Polar has just unveiled its latest mid-range sports companion, bringing premium features to a more accessible price point. The new Vantage M3 represents a significant leap forward in the company's mid-range offering, challenging competitors with an impressive feature set at £349/$399.90.
Key Features and Design
- Display : 1.28-inch AMOLED screen protected by Gorilla Glass 3
- Build : Stainless steel bezel with a lightweight 53g construction
- Colors : Available in Night Black and Greige Sand
- Battery Life : Up to 30 hours in training mode, 7 days in smartwatch mode
Advanced Training Capabilities
The Vantage M3 comes equipped with several high-end features previously reserved for more expensive models:
- Dual-frequency GPS for enhanced accuracy
- Offline maps functionality
- ECG measurements
- Blood oxygen monitoring
- Nightly skin temperature tracking
- Support for over 150 sports modes
Health and Recovery Features
The watch incorporates Polar's Elixir biosensing technology, offering:
- Comprehensive sleep tracking
- Recovery Pro monitoring
- Performance testing
- Science-backed training load metrics
Smart Features and Limitations
While the Vantage M3 excels in sports and health tracking, it does have some limitations:
- No music storage capability
- Lacks NFC payments
- No app store support
- Basic notification support and music controls only
Market Position
At £349/$399.90, the Vantage M3 positions itself competitively against the Garmin Forerunner series and Apple Watch, offering premium features like offline maps that aren't available in some competing models at this price point. The device particularly targets multi-sport athletes, with Polar noting that over 80% of their users train in three or more sports.
The Vantage M3 is now available for purchase, supported by the comprehensive Polar Flow platform for detailed activity tracking and analysis. While it may not match the smartwatch capabilities of some competitors, it presents a compelling option for serious athletes seeking a dedicated training companion.