COROS APEX 2 vs APEX 2 Pro: When it comes to sports watches, the market is flooded with options. Among them, the COROS APEX 2 and APEX 2 Pro have made a significant mark.
Pros and Cons
| APEX 2 | APEX 2 Pro |
|---|---|
| Smaller, lighter design | Larger screen, lighter design |
| Titanium and sapphire build | Titanium and sapphire build |
| No music streaming | No music streaming |
| Long battery life | Excellent battery life |
| Cheaper than Apex 2 Pro | Excellent accuracy |
| Interface navigation is slow | More expensive |
| No music streaming | No music streaming |
| No multi-band GPS | – |
The COROS APEX 2 and APEX 2 Pro are the COROS watch line, designed for a wide range of athletes – from runners and swimmers to skiers and general fitness enthusiasts. Both models boast impressive features, including sapphire crystal protection, a titanium back cover, and a color touch screen. But which one stands out? But which one stands out as the ultimate sports watch. Let’s dive in.
Specifications
| Apex 2 | Apex 2 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Coro’s | Coro’s |
| Dimensions | 43.0 x 42.8 x 12.8 mm | 46.1×46.5×14 mm |
| Weight | 53g | 66g |
| Material | Titanium, Sapphire glass | Titanium, Sapphire glass |
| Screen | 1.2 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Resolution | 240 x 240 px | 240 x 240 px |
| Battery life | 17 days | 30 days |
| GPS mode | 45 hours | 75 hours |
| Charging time | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Waterproof |  5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Sensors | Optical RF Sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope Barometer Compass Thermometer | Optical RF Sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope Barometer Compass Thermometer |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth WiFi | Bluetooth WiFi |
| Navigation | GPS GLONASS Galileo Beidou QZSS | GPS GLONASS Galileo Beidou QZSS DUAL BAND – GNSS |
Features: COROS APEX 2 vs APEX 2 Pro
- Heart Rate Monitor & Oxygen Level Assessment: Both models come with an updated heart rate monitor that can also measure the amount of oxygen in the blood.
- Dual-frequency GPS Sensor: This feature allows for more accurate tracking, especially in challenging terrains. The APEX 2 Pro has an edge here, supporting dual-frequency, while the APEX 2 supports single frequency.
- Navigation Maps: Both watches support navigation maps. The APEX 2 requires manual download, while the APEX 2 Pro comes with pre-loaded maps.
- Music Player: A new addition to the COROS line, both models allow users to play music directly from the watch. However, they only support MP3 format, and there’s no integration with music streaming services.
- Battery Life: The APEX 2 boasts up to 17 days of daily use and 45 hours in GPS mode. The APEX 2 Pro, with its more powerful battery, promises up to 30 days of daily use and 75 hours in GPS mode.
- Sports Functionality: With support for over 28 sports, these watches are perfect for multi-sport athletes. From running and cycling to swimming and skiing, the tracking capabilities are comprehensive.
- Connectivity:Both devices offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
- Both watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters, making them suitable for lap swimming.
- GPS: The APEX 2 uses the “All System satellite” mode, while the APEX 2 Pro has the “dual frequency plus all systems” mode. Both watches have a redesigned GPS antenna for 50% higher performance.
- Heart Rate Sensor: Both watches feature a newly redesigned optical heart rate sensor. The sensor provides data on blood oxygen saturation levels and heart rate variability (HRV).
- Storage: The APEX 2 Pro offers 32GB of storage, allowing for music storage and offline maps.
Key Differences
| COROS APEX 2 | COROS APEX 2 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $499 |
| Weight | 42 grams | 53 grams |
| Display Size | 1.2 inches | 1.3 inches |
| Resolution | 240 x240 pixels | 260 x 260 pixels |
| Colors | Black, Gray, Coral | Black, Green, Gray |
| Strap Size | 20mm | 22mm |
| Storage | 8GB | 32GB |
| GPS Tracking | All systems | All systems + dual frequency |
| Battery Life (Full GPS) | 45 hours | 75 hours |
| Battery Life (All Systems) | 28 hours | 45 hours |
| Smartwatch Mode | 17 days | 30 days |
| Navigation Screen | Standard | Larger (more real estate) |
| Additional Features | Standard features | Multi-pitch climbing mode |
Design
Both watches are constructed with durability in mind, featuring sapphire glass screen and a grade 5 titanium alloy body. They also come with a color touch screen, ensuring easy navigation. The design is sleek and caters to those who lead an active lifestyle.
