After years of relying on Garmin's high-end sports watches, I decided to try something new. My journey from Garmin to Coros has been an eye-opening experience that challenged my assumptions about what truly matters in a training smartwatch. This switch not only refreshed my expectations but also revealed the strengths of a brand I had previously overlooked.
The AMOLED Display Era and Its Battery Drawbacks
While AMOLED displays offer vivid visuals and deep blacks, they come with a significant cost—battery life. My previous AMOLED Garmin watch required charging every 2–3 days, which quickly became inconvenient given my training schedule of over 10 hours per week. This frequent charging was a constant annoyance and a motivation to explore alternatives.
Display Technology: The Surprising Strength of MIP Screens
Coros utilizes Memory-In-Pixel (MIP) displays, which, while not as vibrant as AMOLED, provide excellent visibility outdoors and dramatically improve battery longevity.
Build Quality and Wearing Comfort
The Coros watch has a thicker case compared to Garmin's models, but it never felt uncomfortable. Buttons provide satisfying tactile feedback, and the rotating crown is responsive and easy to navigate—features I quickly grew to appreciate.
The rotating crown is very responsive
The Back/Lap button
The customizable shortcut button
GPS Performance and Accuracy
Coros delivers reliable GPS tracking that meets the demands of serious athletes. Its accuracy stands on par with Garmin’s well-known precision, making it a trustworthy companion during workouts and races.
Intuitive User Interface
The Coros interface is clean and easy to navigate, allowing swift access to features without unnecessary complexity. The combination of physical buttons and the rotating crown simplifies control even during intense activities.
Helpful Features That Add Value
One standout feature is the inclusion of free global maps accessible directly on the watch, enhancing navigation for outdoor activities. The shortcut button provides quick access to maps during workouts, a thoughtful touch for efficiency.
Coros gives you free global maps
The shortcut button which opens the map during activities
Features I Miss from Garmin
Despite many strengths, there are a few Garmin features I still miss, particularly some advanced maps and navigation tools Garmin offers. However, Coros continues evolving, and its core functionalities cover most daily athletic needs.
Exceptional Battery Life: Coros’ Major Advantage
Battery longevity is where Coros truly stands out. The watch comfortably lasts days, if not weeks, on a single charge—even with GPS and heart rate monitoring engaged—dramatically reducing interruptions during training cycles.
Accurate Heart Rate Sensor
The heart rate sensor performs reliably, providing consistent data during both resting and intense exercise periods—comparable to Garmin’s accuracy and suitable for detailed performance tracking.
Final Thoughts: Coros as a Value-Packed Alternative
Switching from Garmin to Coros was an unexpected but rewarding decision. Coros offers high-quality performance, excellent battery life, and thoughtful features at a competitive price. For athletes seeking reliable gear without constant charging frustrations, Coros proves to be a compelling option.
Me crushing an interval workout aided by the Nomad on my wrist
