The Coros Apex 2 and Coros Apex 2 Pro have landed, boasting specs that rival some of today’s top trail running watches. Coros has always been something of an underdog to giants of its kind, such as Garmin, and while we haven’t had a chance to fully evaluate the watches, it’s likely at least one their numbers will end with best running watch list if their spec sheet is anything to look at.
Boasting multi-band satellite connectivity for pinpoint accuracy, the Coros Apex 2 and 2 Pro are tailored for trail and knowledge events. A sturdy raised bezel, with sapphire glass and titanium alloy case, digital “knob” on the side of each watch, like a watch feature Original Apex and the new Apple Watch Ultra, designed to work with gloves on the go.
Both are 5ATM water resistant (suitable for surface activities like swimming and surfing, but not diving) and also offer downloadable topographical maps. Many features are taken from its flagship Vertix line down to a slightly lower price, cost $499 in the US, £319 in the UK and AU$859 in Australia for the Pro and $399, £399 and AU$699 for the Apex 2. While our official verdict has yet to be made, the Coros Apex 2 and Apex 2 Pro present as solid entries in the sub-$500 trail running watch category.
But if the watch really shines in one area, it’s battery life. The Coros Apex 2 Pro claims it will last in smartwatch mode for 30 days, while the Apex 2 says 17 days. With all GPS systems enabled, these watches are said to last for 45 hours (for Apex 2 Pro) and 30 hours (for Apex 2). For context, Garmin Forerunner 955 SolarOur choice of health and fitness device of the year and the right price is close to this, only lasts up to 22 hours even with that Power Glass solar extension.
Analysis: Successful test
Coros has always been a solid choice when it comes to choosing a fitness watch, but it is a relatively nascent brand that has always attracted a large number of customers because Garmin is more popular and known, not to mention the market. smart watch made by Apple and SAMSUNG.
However, if Coros manages to create a well-designed, all-round fitness watch (which it almost always does) and claims battery life to surpass Garmin as the Forerunner 955 Solar performs very well, It’s a great sign of things to come. Vertix has done something similar with Garmin’s massive Enduro line of high-end fitness watches, positioned as a battery to beat.
We look forward to putting both the Apex 2 and Apex 2 Pro through their paces to find out if those battery life claims are really all they have.
Is Garmin in trouble? Not yet. It’s too big, and it’s too good to be true, and mistrust around some Chinese manufacturers like Huawei could hold Coros back. But Coros is determined to continue making devices good enough to challenge Garmin’s dominance, which can only benefit watch fans as we have more great tech to choose from. .
