**COROS PACE Pro Review: An In-Depth Assessment of the New Running Watch**
The COROS PACE Pro represents the newest innovation in the COROS range, tailored for dedicated runners and athletes. Featuring an AMOLED display, improved GPS precision, and extensive training functionalities, the PACE Pro offers a considerable enhancement compared to earlier models. Nonetheless, it has its drawbacks, making it most suitable for a particular demographic. Below is a thorough review of the COROS PACE Pro to assist you in determining if it aligns with your fitness objectives.
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### **Primary Features and Specifications**
The COROS PACE Pro was introduced on October 31, 2024, priced at $349. It comes in three hues—Black, Gray, and Blue—and includes a singular 46mm case size paired with a 1.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen display. Here’s a brief summary of its specifications:
– **Display:** 1.3-inch AMOLED (416×416 resolution, 1,500 nits brightness)
– **Battery Life:** 20 days (standard usage), 6 days (always-on display), 38 hours (All GNSS GPS mode)
– **Materials:** Durable polymer case, reinforced mineral glass display
– **Weight:** 37g (nylon strap) or 49g (silicone strap)
– **Storage:** 32GB for maps and music
– **Sensors:** Optical heart rate, SpO2, altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, ECG
– **Connectivity:** Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
– **Water Resistance:** 5ATM
– **Supported Activities:** Running, hiking, cycling, swimming, triathlon, and more
Additionally, the PACE Pro features an upgraded CPU and RAM over its predecessors, promoting seamless performance and ensuring it’s prepared for future software upgrades.
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### **Highlights**
#### **1. AMOLED Display**
The PACE Pro is COROS’ inaugural model to incorporate an AMOLED display, a long-awaited enhancement that greatly boosts visibility and overall appeal. The 1.3-inch screen is bright, vivid, and readable under various lighting scenarios, making it enjoyable to use both indoors and outdoors.
#### **2. Impressive Battery Life**
In spite of the energy-demanding AMOLED display, the PACE Pro provides remarkable battery longevity. It lasts for up to 20 days in standard mode and 38 hours in GPS mode, making it a great option for long-distance runners and outdoor adventurers.
#### **3. Reliable GPS and Heart Rate Tracking**
The PACE Pro’s dual-band GPS and re-engineered antenna offer dependable location tracking, competing well with premium units like the Garmin Fenix 8. Though heart rate accuracy may falter during high-intensity workouts, it remains reliable for the majority of runners. For greater precision, connecting the watch with an external heart rate monitor is feasible.
#### **4. EvoLab Training Insights**
COROS’ EvoLab suite delivers comprehensive analyses regarding training load, recovery durations, and fitness advancements. Features such as running fitness assessments, effort paces, and altitude performance render the PACE Pro a beneficial resource for athletes seeking to enhance their capabilities.
#### **5. Offline Maps and Navigation**
The availability of downloadable maps is a distinguishing feature, particularly at this price range. The maps are user-friendly, and the digital crown facilitates smooth zooming and navigation. Although trail and road labels are currently absent, COROS has pledged an update to resolve this issue in early 2025.
#### **6. Featherweight Build**
At just 37g with the nylon strap, the PACE Pro is easy to wear for extended runs and training sessions. The quick-release straps enable simple customization.
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### **Areas for Improvement**
#### **1. Basic Aesthetic and Materials**
The PACE Pro’s polymer casing lacks the luxurious touch of models made from titanium or stainless steel. While serviceable, its sporty design may not attract individuals seeking a more fashionable or rugged look.
#### **2. Limited Smart Capabilities**
In contrast to rivals like Garmin, the PACE Pro does not feature NFC for contactless payments and does not support music streaming platforms such as Spotify. Music storage is restricted to uploading MP3 files manually, which feels outdated in 2024.
#### **3. User Interface**
The interface is utilitarian but could benefit from a contemporary redesign. Navigating through applications and notifications feels cumbersome compared to more user-friendly systems like Wear OS or Garmin’s UI. Additionally, the watch faces are fixed and lack options for customizing data fields.
#### **4. Absence of Certain Features**
While the PACE Pro performs excellently in fitness tracking, it misses certain advanced options available in rivals, such as daily suggested workouts, audio prompts, and comprehensive recovery metrics akin to Garmin’s Body Battery.
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### **Comparative Analysis with Rivals**
#### **Garmin Forerunner 265 ($449)**
The Forerunner 265 provides
