Polar recently expanded their Vantage lineup with the introduction of the Vantage V3 Smartwatch, boasting fresh and innovative features. 

Meanwhile, Polar’s well-received Grit X Pro has been a staple in the market for some time. Caught in a dilemma over which watch to choose? 

This article aims to delineate the similarities and distinctions between the two, providing clarity on whether an upgrade is warranted. 

Both watches come packed with state-of-the-art tools to ensure efficient, reliable, and convenient progress monitoring. While one prides itself on its rugged durability, the other shines in its sleek, lightweight design.

Both are exceptional choices. Yet, the question remains: which one is your perfect match?

Let’s dive deep and compare Polar Vantage V3 vs Grit X Pro.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Grit X Pro: Price & Availability

The Polar Vantage V3 is now available for preorder. Customers have a choice among three elegant color options: night black, sky blue, and sunrise apricot. This advanced wrist tech is priced competitively at $599.90 / €599.90.

For fitness enthusiasts seeking more accurate tracking, Polar offers a bundled deal: the Vantage V3 paired with the H10 heart rate monitor for $649.90/€649.90.

On the other hand, Polar Grit X Pro is available for purchase through Polar’s official channels and trusted third-party retailers for $499/£439.

For those inclined towards a premium experience, there’s the Polar Grit X Pro Titan edition, priced slightly higher at £599.95/£519.

Where to Buy?

Polar Vantage V3 vs Grit X Pro: Specs Comparison

Related:

• Polar Vantage V3 vs Polar Ignite 3: Which One to Pick?
• Polar Vantage V3 vs Vantage V2: What’s the Difference?
• Polar Grit X Pro vs Garmin Fenix 7: Which Worth Money?
• Garmin Epix Pro vs Polar Grit X Pro: A Detailed Comparison

Polar Vantage V3 vs Grit X Pro: Design & Display

It is clear from both the Vantage V3 and the Grit X Pro that Polar has mastered the art of integrating functionality with design aesthetics, catering to a variety of user preferences and lifestyles.

The Vantage V3 makes an immediate impression with its vibrant 1.39-inch AMOLED touchscreen. With an impressive pixel density of 462ppi, users are guaranteed clear visibility even under the glaring sun. 

Polar has wisely transitioned to the standard 22mm straps, simplifying the strap-switching process. Modernizing its charging method, the watch now employs a USB-C charging cable. Its water-resistant capability extends up to 50m, ensuring the watch can handle a good swim. The Gorilla Glass 3 display, with its subtle curve, adds a touch of sophistication to the design. 

However, users opting for screen protectors should consider this curvature. Additionally, there’s a premium version with enhanced titanium detailing for those seeking a luxurious touch.

On the other side, Grit X Pro showcases its robust build with a 47mm stainless steel case, 13mm in thickness, complemented by a versatile 22mm fluoroelastomer strap, available in both small and large sizes. 

The watch offers a choice of black, gold, and copper colorways, weighing in at a total of 79g when paired with the band. Differing from its predecessor, the Grit X, this version flaunts a revamped bezel adorned with decorative details, including numerals and compass icons, amplifying its rugged appeal. 

Its resilience is further emphasized by its 100-meter waterproof rating and compliance with MIL-STD810G military standards. The newly integrated sapphire glass lens ensures the screen remains scratch-free, even in challenging environments.

The watch features a 1.2-inch, always-on color transflective display with a resolution of 240 x 240, identical in size and resolution to the original Grit X. This display proves effective in bright outdoor settings, capable of detecting taps and swipes.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Grit X Pro: Features

The Vantage V3 and Grit X Pro are designed to cater to different user needs by providing unique features that aim to enhance outdoor and athletic experiences. In this breakdown, we will explore each feature of both watches to help you gain a deeper understanding.

Polar Vantage V3: Features

• Multiband GPS: Equipped with a state-of-the-art multiband GPS chipset, the Vantage V3 stands out from the earlier Polar Ignite, which features a dual-frequency GPS. The newly designed antenna ensures better GPS accuracy—a boon for those dependent on precise location data during their outdoor ventures.
• Elixir Biosensing Technology: This is a blend of three major components:
  • Gen 4 Optical heart rate sensor: Offers ECG functionality but doesn’t have medical certification or abnormal rhythm detection.
  • SP2 Sensing: Gives real-time blood oxygenation levels.
  • Skin temperature sensor: Measures nightly skin temperature variations.
• Flashlight Feature: A special feature that uses the watch’s display to light up dark areas. Potential enhancements might include different brightness levels or a red light setting.
• Offline Mapping: This feature allows users to download maps straight onto their watch, with basic maps of North America and Europe already preloaded. Route planning becomes effortless with Komoot support. However, on-demand routing is not available yet, though Polar has indicated future updates in this area.
• Smartwatch Features: Basic smartwatch features such as viewing notifications (without acting on them), music controls, and detailed weather forecasts are available.

