After 100 Days Is The Vantage M3 Polar’s Best Watch?

January 03, 2025

After 100 Days Is The Vantage M3 Polar’s Best Watch?

I've been using the Polar Vantage M3 GPS sports watch for about 100 days now and Polar has packed a lot into this watch, including sleep and recovery tracking, mapping, heart rate monitoring, and over 150 sports profiles. Let's dive into what makes the Vantage M3 stand out.

Polar Vantage M3

Design and Display

Comparing the Vantage M3 to its predecessor, the M2, reveals significant upgrades, notably the 1.28-inch AMOLED touchscreen display. This display is incredibly bright at 1500 nits, surpassing competitors like the Vantage V3 and Grit X2 Pro. It's ideal for outdoor visibility, offering sharp 326ppi resolution for clear map navigation.

Polar Vantage M3

Buying Options & What’s in the Box

The Polar Vantage M3 is priced at $400 and comes in Night Black and Greige Sand. In the box, you get the watch, a second 22mm silicone band, Polar Charge 2.0 charging cable, and documentation. The Polar Flow app complements the watch, providing comprehensive training and workout analysis.

Polar Vantage M3

More Hardware Details

The stainless steel bezel and textured buttons give the Vantage M3 a premium look and feel. Protected by Gorilla Glass, the display is durable against scratches. With 32GB storage, it holds ample training data and comes pre-installed with topographical maps for Europe and North America.

Polar Vantage M3

GPS Accuracy

Equipped with multi-band GPS, the Vantage M3 leverages multiple satellites and frequencies for precise location tracking. While GPS accuracy is generally excellent, occasional minor deviations were observed, especially in Polar’s Better Accuracy Mode.

Polar Vantage M3

Battery Life

Battery life varies depending on usage settings. In Power Save Mode, the Vantage M3 can last up to 70 hours, suitable for extended activities. In regular use with the display always on, expect around 30 hours. Charging is via a new Polar Charge 2.0 connector.

Polar Vantage M3

Heart Rate Sensor

The Elixir heart rate sensor, shared with Polar’s high-end models, provides accurate readings during workouts. It supports ECG readings and blood oxygen saturation monitoring, enhancing health insights for users.

Polar Vantage M3

Comparisons

Competitive options like the Suunto Race S and COROS Pace Pro offer similar features at slightly lower prices. Each watch ecosystem, including Polar Flow, offers unique benefits for tracking and analyzing fitness data.

Polar Vantage M3

Conclusions

After extensive testing, the Polar Vantage M3 impresses with its feature-rich design and competitive pricing. It integrates Polar’s latest technologies into a more affordable package, making it a top contender in its class. Whether you prioritize bright displays, precise GPS, or comprehensive health tracking, the Vantage M3 delivers.

What are your thoughts on the Polar Vantage M3? Have you tried it, or are you considering it? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.

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What Do The Experts Think?


Ray Maker - DCRainmaker

DCRainmaker thinks that the Polar Vantage M3 is reasonably priced for a mid-range watch and that it has a good set of features. He also appreciates that the M3 shares the same software platform as the more expensive Polar watches

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Des Yap - DesFit

DesFit highlights the surprise of an AMOLED display on the Instinct 3, noting it's a departure from the series' traditional MIP displays. DesFit also points out that the Instinct 3 has three different models: the Instinct E, Instinct 3 Solar, and Instinct 3 AMOLED, with varying sizes, features, and prices. The reviewer expresses that the AMOLED version strangely lacks a touchscreen and the whole Instinct 3 line uses the older Gen 4 heart rate sensor.

Check out Des's full video:



Dave Dillon - Chase The Summit

Dave emphasizes the M3's surprisingly robust feature set, mirroring the more expensive Vantage V3 and Grit X2 Pro, at a significantly lower price point of $399.But

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Matt LeGrand

Matt LeGrand thinks the Polar Vantage M3 is one of Polar's best GPS watches ever, or at least the best for the price. He is also very impressed with the screen improvements on this watch. He notes that the old M2 was one of the dimmest watches he had ever tested, and that the M3's display is extremely bright and clear, even in direct sunlight

Check out Matt's full video:



Rob ter Horst - Quantified Scientist

Rob, from the Quantified Scientist YouTube channel, thinks the Polar Vantage M3 is the best of all worlds in terms of Polar's watch offerings. He notes that the $400 Vantage M3 shares the same software platform and sensor set as the more expensive Vantage V3 and Grit X2 Pro, making it a good value. Rob also appreciates that the M3 is lighter and more compact, which he thinks may improve heart rate tracking performance and fit better on narrower wrists

Check out Rob's full video: