Garmin Enduro 2 vs 3 – Which Should You Buy?

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Garmin Enduro 3 and the Garmin Enduro 2 are two of Garmin’s most advanced smart watch. Garmin Enduro 3 is the newer and more advanced model, introducing features like an upgraded processor, ECG support, and improved solar charging. Garmin Enduro 2 remains a powerful watch with excellent battery life and durability. This comparison will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle best.

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

Processor:

  • Garmin Enduro 3 features a faster processor that improves responsiveness and makes navigating menus smoother.
  • Garmin Enduro 2 uses an older processor, which is slower under heavy data use.
Winner:

Garmin Enduro 3

New UI & Navigation:

  • Garmin Enduro 3 includes a redesigned interface that speeds up map loading and improves usability.
  • Garmin Enduro 2 uses the previous Garmin UI with standard navigation.
Winner:

Garmin Enduro 3

Battery Life:

  • Garmin Enduro 3 has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 35 days in smartwatch mode and 120 hours in GPS mode to support longer activities without charging.
  • Garmin Enduro 2 provides up to 34 days in smartwatch mode and 110 hours in GPS mode.
Winner:

Garmin Enduro 3

ECG Support:

  • Garmin Enduro 3 includes an ECG sensor that tracks heart rhythm to monitor potential irregularities.
  • Garmin Enduro 2 does not support ECG functionality.
Winner:

Garmin Enduro 3

Solar Efficiency:

  • Garmin Enduro 3 supports enhanced solar charging that extends battery life more effectively during outdoor use.
  • Garmin Enduro 2 comes with standard solar charging that adds less battery time.
Winner:

Garmin Enduro 3

Lightweight:

  • Garmin Enduro 3 has a lighter titanium build that reduces wrist strain during extended wear.
  • Garmin Enduro 2 is slightly heavier and less comfortable on long sessions.
Winner:

Garmin Enduro 3

Elevate 5 HR Sensor:

  • Garmin Enduro 3 features the Elevate 5 HR sensor that improves accuracy for heart rate tracking during exercise and rest.
  • Garmin Enduro 2 comes with the older Elevate 4 HR sensor.
Winner:

Garmin Enduro 3

Flashlight:

  • Garmin Enduro 3 comes with a multi-LED flashlight that delivers stronger brightness for low-light use.
  • Garmin Enduro 2 has a simpler LED flashlight with fewer levels.
Winner:

Garmin Enduro 3

Offline Track Correction:

  • Garmin Enduro 3 supports offline track correction that refines GPS accuracy in dense areas or poor signal zones.
  • Garmin Enduro 2 does not include offline correction features.
Winner:

Garmin Enduro 3

Round-Trip Routing:

  • Garmin Enduro 3 supports advanced round-trip routing that generates more reliable paths with offline corrections.
  • Garmin Enduro 2 provides basic round-trip routing without offline adjustment.
Winner:

Garmin Enduro 3

Specs at a Glance

FeatureGarmin Enduro 3Garmin Enduro 2
Display1.4-inch AMOLED, higher resolution1.4-inch MIP sunlight-visible
Battery Life (Smartwatch mode)Up to 35 days, extended with solarUp to 34 days, extended with solar
Battery Life (GPS mode)Up to 120 hours, solar-assistedUp to 110 hours, solar-assisted
ProcessorNewer, faster chipPrevious-gen chip
RAM & PerformanceHigher RAM for smoother UIStandard RAM
ECG SensorYes, built-inNot available
Heart Rate SensorElevate 5 HR sensorElevate 4 HR sensor
Solar EfficiencyImproved solar chargingStandard solar charging
FlashlightMulti-LED flashlightLED flashlight
NavigationNew UI with enhanced navigationStandard navigation
Round-Trip RoutingYes, with offline track correctionLimited version

 

Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Garmin Enduro 3 if you:

  • Want the newest technology with ECG support and Elevate 5 HR sensor.
  • Need faster performance with smoother navigation and a modern UI.
  • Prefer a lighter titanium build for long-distance comfort.
  • Value improved solar charging and offline GPS track correction.
  • Are willing to pay more for advanced features.

Check Garmin Enduro 3 Best Price

Buy the Garmin Enduro 2 if you:

  • Prefer a more budget-friendly endurance watch.
  • Do not need ECG measurements or the latest HR sensor.
  • Want excellent battery life at a lower cost.
  • Are comfortable with the older Garmin UI and navigation.
  • Need a durable and reliable watch for outdoor expeditions without premium extras.

Check Garmin Enduro 2 Best Price

Winner by Category

CategoryWinner
ProcessorGarmin Enduro 3
Battery LifeGarmin Enduro 3
ECG SensorGarmin Enduro 3
Solar EfficiencyGarmin Enduro 3
LightweightGarmin Enduro 3
Elevate 5 HR SensorGarmin Enduro 3
New UI & NavigationGarmin Enduro 3
Round-Trip RoutingGarmin Enduro 3
FlashlightGarmin Enduro 3
Offline Track CorrectionGarmin Enduro 3

What They Have in Common

  • Solar Charging Support: Both the Enduro 3 and Enduro 2 include Power Glass solar charging, which extends battery life during outdoor activities and reduces reliance on frequent charging.
  • Ultra-Long Battery Life: Each watch delivers exceptional battery performance, offering weeks of use in smartwatch mode and extended runtime in GPS mode, making them ideal for endurance athletes and adventurers.
  • Rugged Build Quality: Both models are built to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, ensuring durability in harsh conditions.
  • Advanced GPS Tracking: The Enduro 3 and Enduro 2 feature multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology, providing accurate positioning in challenging environments such as dense forests or urban canyons.
  • Comprehensive Training Tools: Each watch includes advanced performance metrics like VO2 max, recovery time, and endurance score, giving athletes valuable insights to optimize their training.

FAQ (Quick Answers)

Does the Garmin Enduro 3 have better battery life than the Enduro 2?
Yes, the Garmin Enduro 3 lasts up to 35 days in smartwatch mode and 120 hours in GPS mode with solar, while the Enduro 2 lasts 34 days in smartwatch mode and 110 hours in GPS mode.

Does the Garmin Enduro 3 include an ECG sensor?
Yes, the Enduro 3 includes an ECG sensor for heart rhythm monitoring, while the Enduro 2 does not have this feature.

Is the Garmin Enduro 3 lighter than the Enduro 2?
Yes, the Enduro 3 uses a slightly lighter titanium design, making it more comfortable for extended wear compared to the heavier Enduro 2.

What type of heart rate sensor does the Garmin Enduro 3 use?
The Enduro 3 comes with the Elevate 5 HR sensor, which provides more accurate readings than the Elevate 4 HR sensor found on the Enduro 2.

Does the Garmin Enduro 3 have a better display than the Enduro 2?
Yes, the Enduro 3 features a higher-resolution AMOLED display, while the Enduro 2 uses a traditional MIP display.

How does solar efficiency compare between the Enduro 3 and Enduro 2?
The Enduro 3 offers improved solar efficiency, adding more usable hours during outdoor activity, while the Enduro 2 provides less effective solar charging.

Does the Garmin Enduro 3 have a flashlight?
Yes, the Enduro 3 comes with a multi-LED flashlight with higher brightness levels, while the Enduro 2 has a simpler LED flashlight.

Can both watches handle offline navigation?
The Enduro 3 supports offline track correction for improved GPS accuracy, while the Enduro 2 lacks offline correction and relies only on standard GPS routing.

Which watch is better for advanced navigation features?
The Enduro 3 includes a new user interface with smoother navigation and more reliable round-trip routing, while the Enduro 2 has the standard Garmin interface with limited routing.

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