AMOLED vs MIP GPS Watch Screens - Which is actually best for outdoor use?
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If you’ve been looking at modern GPS watches you’ll have noticed the big choice now isn’t Garmin vs Suunto… it’s screen type.
Do you go for the vibrant smartwatch-style AMOLED display or the traditional outdoor-focused MIP display?
We stock both across Garmin and Suunto because, frankly, neither is universally “better”.
But they are very different once you start using them properly outdoors.
Below is a real-world breakdown based on testing, navigation use, battery measurements and daily wear observations.
Please take a look at all the GPS watches we have at the Outdoor GPS Shop - more here
What is the difference?
MIP (Memory-In-Pixel)
- Reflective display (uses ambient light)
- Always visible outdoors
- Extremely low battery use
- Traditional outdoor watch style
AMOLED
- Self-illuminated display (like a smartphone)
- Bright colours and high contrast
- Better indoors and in shade
- Higher battery consumption
Outdoor readability
Direct sunlight (walking, hiking, mountains)
Winner: MIP
MIP screens reflect sunlight instead of fighting it.
So in bright conditions they actually become clearer.
That’s why traditional outdoor watches used this technology for years.
AMOLED has improved massively and is now readable outside, but under strong sun MIP is still easier to glance at quickly.
Real world takeaway:
If you spend most of your time outdoors, MIP feels natural and effortless.
Shade, woodland, cloudy days, indoors
Winner: AMOLED
AMOLED shines when light levels drop.
Higher contrast + colour depth makes maps and data easier to interpret.
Navigation especially benefits:
- clearer route lines
- terrain shading
- more detail visible
- easier quick decisions
Real world takeaway:
If you use the watch daily, at work, gym, office or home — AMOLED feels nicer.
Map navigation clarity
This is where AMOLED genuinely changes the experience.
Because of the higher resolution and colour range:
- routes stand out more clearly
- topo detail is richer
- terrain easier to understand
- less squinting when following a track
MIP still navigates perfectly well
…but AMOLED makes navigation more visual rather than functional.
Think:
- MIP = paper map feel
- AMOLED = mini handheld GPS feel
Battery life (real usage)
Historically this was simple:
AMOLED = terrible battery life
Early Apple Watch, older Casio outdoor smart watches and early Garmin Epix models proved that.
They were great indoors but impractical for serious trips.
Modern watches are very different.
Typical real usage comparison
| Activity | AMOLED | MIP |
|---|---|---|
| Smartwatch daily use | ~7-16 days | ~21-30+ days |
| GPS tracking | ~30-37 hrs | ~50-65+ hrs |
| Navigation active | ~18 hrs | ~30+ hrs |
| With solar support | Not available | Even longer |
MIP still wins — no question.
But AMOLED is no longer “bad”.
It’s now perfectly usable for long days and most weekends.
Always-on behaviour
MIP
- Truly always on
- No waking the screen
- Zero distraction
- Like a traditional watch
AMOLED
- dims or sleeps when not used
- wakes via gesture or button
- customisable brightness
- night modes available
Some people love the dynamic screen
Others hate needing to “wake” their watch.
This is surprisingly personal preference.
Weight, feel and philosophy
This ends up being the deciding factor for many walkers.
MIP watches feel like equipment
You forget they exist. They just work.
AMOLED watches feel like tech
You interact with them. They look impressive.
Neither is right or wrong.
They suit different personalities.
So… which should you choose?
Choose MIP if you:
- Walk or hike frequently outdoors
- Care about maximum battery life
- Prefer simplicity
- Want zero distractions
- Do multi-day trips or ultras
Choose AMOLED if you:
- Wear the watch all day everyday
- Value maps and visuals
- Spend time indoors too
- Like smartwatch style
- Charge weekly anyway
The honest answer
After years of outdoor GPS devices, the reality now is:
Both are finally good enough.
The decision is no longer about capability
It’s about usage style.
- Outdoor tool → MIP
- Daily wearable tech → AMOLED
And that’s exactly why brands like Garmin and Suunto now offer both versions of the same watch.
Final opinion
For pure navigation and endurance events, MIP still feels purpose-built.
For everyday life plus adventures, AMOLED is more enjoyable.
There isn’t a best screen.
There’s a best screen for how you actually use your watch.
If you’re unsure, that’s completely normal.
Tell us what you mainly do with the watch and we’ll steer you to the right type rather than just the newest model.
-- Please take a look at all the GPS watches we have at the Outdoor GPS Shop - more here --
