Description
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COROS PACE 3 Running Watch Overview
The COROS PACE 3 is a lightweight GPS running watch for runners who want useful training data without a bulky device on their wrist. Its low-profile design is comfortable for workouts, everyday wear, and overnight tracking. Battery life reaches up to 15 days with sleep and Daily Stress recording enabled, or 17 days when both are turned off. For routes where satellite signals can be difficult, dual-frequency GPS provides an additional option for more precise tracking.
Beyond recording pace and distance, the PACE 3 helps you understand how your training affects your body. It tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep, training load, and recovery, giving you information that can help you decide when to train harder and when to take an easier day. With modes for running, cycling, swimming, skiing, and other activities, it suits runners who also include different sports in their routine.
Is the COROS PACE 3 Still Worth Buying?
The COROS PACE 3 remains a strong option for runners who want accurate GPS tracking, useful training tools, and long battery life in a small, lightweight watch. Its always-visible MIP display is particularly practical for running in bright sunlight.
The newer PACE 4 offers a sharper AMOLED display, longer battery life in advanced GPS modes, updated sensors and more convenient controls. However, the PACE 3 may provide better value when it is available at a meaningfully lower price.
📌 Not sure which model better fits your training needs? Read our COROS PACE 3 vs PACE 4 comparison before deciding.
Top Expert Reviews of the Coros Pace 3 Watch:
♦ From Expert Reviews – A review by Jonathan Bray:
Coros Pace 3 review: A lightweight wonder
“…the Coros Pace 3 doesn’t put a step wrong. It’s even better than the model that preceded it: it’s more accurate, lasts longer on a single charge and beats its key rivals in all the areas that count…”
Rating: 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
♦ From TechRadar – A review by Matt Evans:
Coros Pace 3 review: This light running watch is better value than many Garmins
“…With route creation tools, tons of running metrics, an extremely light, comfortable form factor and music storage, the Coros Pace 3 undercuts the likes of Garmin and Polar in the training stakes to deliver an excellent running companion…”
Rating: 4 stars ★ ★ ★ ★
♦ From GearLab.Com – A review by Matthew Richardson:
Coros Pace 3 Review
“Offering enhanced battery life and additional sensors without a significant price hike, this watch is ideal for athletes and those who desire all-day health tracking”
“The Coros Pace 3 remains a standout choice for an affordable GPS watch, leading our test lineup in value and catering to a broad spectrum of users and budgets…”
Rating: 4.5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2
Key Features of the COROS PACE 3 Running Watch
1. New Touchscreen
The COROS PACE 3 introduces a new touchscreen, enhancing the user experience and making navigation through the watch’s features more intuitive.
2. Extended Battery Life
With impressive battery life, the COROS PACE 3 can last up to 38 hours in Standard GPS mode, 25 hours in All Systems mode, or 15 hours in Dual Frequency mode. For daily use, it lasts up to 17 days without Daily Stress or 15 days with it enabled. This ensures that you can rely on your watch during long training sessions or races without worrying about the battery draining.
3. Internal Music Storage
The COROS PACE 3 comes with internal music storage, allowing you to download and play MP3 files directly from your watch. You can listen to your favorite tunes on your Bluetooth headphones or speakers while on the go.
4. Dual-Frequency All-Satellite GNSS Chipset
Experience unparalleled accuracy with a state-of-the-art dual-frequency all-satellite GNSS chipset. This advanced technology delivers precise positioning even in challenging conditions—whether you’re navigating urban canyons or trekking through dense woodlands, you’ll always stay on track.
5. In-App Route Builder
The COROS PACE 3 includes an in-app route builder, providing you with the flexibility to create routes for your workouts.
6. SpO2 Sensor
The watch has an SpO2 sensor, which measures your blood oxygen saturation levels. This can be a useful metric for assessing your body’s adaptation to training and high-altitude environments.
7. Supported Workouts
The COROS PACE 3 supports a variety of workouts, including trail running, skiing, snowboarding, and XC skiing. This makes it a versatile tool for athletes engaged in different sports.
8. Louder Vibrations and Beeps
The watch has been designed to provide louder vibrations and beeps, ensuring that you never miss an alert during your workouts.
9. More Rugged Materials
The watch is built with more rugged materials, making it durable and suitable for all kinds of outdoor adventures.
10. Brighter Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) Display
The COROS PACE 3 features a brighter memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, enhancing visibility in bright sunlight.
🤔Curious about the COROS PACE 3 Running Watch?
Watch our overview video to see its key features, including dual-frequency GPS, health monitoring, and recovery insights. Discover how it can elevate your training!
Detailed Specifications of the COROS PACE 3 Running Watch
1. Display
The COROS PACE 3 features a 1.2-inch, 240 x 240 pixels resolution color LCD. It’s an always-on memory LCD.
- Display Size: 1.2 in. 240 x 240 (64 colors)
- Display Type: Always-On Memory LCD
- Screen Material: Mineral Glass
2. Materials
The screen is made of mineral glass, and the bezel and cover are made of fiber-reinforced polymer.
The band material is either silicone or nylon.
