Everything you need to know about the Polar Vantage V3 and the definitive argument for buying it.

Gorka Sedano
Journalist and popular runner
Posted on 06-11-2023

It is one of the most powerful launches of the year, and it is causing a furor. The reason is easy to understand: the new Polar Vantage V3 is able to change the way you run, and enjoy your passion for running.

So if you're a hardcore runner, we don't need to tell you that having a good GPSsports watch is key to improving your performance. This Polar Vantage V3 is the latest in this segment of the market. In RUNNEA we tell you everything you need about this top of the range model of the renowned Finnish brand, which has made the quantitative and qualitative leap that was expected.

By definition, this new Polar Vantage V3 is the most ambitious training device to date and represents an incredible leap forward, if we talk about biosensor technologies. Thus, this revision of the Vantage V3 is more capable, comes packed with features and is more powerful than its previous versions.

New Polar Elixir technology to change the rules of the game

At the forefront of innovation, the Polar Vantage V3 stands out with its Elixir⢠biosensor technology, an industry first that is changing the rules of the game for athletes and multisport enthusiasts. Polar s Elixir⢠is not just an incremental improvement, but a quantum leap in how we interact with health and sport monitoring technology.

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Original price £519

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Polar Vantage V3

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This advanced technology is capable of measuring a broader spectrum of physiological and mechanical data from the human body than any previous system. Elixir⢠combines multiple sensors to analyze information at an impressive speed, providing clearer and more personalized interpretation and guidance not only in sport, but in everyday life.

What does Elixir Technology measure?

Elixir' s sensor fusion focuses on accurately measuring:

  • Body functions: monitors vital parameters that give a complete picture of your overall health status.
  • Cardiovascular activity: accurately records heart activity during rest and intense physical activity.
  • Autonomic nervous system: understands your body's response to stress and recovery, essential for balancing training and rest.
  • Body temperature: detects temperature variations, which can be an indicator of the onset of illness or changes in the menstrual cycle.

What does Elixir technology offer you?

With these biosensors, the Polar Vantage V3 offers:

Accurate, easy-to-interpret digital data.

Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurement with a root mean square error of less than 35 compared to direct arterial oxygenation measurements, allowing you to accurately track how your body uses oxygen during exercise and at high altitudes.

Advanced optical heart rate

Additionally, the fourth generation of optical heart rate monitoring technology built into the Vantage V3 and Polar Elixir⢠improves accuracy by 25% in key sports such as running and cycling, cementing Polar Vantage V3 as a leader in accurate sports tracking.

Automatic overnight skin temperature measurement

Providing valuable information about your overall well-being and potentially menstrual cycles.

Advanced ECG Capabilities

The Polar Vantage V3 not only stands out for its comprehensive set of physiological and sports metrics, but also for its advanced electrocardiogram (ECG) capabilities, a distinctive addition provided by Elixir⢠technology. This development represents an invaluable tool for athletes seeking to maximize their performance and for any user wishing to keep a detailed check on their cardiovascular health.

ECG testing capabilities:

  • Speed and Ease: theECG function of the Vantage V3 allows you to perform a complete electrocardiogram in just 30 seconds. This speed means you can perform regular monitoring without interrupting your daily routine.
  • Accurate readings: the heart's electrical signals are captured with exceptional clarity, providing detailed insight into heart health and any potential abnormalities that may need medical attention.
  • Professional-level recovery: with orthostatic testing, which uses ECG readings, athletes can gain in-depth insights into their recovery status. This test compares heart rate and blood pressure variability in different postures, providing an indicator of how the body recovers after training and adapts to physical stress.

Including ECG capabilities in the Polar Vantage V3 underscores Polar s commitment to holistic health and high performance. This feature becomes a key differentiator, not only against its predecessor, the Polar Vantage V2, but also compared to other heart rate monitors & sports watches on the market. Polar Elixir⢠represents not only a breakthrough in next-generation sports wearable technology, but a deeper understanding of our body and its performance.

Polar Vantage V3 vs Polar Vantage V2 comparison

While the design principles and core functionalities are maintained in this presentation of the Polar Vantage V3, the first thing you should be clear about is that we are not talking about a simple product update. This GPS multisport watch has been completely redesigned with important and very significant changes in both its design and performance.

For this reason, from RUNNEA we think that the comparison between the Polar Vantage V3 vs Polar Vantage V2 can come and help you in your final purchase decision.

AMOLED screen

When experiencing the Polar Vantage V3 for the first time, its glowing display immediately grabs your attention. This feature is arguably the most distinctive when compared to the Polar Vantage V2. Polar has evolved from a MIP (memory-in-pixel) display to AMOLED technology.

