ZDNET’s Key Takeaways
The Coros Apex 4 series is officially available, offered in two distinct case sizes—42mm and 46mm—priced respectively at $429 and $479. This dual offering ensures that users can select a configuration that aligns with both their wrist size and aesthetic preferences. Coros continues to uphold one of its hallmark characteristics: exceptionally long battery endurance. In keeping with that tradition, the Apex 4’s internal power management allows days—or even weeks—of uninterrupted operation on a single charge. Additionally, the integration of a microphone and speaker significantly expands its functionality, enabling seamless hands-free communication such as phone calls or the recording of concise voice notes directly from the wrist.
Although the device maintains a robust feature set, several limitations are worth noting. The display resolution remains relatively modest, resulting in less visual sharpness compared with leading competitors. Its water resistance is rated at 5 ATM—sufficient for swimming and light immersion but not suitable for more demanding underwater pursuits like diving. Furthermore, the absence of third‑party app support keeps the watch within a closed ecosystem, limiting the degree of external software integration available to users.
In 2022, ZDNET carefully evaluated the Coros Apex 2 and Apex 2 Pro, highlighting their balance between performance, material quality, and price. Building upon those earlier observations, the introduction of the Apex 4 line invites a reassessment of the company’s evolving design philosophy. This latest generation represents Coros’s continued effort to blend endurance, precision, and outdoor adaptability into a competitively priced athletic smartwatch. The Apex 4 comes in two size options within this mid‑range category, catering to a diverse audience of runners, adventurers, and endurance athletes.
Over a comprehensive two‑week testing period, the 46mm variant accompanied the reviewer through a variety of active pursuits: salmon fishing on the Puget Sound, trail running, hiking mountain paths, long urban walks, and even indoor rowing sessions. These extensive trials illustrate the device’s capability across multiple environments. Initial observations point to meaningful improvements—most notably in mapping performance. Enhanced navigation now features faster zoom rendering, precise off‑route alerts, and smooth turn‑by‑turn guidance. Collectively, these refinements provide greater spatial awareness and safety during demanding outdoor activities.
Within Coros’s broader lineup, which includes the Pace, Nomad, and Vertix families, the Apex 4 Pro occupies a space specifically tailored to high‑altitude and endurance sports such as trail running, alpine running, and skiing. Athletes who regularly engage in these disciplines will find the Apex 4 Pro particularly beneficial. Many of its specialized capabilities, including those reliant on elevation data, make it especially well suited to mountainous terrain where gradient and altitude tracking are essential to performance analysis.
The reviewer personally plans to evaluate the watch further during the upcoming alpine skiing season near Mount Rainier—an environment that will rigorously test the Apex 4’s winter performance. Skiers can take advantage of dynamic topographic map downloads, allowing the watch to automatically recognize downhill segments and ski lift rides, with this information neatly displayed within saved activity records. This exactitude transforms the device into more than a tracker; it evolves into an intelligent companion for documenting slope activity. Also of note is the voice‑note functionality, which lets users conveniently mark or describe specific locations, such as optimal jumps or potential hazards, without interrupting their run. These recordings can then be effortlessly shared with teammates or friends for collaboration or post‑activity review.
The physical design has likewise evolved. The Apex 4 introduces a redesigned bottom‑left Action button, offering improved tactile control during workouts. Its integrated microphone now supports location‑linked voice notes, while the new Adventure Journal feature syncs photos and videos to corresponding GPS tracks. Combined, these enhancements allow adventurers to create a complete multimedia log of their journeys. The built‑in speaker not only supports playback for voice pins and activity alerts but also makes hands‑free calling possible—ideal for quick communication while on the move.
From a material standpoint, the Apex 4 achieves a notable balance between strength and comfort. Its titanium bezel and high‑strength polymer base enable impressive durability at a relatively low total weight—approximately 64 grams with the silicone strap and just 52 grams when paired with nylon. These characteristics render it appealing for users who value high performance without bulk. The display employs Coros’s third‑generation memory‑in‑pixel (MIP) technology, resulting in excellent readability under direct sunlight and assisting in energy conservation. Battery tests reveal sustained endurance: in GPS tracking mode, usage ranges from 41 to 65 hours depending on accuracy settings, while traditional smartwatch operation extends beyond three weeks. This remarkable longevity translates to minimal interruptions for charging, making it particularly useful for travelers and extended outdoor expeditions.
One especially clever inclusion is the new USB‑C keychain charging adapter. Compact and lightweight, it magnetically connects to the rear charging contacts of the watch and attaches to any standard USB‑C cable. The adapter doubles as a key‑ring accessory, eliminating the need to carry additional proprietary chargers. With the Apex 4’s long operational life, most users will rarely find themselves urgently searching for a power source during business trips or back‑country adventures.
The Adventure Journal feature deserves special attention. Users can store voice pins, geolocated photographs, and sequential notes to craft a vivid digital travelogue of their outings. Coros’s smartphone application adds further practicality through highly accurate voice‑to‑text transcription, ensuring that spoken notes are clearly documented without requiring audio playback. This function elevates post‑activity analysis by allowing adventurers to annotate experiences in natural, spontaneous language.
While these innovations are commendable, the reviewer thoughtfully expressed a desire for certain yet‑to‑be‑implemented options. Chief among them would be an integrated LED flashlight—a seemingly modest tool whose absence becomes noticeable in real nighttime scenarios. Having this feature would better complement the Apex 4’s otherwise strong outdoor and survival orientation. Other missing elements, such as subscription‑based music storage, broader third‑party app integration, and golf‑specific metrics, remain factors that still tether some enthusiasts to Garmin’s ecosystem.
From a usability perspective, Coros provides abundant configuration freedom, allowing users to tailor widgets and display preferences according to personal taste. However, one limitation is the unchangeable font size in the daily data widget list, which some may find too small for comfortable reading. Ergonomically, button placement compensates for this minor drawback: the upper‑right rotating crown and lower back button enable intuitive navigation through menus, and the newly introduced Action button offers tactile feedback for instant in‑activity commands.
ZDNET’s Buying Advice
Strategically positioned between the Nomad and Vertix models, the Coros Apex 4 distinguishes itself by offering two dimensions, a polished titanium‑and‑sapphire construction, and a functional speaker that broadens its usability. Both available versions maintain consistent multisport compatibility, meaning users need only select their preferred case size and weight rather than compromise on feature availability. At just under $500, the Apex 4 stands out as a comprehensive, value‑rich choice for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes seeking top‑tier endurance and craftsmanship without the premium price tag of flagship competitors.
Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/finally-an-android-smartwatch-that-competes-with-my-garmin-in-battery-life-but-its-cheaper/
