garmin enduro 3 in testing

The Enduro 3 is designed for maximum runtime and is slightly different from the Fenix ​​8 in terms of functionality, but it costs less. Is it a better buy? Our testing makes this clear.

Garmin sports watches of the Enduro series are characterized by long battery life and are aimed primarily at extreme and endurance athletes. This makes the watches the perfect choice for marathons, but the Enduro 3 is also an excellent solution for ambitious hobby athletes. It’s cheaper than the Garmin flagship Fenix ​​8, but lasts more than 30 days.

Unlike the Fenix ​​series, Garmin makes it easy for buyers of the Enduro 3 as you don’t have to choose between different versions – the watch is only available in one color and size. With a case diameter of 51 mm and, above all, a thickness of around 16 mm, the Enduro 3 is not at all fragile. At 57 grams, the case weighs no more than the Forerunner 965. The Enduro 3 comes with a Velcro strap, which seems a little cheap at first glance. If you wish, you can purchase other bands from Garmin and independently. At Garmin, prices range between 40 and 300 euros, depending on the version.

The screen measures just under 1.4 inches (3.56 cm) in diameter and has a resolution of 280 × 280 pixels. Garmin continues to use memory-in-pixel displays (MIP), which appear less brilliant than OLED displays. But the Enduro 3 aims to provide the longest battery life, and the MIP design is superior in this regard. All information here is always displayed in full, on OLED this is only optional.

The Enduro 3 is impeccably built. The buttons have a precise pressure point and the display can withstand a lot of stress without scratching. I would still recommend fitting the screen with high-quality protective glass.

The watch can be set up in just a few minutes and then ready for the first training session. What’s surprising is that Garmin has only installed one display surface. There are countless other options available through the Garmin IQ. Many other options are also available to expand the range of functions. This ranges from music and weather apps to payments and navigation.

Garmin keeps the internal memory at 32GB. In conjunction with software version 11.9, about 16.5 GB of this was free for music and apps. For such an expensive watch it would be nice to get more. The fact that Garmin only includes a charging cable without a charger and no option for inductive charging doesn’t match the high price. It’s also annoying that Garmin is sticking to the proprietary charging port.

One of the main reasons why Garmin has had so much success among athletes for many years is due to its ability to evaluate training data through its own app. These are released so deeply that amateur athletes will hardly be able to make full use of them. This almost inevitably makes the app not particularly clear. But especially if you want to train specifically, it is worth joining.

If your heart rate, speed and route are enough training data, then you are overdoing it by purchasing the Enduro 3. Because this watch with abundant data is designed for extremely ambitious athletes or professionals. The watch not only provides suggestions for the day, but also explicitly advises not to exercise if overload is found. Like sleep analysis, these evaluations are usually understandable.

iPhone 17 Pro: Rumors are hot about the new back

Two limitations: Here too, the identification of stages is not scientifically accurate, but an accurate estimate. In principle, this also applies to pulse measurements on the wrist, which can never be as accurate as measuring with a chest strap. It can also be integrated. If you really want to know the precision, you can’t avoid using it. However, in almost all cases, the accuracy of the pulse sensor in the watch will be sufficient.

This watch establishes connection with the satellite instantly and route recording is also accurate. During an hour of playing with music, the battery charge level dropped by about 4 percent. Solar panels are also installed here in November. Nonetheless, the battery life is impressive. Even with daily training recordings, it was always possible to go more than three weeks without charging in testing. In summer, the running time can potentially increase again, as the solar panel can then contribute even more.

Garmin includes a standard music player that works great. Extensions are also possible at this point: Spotify is one of the apps that is particularly frequently downloaded from the Garmin IQ. An altimeter and a flashlight are also integrated. You can pay from the watch itself, although the number of partners with which this is possible is quite clear.

Unlike the Fenix ​​8, the Enduro 3 has no telephone function or voice controls. Anyone who trains a lot in the water should prefer the Fenix, as it is the only one that has waterproofing, inductive buttons and a depth gauge up to 40 meters. There are also various diving related functions that only the Fenix ​​has. If you don’t need it and can tolerate the Enduro 3’s slightly simpler exterior, you can save the extra price for the Fenix ​​8.

Enduro 3 feels like it goes on forever. With normal use, the watch lasts for a month. Despite intensive use with lots of GPS recording, the test still had ample reserves after more than 14 days. Garmin says up to 36 days. The lack of an inductive charging option looks less nice. Every time you have to painstakingly plug the cable in to take the watch off again.

The price of the watch is officially 899 euros, at the time of this test it was less 800 euros (price comparison) To keep. This is a hefty price for a sports watch and is only cheaper than the Fenix ​​series. If you’re only interested in recording training data, you can get cheaper watches from Garmin as well.

The Enduro 3 is an expensive luxury sports watch, but it delivers on Garmin’s promise. The wealth of data is impressive, and it can be easily expanded functionally. The decision to stick with an energy-saving MIP display makes sense, as the Enduro 3’s main promise is exceptionally long battery life. Garmin makes its point in this regard as well. The workmanship is impeccable.

Small points of criticism remain. Pulse measurement at the wrist is prone to error in rare cases. It’s OK that Garmin doesn’t include a charger with the Enduro 3. But the lack of a proprietary connection and option to charge the watch is annoying. You have to become familiar with the operation, but it’s worth it, especially for aspiring athletes.

However, all this would be worth a lot of money to the interested party. Garmin has again increased the prices of its top watches with a model change. It’s worth a comparison, even though the Enduro 3 didn’t cost as much as the Fenix ​​8 at the time of testing.

E-bike in test i:SY E5 ZR F