Garmin Unveils the Garmin Instinct Crossover AMOLED
- Garmin has revealed its Garmin Instinct Crossover AMOLED
- It’s an Instinct 3 variant with analog hands in front of the display
- The original Garmin Instinct Crossover received high praise (from me, anyway)
The original Garmin Instinct Crossover is a smartwatch that stood out for its ruggedness and innovative design. Combining traditional analog hands with cutting-edge technology, it utilized RevoDrive technology to deliver precise timekeeping via Garmin’s satellite network. With the press of a button, the analog hands would shift away, revealing the digital smartwatch functionalities—a brilliant blend of simplicity and sophistication.
As a fan of both Casio G-Shocks and Garmin’s premium devices, I found the Instinct Crossover to be a harmonious fusion of the two. In my review, I awarded it a solid 4.5 stars and included it in my top picks for hybrid smartwatches, despite its bulky design and relatively high price tag. Its uniqueness more than compensated for any impracticality it presented.
A New Era: Garmin Instinct Crossover AMOLED
My excitement peaked at the announcement of the Garmin Instinct Crossover AMOLED. This new variant not only retains the legacy of the previous model but also shares design principles with the highly rated Garmin Instinct 3. The AMOLED display is a significant upgrade from its more utilitarian predecessor, offering a brighter and more vibrant visual experience. Additionally, this model boasts the built-in LED flashlight found in the Instinct 3.
The original Garmin Instinct Crossover
(Image credit: Matt Evans)
The new Garmin Instinct Crossover AMOLED
(Image credit: Garmin)
A noteworthy feature of the latest model is the lifestyle logging capability, which enables users to track activities such as caffeine and alcohol consumption. This feature, akin to Oura’s tagging system, offers valuable insights into factors affecting heart rate and sleep patterns. The battery life also remains impressive, boasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode—an attribute consumers have come to expect from Garmin devices.
Despite the advances, the charm of the physical analog hands powered by RevoDrive remains a primary draw. They not only add character to the watch but also signify a thoughtful blend of tradition and technology. During workouts, sleep, or recovery, users can still depend on Garmin’s comprehensive data analytics. While the RevoDrive hands mainly serve an aesthetic purpose, they still evoke a sense of nostalgia in an increasingly digital world.
Visually, the new device in a striking black-and-orange colorway, reminiscent of robust construction equipment, caught many eyes—including mine. The Garmin Instinct Crossover AMOLED is currently available for purchase, starting at $649.99 (around £475 / AU$975). A Tactical Edition that includes specialized military functions, like an instant-reset Kill Switch, is offered at a price of $749.99 (around £550 / AU$1,100).
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
