Reaching maturity, next model expected soon
Best for: iPhone users who want the most capable smartwatch health experience available. Ideal for anyone who values medical-grade monitoring (ECG, blood pressure, SpO2), a premium always-on display, and the best Apple Watch workout tracking. If health is your priority, this is the one to get.
Full details →Late in cycle — a new model is likely coming
Best for: 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 →| Apple Watch | Polar Vantage V | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Smartwatch | Sports GPS |
| Platform | iOS only | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 1 days | 8 days |
| Always-on display | ✅ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cellular | ✅ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | ecg, spo2, skin temp, hrv, blood pressure | ecg, hr, spo2, hrv, running power, skin temp |
| Released | Sep 19, 2025 | Oct 4, 2023 |
| Cycle length | 364 days | 1063 days |
| Cycle advice | neutral | bad |
| Deals advice | neutral | good |
| Next model | Apple Watch Series 12 (Expected fall 2026) | Polar Vantage V4 (2026) |
The Series 11 is the first mainstream smartwatch to offer FDA-cleared hypertension (high blood pressure) detection — a feature that could flag silent health risks.
At 9.7mm, the Series 11 is significantly slimmer than previous models — noticeably lighter on the wrist for all-day and sleep tracking.
On-demand ECG, continuous blood oxygen monitoring, and sleep apnea detection (FDA-cleared) make this one of the most medically relevant consumer wearables available.
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.