Coros Pace Pro – GPS sports watch with bright AMOLED display unveiled
The Pace Pro is Coros’ latest GPS sports watch, aiming at ambitious runners, triathletes, and outdoor enthusiasts. The biggest innovations are the 1.3″ AMOLED display and the revamped PPG sensor, while the Pace Pro otherwise builds on the successes of its predecessors. In this article, let’s take a close look at the Coros Pace Pro, especially in comparison to the popular previous model, the Pace 3.
Coros Pace Pro – In Comparison
Pace Pro | Pace 3 | Apex 2 Pro | |
---|---|---|---|
Display | AMOLED | LCD | LCD |
Display size | 1.30" | 1.20" | 1.30" |
Resolution | PPI | 416 × 416 | 320 | 240 × 240 | 200 | 260 × 260 | 200 |
Brightness (max) | 1,500 Nits | n/a | n/a |
Dimensions | 46.0 × 46.0 × 12.3 mm | 41.9 × 41.9 × 11.7 mm | 50.3 × 50.3 × 15.7 mm |
Weight | 37 g with strap | 30 g with strap | 72 g with strap |
Wristband | 22 mm | 22 mm | 22 mm |
Battery life - Smartwatch | 20 days | 24 days | 30 days |
Battery life - GPS (Multi Band) | 31 hours | 15 hours | 26 hours |
The key specifications primarily highlight the difference in the display: the Apex 2 Pro and Pace 3 feature a relatively low-resolution MIP display, which, due to its transflective properties, is not self-illuminating but guarantees high battery life.
New and Noteworthy
The Pace Pro offers several exciting new features and enhancements to existing functionalities:
High-Res 1.3″ AMOLED Display
The most striking update to the Pace Pro is its 1.3-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 320 PPI. This delivers crystal-clear visuals, and even under direct sunlight, the maximum brightness of 1,500 nits ensures good readability.
The display also increases the overall dimensions of the watch: the Pace Pro now measures 46 x 46 x 12.3 mm and weighs only 37 grams with the nylon strap.
Larger Button / Digital Crown
In addition to the display, the digital crown and back button have also increased in size. The crown is somewhat reminiscent of the one on the Apex 2 Pro, aimed at enhancing the user experience, particularly when using the watch with cold fingers or gloves.
32 GB Storage / Offline Maps
The Pace Pro has also seen an upgrade in storage, growing from 4 GB to 32 GB. This increase was especially necessary for extensive offline map usage. This makes smartphone-free navigation possible, which is particularly appealing for hikers and adventurers.
The storage can also be used to save MP3 files, which the Pace Pro can play via paired Bluetooth headphones.
Improved Sensors / GPS
Coros promises improvements to the PPG sensor, which primarily measures heart rate and heart rate variability, as well as monitors sleep. Additionally, the Pace Pro is ECG-capable, though it lacks the necessary certifications and cannot be used for Afib detection.
According to Coros, the GPS chip and antenna design have also been revamped to provide more accurate location tracking.
Compared to the Coros Pace 3
Despite its numerous improvements, the similarity to the Pace 3 is undeniable. The Pace Pro is also made from lightweight but relatively simple plastic. This gives it a low weight, but it doesn’t always convey a premium appearance. When considering the features and setting aside the offline maps, the two models are nearly functionally identical.
The similarity should not obscure the fact that the Pace Pro is a new development in many respects and not just a Pace 3 on steroids.
Pricing and Availability
The Coros Pace Pro is now available and can be purchased directly from the Coros website as well as through authorized dealers. The MSRP has increased from €249.99 for the Pace 3 to €399.99 for the Pace Pro. This price jump is not unusual when comparing similar transitions from MIP displays to AMOLED displays among competitors.
Thus, the Pace Pro moves away from the incredibly attractive price-performance ratio of the Pace 3, yet the overall package at nearly €400 is not expensive.
Assessment
For those who are already satisfied with the Coros Pace 3 and value sports metrics, upgrading to the Pace Pro is not a necessity. However, for those seeking even more precision, offline maps, and a high-resolution AMOLED display, the Pace Pro presents a worthwhile option.
Coros Pace Pro
AMOLED
416 x 416 pixels
320 PPI
max. 1,500 Nits
Rating
Features
Features
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Activity Tracking | |
Steps | |
Calories | |
Floors | |
Sleep | |
Stress | |
Inactivity alert | |
Dynamic target | |
Information | |
Time / Date | |
Notifications | |
Weather | |
Calendar | |
Find phone | |
Music | |
Remote control | |
Playback via BLE | |
Phone calls | |
Calls (direct) | |
Calls (via Bluetooth) |
Sport programs / features
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Sensors
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Acceleration / Gyroskop | |
PPG / Heart rate | |
Altimeter | |
Compass | |
Skin temperature | |
Temperature | |
ECG |
Location services
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GPS | |
GPS (Multiband) | |
Galileo | |
GLONASS | |
BeiDou | |
QZSS | |
Live tracking |
Connectivity
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Bluetooth LE | |
ANT+ | |
Wi-Fi | |
NFC | |
LTE |
Other
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Interchangeable wristband |