Apps
Instinct 2 can be used for indoor, outdoor, athletic and fitness activities using the preloaded activity profiles for running, hiking, mountain biking, swimming and more. Once you start an activity the device will display key metrics and sensor data.

Track Your Adventures
Access multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS and Galileo) to track your data in more challenging environments than GPS alone. You can also plan your trip in advance and use the watch to navigate your chosen trail.

Smartwatch Functions
Not only can the Instinct 2 record all your daily activities it can also be a great companion to keeping you notified whilst out and about. With key features such as smart notifications and Connect IQ which allows you to personalise your device, the updated Solar models also feature Garmin Pay.

Built for Off-Road Adventures
Track the details of every ride with mountain biking metrics plus specialised Grit and Flow measurements that rate trail difficulty and how smoothly you descend, giving you a score to beat next time