Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Full details →| Apple Watch Ultra | Polar Vantage V | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Starting price | $799 | $699★ |
| Subscription | ✓ None | ✓ None |
| Hardware | ||
| Weight | 63g | 39g★ |
| Water resistance | 100m★ | 5ATM |
| Battery | 2.1 days | 8 days★ |
| Always-on display | ✅ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ✅★ | ❌ |
| Platform | iOS only | iOS & Android |
| Tier | Sports GPS | Sports GPS |
| Buy timing | ||
| Released | Sep 18, 2026 | Oct 4, 2023 |
| Cycle advice | good★ | bad |
| Deals advice | neutral | great★ |
| Next model | — | — |
The Ultra 4 lasts roughly twice as long as the Series 12, with up to 45 hours of GPS workout tracking in Max Extended Workout mode. Satellite Emergency SOS works without cellular or WiFi coverage.
The new health sensing system samples heart rate every five seconds all day and HRV every five minutes, feeding a 0–10 readiness score.
The 49mm titanium case and 3000-nit display make this watch usable in full direct sunlight and water depths up to 100m (recreational scuba diving to 40m).
Polar Vantage V3 is one of the few sports GPS watches with on-demand ECG — usually only found on lifestyle smartwatches.
Running power measurement without a foot pod or chest strap — a significant training metric for pacing effort on hills and varied terrain.
The most detailed training load analysis in any sports watch: muscle groups targeted per session, recovery status per muscle, and long-term load trends.
The right pick depends on what you optimize for.
$699 vs $799 over 3 years.
8 days vs 2.1 days battery.
12 sensors · 0.2 Hz HR sampling.
39g.
Serious athletes, trail runners, triathletes, and outdoor adventurers who need the most durable, most accurate GPS watch Apple makes. Also for iPhone users who simply want the best Apple Watch regardless of sport, and value the extra battery life over the Series 12.
Full details →Serious endurance athletes — particularly runners and triathletes — who want Polar's unmatched training load science and recovery guidance, combined with ECG health monitoring and running power in a premium package.
Full details →