Full review of the new Suunto Race, Suunto’s top of the range sports smartwatch, here’s why it’s one of the best!
Smartwatches, unlike a few years ago, have become indispensable accessories in everyday life, so Suunto delights us with its latest arrival Suunto Race. A smartwatch (or should we say a sportwatch) truly at the top of the category. Let’s find out together how it behaves in daily use!
Technical data sheet | Suunto Race review
- Display: 1.43″ AMOLED 466 x 466, 1000 nits, sapphire crystal
- Materials: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide (case), Grade 5 titanium (bezel), Silicone (strap)
- Memory: 16/32 GB
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU, microfono, speaker
- Other: accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate sensor, barometer, compass
- Drums: up to 26 days
- Dimensions and weight: 49 x 49 x 13.3 mm – 69g
Build quality and design | Suunto Race review
The build quality of this Suunto Race is noticeable from the first power on. With a design that nods to more traditional chronographs, the use of materials such as grade 5 titanium for the bezel and the fiberglass-reinforced polyamide for the case, in addition to the sapphire panel, give a feeling of first-class robustness, although they contribute to reaching a non-negligible thickness of 13.3mm and a weight of 69g (not for slender wrists therefore).
Obviously, there is resistance against water and dust (waterproof up to 100m) and moles temperature range -20° C/+55° C. The “chronograph” buttons find real use in navigating the menus (although the latter remains not very intuitive, but we’ll talk about it later), while the titanium bezel allows you to use the smartwatch without necessarily having to interact with the display (useful if used with gloves). Furthermore, the much appreciated combination of is housed on the case speaker+microphonefor a complete hardware package that significantly extends the functionality of the device.
Display and hardware | Suunto Race review
Suunto Race is equipped with a 1.43″ AMOLED main display and 466×466 resolution. The quality of the panel is at the top of the category, with excellent performance even under direct sunlight thanks to the 1000 nits peak, from which the ‘flashlight’ app can also benefit. Very deep blacks and perfect touch response, net of some frame loss when quickly moving between the menus. Also exceptional vibration feedbackprecise and powerful, which accompanies us in navigating the interface.
Unfortunately we are not able to know exactly SoC underlying this Suunto Race, however as mentioned we found variable performances depending on the operation requested (nothing that cannot be fixed via software). The internal memory is around 16/32 GB, largely sufficient for any type of use. Speaking of hardware, microphone and speaker system allow you to have access to numerous extra functions such as the convenient ability to set alarm clocks or sound timers. Strangely, it is not yet possible to make Bluetooth calls (but this may only be a temporary limitation).
Small mention also for GPSexcellent and with very rapid coupling, constantly updated for absolute precision, thanks to the GP Multi-GNSS, or the possibility of connecting to 5 different systems (GPS+Beidou+Glonass+Galileo+QZSS). Added to this is the possibility of downloading maps for offline use, thanks to the large internal memory. The measurements relating to heart rate and sleep monitoring are also good, the latter for example will show you all the phases and data directly on the smartwatch with extreme precision.
Companion software and apps | Suunto Race review
Owner the software installed on board the new Suunto Race, complete with everything necessary but at the same time still not very intuitive. To give you an example, the button to enter or exit an app is not always the same, but varies depending on the instructions dictated on the display. This does not allow you to use the device by ‘muscle memory’ and forces you to check how to perform a certain action from time to time. In any case, by rotating the ring upwards you can access the 95 training activities present, while downwards you access the applications menu. The only limitation lies in the management of the watchfaces, only 10, which however allow good customization and integration with the Always-On mode.
Among other software features we then have the ability to respond to notifications with preset messages, customizable via the companion app. The latter, simply called ‘Suunto‘, appears complete and clear in the various screens. From it you can configure the smartwatch, notifications, offline maps, i widget (quick screens) and access the store SuuntoPlus. On the home page there is a summary of your recent activities, which you can consult individually in detail.
Autonomy
Suunto Race comes with a large enough battery to at least guarantee 10 days of use with medium use (heart rate always active and various workouts) and, as declared by the manufacturer, up to 26 days of use as a simple watch. Equally good turned out to be the consumo in stand-byconstant and never excessive.
Conclusions and price
Suunto Race it is one of the best sport watches currently in circulation, thanks to its capabilities in the sporting field and a complete hardware from every point of view. However, it gets lost a little in everyday use, due to some software not very intuitive.
You can find it on the official website starting from 449.00€ for the Stainless steel variant, ea 549,00€ for the Titanium variant. Not a product for everyone but perfect for a few, and if you are among them, then the purchase is more than recommended! Before saying goodbye, we invite you to follow the mobile section of techgameworld.com for further news and video reviews. See you soon!
Points in favor
- Construction quality
- Display
- Sports features
- Autonomy
- GPS
Points against
- Not very intuitive interface
- Only 10 dials