Coros Apex Multi-Sport Watch Reviewed
The Coros Apex smartwatch is designed for multisport usage as well as day-to-day living. Tracking features are available for running, cycling, swimming, trail running, and hiking. Those who participate in triathlons are also able to monitor their activities and statistics.
Other features are also available, including a GPS, compass, and various heart rate monitors. Like all smartwatches, buyers are also able to activate notifications for incoming calls, text messages, and even social media.
In addition, buyers find its minimal about of buttons and the COROS app very easy to use. They also greatly appreciate the two different sizes that it’s offered in, as well as the ability to switch out the wrist band for a different color.
-Versatile wear
-Highly durable
-Accurate GPS navigation
-Working heart rate monitor
-Incredibly long battery life
-Comes in two different sizes
-Water resistant in up to 100 meters
-Inconsistant accuracy
-Activities can't be viewed on computer
-In need of some additional fine-tuning
Activities
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.
Basic Features
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.
Advance Features
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.
Accuracy
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.
Connectvity
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.
Apps
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.
Comfort
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.
Style
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.
Durability
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.
Face
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.
Band
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.
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.
Ease of Use
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.
Power Source
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.
Price
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.
Key Features
-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
Bottom Line
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.