Introducing the Garmin Instinct 2 Smartwatch

Garmin might not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about smartwatches. However, times are changing. Even up against the likes of Apple and Samsung, Garmin’s watches are hugely impressive. Best known for its innovative GPS technology solutions, Garmin caters to a wide range of markets ranging from aviation and marine to fitness and outdoor recreation.

Perhaps better known for its top-rated fitness trackers, newer generations of Garmin smartwatches have grown more and more impressive. And the Instinct 2 is no exception. Standard, Surf, Tactical, and Camo edition Instinct 2 smartwatches combine to form a range tailored toward everyone from surfers and kiteboarders to military personnel and wearers more generally. That’s whether they’re in the concrete jungle or the actual jungle.

Garmin’s latest addition to its smartwatch lineup is actually a collection of watches. Called the Instinct 2 Series, it promises to be the manufacturer’s most unique product offering to date, designed for wherever life takes its customers. From bold new colors and multiple sizes to a vast array of robust lifestyle-focused features, the rugged Garmin Instinct 2 also has a major trick up its sleeve: potentially unlimited battery life.

With unlimited battery life on offer in certain configurations, Garmin continues to break new ground with the Instinct 2 smartwatch. It’s all thanks to the manufacturer’s use of solar. And because Garmin’s solar-powered Instinct 2 models can draw energy from the sun, it’s entirely possible that owners may never, ever have to charge their new smartwatches.

The potential of unlimited battery life is available exclusively in the shape of 45mm Instinct 2 Solar models and assumes that wearers will spend three hours per day outdoors in 50,000 lux conditions. However, solar or not, all watches in the Instinct 2 lineup promise up to four weeks of continuous use between charging thanks to their powerful built-in batteries.

The entire Instinct 2 collection also promises what Garmin calls a range of robust lifestyle-focused features. These features combine both existing Garmin smartwatch functionality and various new innovations from the technology company and smartwatch manufacturer. Among them are:

With that, there’s arguably a feature for just about everyone. There’s also a variety of preloaded sports apps, text messaging support, emergency alert provisions, Garmin Pay, and more.

Elsewhere, Garmin Instinct 2 buyers can further tap into additional functionality. This includes Surfline Sessions and options like night vision goggle compatibility by opting for the rugged smartwatch lineup’s Surf and Tactical special editions.

Largely breaking with tradition as far as more rugged smartwatch propositions go, the Instinct 2 Series is available in a veritable array of colors and finishes. Slimmer than Garmin’s previous smartwatch models, the Instinct 2 is offered in two sizes – a traditional 45mm and a smaller 40mm.

Instinct 2 buyers can also customize their smartwatches using Garmin’s Your Watch, Your Way service to design a custom watch that’s made to order featuring various colors, materials, bezels, and bands. As a result, Garmin suggests that it’s possible to build an Instinct 2 Series watch in any one of hundreds of different configurations.

As we’ve seen, there’s plenty to like about the Garmin Instinct 2 Series. Yet, the highlights don’t end there. Buyers can also look forward to the Instinct 2’s high-resolution display with a chemically strengthened scratch-resistant screen. The entire Instinct 2 Series is also built to military standard 810 for thermal and shock resistance and is waterproof to depths of up to 100 meters.

The impressively broad Instinct 2 Series costs $349.99. That’s true of both 40mm and 45mm models. Upgrading to an Instinct 2 Solar with unlimited battery life adds $100, taking the price up to $449.99. Standard colors include Graphite, Mist Gray, and Tidal Blue.

However, opting for one of Garmin’s Surf, Tactical, or Camo Instinct 2 special editions then opens up additional color and finish options, including the likes of Coyote Tan and Mist Camo. Not all special edition Instinct 2 smartwatches are available in every size and solar or non-solar combination. Depending on the configuration, they also cost between $399.99 and $499.99.

Despite its high-quality, rugged construction and military standard specification, the Garmin Instinct 2 isn’t indestructible. With that, and costing up to just a penny under $500, an extended smartwatch warranty with accidental damage protection is essential.

Upsie offers extended Garmin smartwatch warranties that include premium, comprehensive, and affordable protection. With Upsie, your watch gains protection against manufacturing defects, mechanical faults, and other failures. Coverage with Upsie also includes accidental damage protection, safeguarding against drops, cracks, spills, and more.

All of Upsie’s policies are both comprehensive and affordable. For example, Garmin Instinct 2 extended warranties cost $35.99 for two years and $55.99 for three years of premium coverage. Plus, customers can make unlimited claims up to the purchase price of the device.

Find out more at Upsie.com or via the Upsie smartphone app for iOS and Android.