Coros has launched what it claims is “the world’s lightest smartwatch”.
Weighing a claimed 29.7g with a nylon strap, the Pace 2 smartwatch is also said to have a processor one and a half times more powerful than the original Coros Pace watch, and offer four times more memory.
Coros says the screen has also seen improvements versus the original model, with the new watch offering a brighter screen during the day as well as a dedicated night mode.
Priced at £179.99 / $199.99 / €199.99, the Pace 2 smartwatch is available in two colours – white or dark navy – with a choice of silicone or nylon straps, and is scheduled to be available to consumers by 4 September 2020.
Coros Pace 2 smartwatch details and specifications
| Coros Pace 2 smartwatch specification | |
|---|---|
| Display size | 1.2 in. 240 x 240 (64 colors) |
| Display type | Memory LCD |
| Screen material | Corning® Glass |
| Bezel material | Fiber reinforced polymer |
| Case material | Fiber reinforced polymer |
| Strap material | Nylon or silicone |
| Quick release band | 22mm |
| Physical size | 42×42×11.7mm |
| Claimed weight (with nylon band) | 29 g |
| Wireless connectivity | BLE / ANT+/BLE |
| GPS | GPS / GLONASS / BEIDOU (GALILEO via future firmware update) |
| Sensors | Optical heart rate monitor, barometric altimeter, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, thermometer |
| Waterproof rating | 5 ATM (50 meters/164 feet) |
| Working temperature | -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) |
| Storage temperature | -4°F to 149°F (-20°C to 65°C) |
| Claimed charging time | Less than 2 Hours |
| Claimed battery life | 20 days of regular use, 40 days of standby time, 30 hours in Full GPS mode, 60 hours in UltraMax mode |
| Price | £179.99 / $199.99 / €199.99 |
Coros Pace 2 smartwatch first look
The Pace 2 smartwatch has a 42mm face with a 1.2in, 240 x 240 pixel display. This means the face is actually 4mm smaller than the original Pace smartwatch, without a reduction in screen size.
As Coros claims, it is indeed a very lightweight smartwatch. Our dark navy sample with the slightly weightier silicone band weighs 35.7g, but it's the nylon strap that would apparently take it down to 29.7g and make it the world's lightest smartwatch.
Either way, we’re only talking about a few grams compared to competitor options such as the Polar Ignite and Garmin 245, 45 and 45S, so this probably won't be the decisive selling point.
What’s arguably more impressive is the rich feature list, a substantial claimed battery life and competitive pricing. The digital dial and single button also make operating it pleasingly simple, at first impressions.
While it’s generally aimed at runners, it includes specific activity profiles for cycling and plenty of other features that cyclists and multi-sport athletes will find useful.
Coros confirmed that, thanks to its support for both ANT+ and Bluetooth, the Pace 2 can connect to and display data from speed and cadence sensors and power meters.
Features such as GPS tracking, the optical heart rate monitor and sleep tracking will also no doubt be useful to many as well (though it’s worth noting dedicated heart rate straps are still generally considered to be more accurate than optical sensors for cycling outdoors).
If you do decide at any point to start taking things more seriously, the Pace 2 can also offer structured workouts (think interval training), training load monitoring and VO2 max estimation.
We’ll also be very impressed if the battery life can live up to its promise of 30 hours at full pelt, or 60 hours in Ultra mode.
