Suunto recently released their new smartwatch, the Suunto Race, boasting an impressive AMOLED screen and a slew of upgraded features and sensors.

Not to be left behind, earlier this year, they unveiled the Suunto Vertical Watch.

Now, with two enticing options on the table, you might find yourself scratching your head, pondering over which one is the better fit for you.

What exactly sets them apart? Don’t fret, because we’re here to break it all down.

Let’s dive deep into the intricate world of Suunto and compare these two stellar watches.

Suunto Race vs Vertical: Price & Avilablity

The Suunto Race is already up for grabs. If you’re leaning towards the Stainless Steel version, you’ll need to part with $449 or £389. Fancy the Titanium version instead? That’ll be $549 or £479. Suunto doesn’t stop there – they’re also introducing Suunto-branded watch straps in four different shades. Each strap is priced at £49.

As for the Suunto Vertical, it made its debut on 9 May 2023. If you’re itching to get your hands on it, you can order directly from Suunto’s UK or US websites. The Stainless Steel version of the Vertical is priced at £545 or $629. If you’re eyeing the Titanium Solar option, it’s a bit pricier: £725 or $839.

Where to Buy?

Suunto Race vs Vertical: Specs Comparison

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Suunto Race vs Vertical: Design & Build Quality

When it comes to design and aesthetics, both these Suunto watches are sure to catch your eye, but in their own distinct ways.

The Suunto Race oozes sophistication. Whether you’re in the gym or out for lunch, this watch promises to be your stylish companion. Available with either stainless steel or titanium bezels, its design feels both robust and elegant. Size-wise, it’s 49 x 49 x 13.3 mm, encompassing a vibrant AMOLED screen. With a screen size of 1.43 inches, visuals are sharp and vibrant thanks to its 466 x 466 pixel resolution.

On the other side, we have the Suunto Vertical. It’s available in two weights: the more substantial Stainless Steel version and the feather-light Titanium Solar version, weighing 86 grams and 74 grams for the case, respectively. Despite the weight differences, their measurements are identical, boasting a case diameter of 49 mm and a depth of 13.6 mm. The Vertical showcases a 1.4″ touchscreen ‘matrix‘ panel, protected under a tough, scratch-resistant Sapphire crystal lens. With a resolution of 280 x 280 pixels, it’s worth noting that this is Suunto’s most generous display offering yet.

Lastly, when it comes to durability in watery terrains, both watches are set to impress. They’re both water-resistant up to 100 meters or 10 ATMs, making them suitable for swimming or snorkeling. And switching straps? A breeze! Both watches are equipped with a 22 mm quick-release strap feature.

Suunto Race vs Vertical: Health & Fitness Features

When it comes to health and fitness tracking, Suunto doesn’t play games. Let’s explore the fitness prowess of these two watches.

Starting with the Suunto Race, it places a significant emphasis on recovery and training. A standout feature here is its ability to track heart-rate variability, commonly known as HRV. By doing so, wearers gain crucial insights into their health, allowing them to gauge how well they’re recovering from strenuous activities. This intel further assists in making well-informed decisions regarding when to train hard and when to allow the body to rest. For the athletes and adventurers out there, Suunto steps it up a notch by providing free detailed maps, ensuring that you can navigate seamlessly even without your smartphone by your side.

Training is further bolstered by the Race’s versatility. It proudly boasts over 95 sports modes, spanning both indoor and outdoor disciplines. Enthusiasts of activities like running and cycling will particularly rejoice to know that Strava segments are integrated, further enhancing the tracking experience.

Switching gears to the Suunto Vertical, this watch proves its mettle by offering a rich suite of health features. It diligently tracks heart rate and monitors your sleep patterns, ensuring you understand your body’s needs. Furthermore, it provides estimates of VO2 max and even calculates a ‘fitness age’, giving you a broader picture of your overall health status.

However, both watches come with certain limitations. Neither of them supports ECG readings or NFC capabilities for seamless payments. But, let’s put things into perspective. These watches are tailored more for the rugged outdoor enthusiasts rather than the everyday casual smartwatch user. Features like ECG and NFC might not be paramount for this target audience.

