Garmin Fenix 3 HR Review

My Garmin Fenix 3 HR Review; In my quest for the perfect fitness watch, I stumbled upon the Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire Edition. This model is a durable, feature packed fitness watch that comes with a built in heart rate sensor and also ships bundled with a heart rate strap. The watch can be used for walking, running, swimming, paddle sports, skiing, golfing, cycling, weight training, and more.

It was necessary to do a lot of research before proceeding to purchase. Comparing features between brands, prices, durability, etc.

First Impressions of the Garmin Fenix 3 HR

The Garmin Fenix 3 HR Sapphire Edition is a highly versatile multi sport GPS smartwatch designed for athletes who want a rugged yet stylish fitness watch. Right out of the box, the build quality is exceptional, with a dark anodized brushed finish, a solid button layout, and a high-resolution color display. It’s clear this watch was made to endure the elements.

That said, its size is substantial, much larger than a standard wristwatch. Initially, I found myself bumping it into door frames and other objects, but after a few days, I adjusted to the extra bulk. If you prefer a sleeker design, this may be something to consider, but for those who value durability, the trade off is well worth it.

Heart Rate Monitoring: How Accurate is the Fenix 3 HR?

One of the major selling points of the Fenix 3 HR is its built in Elevate™ wrist heart rate sensor, eliminating the need for a separate heart rate strap. In my testing, the wrist based heart rate tracking was accurate during light activity such as walking or resting. However, I noticed significant fluctuations during high intensity workouts.

In some instances, readings lagged behind real time changes and could be off by as much as 60 BPM. Tightening the strap helped a bit, but during intense movement, accuracy was inconsistent. For serious training, I relied on the included chest strap, which delivered far more precise readings.

If precise heart rate monitoring is important to you, I'd recommend pairing the watch with an external HR strap, especially for cycling, running, and weight training.

Garmin Fenix 3 HR: Features & Functionality

The Garmin Fenix 3 HR is packed with an impressive range of features, making it one of the most versatile smartwatches in its class. Here are some of the key highlights:

• Built-in GPS & GLONASS – Accurate tracking for running, cycling, and hiking.
• Rugged & Waterproof – Withstands harsh conditions and submersion up to 100m.
• VO2 Max Estimator – Helps track aerobic fitness levels over time.
• Step Counter & Sleep Monitor – Useful for daily activity tracking.
• Smartphone Notifications – Receive calls, texts, and emails directly on the watch.
• Advanced Running Metrics – Monitors cadence, stride length, and ground contact time.
• Multi-Sport Tracking – Supports swimming, cycling, skiing, golfing, and more.
• Weather Alerts – Displays real-time weather updates when connected to a smartphone.
• TracBack Navigation – Helps retrace your steps back to your starting point.
• Customizable Watch Faces – Modify the layout and add apps from Connect IQ.

One of my favorite features is the TracBack navigation—ideal for trail running or hiking. If you get lost, the watch will guide you back along your exact route. This has come in handy on multiple occasions!

How Does the Fenix 3 HR Compare to the Fenix 5?

The Fenix 3 HR remains an excellent fitness watch, even years after its release. The Fenix 5 introduced a brighter display, a smaller bezel, and enhanced fitness metrics, but core functionality remains similar.

For those on a budget, the Fenix 3 HR offers exceptional value. Unless you absolutely need the latest sensors and a slightly better display, the Fenix 3 HR still holds its own against newer models.

Battery Life & Long Term Durability

One of the most impressive aspects of the Fenix 3 HR is its battery life. Even after years of use, the battery still holds a strong charge.

• Smartwatch mode: Up to 2 weeks
• GPS mode: Around 16-20 hours
• UltraTrac mode: Extends battery life for multi-day adventures

The build quality is phenomenal; I've taken this watch through rain, mud, sweat, and even extreme heat, and it still performs like new. The sapphire glass is incredibly scratch resistant, which is a huge plus for outdoor athletes.

Garmin Fenix 3 HR Review Summary

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

• Design & Build Quality: 5/5 – Rugged, durable, and premium sapphire glass construction.
• Features & Functionality: 5/5 – Packed with GPS, heart rate tracking, multi-sport support, and smart features.
• Heart Rate Accuracy: 3/5 – Wrist HR tracking is decent but can be inaccurate during intense workouts.
• Battery Life: 5/5 – Lasts up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode and 16+ hours with GPS.
• Ease of Use: 4/5 – Intuitive menu, but the size may take some getting used to.
• Value for Money: 5/5 – A budget-friendly alternative to newer models like the Fenix 5.

Pros:
- Rugged and waterproof
- Packed with advanced fitness and outdoor features
- Customizable watch faces and data fields
- Reliable GPS and navigation tools
- Long battery life

Cons:
- Large size may not suit everyone
- Wrist heart rate tracking can be inconsistent under intense activity

Final Verdict: Is the Garmin Fenix 3 HR Worth It?

I've been using this smart watch for nearly a decade now and still absolutely love it. In fact, it's hard to believe that even the battery is still holding a strong charge.

This watch makes a great companion to my phone for receiving notifications and viewing critical data at my wrist. As a result, I find myself using the Garmin Fenix 3 HR in place of my Garmin Edge 800 for cycling. Overall, its feature support is awesome and all I need in a fitness watch. Moreover, Garmin Connect does a great job in organizing my fitness data, making it easy to quickly glance at my progress or lack thereof helping keep me on track and accountable to my fitness goals.

In terms of durability, the Fenix 3HR has withstood all the wear and tear I've subjected it to, from the scorching heat of summer runs to the icy splash of winter swims. Its rugged build hasn't just survived; it's thrived, maintaining a remarkable performance that I can rely on, day in and day out.

In conclusion, the Garmin Fenix 3HR is not just a tool, but a critical part of my fitness regime and daily life. Its enduring battery life, robust feature set, and reliable performance across a multitude of sports make it a top recommendation for anyone serious about staying fit and active.

After using the Garmin Fenix 3 HR for nearly a decade, I can confidently say it's one of the best fitness watches I've ever owned.

• Durable & rugged – Built to withstand harsh conditions.
• Feature-packed – Offers incredible tracking & customization.
• Great battery life – Still holds a charge years later.
• Budget-friendly alternative – A fantastic option compared to newer models.

The Garmin Fenix 3 HR remains one of the best GPS fitness watches you can buy, even nearly a decade after its release. If you need a durable, feature rich smartwatch with excellent tracking and battery life, it is still a solid choice, even today. Would I recommend it? Absolutely.

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