Coros Pace Pro: Affordable Rival to Garmin Fenix 8

The Coros Pace Pro smartwatch is setting its sights on rivaling premium models like the Garmin Fenix 8, all while coming in at a more affordable price point of $349. This makes it significantly pricier than its predecessor, the Coros Pace 3, which is available for $229. However, the Pace Pro includes an array of new features and upgrades that could attract buyers who want high-end functionality without paying the top-tier price associated with Garmin’s offerings. With the Coros Pace Pro, the company has introduced its first AMOLED display, adding a notable visual enhancement to their lineup.

The centerpiece of the Coros Pace Pro’s design is its 1.3-inch AMOLED screen, which delivers a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels and claims to reach a brightness level of 1500 nits. This is a substantial upgrade from the Memory In Pixel (MIP) screens typically found in other Coros models. The result is a sharper, more vibrant display that enhances readability, particularly in bright sunlight. The increased pixel density makes visuals clearer and sharper, which is a significant improvement over the displays on previous models. The larger display size, with a 46mm case diameter, gives the Pace Pro a more substantial feel on the wrist than the smaller and lighter Pace 3.

Alongside the AMOLED display, Coros has equipped the Pace Pro with full offline mapping capabilities, a feature previously reserved for their higher-end models like the Vertix series. Maps can be downloaded to the watch’s internal 32GB storage, providing users with access to navigation without needing a connection to a smartphone. Additionally, the Pace Pro includes ECG functionality, another feature carried over from the high-end Vertix series. This marks the first time ECG monitoring has appeared in the more affordable Pace lineup, catering to users who may want health-monitoring features without investing in the Vertix models.

When it comes to GPS functionality, the Coros Pace Pro stands out with dual-frequency GPS, which enhances tracking accuracy. This feature was first introduced in Coros’s mid-priced models even before Garmin and Apple implemented it in their comparable watches. By offering dual-frequency GPS, Coros appeals to fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers who need reliable and precise navigation data, even in challenging environments with signal interference. Coros has made a concerted effort to provide advanced tracking tools in the Pace Pro, which could help it gain traction with outdoor sports enthusiasts and serious athletes.

The design of the Coros Pace Pro maintains the brand’s characteristic practicality, focusing on functionality and affordability rather than premium materials. The case is constructed from a polymer, a durable form of plastic, while the display is covered with an unnamed toughened glass. While this makes the watch less rugged compared to high-end models that use materials like titanium and sapphire (as seen in the Coros Vertix series), it also keeps the cost down. Coros is clearly targeting users who value function over luxury materials, a sensible approach given the Pace Pro’s more affordable price point.

Battery life is another strong point for the Coros Pace Pro. The company claims the watch can last up to 20 days on a single charge, with a reduced battery life of about six days when the always-on display mode is activated. This longevity surpasses what many users typically expect from smartwatches, particularly those with AMOLED displays, which tend to consume more power than MIP screens. Coros has also worked to improve performance speed, stating that the Pace Pro is twice as fast as the Pace 3, with three times the Wi-Fi speed. These upgrades could make the Pace Pro a viable option for users looking for a snappy, high-performing watch that balances functionality and battery efficiency.

Comparing the Coros Pace Pro with Garmin’s closest counterpart, the Forerunner 965, reveals notable differences. At $599, the Forerunner 965 is priced $250 higher than the Pace Pro, but it offers a more comprehensive software experience. Garmin’s software ecosystem is widely regarded for its depth and robustness, providing advanced workout construction options that outperform Coros’s current offerings. Garmin’s mapping features also tend to be more user-friendly and intuitive, which may be a consideration for those who frequently use their watch for navigation. Additionally, the Forerunner 965 has a more extensive range of health-focused features, giving it an edge for users seeking a device with all-around fitness and wellness tracking.

Coros’s mapping capabilities, while useful, do not yet match Garmin’s in terms of ease of use and interface design. The last time users tested Coros’s mapping solution, feedback highlighted that it was not as polished as Garmin’s offerings, which could deter some users who prioritize seamless navigation. Additionally, although Coros has incorporated ECG functionality into the Pace Pro, Garmin’s implementation of similar health-monitoring tools is more refined. That said, users who primarily use their smartwatch for fitness tracking may not find this to be a dealbreaker, given that ECG monitoring is not an essential feature for many sports enthusiasts.

Another potential downside for the Coros Pace Pro is its water resistance rating. With a 5ATM rating, it is suitable for basic swimming and light water exposure but may fall short for users who want to use the watch for high-intensity water sports. Many Garmin models, by contrast, come with a 10ATM rating, making them more suitable for a variety of aquatic activities. For users who swim frequently or want their device to withstand heavy water exposure, this could be a deciding factor.

Despite some areas where Garmin still leads, the Coros Pace Pro is competitive with its lower price point and an impressive array of features. For an additional $120 over the Pace 3, users get an AMOLED display, offline maps, ECG functionality, dual-frequency GPS, and better overall performance. The upgrades make the Pace Pro a compelling option for users seeking a smartwatch with advanced features without the hefty price tag of Garmin’s high-end models.

Ultimately, the Coros Pace Pro represents a strong value proposition in the mid-range smartwatch market, offering features that bring it closer to high-end models like Garmin’s Fenix series. While Garmin’s established software ecosystem and premium design materials still hold an advantage, Coros’s focus on practical design and affordability make the Pace Pro an appealing option for fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Coros Pace Pro is available now for $349, offering a viable alternative to Garmin’s pricier models for those who want a feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank.