I've been testing the COROS APEX 4 for the past few weeks, and it's a solid evolution of COROS's ultra-endurance line. Building on the Apex 2, this model adds a speaker and microphone — a first for COROS — while keeping that signature massive battery life. Let's dive in.
Design and Build
The APEX 4 looks similar to its predecessor, but there are some notable changes. The most obvious addition is the speaker and microphone on the side — the first time COROS has included these on any watch. This lets you receive calls directly on the watch and hear audio alerts.
The build is premium: titanium bezel, grade 5 titanium buttons, and sapphire glass over the display. It's available in two sizes — 42mm and 46mm — and comes in black or white.
One thing to note: the APEX 4 uses a MIP display, not AMOLED. This is actually a feature for some users who prefer the always-on readability of MIP, but it's a departure from the Pace 4's vibrant AMOLED.
Battery Life
Battery life is where the APEX 4 really shines:
- Daily use: Up to 22 days
- Full GPS: 65 hours
- Power-saving: Even longer
This is one of the longest-lasting GPS watches you can buy. For ultra-endurance athletes doing multi-day events, this is a huge selling point.
New Features
The speaker and microphone open up new possibilities:
- Receive phone calls directly on the watch
- Audio alerts during activities
- Voice notes (like on the Pace 4)
The APEX 4 also has offline global maps — a step up from the breadcrumb navigation on the Pace 4.
The Verdict
The COROS APEX 4 is a fantastic ultra-endurance watch. The 65-hour GPS battery is unbeaten, and the addition of speaker/mic is a nice touch.
At $429/$479, it faces tough competition from the Garmin Fenix E, Suunto Race 2, and even COROS' own Nomad ($349 with similar features).
Best for: Ultra-endurance athletes, multi-day hikers, anyone who prioritizes battery life above all else.
Consider the Nomad instead if: You want similar features for $130 less.
What do you think — is the APEX 4 worth the upgrade? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.