Coros Apex Multi-Sport Watch Reviewed

Just like all smartwatches, one of the Apex's best selling points is its versatility. Not only is its design able to fit into everyday environments, even while the buyer is at work, but its tracking features and overall durability also make it an extremely useful companion for both indoor and outdoor workouts.

Buyers are given tracking features for indoor and outdoor running and cycling, as well as trail running and hiking. And its water rating of 10 ATM allows it to be used at the beach, in the pool, and even in the shower. For this reason, this particular model makes an incredible tool for triathlons.

While most modern watches have a five-button configuration, the Apex's set up is noticeably different. It features a knob, or digital crown, on the upper right-hand side which is used to scroll through menus and can be pressed just like a regular button. There is also a dedicated press button on the lower right side.

Aside from the expected date and time, as well as automatic daylight savings times, this watch also includes a GPS and compass for easier navigation. A backlight can also be turned on for easier reading in low-light environments.

As stated before, the Apex includes tracking features for running, cycling, swimming, and various types of outdoor recreation. They are also specific to indoor and outdoor activities, and hiking and trail running are also included. Specific features for triathlon are also included, much to the delight of many buyers.

An optical heart rate sensor is built into the watch, and additional sensors such as a foot pod or weight scale can be utilized with certain connectivities. Buyers can also enable notifications for incoming calls, text messages, and even social media.

One of the areas where the Apex shows significant weakness is its overall level of accuracy. A number of buyers have pointed out that its heart rate features have provided them with results that look very suspicious. Often, either a faster heart rate was given for a slower activity or large chunks of the buyer's workout was missed altogether.

There have also been occasional issues when it comes to the watch's GPS feature. A few buyers have noticed that it provides a more accurate layout of their route when runners are on the trail than it does when they're on everyday streets.

The Apex is compatible with both Bluetooth 4.2 and ANT+ connectivity, which is used to fully utilize its apps and sensors. Its COROS app, and well as the third-party apps, function on iPhones and most Android smartphones. These are also used to activate call, text, and social media notifications.

Any watch is known to have connectivity issues, and this model is definitely no different. Although which most buyers seem to be satisfied, some have pointed out that it's not quite as strong over time.

Like all of this brand's smartwatches, the Apex relies on the COROS app to help the runner fully utilize their tracking features. After it's been downloaded and fully set up on an iPhone or Android smartphone, buyers can easily check their heart rate, running and cycling dynamics, and even the route that they just ran. Since these statistics aren't able to be displayed on a laptop computer, buyers rely heavily on this app when not using their watch.

In addition, buyers are also able to download third-party apps such as STRAVA and Training Peaks, which enable more advanced and specific tracking while working out. As with the COROS app, everything will be displayed and stored on the smartphone at the end of each training session.

Most reviewers have praised the Apex for its comfortable wear, and it's all thanks to its overall build and different size options. Not only does the silicone wrist band feel smooth against the skin, but its primary unit has standard sizing either way so it never feels heavy or cumbersome. This is especially impressive considering that both size options weight slightly more than the average smartwatch.

The shape and design of the wrist band enhance this watch's wear even further, as it allows most buyers to achieve their ideal fit without having to worry about it digging into their skin and against the bone. One buyer even noted that it never gave them the sticky feeling that occurs when wearing some silicone bands.

The Apex has a very simple and minimalist design that allows it to easily fit into a number of different environments, just like most other smartwatches. Not only is it durable enough to be worn on hiking trails and in the pool, but it can also blend seamlessly into work and casual environments.

Although the main watch unit is only available in either black or white, buyers have several options to choose from when it comes to its wrist band color. While basic black and white seem to be standard, six other hues are also available. These include orange, hot pink, forest green, and navy blue.

Not much information can be found that details the Apex's overall level of durability, although there are some that indicate its holds up surprisingly well. Its silicone band lasts significantly longer than cloth or leather, and its face is able to safely contain its internal software and hardware in order to ensure that everything continues to perform.

It also has a water rating of 10 ATM, meaning that it's completely water-resistant in depth of up to 100 meters. Swimmers are able to confidently use it in the pool, saltwater, and the shower.

With all this said, there are still a few aspects that may not hold up nearly as well as they should. One of them is the sapphire glass lens, which is also used to create screens for smartphones, while this material is easily able to withstand scratches, it's known to shatter when dropped on hard ground.

The Apex’s screen is made from Sapphire glass, which is a common material for smartphones and several smartwatch models. While it is highly resistant to chips, buyers do warn that it can crack easily if it’s dropped. This feature is held in place by a bezel that’s made from either titanium alloy, for the 46mm version, or ceramic, for the 42mm version.

