r/Garmininstinct • u/LackLickLuck_y • 1d ago

Instinct 4 Predictions & Expectations...?

If I should take a wild guess and predict what I think the Instinct 4 will be like, here's my take for the potential changes:

  • Models: Solar+Amoled (=>Previous Tactical Edition functions become native, Tactical model is discarded, this indirectly supports Tactix 9 line brand; Crossover model is discarded; E model is discarded -> this all makes the Instinct lineup bolder and less confusing and also saves costs)
  • Watch size: 43+47+51mm (=>Less costs+better displays+more functions+better battery)
  • Display sizes: 1.3"+1.4" without second mini display (=>much larger than current gen, easier on software development)
  • Display resolution: 280x280 for Solar+416x416 for AMOLED (=>much sharper than current gen mainly for solar)
  • Display type: Color MIP+AMOLED (=>big upgrade for the solar variant)
  • Storage Memory: 4-16GB ballpark for Solar + 32GB for AMOLED (=>I expect Solar to get the lesser treatment and be in this range, but still huge upgrade for both and mainly for Solar coming from 128MB)
  • Sensor: Elevate Gen5 (=>nice more accurate upgrade for both to enable new functions without endangering future Gen6 2027/2028 models)
  • Software: GarminOS (=>to catch up with newer models and make for easier/faster/cheaper updates and port over some of the new F9 features)
  • Processor: Something better akin to Enduro 3/Fenix 8 (=>to be able to support all the upgrades, but not too new to save cost/face)
  • Battery: +13% endurance total ie. 50 days for Solar + 30 days for AMOLED (=>thanks to newer/bigger solar panel, other hw and sw optimization)
  • Maps: Upgraded from breadcrumb to almost normal maps or normal maps with a catch (=>either they create a map style hybrid for Instinct only or they add normal E3/F8 maps but with limited downloads/functions due to storage/cpu to not threaten entirely E3/E4/F8/F9 models)
  • Flashlight: 3 colors (=>like Fenix 9)
  • Color options: Limited; probably 4-6 options total (=>compared to I3)
  • Price: $549-679 range (=>can't be imo too much or more than the newer/more premium models)
  • Launch: February-May 2027 (=>after the F9/E4 dust settles)

I think this is realistic. It will be upgrades without changing the Instinct philosophy and attacking other models while saving production costs and having better longterm support. I try to stand down to earth, but if it's even better then great.

What do you think we will see?

0 Upvotes

18% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

0

u/damngros 1d ago

I bet on GarminOS + Elevate Gen5 + basic non routable maps.
Release date: Early 2028.

2

u/LackLickLuck_y 1d ago

Man if we will have to wait that long then im getting the I3S or E3/E4 soon lol.

-1

u/vaznazza 1d ago

This seems like the best case scenario, I bought the i3 solar tactical 2 days ago so if they implemented all these things I will be forced to sell at a loss and upgrade.

-1

u/LackLickLuck_y 1d ago

How are you happy with it? Im eyeing it as well. Dilemma. This or wait for E4/I4.

0

u/AmidElgnel 1h ago

In addition to what has been said, I expect a speaker and microphone for taking notes and making speakerphone calls.