Polar Grit X Pro: Features

• Rugged Outdoor Design: Essentially, the Grit X Pro is the outdoor-centric sibling of the Vantage V2. It’s loaded with a myriad of sports modes and sensors to monitor your performance accurately.
• Satellite Support: Incorporates support for GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS systems, with assisted GNSS aiming for a faster satellite lock. After a few initial hitches, the satellite lock-on has proven to be reliable.
• Sport Profiles: With the ability to store up to 20 sports profiles and choose from 130 profiles available in the Polar app, users can customize their tracking based on activities. The device covers essential activities like running, cycling, and swimming, offering power data for runners even without an extra sensor.
• Precision Prime Heart Rate Sensor: The same sensor from the first Grit X is here to track heart rate continuously and provide insights such as working in heart rate zones and understanding energy sources during workouts. This heart rate sensor typically performs well, but might occasionally show discrepancies in high-intensity activities.
• Training and Insights: Major training insights driven by heart rate have been incorporated. FitSpark recommends workouts based on your training history, recovery needs, and fitness levels. For the outdoorsy and endurance athletes, the FuelWise feature is an innovative addition, reminding users to maintain adequate carb intake during long activities or workouts.
• Navigation and Routes: The watch supports route uploads via third-party app Komoot, offering guidance. The ‘back to the start’ mode is a recent addition, providing a simple line-based navigation back to the starting point. Polar also introduced route and elevation profile views, which were missing in the original Grit X.
• Recovery and Activity Tracking: 24/7 activity tracking, sleep monitoring, and the nightly recharge feature offer insights into recovery from intense workouts by analyzing sleep and the autonomic nervous system.
• Smartwatch Features: Like Vantage V3, it has notifications (without acting on them), music controls, and detailed weather forecasts. The Grit X Pro introduces detailed watch faces displaying data like sunrise and sunset times.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Grit X Pro: Battery Life

Polar Vantage V3: Battery Life

The V3 boasts a battery life that caters to diverse user needs, making it a reliable choice for both intense and casual users:

• Extended Activities: For users embarking on prolonged activities, the V3 ensures that you’re covered with a battery span of up to 140 hours in its low-power GPS mode.
• Regular Usage: For everyday wear and basic functionalities, the V3 provides an impressive battery life of up to 8 days when in gesture-based mode.
• Processor vs. Longevity: Despite the notable 129% increase in processor speed, the V3’s battery life remains uncompromised. This enhancement in speed ensures that users can benefit from a more fluid interface and efficient operations without the need to frequently recharge.

Polar Grit X Pro: Battery Life

The Grit X Pro is designed with endurance in mind and offers battery performance that matches:

• Intense Tracking: With its GPS and heart rate monitoring functionalities in use, the Grit X Pro provides a commendable 40 hours of tracking time.
• Power Saving Mode: For those looking to extend battery life, the device’s power-saving mode comes in handy. Users can adjust the GPS recording rate to intervals of one or two minutes, deactivate heart rate monitoring, and utilize the screen saver. This adjustment can push the training time to an astonishing 100 hours.
• 24/7 Activity Tracking: When utilizing the Grit X Pro for continuous activity tracking coupled with heart rate monitoring, the battery tends to last for approximately seven days.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Grit X Pro: How to Pick

Given the comprehensive overview of both watches, it’s evident that both the Polar Vantage V3 and the Grit X Pro are powerhouses in their own right. Each is tailored to suit different needs and lifestyles. 

If you’re grappling with the decision of which one to invest in, here’s a breakdown to guide your choice:

Buy Polar Vantage V3 if:

• Aesthetic Preference: You value a design that combines sophistication with performance.
• Display Clarity: A vibrant AMOLED touchscreen with a high pixel density is essential to you.
• Accurate GPS Tracking: You want the latest in GPS technology for precise location data, especially if you’re into outdoor activities.
• Health Monitoring: Advanced health metrics like ECG, and SPo2 Sensing for blood oxygenation levels and skin temperature variations are of high importance.
• Offline Mapping: You’re someone who frequently ventures into unfamiliar territories and would benefit from having maps directly on your watch.
• Price Point: You’re willing to invest a bit more for additional features, and perhaps even couple it with the H10 heart rate monitor.

Buy Polar Grit X Pro if:

• Outdoor Activities: You engage in rigorous outdoor activities like trail running, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, and bouldering.
• Rugged Design: Durability is crucial, and you need a watch that can withstand extreme conditions.
• Military Standards: You appreciate the security that comes with a watch that meets military durability standards.
• Varied Sports Profiles: Having a variety of sports profiles to customize your tracking is essential for your fitness journey.
• Navigation & Routes: Outdoor adventures are a regular part of your routine and features like ‘back to the start’ navigation are beneficial.
• Affordability: You’re looking for a robust watch with essential features at a slightly more affordable price point.