Coros Pace 3 vs. Pace 2

Coros Pace 3 vs. Pace 2 – Is the Upgrade to Pace 3 Worth It?

Coros, a well-known player in the fitness wearable market, has recently unveiled the Coros Pace 3, the successor to the popular Pace 2. For fitness enthusiasts looking for a feature-rich yet affordable smartwatch, the Pace 2 has been a go-to choice.

However, with the release of the Pace 3, it’s natural to wonder if the new model offers substantial improvements that warrant an upgrade. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key enhancements introduced in the Coros Pace 3 and assess whether they justify making the transition from Pace 2. Get it here: Coros Pace 2.

Key Improvements in the Coros Pace 3

Advanced Heart Rate Reader: One of the first notable improvements in the Coros Pace 3 is its more advanced heart rate reader. The Pace 2 had basic heart rate reader hardware, which occasionally struggled during certain types of exercises. In contrast, the Pace 3’s optical HR reader boasts 5 LEDs and four light-detecting photosensors, akin to mini cameras.

This upgraded hardware enables better error correction to mitigate motion-related inaccuracies. The presence of a similar HR array on higher-end Coros watches, such as the Apex 2, underscores the significance of this enhancement.

Music Support: The Coros Pace 3 now offers music support, allowing users to store music on the watch and stream it via Bluetooth to wireless headphones or speakers. While this feature may not be as comprehensive as Garmin’s, which permits the downloading of tracks from Spotify, it is a welcome addition for those who prefer to exercise without carrying their smartphones.

In comparison, the Pace 2 lacks substantial internal storage, with only 64MB, while the Pace 3 boasts 4GB, providing enough space for a few playlists or albums in MP3 format.

Dual-Frequency GPS: The Coros Pace 3 introduces dual-frequency GPS, a feature often associated with higher-end Garmin watches and the Apple Watch Ultra but absent in the Pace 2. Dual-frequency GPS enables the watch to access both L1 and L5 frequency bands, resulting in improved accuracy and signal strength, especially in challenging environments. This enhancement is particularly advantageous when navigating through areas with high-rise buildings or dense forests, where a standard GPS might struggle.

Touchscreen: The introduction of a touchscreen is another significant change in the Coros Pace 3. While the Pace 2 relies solely on physical controls for navigation, the Pace 3 offers the option of touch input. However, it’s important to note that touch controls might not necessarily be superior, as the rotary dial on the side of the Pace 3 still appears to be the preferred choice for menu navigation, based on early feedback.

Blood Oxygenation Readings: The Pace 2 lacked the hardware required for blood oxygenation readings. Typically, this functionality demands the presence of a red LED in the HR array, which is used to assess blood flow rhythm. In the Coros Pace 3, the upgraded HR hardware enables the measurement of blood oxygenation levels. This feature is of particular interest to individuals looking for a more comprehensive health and fitness monitoring experience.

Slightly Longer Battery Life: Both the Coros Pace 2 and Pace 3 are known for their impressive battery life. However, the Pace 3 manages to surpass its predecessor. This improvement can be attributed not only to more efficient hardware but also to a larger battery, boasting 236mAh compared to the Pace 2’s 220mAh.

Coros claims that the Pace 3 can last up to 24 days on a single charge, compared to 20 days for the Pace 2. In terms of GPS tracking, the Pace 3 offers 38 hours of usage, while the Pace 2 provides 30 hours. This enhanced battery life makes the Pace 3 an even more compelling choice for those seeking long-lasting performance.

Is the Upgrade to Pace 3 Worth It?

With the introduction of the Coros Pace 3 and its array of enhancements, the question arises: Is it worth upgrading from the Pace 2? The answer largely depends on your individual needs and preferences.

If you are already content with the performance and features of your Coros Pace 2, upgrading may not be a pressing concern, especially if your device is set to receive some of the new features, such as additional activity modes, through a software update later in the year. Additionally, if you can find the Pace 2 at a significantly reduced price, it could still be a viable option for budget-conscious shoppers.

However, for those seeking the latest in fitness wearable technology and desiring a more comprehensive feature set, the Coros Pace 3 presents a compelling choice. The improved heart rate reader, music support, dual-frequency GPS, touchscreen, blood oxygenation readings, and extended battery life collectively make the Pace 3 a worthy upgrade. Moreover, the relatively affordable launch price of $229 positions it as a competitive offering in the market. Check out the latest prices here: Coros Pace 3. and Coros Pace 2.

