Polar recently introduced their premium Vantage V3 Smart Sport Watch, packed with top-of-the-line features.
Almost simultaneously, Apple unveiled their 2nd generation Watch Ultra 2, showcasing subtle yet important enhancements.
The sports watch arena is bustling with competition, with giants like Garmin, Suunto, and Coros all presenting formidable options.
It’s essential to note that while the Apple Watch Ultra 2 leans more towards the smartwatch side, the Polar Vantage V3 epitomizes what a true sports watch should be.
With the Apple Watch carrying a heftier price tag, it begs the question: is the Vantage V3 a better buy for your buck?
Let’s pit these two titans against each other and determine which reigns supreme.
Polar Vantage V3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Price & Availability
Let’s talk about the cost. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is pricier than the Polar Vantage V3. The difference is about $200, which is a lot.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 costs $799. That’s double the price of the Apple Watch Series 9, which is $399. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 comes in one size, 49mm, and one color, Titanium. Even though people thought there might be a Black or Midnight color, it’s not there.
On the other side, the Polar Vantage V3 is cheaper. You can order it ahead of time in colors like sky blue, night black, or sunrise apricot. It’s priced at $600. If you want, you can also get it with a heart rate band from Polar called the H10. This combo will cost $650. They’ll start sending out the watches on October 25.
Where to Buy?
| Model | Best Deal |
|---|---|
| Polar Vantage V3 | View on Amazon |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | View on Amazon |
Polar Vantage V3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Specs Comparison
| Feature/Specification | Polar Vantage V3 | Apple Watch Ultra 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension | 47 x 50.8 x 14.5 mm | 49 x 44 x 14.4mm |
| Weight | 57 g (39 g Without Wristband) | 61.4 g |
| Colors | Sunrise Apricot, Night Black, Sky Blue | Blue Alpine Loop Band, Indigo Alpine Loop Band, Olive Alpine Loop Band, Blue Ocean Band, White Ocean Band |
| Display Type | 1.39 Inch AMOLED | 1.92-inch LTPO OLED |
| Display Resolution | 454 × 454 | 410 x 502 pixels |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| GPS | Yes (dual-band) | multi-band and dual-frequency GNSS |
| Water Resistance | WR50 | 10 ATM |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Barometer, ECG, SpO2, Skin Temperature, HR, Compass | Optical HR, barometer, compass, altimeter, ECG Pulse Ox, skin temperature, water temperature, depth gauge |
| Battery Capacity | 488 mAh Li-Po, Training mode: up to 61 h, Watch Mode: up to 192 h, Power Save: up to 140 h | Up to 36 hours with normal use, Up to 72 hours in Low Power |
| Price | $599.90 / €599.90 | $799 |
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Polar Vantage V3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Design & Display
When you first see them, you can easily spot the differences. Apple keeps its known square look, while the Vantage V3 has the round look of many sports watches.
Size-wise, the Vantage V3 is a bit chunkier. Its size is 47 x 50.8 x 14.5 mm, which is a tad thicker than the Ultra 2’s size of 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm. The bigger size of the V3 gives it room for a bright AMOLED touchscreen, which is much better than its older version’s screen. This new screen is 1.39 inches with clear visuals at 454 x 454 pixels. The Ultra 2, though, has an even clearer screen. It’s 1.92 inches with 502 x 410 pixels.
Design-wise, the V3 has a new look inspired by Nordic designs. This gives it a mix of sporty and classy vibes. It has a shiny aluminum ring around the screen that looks good and feels light on the wrist. The Ultra 2 keeps its look from the first Ultra watch. The noticeable change is the orange Action button on its side. But, this button doesn’t do anything new.
As for using them in water, the two watches are different. The V3 is okay for swimming with its WR50 rating. But, don’t take it too deep in the water. The Ultra 2 is better for water stuff. It’s rated at 10 ATM, so you can do things like snorkeling with it.
