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I just started testing thePolar Vantage M3for our official TG review and my initial impressions are largely positive.
As hinted above, it offers a tremendous amount of bang for the buck compared to the competition.
Its also a seriously comfortable smartwatch, with a manageably-sized 45mm case that weighs just over an ounce.
Heres what else floats my boat about the M3.
For that, youll have to step up to the $599Garmin Forerunner 965.
You also get superior battery life from the Polar.
With offline maps, users can pre-download and save their route for navigational purposes while on the trail.
The M3s display maxes out at 1,500 nits which is adequate for viewing in bright daylight.
Thats brighter than theGarminForerunner 265 but not as bright as the Apple Watch 10s max output of 2,000 nits.
Sensors and wellness tools galore
Polar doesnt skimp when it comes to holistic sensors and tracking tech.
The gadget also provides detailed insights into sleep quality, along with useful workout recovery tracking tools.
Thats more than enough juice to track even the most intense day-long adventures.
No smart features
Polar watches across the board are lacking in smart features.
Beyond mirrored smartphone notifications andBluetoothmusic control, there are none to speak of.
Here’s hoping that Polar is seriously looking into adding this functionality in future models.
A plastic case is one thing but plastic lugs concern me from a durability standpoint.
For a rig so positioned for extreme adventurers, this design choice seems like a potential oversight.
Sadly, thats not the case.
This puts the M3 in the same camp as the Apple Watch 10 and Garmin Forerunner 265.
However, neither gear is as geared toward outdoor enthusiasts as much as the Polar M3 is.
50 meters of water resistance is adequate for short periods of surface-level swimming.
Want to learn more?
Heres a breakdown ofsmartwatch water resistance ratings explained.
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