Suunto Race vs Vertical: Maps & Navigation

In the modern era of smartwatches, mapping and navigation features are increasingly gaining prominence. Both Suunto Race and Vertical offer compelling functionalities in this domain. Let’s journey through their offerings:

Starting with the Suunto Race, the same offline mapping introduced in the Vertical is present. However, a game-changing difference comes with the integration of the digital crown. Unlike the Vertical where one might need to click multiple times to zoom or navigate the screen, the Race simplifies this. 

By merely twisting the digital crown, you can pan or zoom effortlessly. This proves particularly beneficial in colder climates when you’d prefer to keep your fingers tucked away. With the Suunto app, users have access to worldwide maps, free of charge. Syncing these maps to your watch over Wi-Fi is a breeze, typically taking about 15 minutes. 

Enhancing its training features, the Race presents metrics such as RaceTime, which offers insights on pace, expected finish time, and nutritional reminders – ideal for endurance athletes.

A notable feature of the Suunto Race is its detailed offline maps. These maps, highlighting trails, waters, contour lines, and essential landmarks, can be synced via the Suunto app. They come in handy for route planning and breadcrumb navigation, particularly for adventurers.

Switching to the Suunto Vertical, it shines when it comes to mapping. The Vertical prides itself as Suunto’s pioneer in offering full offline map functionality. Users can synchronize the watch with the Suunto app’s diverse offerings – from heatmaps and 3D maps to road surface-type layers, crafting maps tailor-made for their needs.

Setting up the Vertical brings about a pleasant surprise. Suunto, with its user-centric approach, suggests downloading local maps – a reflection of the design principle that values simplicity and intuitive interactions. Testing the Vertical’s mapping capabilities at Cheddar Gorge on a cloudy day yielded impressive results. Despite anticipating a slow response, the map feature was swift and efficient. Leveraging the dual-band multi-GNSS system, the watch was quick to lock onto satellite signals.

Interestingly, the Vertical locked onto signals faster in open areas compared to urban environments. As for map control, the Vertical offers a seamless experience with its intuitive button layout. While users can pre-load maps through the Suunto app, they also have the flexibility to search for Points of Interest (POIs). Compared to other devices, the Expedition Mode on the Huawei Watch Ultimate felt more enhanced, although that device boasts a more prominent display and comprehensive waymarking features.

Suunto Race vs Vertical: Battery Life

When evaluating smartwatches, battery life stands as a pivotal factor. After all, what’s a smartwatch if it doesn’t last the day? Let’s delve deep into the power reserves of Suunto Race and Vertical to help you understand their staying power:

Despite boasting a large and vibrant screen, which typically consumes a considerable amount of energy, the Suunto Race impresses with its resilience. When utilized for precise dual-band (L5) tracking with GNSS positioning, it endures for a commendable 40 hours. Meanwhile, when functioning purely as a smartwatch, with the heart rate monitor activated, it stretches up to a whole 10 days! This longevity ensures that users can rely on the watch even during extended outdoor activities without the constant worry of charging.

The Suunto Vertical presents its own set of impressive battery life feats. Its exceptional durability is reflected in the “Tour mode” which gives the watch a whopping 500 hours. Granted, this mode conserves energy by deactivating several sensors and is best suited for prolonged expeditions where charging might be scarce. In other modes, the Vertical holds its own – boasting 140 hours in Ultra mode, 90 hours in Endurance mode, and a robust 60 hours in Performance mode. The latter is particularly remarkable, given the range of functions it supports.

Another intriguing feature of the Suunto Vertical is its solar charging capability. While solar is claimed to extend battery life by about 30%, it does require a daily dose of 50,000 lux of sunlight for a substantial boost. Although solar charging is possible, in practical scenarios, it’s often faster and more efficient to use the provided charger.

Suunto Race vs Vertical: Which Should You Buy?

Consider your priorities when choosing between Suunto Race and Vertical. The Race is perfect for those seeking elegant advanced training and recovery insights or an AMOLED screen.

On the other hand, if you’re an avid adventurer needing comprehensive mapping and extended battery life for prolonged expeditions, the Vertical stands out. 

Both watches are top-tier, but your personal needs will determine the best fit. Whichever you choose, Suunto promises durability, precision, and a touch of sophistication.

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