Polar Vantage V3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Features
When it comes to features, the Vantage V3 is a powerhouse for sports enthusiasts. It can track over 150 sports, even unique ones like triathlon training. It also has some special features for serious athletes. There’s the Training Load Pro, which shows the strain you put on your heart and muscles during workouts.
Another is the Wrist-Based Running Power, which tells you how much force you use to run against things like wind. And Energy Sources, which shows how you use the food energy, like fats and sugars, when you work out.
The V3 is also faster than its old version. It has a faster CPU speed and more RAM and storage. This means apps and features will run smoother and faster. The V3 has some new sensors like one to measure skin temperature. Polar says these sensors are also better at checking blood oxygen levels. Plus, it can do an ECG test and has an improved heart rate monitor.
In comparison, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 doesn’t have new health features, but it still has all the great ones from before. This includes tracking your daily activities, heart rate, oxygen levels, ECG, and many more.
The Ultra 2 runs on the latest Apple Watch software, watchOS 10. This software adds new things like Smart Stack. This lets you see and use widgets from the watch face. Apps also look better and are easier to use.
There are also new watch faces, with one of them being a cute Snoopy face. All in all, the Ultra 2 is a top way to enjoy the new Apple Watch features. But remember, older Apple Watches can also get this new software update.
Polar Vantage V3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Battery Life
When it comes to battery life, there’s a distinct difference between the Polar Vantage V3 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
The Apple Watch Ultra 2 boasts the best battery performance out of any Apple Watch to date. Even with its enhanced, brighter display, users can expect up to 36 hours of juice from the watch under standard usage. Switching the device to low power mode takes the battery life to a commendable 72 hours, a notable improvement from the 60 hours of its predecessor. This claim by Apple tends to match real-world usage, showcasing that the Ultra 2 can indeed last longer when you need that extra bit of battery life.
However, in the broader realm of sports watches, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 falls short. Watches like the Garmin Forerunner 265 last up to 15 days with mixed usage. Meanwhile, the Coros Vertix 2 is designed to endure an impressive 120 hours even in the power-intensive GPS mode. For athletes and fitness enthusiasts who prioritize battery longevity above all, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 might not be the first choice.
In contrast, the Polar Vantage V3 demonstrates superior battery stamina. On a single charge, the V3 can comfortably last up to 192 hours (or 8 days) in watch mode, outperforming the V2’s 168-hour lifespan. The V3 continues to impress with its power-saving mode, delivering 140 hours of battery life, which stands tall against V2’s 100 hours. Under the hood, the V3 is powered by a robust 488 mAh battery.
Polar Vantage V3 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2: Which Should You Buy?
Both the Polar Vantage V3 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 offer a range of features and capabilities that can cater to various users. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which one might be the best fit for you:
Buy Polar Vantage V3 if:
- You’re a dedicated sports enthusiast. With tracking capabilities for over 150 sports and specialized features like Training Load Pro, Wrist-Based Running Power, and Energy Sources, it’s built with the athlete in mind.
- Battery life is crucial for you. Offering up to 8 days in watch mode and a robust 488 mAh battery, the V3 ensures you’re not frequently reaching for the charger.
- You appreciate a sporty yet classy design. The Nordic-inspired design combined with the round look prevalent in many sports watches offers both form and function.
- A brighter AMOLED touchscreen is vital. The V3’s new screen offers clear visuals, enhancing your user experience.
- You seek value for money. Priced at $600 (or $650 with the heart rate band), it provides a rich feature set for its price point.
Buy Apple Watch Ultra 2 if:
- You want a blend of smartwatch and health features. While it leans more towards the smartwatch category, it still boasts impressive health-tracking abilities.
- You’re entrenched in the Apple ecosystem. Integration with watchOS 10 and compatibility with other Apple devices can make your tech life seamless.
- Design aesthetics are essential. The known square look of Apple, combined with its one-color titanium finish, offers a sleek look.
- Water-based activities are a frequent pastime. Rated at 10 ATM, it’s more water-resistant than the V3, making it suitable for activities like snorkeling.
- Price isn’t a primary concern. Priced at $799, it’s a premium product with a matching price tag.
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