- Bezel Material: Fiber Reinforced Polymer
- Cover Material: Fiber Reinforced Polymer
- Strap Material: Silicone/Nylon
3. Size and Weight
- Dimensions: 41.9 x 41.9 x 11.7mm
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Weight with Silicone Band: 39 g
Weight with Nylon Band: 30 g
4. Connectivity and Sensors
The COROS PACE 3 introduces Wi-Fi connectivity, a new feature not available in the COROS PACE 2, allowing for faster and more seamless data syncing.
The watch uses Bluetooth for phone connectivity, music playback through compatible Bluetooth earbuds, and supported external accessories. It does not support ANT+ accessory pairing. GPS and GLONASS, ensuring robust connectivity for all your devices and accessories. It’s equipped with an optical heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, compass, and gyroscope for comprehensive tracking and navigation.
- Phone Connection: Bluetooth
- Accessory Connection: Bluetooth only; ANT+ accessory pairing is not supported
- Navigation: GPS/QZSS, GLONASS, BeiDou
- Sensors: Optical Heart Rate Monitor, Barometric Altimeter, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope
5. Battery
The battery life is impressive, with up to 17 days of daily use without Daily Stress or 15 days with it enabled. For GPS activities, COROS estimates up to 38 hours in Standard GPS mode, 25 hours in All Systems mode, and 15 hours in Dual Frequency mode. Charging takes less than 2 hours.
- Charging Time: Less than 2 Hours
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Battery Life: Up to 17 days of daily use without Daily Stress or 15 days with it enabled; up to 38 hours in Standard GPS mode, 25 hours in All Systems mode, and 15 hours in Dual Frequency mode
6. Water Resistance
The watch has a water resistance rating of 5ATM (50 Meters/164 Feet), which means it’s suitable for surface water activities and not for diving.
7. Supported Workouts
The COROS PACE 3 supports a variety of workouts, including run, indoor run, track run, bike, indoor bike, pool swim, open water, triathlon, gym cardio, GPS cardio, multisport, strength, training, flatwater, rowing, indoor rower, and walk.
8. 3rd Party Integration (Compatible Apps):
Nike Run Club, Komoot, TrainingPeaks, Strava, Relive, Adidas Running, Apple Health, Stryd, Final Surge, Runalyze, Running Quotient, Decathlon
Click here for a complete list.
9. Other Specs
The watch also features:
- Internal music storage:
- Internal Memory: 4GB
- Activity Memory: 500 Hours (estimates based on outdoor activities)
- In-app route builder
- SpO2 sensor
- Louder vibrations and beeps.
- A brighter memory-in-pixel (MIP) display
- Checkpoint
- Back-To-Start
- Deviation Alert
- Touchscreen-Enabled Map Control
- Thermometer: Supports body temperature in training (with compatible accessory)
- Find My Watch and Find My Phone
- Display Languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, German, Spanish, French, Polish, Thai, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Italian, Russian
Silicone vs Nylon Bands: What’s the Difference?
The PACE 3 offers both silicone and nylon bands, and each has its unique characteristics:
Silicone Band:
- Comfort: Silicone bands are cushioned and hypoallergenic, molding to your wrist and making them perfect for sensitive skin.
- Style: Silicone bands come in both matte and glossy finishes, lending a smooth appearance.
- Durability: Silicone bands are scratch-resistant and maintain their shape in heat. However, they may discolor with sun exposure and accumulate dirt and dust.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Silicone bands can be wiped with a damp cloth or washed with soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners or strong chemicals.
Nylon Band:
- Comfort: Lightweight and breathable, nylon bands are ideal for long-term wear and outdoor activities.
- Style: Nylon bands come in numerous colors and patterns, boasting unique textures and perforations for a standout look.
- Durability: Nylon bands are strong and water-resistant, withstanding daily wear and high temperatures. However, they may fray over time.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Nylon bands can be hand-washed with mild detergent and warm water. Pat dry and air dry. For spot cleaning, use a gentle brush and avoid harsh chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes the COROS PACE 3 Running Watch different from other GPS running watches?
2. How accurate is the dual-frequency GPS in the COROS PACE 3?
The dual-frequency GPS in the COROS PACE 3 is designed to provide enhanced accuracy compared to standard GPS. It can better track your location in environments where signal interference is common, such as urban areas with tall buildings or dense forests. This makes it a great option for runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable tracking in various conditions.
3. Is the COROS PACE 3 suitable for multi-sport use?
Yes, the COROS PACE 3 is designed for multi-sport athletes. It supports various sports modes, including running, cycling, swimming, and more. The watch also features comprehensive training metrics and recovery data, helping you optimize your performance across different activities. Its water resistance and durable build make it versatile enough for a wide range of sports.
4. How comfortable is the COROS PACE 3 for everyday wear?
The COROS PACE 3 is designed with comfort in mind. It is lightweight, making it easy to wear for extended periods, whether you’re training or going about your daily activities. Additionally, it offers a choice of high-quality silicone or nylon bands, allowing you to select the material that best suits your comfort and style preferences.
5. How does the battery life of the COROS PACE 3 compare to other running watches?
The COROS PACE 3 excels in battery life, offering up to 17 days of daily use without Daily Stress or up to 15 days with it enabled on a single charge. This is significantly longer than many other GPS-running watches on the market, which typically offer around a week of battery life. The extended battery life means you can go longer between charges, even with regular GPS use, making it ideal for long-distance athletes or those who prefer less frequent charging.
