Article by Markus Zinkl
COROS PACE Pro Review (€399.00/$349.00)
49g with Silicone Strap, 37g wit Nylon Strap
Introduction
The COROS Pace Pro is a significant step in the further development of the COROS product line. With the introduction of a high-resolution AMOLED display and a variety of hardware and software improvements, it positions itself as a strong competitor to premium models such as the Garmin Forerunner series, Polar Vantage series, and Suunto Race. Here is a detailed insight into the functions, strengths and weaknesses of the COROS Pace Pro.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
Brilliant AMOLED display: The display is a real highlight and offers excellent readability in all conditions.
Long battery life: With up to 38 hours in all systems GPS mode, the Pace Pro is one of the longest-lasting sports watches and especially given its light weight
Robust workmanship: Waterproof up to 5ATM and resistant to extreme temperatures.
Free maps: Maps can be downloaded free of charge worldwide via Bluetooth or WiFi.
Comprehensive training metrics: The heart rate variability and detailed recovery metrics are particularly impressive.
Weaknesses
Limited music functions: Support is limited to MP3 files, streaming services are missing.
Smartwatch features: Notifications are rudimentary, and there are no emojis or images. Contactless payment is not supported.
Navigation: The maps are not routable and lack functions such as automatic rerouting.
ECG function: This is not yet certified and therefore does not offer AFib detection.
Optical heart rate measurement could be better
Design and processing
The COROS Pace Pro scores with a revised design that skillfully combines functionality and aesthetics.
The 46 mm case is slightly larger than previous models and, in combination with the new silicone strap, ensures a comfortable fit, even during longer training sessions. The workmanship is robust, the watch is water-resistant to 5ATM and can withstand a wide temperature range - ideal for intense outdoor adventures.
The new1.3-inch AMOLED display is the highlight: with a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels and a brightness of up to 1,500 nits, it offers a brilliant display that is impressive in all lighting conditions.
It is also so responsive that even quick gestures are recognized smoothly.
One small disadvantage: the refresh rate of the display can make it difficult to take photos of the watch.
Hardware and software upgrades
The COROS Pace Pro offers a number of improvements compared to the Pace 3.
Conversion from MIP to AMOLED display (from 240x240px to 416x416px)
AMOLED display with a brightness of 1,500 nits
Enlargement of the display from 1.2 to 1.3 inches
Enlargement of the housing from 42 mm to 46 mm
Significant enlargement of the buttons and handle
New optical heart rate sensor (compared to Pace 3)
Additional ECG function (note: not FDA/CE-certified, no AFib detection)
New GPS chipset and new antenna design (compared to the Pace 3)
Increased GPS battery life from 25 hours to 38 hours ("All systems" mode)
Daily battery life of the smartwatch 20 days (gesture display) or 6 days (always-on display)
Internal memory increased from 4 GB to 32 GB
Increased processor speed
Colored cards added
Price increase from €249/$229 to $349
Functions in detail
The Pace Pro is based on a combination of useful sports functions and basic smartwatch features. Here are the most important highlights:
Sport profiles & sensor integration: The watch supports numerous sport profiles, including running, cycling, swimming and more. External sensors such as heart rate belts and power meters can be easily paired.
Maps and navigation: The watch offers full-color maps, which are particularly interesting for trail runners and hikers.
Although the maps are not routable, meaning that the map does not show street names and it is not possible to start a navigation on the watch to a POI or reroute back home the shortest way. You can only route the way back home you came from. COROS plans to integrate street and route names by the beginning of 2025. Downloading maps is free and works via Bluetooth or WiFi. A little tip, as the map is only displayed by default during navigation, here is a small and unfortunately cumbersome trick on how to add the map as an activity page.
1. start activity
2. press and hold the "Back" button
3. select Map
4. press the "Back" button again and the prompt asking whether the card should be added as an activity page appears.
Training analysis: The Pace Pro records a variety of metrics, including training load, recovery and fitness. The training load calculations tend to display higher values than those of competitors such as Garmin or Polar. This should be taken into account when interpreting the data.
App integration: The COROS app is the central element for configuring data fields, training plans and analyses. Synchronization with platforms such as Strava and TrainingPeaks is seamless.
