← Gear database

Coros APEX 4 (42mm) vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 45mm

Weight and specs compared for 2026 — and which one to choose.

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 45mm is the lighter option — 3 g lighter than the Coros APEX 4 (42mm) (5% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.
shopping_cart Check today's price on Amazon
Spec Coros APEX 4 (42mm) Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 45mm
Weight 56 g · 0.056 kg · 0.12 lb 53 g · 0.053 kg · 0.12 lb
Brand Coros Garmin
Category Electronics Electronics
Coros APEX 4 (42mm)
56 g

Mountain sports GPS watch with dual-frequency satellite positioning for improved accuracy, ECG heart rhythm monitoring, and barometric altimeter for navigation

Full details →
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 45mm
53 g

Rugged solar-powered GPS watch. 36-90 days smartwatch battery with solar charging capability.

Full details →

HikeLoad is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Coros APEX 4 (42mm) vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 45mm: which should you buy?

If saving weight is your priority, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar 45mm wins — at 53 g it is 3 g (5%) lighter than the Coros APEX 4 (42mm) (56 g). That said, the heavier option may justify the extra grams with more capacity, durability or comfort, so weigh the trade-off against how you'll use it.

See where both rank against everything else in this category on the lightest electronics page, or browse the full gear weight database.

More electronics comparisons

Coros APEX 4 (42mm) vs Coros Apex 4 (42mm with silicone strap) Coros APEX 4 (42mm) vs Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph Coros APEX 4 (42mm) vs Polar Grit X Coros APEX 4 (42mm) vs Casio Pro Trek PRG-340 Coros APEX 4 (42mm) vs Garmin Epix Gen 2 Sapphire Smartwatch Coros APEX 4 (42mm) vs Garmin Epix Pro Gen 2 Sapphire 47mm