ZDNET’s polar Vantage V3 smartwatch now available
The new Polar Vantage V3 smartwatch is available in three different colors for $599. With an elegant AMOLED display, advanced sleep metrics support and dual-frequency GPS, the V3 offers a significant improvement in hardware compared to the previous version.
However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The heart rate tracking performance is questionable, and the price may be high compared to the competition. On the positive side, the V3 offers features for serious athletes, including the ability to understand their body, follow guided training plans, and track exercise performance details to improve their results.
The V3 also sports a lovely AMOLED touchscreen display, dual-frequency GPS, onboard maps, and wrist-based ECG support. The strap is also an improvement, accommodating standard 22mm watch bands without the need for an adapter. The device features five tactile buttons, touchscreen navigation, aluminum material with a curved Gorilla Glass display, and 50-meter water resistance for swimming support.
In terms of battery life, the V3 boasts up to 61 hours in GPS training mode and up to 288 hours in watch mode. The smartwatch also features numerous standard Polar functions, offline map support and turn-by-turn guidance powered by Komoot, as well as nightly skin temperature tracking for more accurate sleep and recovery analysis.
The Polar Flow smartphone application has been improved to provide a more useful diary view that includes cardio load status, activity status, nightly recharge, boost from sleep, sleep details, and skin temperature. While there have been some improvements, it is important to note that the heart rate tracking accuracy of the V3 may not be as reliable as one would hope.
Overall, the Polar Vantage V3 is recommended for runners and serious athletes who are looking for a detailed GPS sports watch. The elegant design, useful dashboards, and Polar Flow app are some of the highlights of this smartwatch, although the price may be a bit challenging to justify given the competition.
