Garmin MIPS vs Amoled

[evdheever]

Hi All

I've read several articles about the topic and have a basic understanding of the screen differences.

In theory the Amoled is clearer, but in sunlight the MIPS is supposedly better.

My question - Is MIPS really better in the sun?  The wrist unit will be used for triathlons.

I'm getting older as well, so the eyesight is becoming a challenge. 🤫

What is your guys experience / advice?

Thanks

Eduard

[IceCreamMan]

I use the Enduro 3. Its MIPS screen is superb. Certainly not as bright or clear as amoled but it works well. Battery life that lasts 4 weeks even with activities. 
 

ultimately up to you. I don’t need the amoled screen and the mips screen is legible even to my eyes that needs reader glasses of 1.5 🤣

[droo]

MIP screens are way better in full sun, and the million hour battery life is a bonus.

They do suck a bit in low light without the backlight though.

Edited November 20, 2025 by droo

[PappaWatTrap]

I can confirm, you cant see anything in full sun. I have the epix pro with the Amoled screen. The colors do look cool on the Amoled screen but if you are planning on exercising in full sun then I would recommend the MIP screen. On my Garmin EDGE or old Forunner with the MIP screen I never thought "Man I need a clearer screen"

For example I did some hill sets today over lunch, I specifically looked for a hill with trees and shade so that I don't over cook and that I can actually see on my screen. 

Edited November 20, 2025 by PappaWatTrap

[Zebra]

I read this topic headline, and thought the OP was confusing Mips (helmet rotational redistribution system standard) and GARMIN, of all products….🤔😆

…and so I learn!

Man! There are a LOT of a.c.r.o.n.y.m.’s in the sport!!!

Edited November 20, 2025 by Zebra

[ChrisF]

41 minutes ago, Zebra said:

I read this topic headline, and thought the OP was confusing Mips (helmet rotational redistribution system standard) and GARMIN, of all products….🤔😆

…and so I learn!

Man! There are a LOT of a.c.r.o.n.y.m.’s in the sport!!!

 

Jip, screen technology, and industry trends are changing as fast as most things in the electronic era ....

 

Thus MIP is a nicer way of saying it is ancient black and white technology.

 

Stupidly long battery life keeps these going.  Also the fact that solar screen technology still only caters for MIP screens (at least that was the case a few months back)

 

Most other manufacturers have long since switched to Amoled.  The easiest way around Amoled and battery life .... play with the screen settings.

 

Most Garmin Amoled models now easily exceed 7 days battery life, including a LOT of gps tracking activities.

 

Screen in the sun .... non issue in my experience.

 

Having nice full colour is being optimised in the metric displays in more and more applications.

 

 

I recently had to decide between a Frontrunner with Amoled and one of the solar models wit MIP .... seeing this screens next to each other .... visually it is a no brainer.

 

For some the infinite battery life concept is a major decider.  With the Frontrunner an empty battery charge to 100% in less than ONE hour.  In fact if you charge it while you shower it hardly drops over a week.

[Guest Mike Dewing]

I like my instinct three with the mips screen.. the amoled screens look awesome but I like the simplicity of the information displayed.. 

I had the instinct 2 which was stolen and replaced with the 3 and I’ll tell you the difference between the display is substantial in my opinion.. really nice.. very happy with my garmin display

*edit.. I think my point is the simple screen is not settling at all.. it’s a fantastic more than capable device.. 

Edited November 21, 2025 by Mike Dewing

[Dexter-morgan]

I have a FR965 with an amoled screen and the battery lasts just more than a week, very clear but eats battery.

[Guest Mike Dewing]

42 minutes ago, Dexter-morgan said:

I have a FR965 with an amoled screen and the battery lasts just more than a week, very clear but eats battery.

Still better than an Apple watch

[ChrisF]

11 hours ago, Mike Dewing said:

....... but I like the simplicity of the information displayed.. 

 

 

Have to agree with this point.  So many of the watches now come with so much information on the screen .... it just does not "feel" right.  Obvious a personal opinion.  (or just not being able to read the small stuff...)

 

I immediately search the Connect IQ platform and download a more natural screen ...

[Guest Mike Dewing]

12 hours ago, ChrisF said:

 

Have to agree with this point.  So many of the watches now come with so much information on the screen .... it just does not "feel" right.  Obvious a personal opinion.  (or just not being able to read the small stuff...)

 

I immediately search the Connect IQ platform and download a more natural screen ...

At what point does the average person run out of useful data.. 

Data for us needs to be stripped down to a few key performance aspects that are easy to track and adjustable in everyday normal life.. 

Going into a ride saying I have to keep my cadence at this and my heart and power rates in this region and if I don’t it’s unproductive and I’m going to go home and cry for the rest of the day. It’s too much. 

Edited November 22, 2025 by Mike Dewing

[Fisan]

I think the for the first generations of the Epix the "visibility in sunlight" was still a valid argument, but I've had both types now, and using the lowest (adaptive) brightness setting is more thr clear enough, even while wearing sunglasses.

The only valid arguments (IMO, of course) are:

- battey life, and

- true always on

- screen burn in if you plan to use it for years

The AMOLED definitely feels more like a computer than a watch. The battery life is better MIP watches of some years ago - more than good enough for most athletes. 

At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference.