The COROS Pace Pro represents a significant evolution in sports watches, introducing the brand’s first AMOLED display while maintaining impressive battery performance.
Introduction to the COROS Pace Pro
The COROS Pace Pro represents a significant evolution in the realm of sports watches, especially with its transition to an AMOLED display. This feature not only enhances visibility but also aligns the watch with modern aesthetics commonly found in high-end devices.
As a result, users can expect a more vibrant and interactive experience, making it a compelling option for fitness enthusiasts.
AMOLED Display Advantages
The watch features a remarkable 1.3-inch AMOLED display with a stunning brightness of 1,500 nits, ensuring exceptional visibility in all lighting conditions. Its lightweight design, crafted from fiber-reinforced polymer materials, guarantees comfort for all-day wear, whether you’re active or at rest.
The difference between AMOLED and older MIP displays is striking; AMOLED offers more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, significantly enhancing the overall visual quality of the user interface.
Changes in Case Size and Design
The Pace Pro’s case size has grown from 42mm to 46mm, allowing for a larger display and a sturdier design.
Users will notice that the buttons on the side have also been enlarged, improving usability during activities like interval training where quick adjustments are necessary.
Button Functionality and Design Improvements
The updated button design is user-friendly, allowing for easier access during workouts. The larger buttons are particularly beneficial for athletes who need to make quick adjustments without losing focus on their activity. This thoughtful design improvement enhances the overall user experience, especially in high-intensity situations.
Band and Weight Adjustments
In a shift from the previous fabric band, the Pace Pro now features a silicone band. While this makes the watch slightly heavier, many users prefer silicone for its comfort and durability during rigorous activities. The trade-off in weight is often worth it for the enhanced performance and ease of wear.
New Charging Port and Cable Design
The COROS Pace Pro introduces a new charging port design, which is deeper and thicker than its predecessors. This change means that older charging cables will not be compatible without modification. The watch comes with a key ring adapter, allowing users to utilize their own USB-C cable for charging, which adds a layer of convenience but may require some adjustment for long-time users.
Optical Heart Rate Sensor and ECG Feature
Equipped with an upgraded optical heart rate sensor, the Pace Pro offers enhanced precision in heart rate monitoring. This advanced sensor mirrors the technology found in the COROS Vertix 2, ensuring dependable data for your training regimen.
Moreover, it incorporates an ECG feature; however, users should be aware that it is not certified for medical use and is not intended for diagnostic purposes.
Enhanced GPS and Antenna Design
The GPS capabilities of the Pace Pro have been significantly improved, featuring a new chipset designed for better accuracy. This is crucial for outdoor activities like trail running or hiking, where precise tracking is essential. Users can expect reliable GPS performance across various sports, making the watch suitable for diverse training environments.
Battery Life and Performance Testing
Battery life is a critical feature for any sports watch, and the Pace Pro aims to deliver. In all systems mode, users can expect up to 38 hours of battery life, while dual frequency mode offers around 31 hours. For comparison, check out our list of best fitness trackers of 2024 to see how it stacks up against competitors.
Users can expect a staggering 6 days of battery life with the always-on display feature activated. This is particularly beneficial for those who prefer to have their watch constantly displaying the time and essential notifications.
Users engaging in daily workouts can expect around 4 days of total smartwatch battery life, which is quite impressive given the device’s capabilities.
Onboard Mapping and Navigation Capabilities
One of the standout features of the Polar Vantage M3 is its onboard mapping and navigation capabilities. Unlike its predecessors, the Pace Pro allows users to download maps directly onto the watch, enhancing outdoor navigation significantly.
This feature is ideal for adventurers exploring trail running routes or remote hiking trails.
The maps are designed to be lightweight, with users able to download extensive areas without consuming too much storage. For instance, downloading maps for a region like Mykonos can take up only about 60 MB.
Once the maps are on the watch, users can follow routes with turn-by-turn prompts, although it’s important to note that the maps are not entirely routable yet. Users need to navigate back to their course manually if they stray off path.
Processor Speed and Performance Enhancements
The Polar Vantage M3 boasts significant enhancements in processor speed compared to its predecessors. Polar claims to have doubled the processing speed, resulting in a more responsive user experience. This improvement is particularly noticeable when scrolling through maps or accessing various features, which is considerably faster than older models.
However, users may not notice a substantial difference in the general menu navigation. The speed improvements are most prominent in specific tasks, such as rendering maps, allowing for a smoother and more efficient experience when planning outdoor activities.
Increased Storage and Music Capabilities
Another improvement in the Polar Vantage M3 is the increase in storage capacity, which has expanded from 4 GB to 32 GB. The Pace Pro supports MP3 files, enabling users to store and listen to their favorite tracks during workouts. For those needing motivation, explore our tips on staying motivated during workouts.
The Vantage M3 allows users to store MP3 tracks for workouts but lacks support for streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music. Future updates may add podcast functionalities to enhance the media experience.
User Interface Overview
The intuitive user interface includes customizable data pages for different sports profiles, making it easy to monitor metrics like heart rate, pace, and cardio training load.
One notable aspect of the interface is the training load feature, which resets every Monday. While this may be convenient for some, it can be frustrating for users who prefer a more continuous tracking system that reflects their overall performance trends over a rolling week. Despite this, the interface remains user-friendly, with customizable data pages for different sports profiles.
Heart Rate Accuracy Testing Results
Equipped with an upgraded optical heart rate sensor, the Pace Pro promises improved accuracy in heart rate monitoring. This sensor is the same as that found in the COROS Vertix 2, providing reliable data for tracking fitness progress.
Outdoor cycling sessions showed discrepancies in heart rate readings compared to other devices. For high-intensity cycling, users may consider using an external heart rate monitor for better accuracy.
GPS Accuracy Testing Insights
The GPS capabilities of the Polar Vantage M3 have been improved, providing users with accurate tracking during outdoor activities. Testing across various terrains showed that the GPS was particularly effective in open areas, delivering precise location data and tracking routes accurately.
In more complex environments, such as trails with dense foliage or urban settings, the performance was still commendable, although there were slight offsets in tracking accuracy. Overall, users can expect a reliable GPS experience, making the Vantage M3 a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pricing and Market Position
The Coros Pace Pro is priced at $349/£349/€399. While this represents a premium over the Pace 3, the additional features like AMOLED display, improved battery life, and offline mapping justify the higher price point for serious athletes.
The Pace Pro now competes with other notable models like the Polar Vantage M3, Garmin Forerunner 265, and Suunto Race S, all of which offer unique functionalities tailored for athletes.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
The COROS Pace Pro represents a significant technological advancement with its AMOLED display and improved hardware, but comes with some notable trade-offs that affect its value proposition at the $349 price point.
Key Strengths
- Exceptional battery life with 38 hours in GPS mode and 20 days in smartwatch mode
- Vibrant 1,500-nit AMOLED display with excellent visibility
- Responsive interface with doubled computing power
- Comprehensive training features through EvoLab suite
Notable Limitations
- Screen durability concerns due to lack of Gorilla Glass protection
- Inconsistent heart rate tracking, especially during high-intensity activities
- Limited map functionality compared to competitors
- Unreliable WiFi connectivity and route syncing
Recommendations
Best For:
- Runners seeking a lightweight, feature-rich training watch
- Athletes prioritizing battery life and screen visibility
- Current COROS ecosystem users looking to upgrade
Consider Alternatives If:
- You need advanced mapping capabilities
- Heart rate accuracy is crucial for your training
- You want extensive third-party app integration
- You’re looking for comprehensive smartwatch features
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the battery life of the Polar Vantage M3? The watch offers up to 6 days in smartwatch mode and 20 days with gesture-based display settings.
- Does the Polar Vantage M3 support music streaming? No, it only supports MP3 files stored on the device.
- How accurate is the heart rate monitor? The heart rate monitor performs well during most activities, although some discrepancies may occur during outdoor cycling.
- Can I download maps onto the Polar Vantage M3? Yes, users can download maps for navigation directly onto the watch using the Polar app.
- How does the Polar Vantage M3 compare to the COROS Pace Pro? Both watches have unique features; the Vantage M3 focuses on fitness tracking and navigation, while the Pace Pro emphasizes performance and battery life.
- How does it compare to Garmin’s Forerunner series?
The Pace Pro offers better battery life but fewer smart features. For more, read our Garmin Forerunner 35 review. For more insights on optimizing your training, explore our guide to essential nutrients for athletes.
References:
[1] https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/gear/tech/a63183811/coros-pace-pro-review/
[2] https://pangu.my/product/coros-watch-pace-pro-black/
[3] https://the5krunner.com/2024/10/30/coros-pace-pro-review-3/
[4] https://coros.com/pacepro
[5] https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/smartwatches/coros-pace-pro-review
[6] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/10/coros-review-amoled.html
[7] https://www.playbetter.com/blogs/running/coros-pace-pro-review
[8] https://coros.veto.gr
[9] https://www.reddit.com/r/Coros/comments/1ggj4zh/really_disappointing_review_of_the_pace_pro/
[10] https://www.skroutz.gr/m.Coros.62611.html
As a veteran fitness technology innovator and the founder of GearUpToFit.com, Alex Papaioannou stands at the intersection of health science and artificial intelligence. With over a decade of specialized experience in digital wellness solutions, he’s transforming how people approach their fitness journey through data-driven methodologies.
Last update on 2025-01-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API