Coros Apex 2 Pro vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50 mm
Coros Apex 2 Pro (66 h GPS, 53 g) vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50 mm (60 h GPS, 60 g). Side-by-side spec comparison: battery, weight, maps, multi-band GPS and price. Which GPS watch should you buy?
CorosCoros Apex 2 ProMountain watch with outstanding battery life: 66 h in full GPS, 26 h in dual-frequency and up to 21 days in daily use, at just 53 g. Free offline maps, multi-band GPS, MP3 music and touchscreen. The light, long-lasting alternative to Garmin for ultras and crossings.
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GarminGarmin Instinct 3 Solar 50 mmUltra-rugged GPS watch with solar charging: up to 40 days in smartwatch mode (unlimited with sun), 60 h GPS and 34 h multi-band. Military-standard case, LED flashlight and dual-frequency GPS. For those who prioritise toughness and battery over onboard maps on their mountain outings.
View on AmazonSpec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | Coros Apex 2 Pro | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50 mm |
|---|---|---|
| GPS battery | 66 h | 60 h |
| Multi-band battery | 26 h | 34 h |
| Smartwatch | 21 days | 40 days |
| Weight | 53 g | 60 g |
| Maps | ✓ | – |
| Multi-band | ✓ | ✓ |
| Music | ✓ | – |
| Display | MIP | MIP |
| Price | High-end | Mid-range |
GPS battery = each manufacturer's standard GPS mode; multi-band = dual-frequency (maximum accuracy). On Suunto, Polar Grit and Amazfit T-Rex the GPS figure already corresponds to dual-band mode. Figures verified against the manufacturer.
Verdict
For maximum autonomy on long ultras, Coros Apex 2 Pro lasts longer in GPS mode. If you want the lightest watch on your wrist, go for Coros Apex 2 Pro. Only Coros Apex 2 Pro brings onboard topo maps for navigation. On budget, Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50 mm is the more affordable option.