Coros Apex 4 GPS Watch Review: Reaching For The Top

INTRODUCTION TO THE COROS APEX 4

TAYLOR: I gained’t cover it. I’ve been a Coros child for some time now. There are few issues that I admire greater than high quality, simplicity, and practicality.  

The model simply gained my allegiance once I had the chance to take a look at the unique Coros Vertix. Reliable coaching data, lengthy battery life, steady optimization with out hidden agendas. What extra might you ask for from a wrist-based companion? Properly, the upgraded Coros Vertix 2s gave me much more with updates to mapping, algorithms, sensors, and many others..

Whereas I nonetheless consider that the Coros Tempo collection is the most effective worth watch in the marketplace, the latest working growth signifies that blood is within the water and the sharks are swimming in the case of the GPS watch arms race. Suunto (purchased by Chinese language tech firm Liesheng in 2022) has revamped their total stock with important enhancements throughout the board, together with the Run, Race 2, and Vertical 2. All of these now come geared up with unwavering GPS reliability, intuitive interface,  and high quality construct. Thomas has lately reviewed the Garmin Forerunner 970, which boasts related outcomes with its personal distinctive desirables. 

Competitors has stiffened to say the least. So, what’s maintaining me with Coros? I questioned the identical factor myself lately… till slipping my wrist into the Coros Apex 4.

Last item– no, you’re not loopy; Coros left out model 3 of the Apex to align itself with different product naming (i.e. Coros Tempo 4). So right here we’re.

GPS ACCURACY

From its inception, Coros has been recognized for its rock-solid accuracy and constant GPS knowledge. The Coros Apex 4 continues that legacy with an up to date dual-frequency GPS that pulls from the 5 main satellite tv for pc techniques. In a nutshell, because of this it pulls frequencies from the 2 most optimally positioned techniques. In case you’ve skilled the Vertix 2s, Apex 2 Professional, Tempo Professional, Nomad, or the Tempo 3, you’ll know what to anticipate. I had zero points or discrepancies with this watch throughout any of the exercise modes I used. 

On this mannequin, the vertical seize seems to be extra constant than ever. Which is sensible due to Coros’ added consideration to algorithms that seize vertical change. Once more, the dual-frequency capabilities actually help on this enviornment.

Prior to now, apart from a number of bugs that had been quickly corrected by way of Coros’ ongoing firmware updates, I haven’t had any considerations with vert metrics. In spite of everything,   this can be a freakin’ wrist pc that bounces alerts between grime and house and again once more. These new algorithms merely sharpen their very own spear for the additional single share beneficial properties of accuracy. In case you’re within the Coros Apex 4, this may possible be a type of promoting factors.

MAPS

I’m a maps man. I research the terrain, comply with my wandering spirit, and infrequently want intel to tell subsequent steps. Sure, I do get misplaced infrequently, however I at all times discover my manner again. As you’ll be able to think about, the map and routes function on fashions just like the Vertix has at all times been of nice worth to me. That’s all subsequent stage on the Apex 4. 

Arms down my favourite replace of the Apex 4 is the extra motion button on the left aspect of the case that instantly shows the map on any exercise. Beforehand, you’d have to carry the again button, discover the map, and add it to your display whereas within the exercise. Now, it’s simply there with a fast click on of a button or a left swipe on the display. It’s the identical function that debuted on the lately launched Nomad. I really like this!

Coros upgraded their maps processor which is alleged to be 30x sooner and extra detailed than ever. Whereas I can’t communicate definitively, I can say the Apex 4 has a way more visually pleasing show whereas it noticeably will increase real-time efficiency and particulars. There’s actually not a greater replace than that.

Additionally, options like elevation change, avenue names, trails, and many others., are all included on the map with out crowding the show. It’s all useful data that has helped me navigate in all places from my very own yard within the Rockies to metropolis streets in New York Metropolis. 

One other good element of the Apex 4 is the all-new voice pin function (additionally debuted within the Nomad). Throughout an exercise, you’ll be able to file notes on the watch, whether or not that’s basic ideas or concepts, or factors of curiosity like sport trails or tenting spots. All of those pins will present up in your exercise map throughout the Coros app (and include a transcription!).

Runners may create routes on the Coros app and sync them with the watch to have turn-by-turn instructions. Alternatively, you’ll be able to add gpx recordsdata and sync them onto your watch. When wanted, you can too immediate the watch to assist return you to the beginning of the run. Utilizing these options throughout huge adventures or races can actually assist take the stress off of the navigation.

BATTERY

Battery life is one other space the place Coros continues to guide. This can be a wild quantity of battery life for a watch that solely weighs 64g and comes full of options. 

Whilst a mountain athlete and ultrarunner, that is nearly at all times greater than most individuals would wish. The declare of as much as 65 hours in full GPS mode (41 hours for the 42 mm watch) held up throughout my evaluation. Sure, it’s greater than sufficient to take you previous most ultra-distanced endeavors. 

I wasn’t capable of check it over one huge exercise, however I did run down the battery day-to-day. Even so, I nonetheless solely charged my watch each few weeks with constant every day put on.

I did run into one abnormality when my absolutely charged watch out of the blue dropped to eight% in a single day. Nevertheless, an replace was accessible the following day and my battery went again to functioning as I anticipated. Whereas I’ve by no means had this expertise with a Coros watch, it was sufficient for me to decide to at all times touring with my charger.

