Suunto has recently taken the wraps off their latest smartwatch, “Race“, and it’s quickly becoming the talk of the town.
Positioned to give tough competition to big names like Garmin, Polar, and Apple, the Race has features that can’t be overlooked.
While many have compared the Race to Apple’s Watch Ultra 2, in terms of price, the Suunto Race is more in line with the Apple Watch Series 9.
However, these two watches, though similarly priced, cater to different audiences. Are you on the fence about which one to choose? Worry not!
In this article, we’ll pit the Suunto Race against the Apple Watch Series 9, breaking down their specs to help guide your decision.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Suunto Race vs Apple Watch Series 9: Price & Availability
When it comes to the latest Suunto Race, buyers have two eye-catching choices. Whether you lean towards the sturdy stainless steel or the lightweight titanium bezels, there’s an option for every wrist.
The stainless steel Race comes with a price tag of $449/£389/449 Euros. For those who prefer the more premium feel of titanium, you’ll be looking at $549/£479/549 Euros.
On the other side of the spectrum, Apple has positioned its Watch Series 9 competitively.
The GPS-only model starts at a slightly more wallet-friendly $399 while adding cellular capabilities nudges the price to $499. And for those who prefer a bit more screen real estate with the 44mm version? Prices begin at $429, stretching to $529 if you opt for cellular support.
Where to Buy?
| Model | Best Deal |
|---|---|
| Suunto Race | View on Suunto |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | View on Amazon |
Suunto Race vs Apple Watch Series 9: Specs Comparison
| Product | Suunto Race | Apple Watch Series 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | Stainless Steel/Titanium | Aluminium or Stainless Steel |
| Display Size | 1.43-inch | 41mm: 904sq mm 45mm: 1143sq mm |
| Display Type | AMOLED | OLED |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels | 41mm: 430 x 352 pixels 45mm: 484 x 396 pixels |
| Dimension | 49 x 49 x 13.3 mm | 41 x 35 x 10.7mm (41mm model) 45 x 38 x 10.7mm (45mm model) |
| Weight | 69 g | 41mm – 32g (aluminum), 42.3g (stainless steel), 45mm – 38.8g (aluminum), 51.5g (stainless steel) |
| Sensors | Heart rate sensor Optical pulse oximeter, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass | Body temperature, Blood oxygen, Optical heart rate, Electrical heart rate |
| GPS | GPS (L1 + L5 Dual Frequency), GLONASS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSS | GPS only, GPS & Cellular |
| NFC | No | Apple pay |
| Speaker | No | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters | 5ATM |
| OS | Suunto OS | watchOS |
| Battery | In time mode: 26 days With 24/7 tracking & notifications: 12 days Training mode with GPS: 40h / 50h / 70h / 120h | Up to 18 hours |
| Price | Starting at $449 | Starting at $399 |
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Suunto Race vs Apple Watch Series 9: Design & Display
When it comes to aesthetics, the Suunto Race and Apple Watch Series 9 are almost like night and day. Right out of the gate, the Suunto Race demands attention with its bold, classic circular shape, evoking memories of traditional wristwatches. On the flip side, the Apple Watch Series 9 sticks to its roots, holding on to that iconic square design that it’s known for.
The Race borrows some design touches from Suunto’s own outdoor-loving Vertical watch. You can choose a shiny stainless steel or a sleek titanium border for it. Between the two, the titanium one feels lighter and looks a tad fancier. Now, compare this with the Apple Watch Series 9, which has kept its design fairly consistent. It has those three buttons on the side – one twisty one in the middle and two flat ones around it.
In terms of display, both watches are impressive and come equipped with OLED panels. The Suunto Race boasts a 1.43-inch screen with a crystal-clear resolution of 460 x 460. On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 9’s display has received some upgrades. It now boasts a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, which is twice as bright as the Series 8. However, other than that, the display is the same as its predecessor.
Now, for the straps. Suunto seems to be having some fun here. The Race comes with these cool silicone straps. They’re sporty, and comfy, and show that Suunto might be trying out some fun new looks for their watches. The Apple Watch Series 9, on the other hand, keeps things classy and recognizable.
Suunto Race vs Apple Watch Series 9: Features
Suunto Race
- Software & UI: Suunto has improved its software, making it faster and more user-friendly. The new UI is slicker and less laggy.