The screens for the 46mm and 42mm watches are listed at 1.2 inches and 1.1 inches in diameter respectively. With the bezel and casing included, the total measurements come in at 48.5 x 48.5 x 13.75 or 45 x 45 x 14.45. This means that both versions are less than two inches in diameter and around half an inch thick, although one is slightly wider and thinner than the other.

This particular model also utilizes Memory LCD, which enables it to consume less power as it’s being used. Its display size is set at either 240 x 240 pixels or 218 x 218 pixels, depending on the chosen size. While both are considered to be low resolution compared to a number of other smart gadgets, these are still quite high for a smartwatch.

Like most smartwatches that are on the market, the Apex’s wrist band is made from a durable silicone material which is less susceptible to gradual wear and tear. It measures 0.78 or 0.86 inches wide, depending on which size the buyer chooses, ensuring that it will never feel bulky or overwhelming.

This strap also features a quick-release design, which allows it to be removed and swapped out easily simply by pulling back a tiny steel knob located at the watch face. Not only does this allow easier replacement should it become damaged, but it also enables the buyer to customize their own watch. Nine different color options ranging from basic black or white to hot pink or navy blue are available on the Coros website for only $30.

Buyers greatly appreciate the fact that the Apex is available in two different sizes, both of which offer all of the same incredible features. There’s the 42mm version, measuring in at 45 x 45 x 14.45 and weighing 1.79 ounces, which is more standard. And then there’s the 46mm version, with measurements of 48.5 x 48.5 x 13.75 and a weight of 1.95 ounces, which is slightly wider and flatter in size.

Its bands are listed as measuring in at 20mm, or 0.78 inches, and 22mm, or 0.86 inches wide. Although the smaller of the two seems to have that standard band length, it’s unclear whether or not the wider version can fit larger wrist size. Buyers should also know that neither version can be swapped out for the other.

According to its listing on the Coros website, even their display sizes are different. While the more standard version features 218 x 218 pixels, the larger one has 240 x 240 pixels. Both are considered to be low resolution yet still on the higher end when it comes to smartwatches.

A number of buyers found the Apex to be incredibly easy to set up and use. It does not have the standard five-button configuration or even a touch screen, both of which can be challenging for some consumers. Instead, it includes a knob at the upper right-hand side as well as a single button

The bulk of its set-up and usage seems to come through via the COROS app, which is compatible with any iPhone or Android smartphone.

Just like all smartwatches, the Apex comes with a USB charging cable that can plug into the buyer's laptop or a portable charger. Those who use this watch are able to easily keep it powered up no matter where they are, although multiple reviews show that there's no need to carry the charger with them all the time.

One of this watch's greatest selling points is its incredibly long battery life. Its GPS mode can last as long as 100 hours when set to UltraMax and 35 hours when normal. In its standard smartwatch setting, this model can last buyers for as long as 30 days before it needs to be charged again.

Its charging time is said to be at under two hours, which is considerable yet still quite fast for a device with such long battery life.

The Apex is available for two different prices, depending on which size option the buyer chooses. Those who select the 42mm option will pay $300, while those who choose the 46mm watch will be charged $350. These prices can be found on the Coros website and at other retailers such as Clever Training, Running Warehouse, and Amazon.

Compared to plenty of other smartwatches that are on the market, especially those sold by Garmin, this particular model seems surprisingly reasonable. Of course, it's still an expensive gadget and would be the best fit for those who live a highly active lifestyle. Yet considering how highly versatile its wear is, and how durable its materials are, many buyers consider these price points to be more than justified.

-46mm and 42mm size options
-240 x 240 or 218 or 218 display sizes
-Bluetooth 4.2 and ANT+ connectivity
-GPS and GLONASS navigations
-Optical heart rate monitor
-Multiple band color options
-Water rating of 10 ATM
-Highly versatile usage
-Sapphire glass lens
-Silicone wrist band
-100-hour battery life on UltraMax GPS mode
-35-hour battery life on normal GPS mode
-30-day battery life in smartwatch mode

The Coros Apex smartwatch has been given plenty of high ratings across the board, and for good reason. Not only is a comfortable and versatile model that comes with plenty of tracking features, including some for a triathlon, but it's also sold in two different sizes. And the fact that buyers are able to select different colors for their watch bands makes it even more appealing.

Yet a common complaint among professional reviewers is that there isn't a whole lot about this watch that makes it stand out from the others. While it does have the water-resistance and tracking capabilities of a Garmin model, it lacks a lot of the added features that buyers look for such as the calendar, weather app, and music controls. Its price range of $300 to $350 also doesn't differ much from watches sold by Garmin.

Despite this, and its inconsistent accuracy, most buyers seem to be quite happy with their decision to purchase this watch. Should Coros decide to turn this model into a brand new line, they'll have both an incredible starting point and plenty of room to grow.