Coros Pace 4 Pro vs Pace 4: A Rp3.2 Million Gap, Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Coros is once again testing the sports watch market by launching two closely competing models: the Pace 4 and the Pace 4 Pro. The price gap between them reaches US$200, or around Rp3.2 million, with the Pace 4 Pro priced at US$449 and the standard Pace 4 at US$249. Even so, based on intensive testing over several months, both watches offer nearly identical accuracy performance, so consumers need to consider carefully whether the improved design and battery endurance are worth the extra cost.

The Coros Pace 4 Pro comes with a larger, brighter screen, a titanium bezel, and sapphire glass that is claimed to be more scratch-resistant. These materials make it look more premium than the Pace 4, which uses standard materials. In addition, the Pace 4 Pro's internal storage capacity reaches 32GB, far larger than the 4GB on the Pace 4. This difference is crucial for runners who frequently download offline maps or music to accompany long training sessions. However, for users who only need maps of local areas, 4GB of space is considered sufficient.

In terms of endurance, the Pace 4 Pro records up to 21 days of use in watch mode, while the Pace 4 lasts only 19 days. In always-on display mode, the difference becomes seven days versus six days. For the most accurate multi-band GPS tracking, the Pace 4 Pro can last 30 hours, while the Pace 4 lasts around 24 hours. Real-world testing with the display always on and daily running workouts using the most power-hungry GPS mode showed the Pace 4 Pro lasting seven days, while the Pace 4 lasted around five days. This gap means Pace 4 Pro users can save several charging sessions a month.

GPS accuracy and heart rate monitoring are the main concerns for athletes. In testing that compared both watches with the Garmin Forerunner 970, the GPS tracks and distance statistics produced were almost the same. Even in challenging environments such as city centers with tall buildings, both watches still provided reliable routes. For heart rate, both also showed equivalent accuracy, although occasional abnormal spikes appeared while running or when they lagged behind a chest strap during strength training. Because of this, for users who want the most precise data, using an external chest strap is still recommended.

"The Coros Pace 4 is the best-value watch of the two, because its main features are equivalent and its accuracy is the same, but the Pace 4 Pro's design is a visible upgrade that many people will appreciate," said the tester who has tried both devices over hundreds of miles of running.

Color choices are also a consideration. The Pace 4 Pro is available only in black and white, while the Pace 4 offers more varied options: black, white, yellow, ultraviolet, plus a special Jakob Ingebrigtsen edition in black and gold. For those who prefer a smaller, lighter look, the Pace 4 may be a better fit. However, if the watch will be worn all day, the Pace 4 Pro's roomier screen makes it easier to read statistics and maps during activities.

In the Indonesian market, premium sports watches are increasingly in demand as participation in marathon running and triathlon grows. Coros, although not a major player like Garmin or Apple, is starting to attract attention because its prices are relatively more competitive and its features are complete. The arrival of the Pace 4 Pro gives consumers an alternative if they want high durability without having to spend as much as on an upper-class smartwatch. However, with a price gap of around Rp3.2 million, prospective buyers need to weigh whether the improved design and battery are worth it for their needs.

Going forward, competition in the sports watch segment will become even tighter with the arrival of more advanced health features and ecosystem integration. Coros appears to position the Pace 4 Pro as a product aimed at serious users who prioritize all-day comfort, not just a training tool. Will this extra investment be followed by a significant improvement in the exercise experience, or will it instead make the standard Pace 4 remain the rational choice? Time will tell, but for many runners, this decision will depend on how often the watch accompanies activities outside of training sessions.