- Widgets: Widgets are easily accessible. They display notifications, health data, altitude details, and more.
- GPS & Mapping: Features dual-band GPS and full mapping with detailed visuals.
- Custom Screen: Users can customize the watch screen, especially for races.
- AI Coaching Mode: Uses AI for coaching and heart rate variability for recovery insights.
- Suunto Plus Store: Suunto is enhancing its app store, probably like Garmin’s Connect IQ Store.
- Smartwatch Features: Provides notifications and music controls. However, it’s not compatible with Suunto’s new bone-conduction headphones.
Apple Watch Series 9
- Double Tap: A new gesture feature using the watch’s accelerometer and gyroscope to detect intention, useful for various actions.
- Ultra Wideband Tech: Helps find other devices precisely. Currently, it works with iPhone 15 and some Apple Watch models.
- On-watch Siri: Siri is now available on the watch without needing a cloud connection, offering more privacy for health data access.
- Health Data Privacy: Apple emphasizes that health data remains private.
- Performance: Features a new chip, the S9, making the watch faster. It includes a new gesture, the Double Tap, and a second-generation Ultra Wideband.
- On-Device Siri: Siri now processes data faster and more securely on the watch.
- Health Features: Contains features like Blood Oxygen monitoring, Sleep tracking, Emergency SOS, heart rate monitoring, and more.
- watchOS 10: The new operating system comes with various features, including a display overhaul, redesigned apps, and advanced metrics for activities.
Suunto Race vs Apple Watch Series 9: Battery Life
When comparing the Suunto Race with the Apple Watch Series 9 in terms of battery life, there are some stark differences to highlight. Suunto appears to have a clear edge in this department.
Initial ambitions from Suunto hinted at a battery life that could stretch up to 14 days. Although it didn’t quite meet that benchmark, the Race manages an impressive 12 days of battery life and can even extend up to 26 days in its basic time mode. It remains uncertain whether this 26-day metric takes into account an always-on screen setting. Regardless, one thing is evident: the Race, with its AMOLED display, offers considerably more battery longevity than many might expect from a sports watch, which is commendable.
Furthermore, Suunto’s GPS functionality in the Race’s highest accuracy mode boasts a substantial 40-hour battery life. While this is a step down from the 60-85 hours promised on Suunto’s Vertical model, it still dwarfs the 19 hours provided by the Garmin Forerunner 965 in its similar mode.
On the other hand, Apple’s battery approach has been somewhat stagnant. Although they have introduced models like the Apple Watch Ultra and the Ultra 2 with enhanced battery life, these might not be the go-to options for everyone due to their larger size. The Apple Watch Series 9, much like its predecessors, offers up to 18 hours of battery life. However, a redeeming feature is its new Low Power Mode, which can potentially push the device to last up to 36 hours.
When it comes to charging, both the Apple Watch Series 9 are on par. According to Apple’s official documentation, these models can be charged from 0 percent to 80 percent in roughly 45 minutes, using the Apple USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable coupled with a fast charging brick. This rapid charge time is, by many standards, pretty decent.
Suunto Race vs Apple Watch Series 9: Which Should You Buy?
Buy Suunto Race if:
- You’re looking for a sports watch that offers a mix of traditional design with smartwatch features.
- Battery life is a top priority for you. With up to 12 days of normal usage and up to 26 days in basic time mode, the Suunto Race offers considerably longer battery life than the Apple Watch Series 9.
- You desire a watch with a strong emphasis on outdoor and sports functionalities, including dual-band GPS, AI coaching, and customizable screens.
- You appreciate having options in terms of design, with both stainless steel and titanium bezels to choose from.
- You’re interested in a watch with a sleek UI and easily accessible widgets, especially for outdoor and fitness insights.
Buy Apple Watch Series 9 if:
- You prioritize a seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, including synchronization with devices like iPhone 15.
- On-device Siri and the focus on health data privacy resonate with your needs.
- You value the innovative tech features Apple offers, such as the Double Tap gesture and Ultra Wideband technology.
- An iconic design that has remained consistent and recognizable over the years appeals to you.
- You’re okay with charging your watch more frequently in exchange for a host of smart features and fast-charging capabilities.
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