Coros has elevated its sports watch game with the Pace Pro, featuring a vibrant Amoled display that outshines previous MIP screens. With a refreshed design, it weighs 49 grams and offers a durable yet comfortable fit. The 1.3-inch screen boasts a high resolution and brightness, enhancing visibility in various lighting. User-friendly navigation combines touch and button controls, making it ideal for athletes. The watch also includes customizable dials and a robust water resistance rating, perfect for diverse activities.
Coros Pace Pro: A Game Changer in Sports Watches
Coros has long been recognized for its MIP screen sports watches, distinguishing itself from competitors like Garmin, Suunto, and Polar. However, with the introduction of the Coros Pace Pro, the brand takes a significant leap forward by embracing Amoled technology.
Exploring the Coros Pace Pro: Design and Specifications
The Coros Pace Pro showcases a fresh design that aligns with the brand’s Pace series. Unlike its counterparts, which feature three buttons including a rotating crown, the Pace Pro resembles the Coros Pace 3 but in a more substantial form. While the Pace 3 is compact at 41.9 x 41.9 x 11.7 mm and weighs just 38 grams, the Pace Pro is slightly larger, measuring 46 x 46 x 12.25 mm and tipping the scales at 49 grams with its silicone strap (37 grams with an optional nylon strap).
Despite its larger size, the Pace Pro maintains a lightweight feel, especially when compared to the 47 grams of the Garmin Forerunner 265 or the Polar Vantage M3 at 53 grams. This watch is designed for comfort, resting lightly on the wrist without obstructing movement during activities like running. Made primarily of plastic, it lacks metal components or sapphire glass, keeping costs down while ensuring durability.
The watch features a standard 22 mm strap system, allowing users to swap out the included silicone strap for any compatible model with a quick-release mechanism. The silicone strap is particularly well-designed, offering elasticity and comfort during workouts. However, it is worth noting that the watch is exclusively sold with this strap option, limiting customization.
Aesthetically, the Coros Pace Pro sports a prominent logo on the side. The Amoled screen occupies 51.5% of the watch’s surface, surrounded by a black border that cleverly disguises the edges. The controls consist of two buttons, including a stainless steel rotating crown, both of which are easy to operate regardless of wrist orientation.
In terms of water resistance, the Pace Pro is rated at 5 ATM, making it suitable for shallow swimming but not for diving. It can also endure extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C.
The Brilliant Amoled Display
One of the standout features of the Coros Pace Pro is its vibrant Amoled display, marking a departure from the traditional MIP screens of previous models. The 1.3-inch screen boasts a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels, translating to a pixel density of 320 ppi. In contrast, the Coros Pace 3’s MIP screen measures 1.2 inches with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels and 200 ppi.
The advantages of the Amoled screen include brighter colors and enhanced contrast, delivering sharper images and text. To improve usability in various lighting conditions, Coros has equipped the Pace Pro with a maximum brightness of 1500 cd/m², allowing for clear visibility even in direct sunlight.
The watch is also fitted with a responsive light sensor that automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on ambient light. Additionally, the “always-on” display feature keeps the dial visible at all times, with options to activate this mode solely during workouts.
Users can customize their experience further with a “sleep” mode that silences notifications and disables the always-on display during specified hours. At launch, the Coros Pace Pro offers seven dials, with additional options available for download through the Coros app. However, many of these dials are designed for MIP screens, meaning they may not fully utilize the Amoled technology.
User Experience and Functionality
The Coros Pace Pro maintains a user-friendly interface similar to that of the Coros Pace 3. Navigation is intuitive, utilizing the two buttons for various functions alongside touch capabilities. Users can swipe to navigate menus, validate selections, and access different features seamlessly.
While the touch navigation is pleasant and often preferred during workouts, some users may find the crown somewhat challenging. Its small size and proximity to the wrist can make it less accessible during use. Overall, the Coros Pace Pro presents an engaging mix of style, functionality, and advanced technology, making it a compelling option for sports enthusiasts looking for a reliable and feature-rich watch.