The APEX 2 is available in three colors: black, gray, and coral. The APEX 2 Pro, on the other hand, offers black, gray, and green, with a limited edition in black and white.
Both watches come with a 20mm or 22mm velcro watch band, charging cables, instructions, warranty information, a setup guide, and stickers from COROS.
Display
The APEX 2 Pro has a larger 1.3-inch display (260 x 260 pixels) compared to the APEX 2’s 1.2-inch display (240 x 240 pixels).
Mapping and Navigation
The maps on COROS watches, though not as detailed, can be quite handy for basic navigation. They give users a sense of terrain, which can be crucial during hikes or trail runs.
- Apex 2: This model requires users to download maps, consuming some of its 8GB storage.
- Apex 2 Pro: Maps come pre-loaded, and with a whopping 32GB storage, there’s ample space for more maps, music, and other data.
Both watches offer features like point-to-point navigation, back-to-start navigation, and breadcrumb navigation. They also come equipped with a barometric altimeter for precise elevation data and a compass for direction.
Performance
Both the COROS Apex 2 and Apex 2 Pro are known for their accuracy. Whether it’s GPS tracking or heart rate monitoring, these watches seldom disappoint. The Apex 2 Pro, with its multiband satellite reception, promises even better GPS accuracy, especially in challenging terrains.
The heart rate monitor in both models has shown significant improvements from previous versions. During various workouts, from cycling to running, the heart rate readings were accurate and consistent.
In terms of geolocation, the dual-frequency GPS in the APEX 2 Pro offers slightly better accuracy, especially in challenging terrains. However, the difference isn’t substantial, and both models perform admirably.
Both watches support COROS’s new POD 2 accessory, which can improve real-time pace and distance accuracy for indoor running.
Battery Life: A Game Changer
One of the most impressive features of the COROS watches is their battery life. The Apex 2 boasts up to 45 hours of GPS use, while the Apex 2 Pro takes it up a notch with up to 75 hours. This incredible battery life makes them a top choice for endurance athletes.
The APEX 2 Pro boasts a longer battery life, with up to 75 hours in standard GPS mode, compared to the APEX 2’s 45 hours.
COROS has launched a new device called the POD 2. They’re changing the name of the “Adjusted Pace” feature to “Effort Pace.” This new name means that runners will see a speed on their watch that shows how hard they’re really working.
Effort Pace
- Usually, watches use satellites from far away (over 10,000 miles!) to measure pace. This can be slow.
- With the POD 2, the watch talks directly to this new device. This means it can show your effort almost instantly.
- COROS is making the Effort Pace even better. They’re creating a special formula in the COROS EvoLab system. This formula will look at a runner’s past runs and learn about their strengths. So, the Effort Pace will be unique to each runner.
- This special update will come out in a few months.
So, in short, COROS is making it easier for runners to see how hard they’re working in real-time with the new POD 2!
Areas of Improvement
No product is perfect, and the COROS watches are no exception. Their navigation features, though useful, could use some enhancements. The absence of turn-by-turn notifications and the manual map download process for the Apex 2 can be seen as drawbacks. Additionally, while the promise of streaming platform compatibility is exciting, it’s still in the pipeline.
Pricing
The APEX 2 is priced at $399, placing it in the mid-range category. The APEX 2 Pro, with its additional features, is priced $499. When compared to competitors like Garmin, the COROS watches offer good value, especially considering the build quality and features.
Separate watch bands can be purchased, with the 20 or 22mm nylon band priced at $29.
Conclusion
In the battle of COROS Apex 2 vs Apex 2 Pro, both watches emerge as winners in their own right. They offer a combination of features, durability, and battery life that will attract many sports enthusiasts. While they have room for improvement, the potential for future updates makes them a solid choice for those in search of a reliable sports watch.
The APEX 2 Pro seems to have a slight edge with its larger display, better GPS accuracy, and more storage. However, the APEX 2 offers great value for its price. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences and specific needs.