MIP displays have their advantages, especially in energy efficiency, but the AMOLED display wins accolades for its superior brightness, more vivid colors and exceptional performance under almost any lighting conditions, including low-light environments. Viewing the Vantage V3 's 1â39â-inch touchscreen resembles the experience of viewing a high-end smartphone display, with an impressive 462 ppi resolution that ensures unparalleled sharpness.

This transition to AMOLED is not only a visual improvement, but also allows us to make the most of the space, extending the display almost to the edges of the watch. This translates into 35% more visible area on the Vantage V3 display compared to the Polar Vantage V2.

Faster processor

The leap in performance is equally remarkable thanks to the Vantage V3's new processor, which is 129% faster than its predecessor, ensuring a user experience with smooth animations and instantaneous transitions.

In addition to improving its processor, this premium sports watch from the Finnish brand also introduces dual-frequency GPS, which leverages L1 and L5 satellite signals for faster and more accurate location. This functionality is essential for athletes and adventurers who depend on flawless navigation accuracy, especially in more challenging environments where conventional signals may not be sufficient.

Battery life

Battery life era a point of concern when considering the switch to a more demanding display. However, the Polar Vantage V3 dispels any doubts, maintaining extended battery life thanks to a larger capacity battery and more energy-efficient technologies. The result is even longer continuous training time than a Vantage V2:

  • Up to 61 hours of use in training mode.
  • Up to 140 hours with power-saving options enabled.
  • Up to 288 days in standard and conventional watch mode.

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Advanced navigation with offline maps

Finally, a long-anticipated innovation becomes a reality in the Polar Vantage V3: offline navigation via offline maps. Improved display quality and processing power make it possible to load detailed maps directly on the watch. This means total independence from your cell phone, but with the confidence of having detailed and accurate location information at all times.

The device comes equipped with ample 32 GB storage, allowing the user to carry maps of various regions. It includes preloaded maps of Europe and North America, and the option to expand the collection at no additional cost through the Polar Flow app, making it easy to adventure anywhere in the world.

The definitive argument for buying the Polar Vantage V3

Actually it is not only one, but rather three weighty arguments that we give you to get this new release of the Polar Vantage V3. The premium and most advanced GPSsports watch from the Finnish brand to date. So basically this is why you should buy the third generation of Polars Vantage series.

State-of-the-art technology

It is more than clear that this new version of Polar s Vantage V3 incorporates the latest in sports monitoring technology, ensuring accurate measurements and a wide variety of data to optimize each of your workouts, and as well as each of your sporting challenges, in the form of popular race.

More advanced and improved user interface

Thanks to its high-resolution display and a more intuitive interface, the user experience of the Polar Vantage V3 is superior and the most advanced of the Nordic company ' s Vantage series, allowing you to access the information you need quickly and easily.

Compatibility and connectivity

The Polar Vantage V3 offers extensive compatibility with different apps and devices, ensuring you can easily sync your data and keep up with your progress.

Value for money

When considering the purchase of the Polar Vantage V3, it is important to evaluate its value for money compared toother best-selling models on the market. In this way, this Vantage V3 presents itself as a competitive option within the high end of heart rate monitors & sports watches. Its price, although not the lowest (599.90â¬), justifies the technological innovations it incorporates, such as Polar Elixir⢠biosensor technology, dual-frequency GPS and offline navigation functions.

In direct comparison to its predecessors and competitors, it offers outstanding value for money for users looking for a more scientific and detailed approach to monitoring their sports performance.

What are the direct rivals competing with this Polar Vantage 3?

The world of heart rate monitors & sports watches is becoming increasingly competitive, and the Polar Vantage 3 has some strong rivals in its category. Some of the most prominent include:

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Original price £599.99

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Garmin Forerunner 965

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-30%

Original price £399

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Apple Watch Series 9

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-31%

Original price £499

From £344.99

Coros Apex 2 Pro

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-29%

Original price £530

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Huawei Watch 4 Pro

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Polar Vantage V3 Final Conclusions

The Polar Vantage V3 is more than just an update to its predecessor; it's a testament to evolving and adapting to the changing needs of athletes. With its more vivid AMOLED display, revolutionary Polar Elixir⢠biosensor system, and substantial improvements in navigation and storage capacity, the Vantage V3 not only keeps pace with high-performance athletes but anticipates their demands.

The idea behind the new Polar Vantage V3 is that users can train smarter, recover better and understand their health in a comprehensive and deeply personalized way.

Compared to heavyweights like from other brands such as Garmin and Apple, the Polar Vantage V3 stands firm on its valor proposition, offering a high-end device that focuses on improving sports performance and wellness, without the underwhelming price tag of some of its competitors. For the serious athlete looking for a device that is both a trainer and a health companion, the Polar Vantage V3 is positioned as a smart choice.


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