Coros Pace 3 vs. Pace 2: Pros, Cons, and Reasons to Choose:


Coros Pace 3:

Pros:

  • Advanced Heart Rate Reader: The Pace 3 features a significantly improved heart rate reader with 5 LEDs and four light-detecting photosensors, providing more accurate readings during various forms of exercise.
  • Music Support: Users can now store and stream music directly from the watch to wireless headphones or speakers, a convenient feature for those who prefer to exercise without a phone.
  • Dual-Frequency GPS: The introduction of dual-frequency GPS offers better accuracy and signal strength, especially in challenging environments with obstacles like high-rise buildings or dense forests.
  • Touchscreen: The addition of a touchscreen provides an alternative method of navigation, enhancing user interaction and making certain tasks more intuitive.
  • Blood Oxygenation Readings: With upgraded hardware, the Pace 3 can now measure blood oxygen levels, offering a more comprehensive health monitoring experience.
  • Slightly Longer Battery Life: The Pace 3 boasts a larger battery, resulting in slightly extended battery life compared to the Pace 2, offering up to 24 days of usage on a single charge.
  • Cons:

  • Potentially Unnecessary for Pace 2 Owners: If you are satisfied with the performance of your Pace 2 and don’t require the new features, upgrading may not be immediately necessary.
  • Limited Music Storage: While the music support is a welcome addition, the 4GB of internal storage may not be sufficient for users with extensive music libraries. Get it here: Coros Pace 3.

 

Coros Pace 2:

  • Pros:

  • Affordability: The Pace 2 is known for offering a range of advanced features at a relatively affordable price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
  • Established Reputation: With the Pace 2’s success in the market, it has built a strong reputation as a reliable fitness wearable for enthusiasts seeking value without compromising on essential features.
  • Solid Battery Life: The Pace 2 still offers impressive battery life, providing up to 20 days of usage on a single charge, making it suitable for extended periods of activity tracking.

Cons:

  • Basic Heart Rate Reader: The Pace 2’s heart rate reader, while functional, may struggle during certain types of exercise compared to the more advanced hardware of the Pace 3.
  • Lacks Music Support: Unlike the Pace 3, the Pace 2 doesn’t have the capability to store and stream music, requiring users to rely on a connected device for music playback. Get it here: Coros Pace 2.

Reasons to Choose Coros Pace 3:

  1. Desire for Advanced Features: If you’re seeking cutting-edge features like advanced heart rate monitoring, blood oxygenation readings, and dual-frequency GPS, the Pace 3 is the superior choice.
  2. Music Independence: For individuals who prefer to exercise without carrying a phone, the ability to store and stream music directly from the watch is a significant advantage.
  3. Improved Accuracy in Challenging Environments: If you frequently engage in activities in environments with potential GPS signal interference, the dual-frequency GPS of the Pace 3 provides a clear advantage.

Reasons to Choose Coros Pace 2:

  1. Budget Considerations: If cost is a primary concern and you don’t require the advanced features of the Pace 3, the Pace 2 offers a compelling blend of affordability and functionality.
  2. Sufficient for Essential Tracking: For users who primarily need reliable activity tracking without the need for advanced health monitoring features, the Pace 2 remains a highly competent choice.
  3. Established Reliability: The Pace 2 has already proven itself in the market, making it a reliable option for users who prioritize a track record of performance and reliability. Get it here: Coros Pace 2.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Coros Pace 3 builds upon the success of the Pace 2 by introducing several key enhancements that cater to the evolving needs of fitness enthusiasts. From advanced heart rate monitoring and music support to dual-frequency GPS and improved battery life, the Pace 3 addresses many of the limitations of its predecessor.

While the decision to upgrade ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities, the Pace 3’s competitive pricing and robust feature set make it a strong contender in the fitness smartwatch arena, and a noteworthy choice for both current Pace 2 owners and new customers alike. Check out the latest prices here: Coros Pace 3. and Coros Pace 2.

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About the author: Edouard Balik is a Tech writer at Superfashion.us website. He creates Tech related articles using natural creativity and language tools, Market realities. Edouard loves discussing smartphones and smartwatches Tech and specs using his expertise in the field and reading their news. https://twitter.com/BalikEdouard