Battery life
Another highlight is the battery life of the Coros Pace Pro. The watch lasts up to 38 hours in GPS All-Systems mode, 31 hours in Dual-Frequency Mode and 20 days in smartwatch mode - or 6 days with the always-on display activated. I can confirm these manufacturer specifications. As is typical for Coros, the battery life is definitely a strong point, even with the new Amoled display and here also in a remarkably light watch at 49g with Silicone Strap, 37g wit Nylon Strap. This makes it suitable not only for everyday use, but also for extended adventures.
Testing
The COROS Pace Pro delivers impressive performance in everyday life and during intensive training sessions. The GPS accuracy is first-class and the heart rate measurement is one of the best that COROS has ever developed. Runners and trail runners in particular benefit from the detailed training metrics and map functions.
However, manually synchronizing routes via the COROS app requires some patience and there is a lack of automatic rerouting functions.
But let's look at this in more detail using a few training runs. Let's first take a look at the performance of the heart rate measurement. First of all, I could only test the PacePro in cold temperatures. I also have poor blood circulation in my hands, which is probably the worst possible condition for optical heart rate measurement.
Analysis using DC Rainmaker Analyzer
Here the Pace Pro (blue) compared with the Garmin Enduro 3 (purple) during a trail run. Please ignore the range from 00:31 - 00:41 as I had paused the activity here. At the beginning, both are relatively similar with a few spikes in the Pace Pro. At the end, these are more pronounced. The Enduro 3 is a little more accurate here.
During this run I had the Enduro 3 connected to a Polar H10 chest strap. Here the Coros Pro 3 is almost perfect, except for a few small dropouts. Very impressive.
Finally, a run with short sprints at around 00:18 and a tempo pace of 00:32 - 00:44. The Enduro 3 was connected to the Coros HRM band on the right upper arm. Unfortunately, the Pace Pro struggled from the tempo pace section onwards.
As there are hardly any flat routes where I live, I often train according to performance. It has to be said that there isn't really a standard for measuring performance when running. I therefore tend to pay attention to the power output relative to my perceived exertion. That way, you can quickly find your performance range from the respective manufacturer.
Here again the same run with short sprints and a pace of 00:32 - 00:44. Both Enduro 3 and Pace Pro correlate very well here. What I was able to observe over the test period is that the Pace Pro displays around 80 - 90 watts less fairly consistently.
Finally, the GPS accuracy, with which I was generally very satisfied apart from a few minor details. Here the Enduro 3 and Pace Pro both with multi-band GPS modes and on rather easy terrain, which shouldn't be a big challenge for either of them.
It was only at this point that I had slight deviations from the Pace Pro on this run. Here, the Pace Pro struggled minimally given the slightly higher buildings, but was still absolutely within the limits.
Here is a longer trail run in the mountains. I was able to test the GPS accuracy on narrow paths and also with tree cover. Here too, both tracks were almost identical.
All in all, I am very satisfied with the performance of the Coros Pro, only the heart rate fluctuated.
Comparison with other models
With a price of €399, the COROS Pace Pro is positioned right next to models such as the Garmin Forerunner 265 and the Polar Vantage series. Its AMOLED display and long battery life make it an attractive choice. However, it lacks some functions such as music streaming and contactless payment, which can be found on the competition.
Conclusion
The COROS Pace Pro is a versatile multisport smartwatch that impresses above all with its brilliant AMOLED display and robust workmanship. Its strengths lie in its battery life, extensive training metrics and precise GPS performance. Weaknesses can be seen in the smartwatch and music functions as well as navigation. However, the Pace Pro is a clear recommendation for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who value performance and an outstanding display.
Tester
Markus Zinkl is 35 years old and lives in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. He started running only to support his main sport, soccer. Since he stopped playing soccer, running has become his main sport to stay fit.
He now runs between 60 and 80 kilometers 5-6 times a week. Apart from a local relay race, he rarely runs races. Markus runs both on the trail and on the road and is an absolute gear geek. Besides running, he spends most of his free time hiking, especially in the mountains, where his interest in equipment also comes into play.
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