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Garmin eTrex SE vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar

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

Garmin Instinct 3 Solar is the lighter option — 105 g lighter than the Garmin eTrex SE (67% less weight). If grams matter to you, that is the one to beat.
Spec Garmin eTrex SE Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
Weight 157 g · 0.157 kg · 0.35 lb 52 g · 0.052 kg · 0.11 lb
Brand Garmin Garmin
Category Navigation Navigation
Garmin eTrex SE
157 g

Rugged entry-level handheld GPS with up to 168-hour battery life in standard mode. Sunlight-readable display with reliable satellite reception for trail navigat...

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Garmin Instinct 3 Solar
52 g

Rugged GPS smartwatch with solar charging, 28-day battery in smartwatch mode, and unlimited battery in expedition GPS mode. Altimeter, compass included.

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Garmin eTrex SE vs Garmin Instinct 3 Solar: which should you buy?

If saving weight is your priority, the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar wins — at 52 g it is 105 g (67%) lighter than the Garmin eTrex SE (157 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 navigation page, or browse the full gear weight database.

More navigation comparisons