Instinct Display

Former Member over 6 years ago

I'm old and need reading glasses for just about everything that involves small print.

When i first considered the Instinct, my main concern was "am i going to be able to see this tiny little display with only half the resolution of my 5x?"

I don't know what Garmin did, but the display on this thing is easier to read than my 5x. Even in dimly lit rooms. The only time i need the back light is if i am doing a workout at night.

I don't care that it's not color, and i don't care that it's half the resolution. i just need to see the numbers when i'm working out, and i can see them clear as a bell.

GOOD JOB GARMIN!!!

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0 Crispin_Ellisdon over 6 years ago

Was your 5X a sapphire screen? (i don’t think they made non sapphire versions of the 5X) I have a normal mineral glass screen Fenix 3 and sapphire screen Fenix 5 and Fenix 5+. The Fenix 3 screen is noticeably easier to read in low light, so I assume the Instinct will be similar as it doesn’t have a sapphire screen either. Lower visibility is one of the compromises people don’t realise they are making with a sapphire screen (I did know, as I’d seen many comparison pictures posted on these forums).

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Was your 5X a sapphire screen? (i don’t think they made non sapphire versions of the 5X) I have a normal mineral glass screen Fenix 3 and sapphire screen Fenix 5 and Fenix 5+. The Fenix 3 screen is noticeably easier to read in low light, so I assume the Instinct will be similar as it doesn’t have a sapphire screen either. Lower visibility is one of the compromises people don’t realise they are making with a sapphire screen (I did know, as I’d seen many comparison pictures posted on these forums).

Yes, but I have had the 5 non sapphire as well as the F3 and F3 HR.

I think it's the fact that it is higher contrast that makes it so easy to see compared the the fenix's.

0 Kristian over 6 years ago

I couldn't agree more.
I had the FR 935 and the dimness of the display was one reason that kept me from using it as a daily watch (besides the form factor).
The Instinct's BW display reflects the whites much better. The lower resolution actually helps as it results in larger pixels meaning larger white blocks. And Garmin did well to use large fonts for time. The Instinct's display is actually better visible than my Casio's Pro Trek PRW-3000... Its very contrasty and visible display together with the Casio form factor that I like have made this my first Garmin watch that I actually enjoy wearing all day long.

Well done Garmin for having the courage to using an older technology (B/W and less resolution) in a way that actually adds value! A good example how the eagerness to always use the latest tech does not always translate in a better product overall.