Coros Pace 3 vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50 mm
Coros Pace 3 (38 h GPS, 39 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 Pace 3Trail running GPS watch with track navigation, barometric altimeter and up to 38 h battery life in GPS mode. Lightweight (39 g), accurate and with offline maps. Best value for mountain navigation.
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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 Pace 3 | Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50 mm |
|---|---|---|
| GPS battery | 38 h | 60 h |
| Multi-band battery | 15 h | 34 h |
| Smartwatch | 24 days | 40 days |
| Weight | 39 g | 60 g |
| Maps | ✓ | – |
| Multi-band | ✓ | ✓ |
| Music | – | – |
| Display | MIP | MIP |
| Price | Entry | 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, Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 50 mm lasts longer in GPS mode. If you want the lightest watch on your wrist, go for Coros Pace 3. Only Coros Pace 3 brings onboard topo maps for navigation. On budget, Coros Pace 3 is the more affordable option.