Garmin Fenix 3 HR Review: Still Worth It in 2025? In my long journey to find the perfect fitness smartwatch, I landed on the Garmin Fenix 3 HR Sapphire Edition—a rugged, versatile, and surprisingly long-lasting device that has been my go-to workout companion for nearly a decade.
Despite its age, this watch continues to hold its own against many newer models thanks to its robust feature set, durable design, and solid battery life. If you're considering a budget-friendly, performance-driven GPS smartwatch in 2025, here's why the Fenix 3 HR might still be the right choice.
First Impressions: Built to Last
The Garmin Fenix 3 HR Sapphire makes a powerful first impression. It’s big, bold, and clearly built for adventure. The brushed dark metal finish, reinforced buttons, and high-res color display give it a premium, battle-ready look.
Yes, the watch is bulky (especially by modern standards) but once you get used to the size, it becomes second nature. For those who value durability over minimalism, the Fenix 3 HR still checks all the right boxes.
Heart Rate Accuracy: Good, But Not Perfect
One of its standout features when launched was the built-in Elevate™ optical heart rate sensor, removing the need for a chest strap. While it performs well during light activity and rest, the sensor tends to falter during high-intensity workouts—lagging behind and sometimes showing incorrect readings by as much as 60 BPM.
Pro Tip: For serious athletes, pair the Fenix 3 HR with an external ANT+ chest strap. It dramatically improves accuracy for running, cycling, and strength training.
Features & Functionality: Still Holds Its Ground
Even in 2025, the Fenix 3 HR offers an impressive suite of features:
- GPS & GLONASS – Precise location tracking for outdoor activities
- Water resistant up to 100m – Ideal for swimming and water sports
- VO2 Max Estimator – Track your aerobic performance
- Daily activity tracking – Includes step count and sleep monitor
- Smart notifications – Get calls, texts, and emails on your wrist
- Advanced running dynamics – Cadence, stride length, ground contact time
- Multi-sport support – Running, cycling, swimming, skiing, golf, and more
- TracBack® Navigation – Guides you back to your start point
- Custom watch faces – Personalize via Garmin Connect IQ
Favorite feature: The TracBack navigation has saved me multiple times during my bicycling trail rides whenever I’ve wandered off course. It’s an incredibly useful positional tracking tool that guides you back along your exact route—an absolute must-have feature for any outdoor fitness enthusiast.
Fenix 3 HR vs Fenix 5 (and Beyond)
Yes, newer models like the Fenix 5, 6, and now the Fenix 7 or Epix Pro offer upgrades—touchscreens, music storage, smaller bezels—but unless you absolutely need the latest bells and whistles, the core functionality of the Fenix 3 HR still delivers.
If you're budget conscious or just want a rugged GPS watch that gets the job done, this older model still represents incredible value.
Garmin Fenix 3 HR vs. Instinct 3 – Are They the Same?
No — the Garmin Instinct 3 is not the same as the Fenix 3 HR, nor is it a direct replacement. While both are rugged GPS smartwatches built for outdoor adventure, they come from two different product families and are designed with different priorities in mind.
Did the Instinct 3 Replace the Fenix 3 HR?
No. The Instinct series is a separate lineup from the Fenix series. The Fenix 3 HR was part of Garmin’s flagship outdoor multisport watches, while the Instinct 3 is part of a more affordable, ultra-durable lineup geared toward battery life and simplicity.
Fenix 3 HR vs. Instinct 3 – Feature Comparison
| Feature | Garmin Fenix 3 HR | Garmin Instinct 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2015–2016 | 2024 |
| Display | 1.2" Color LCD (218x218) | 0.9" Monochrome MIP (176x176) |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
| Heart Rate Sensor | Wrist + External Strap Support | Improved Wrist HR + Strap Support |
| GNSS Support | GPS + GLONASS | GPS + GLONASS + Galileo |
| Smartwatch Features | Basic Notifications | Notifications + Solar Charging (optional) |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch Mode) | Up to 2 Weeks | Up to 40 Days (or more with solar) |
| Custom Watch Faces | Yes (limited support via Connect IQ) | Yes (limited support via Connect IQ) |
| Build Material | Metal Bezel + Sapphire Glass | Fiber-Reinforced Polymer |
| Typical Price Range | $150–$250 (used/renewed) | $299–$399 (new) |
Which One Should You Choose?
💪 Choose the Fenix 3 HR if you want:
- A more premium, metal-and-glass build
- Advanced fitness metrics (when paired with external sensors)
- Great value as a used or renewed purchase
- A tried-and-true watch for rugged adventures
🔋 Choose the Instinct 3 if you want:
- Newer hardware and better GNSS support
- Massive battery life, especially with solar charging
- A lighter, polymer-based rugged watch
- Updated features and sensors for modern use
Fenix 3 HR vs Instinct 3 – Final Thoughts
The Fenix 3 HR and Instinct 3 may appear similar at a glance, but they cater to different types of users. The Fenix 3 HR is a classic, premium multisport watch from Garmin’s flagship line. The Instinct 3 is a lightweight, ultra-endurance device for adventurers who prioritize battery and simplicity over premium materials.
If you're after durability, multi-sport tracking, and advanced metrics on a budget, the Fenix 3 HR is still a strong contender in 2025. If you want modern sensors, better battery life, and a fresh design, the Instinct 3 is an excellent upgrade—just not a direct replacement.
Battery Life: Remarkably Strong, Even Years Later
Even after years of daily use, the battery performance continues to impress:
- Smartwatch mode: Up to 2 weeks
- GPS mode: 16–20 hours
- UltraTrac mode: Multi-day GPS use with reduced tracking
The sapphire glass is still scratch-free. Rain, sun, snow, or mud—this watch has endured it all.
Final Verdict: Is the Garmin Fenix 3 HR Still Worth Buying?
Absolutely. Even in 2025, the Garmin Fenix 3 HR remains a reliable, feature-rich GPS smartwatch that punches well above its weight for the price.
Summary:
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
- Design & Build Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Features & Functionality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Heart Rate Accuracy: ⭐⭐⭐
- Battery Life: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Ease of Use: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
👍 Pros:
- Extremely durable and waterproof
- Accurate GPS and multi-sport tracking
- Long battery life (still strong!)
- Great value compared to newer models
👎 Cons:
- Bulky design may not suit everyone
- Wrist heart rate can be inaccurate under intense activity
If you're after a budget friendly fitness watch with serious features and toughness to match, the Garmin Fenix 3 HR (or Garmin Instinct 3) is still an amazing buy in 2025. Whether you're trail running, swimming, paddling, hiking, or hitting the gym, this watch won’t let you down.
Buy the Garmin Instinct 3 on Amazon
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If you found this review helpful, you might also want to check out my review of the Garmin Edge 800 cycling computer.