Fortunately, it may well cost from 0 to 100% in lower than two hours. So, in a pinch, there’s nonetheless hope. 

A brand new USB-C charging adapter is included within the type of a small dongle with a snap-in silicone case on a keyring. It was useful to have however probably straightforward to lose. Previous-gen Coros chargers usually are not suitable with the Apex 4. 

DISPLAY AND USAGE

Whereas many watches use an AMOLED display, the Apex 4 retains a traditional Reminiscence-in-Pixel (MIP) tech. It wasn’t flashy in comparison with the intense and delightful AMOLED screens, however for a efficiency watch, I truly desire the MIP display for a few causes.

One of many principal causes is as a result of it’s at all times on and visual. Even in variable mild, the Apex 4 was shiny sufficient to view clearly. There was no lag or have to flip my wrist to view the display. This was particularly good in climbing, mountaineering, and snowboarding situations. Once more, the brand new processor allowed for a wider vary of colours and visibility than earlier variations. So, this did really feel like an enhanced expertise from earlier fashions.

This sort of display additionally permits for nice battery life. Once more, there are not any different watches which might be this light-weight and boast the identical quantity of battery life. That is due largely to the kind of display chosen. 

For comparability, different manufacturers’ fashions just like the Suunto Race 2 and Garmin Forerunner 970 are heavier and have 55 hours and 25 hours of full gps mode respectively. That’s 10 to 40 hours completely different. Each of these have an AMOLED display.

DURABILITY

For sturdiness, the important thing parts are the watch case and show display. The display is product of sapphire glass, the second hardest glass materials behind diamond. Sapphire glass has turn out to be customary follow to make the most of in outside watches. You’ve most likely had an iPhone with the identical glass, and it’s a go-to glass in larger high quality GPS watches.

I’ve had zero points with scratches, not to mention shattering, in all my watches which have had sapphire glass. 

I used to be initially frightened in regards to the polymer case across the Coros Apex 4 since each the Coros Vertix 2s and Suunto Race 2 have extra premium titanium instances defending the watch.

The Coros Apex 4 satisfied me I had nothing to fret about. The fiber strengthened polymer (basically a mix of carbon/Kevlar/no matter else) isn’t as mild or as hardened as titanium, but it surely’s fairly bombproof for the common runner. I’ve zero put on and tear to indicate for the number of miles I’ve achieved with this watch (which incorporates dropping it on concrete and hardwood flooring.

Whereas I personally desire the nylon strap (bought individually), the 24 mm silicone watch band will increase sturdiness, decreases weight, and boosts consolation.

TRAINING DATA

Knowledge is one other customary measure when in comparison with different manufacturers’ watches in the identical class. It’s a one-stop store for athletes, monitoring coronary heart fee knowledge, sleep monitoring, HRV (coronary heart fee variability at night time), and stress. 

All of that is tracked by way of Coros’ most recent optical LED coronary heart fee monitor. Usually (other than very chilly days), the center fee measured on the wrist was fairly near the identical because the armband or chest strap I had on. There have been instances that it was spot on. More often than not it was inside 5 bpm. 

One other customary function on each Coros watch is a coaching indicator that reveals health ranges, restoration, and exercise traits over time. Some nice new updates permit for menstrual cycle monitoring and wellness checks.

APP, MUSIC AND MORE

Whereas the Nomad debuted the voice pin function and mic functionality, it lacked a speaker. This has each, which permits for palms free calling, a function that may certainly attraction to runners on the go. That’s a major first for Coros. 

I really like the flexibility to reply the cellphone rapidly whereas on a run and even at work when a fast dialog is warranted. My spouse reported that the mic appears like regular speaker-phone high quality. You do must have your cellphone with you, however you’ll be able to discuss and pay attention from the watch itself. 

There are some further goodies I loved within the Coros Apex 4, together with the app itself. That is the place Coros feels all-inclusive– when you’ve got certainly one of their units, every thing is free after that. Not solely is the app simple and simple to make use of, it has an actual simplistic design that’s simply interesting to the attention. The Coros app has at all times been a straightforward interface to work together with that may be legitimately helpful.

The principle web page reveals your most up-to-date actions in addition to general health traits. Different pages dive into actions you have got achieved, maps and route creation on one other, after which the Profile the place your varied units may be up to date and customised. We’re speaking watch faces, equipment, explicit exercise settings, music downloads, firmware updates and extra.

Lastly, I ought to point out that different rivals’ fashions provide music playback and machine funds. The Coros Apex 4 can play music by way of saved mp3 recordsdata on the watch; nonetheless, it doesn’t stream Spotify from the wrist, it solely provides offline music when paired with supported Bluetooth headsets. Moreover, it can not use any type of cost strategies from the watch. Neither of those are essential to me, however they could be for you.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE COROS APEX 4

The Coros Apex 4 may be essentially the most versatile performance-oriented watch I’ve ever used. By way of exercise monitoring functionality, light-weight construct, battery life, and easy however appreciated additions, it’s actually finest in school. 

It has taken the stance as a real mountain-performance watch that caters to each runners and adventurers alike. It’s an excellent basic working watch, however can also be positioned and adjusted to seize the most effective coaching knowledge for individuals who search vert. After my evaluation interval, I endorse this message 100%. 

You may choose up the Coros Apex 4 now in two completely different colours (white or black) and two completely different sizes– $479 (46 mm) or $429 (42 mm)– through the use of the store hyperlink under.

Store Coros Apex