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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSuunto Race vs Suunto Vertical Solar
If you're after the best battery life, grab the Suunto Vertical Solar - it offers up to 85 hours with solar charging, crushing the Suunto Race's 40 hours. In real-world usage, that means you can tackle multi-day hikes without worrying about recharging. The Suunto Race is the premium device here with a vibrant 1.43-inch AMOLED display that looks stunning compared to the Vertical Solar's MIP screen. However, the trade-off is that you’ll get 16GB of storage versus the Vertical Solar’s ample 32GB, which is perfect for downloading offline maps for your adventures.
⚖️ Weight: 2.93 oz vs 2.61 oz💽 Storage: 16 GB vs 32 GB🔋 Battery: 40h vs 85h (solar)
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Suunto Race
★4.2
(297)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
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Suunto Vertical Solar
★4.3
(200)•Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Suunto Race
Suunto Vertical Solar
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Suunto Race
1.43 in
Suunto Vertical Solar
1.4 in
Resolution
Suunto Race
466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness)
Suunto Vertical Solar
280 x 280 pixels
Performance1 specs
Storage
Suunto Race
16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model)
Suunto Vertical Solar
32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps)Winner
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Suunto Race
Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS)
Suunto Vertical Solar
Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar)
Design1 specs
Weight
Suunto Race
83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model)
Suunto Vertical Solar
74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model)Winner
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Suunto Race
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads)
Suunto Vertical Solar
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads)
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Suunto Race vs Suunto Vertical Solar
Suunto Race
★4.2(297)Amazon
Suunto Vertical Solar
★4.3(200)Amazon
| Criterion | Suunto Race | Suunto Vertical Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(297)Amazon | ★4.3(200)Amazon |
Compatibility | Android and iOS (via Suunto app) | Android and iOS (via Suunto app) |
Operating System | Suunto UI | Suunto UI |
Case Size | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in) | 49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in) |
Case Material | Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone | Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone |
Display Type | AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable) | Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight |
Display Size | 1.43 in | 1.4 in |
Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness) | 280 x 280 pixels |
Always On Display | Yes | Yes (Passive technology) |
Water Resistance | 100 m (10 ATM) | 100 m (10 ATM) |
Durability | MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F) | MIL-STD-810H tested (Military Standard); Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F) |
GPS | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU | Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads) | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads) |
NFC Payments | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Sensors | Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; accelerometer; gyroscope | Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m) |
Health Features | HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status | HRV (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max |
Workout Modes | 95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates | 95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation |
Storage | 16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model) | 32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps) |
Speaker Mic | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) | No (No built-in speaker or microphone) |
Calls | No (Notification alerts only) | No (Notification alerts only; predefined quick replies on Android) |
Battery | Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS) | Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar) |
Charging | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A) | Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A); Solar charging |
Weight | 83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model) | 74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model) |
Band Sizes | Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width | Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width |
Extras | Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation | Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode |
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Suunto Race
Rating:★4.2(297)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.3 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.52 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Stainless Steel; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Display Type:AMOLED touchscreen (High definition, always-on capable)
Display Size:1.43 in
Resolution:466 x 466 pixels (1,000 nits brightness)
Always On Display:Yes
Water Resistance:100 m (10 ATM)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H tested; Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F)
GPS:Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (for map downloads)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; accelerometer; gyroscope
Health Features:HRV measurement (Sleep & Daily); 24/7 heart rate; sleep tracking (stages & quality); blood oxygen; stress and recovery status
Workout Modes:95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI-based training load & recovery); offline maps; route navigation; race time estimates
Storage:16 GB (Steel model) / 32 GB (Titanium model)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only)
Battery:Up to 26 days (Daily Mode); Up to 12 days (Daily HR + AOD); 40 hours (Performance Training / Dual-band GNSS)
Charging:Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A)
Weight:83 g / 2.93 oz (Steel model)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width
Extras:Global offline outdoor maps (free); weather widgets; phone media controls; customizable watch faces; digital crown navigation
✓ Pros:
- • Vibrant 1.43” AMOLED screen with sapphire crystal durability
- • Excellent battery life (up to 40 hours in max accuracy GPS mode)
- • Free global offline maps with intuitive digital crown zooming
- • Dual-band GNSS provides highly accurate tracking in difficult terrain
- • Military-grade (MIL-STD-810H) durability
✗ Cons:
- • No NFC payments or music storage (music controls only)
- • No built-in speaker or microphone for calls
- • 49mm case size is bulky for smaller wrists
- • Steel version is noticeably heavier (83g) than the Titanium model (69g)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Suunto Vertical Solar
Rating:★4.3(200)Amazon
Compatibility:Android and iOS (via Suunto app)
Operating System:Suunto UI
Case Size:49mm (49 x 49 x 13.6 mm / 1.93 x 1.93 x 0.54 in)
Case Material:Bezel: Titanium Grade 5; Case: Glass fiber reinforced polyamide; Glass: Sapphire crystal; Strap: Silicone
Display Type:Matrix Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) with LED backlight
Display Size:1.4 in
Resolution:280 x 280 pixels
Always On Display:Yes (Passive technology)
Water Resistance:100 m (10 ATM)
Durability:MIL-STD-810H tested (Military Standard); Operating temp: -20°C to +55°C (-5°F to +130°F)
GPS:Dual-band GNSS (L1 + L5); GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BEIDOU
Connectivity:Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (required for map downloads)
NFC Payments:No (Not supported)
Sensors:Optical heart rate; blood oxygen (SpO2); barometric altimeter; digital compass; depth meter (snorkeling up to 10m)
Health Features:HRV (Heart Rate Variability); blood oxygen; sleep tracking (duration, quality, stages); stress and recovery status; VO2max
Workout Modes:95+ sport modes; Suunto Coach (AI training guidance); offline route navigation; POI navigation; bearing navigation
Storage:32 GB (Flash memory for offline maps)
Speaker Mic:No (No built-in speaker or microphone)
Calls:No (Notification alerts only; predefined quick replies on Android)
Battery:Up to 60 days (Daily Mode with solar); Up to 85 hours (Dual-band GPS with solar); Up to 500 hours (Tour mode with solar)
Charging:Suunto magnetic fast charger (USB-A); Solar charging
Weight:74 g / 2.61 oz (Titanium Solar model)
Band Sizes:Fits wrist sizes 125–175 mm; standard 22 mm quick-release width
Extras:Free global offline outdoor maps; weather forecast; storm alarm; solar intensity widget; flashlight mode (screen based); snorkeling mode
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency
- • Free global offline maps with ample 32GB storage and Wi-Fi downloading
- • Dual-band GNSS offers exceptional accuracy in deep canyons and forests
- • Military-grade construction (MIL-STD-810H) with Titanium and Sapphire
- • Made in Finland with 100% renewable energy
✗ Cons:
- • MIP display is less vibrant than AMOLED competitors
- • No music storage (music controls only)
- • No NFC payments or smart features like voice assistants
- • Large 49mm footprint may be too bulky for small wrists
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Suunto Vertical Solar is the better buy for most people - its industry-leading 85-hour battery life crushes the Suunto Race. That said, grab the Suunto Race if you want a superior display and vibrant visuals - it's worth it for the extra $.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Suunto Race if: you want a stunning 1.43" AMOLED display for better visibility in bright conditions, prefer faster navigation with a digital crown, or enjoy a robust design with sapphire crystal durability.
Choose the Suunto Vertical Solar if: you need up to 85 hours of battery life for extended outdoor activities, value free global offline maps, or prefer a lighter watch at 74oz.
Conclusion
Suunto Race and Suunto Vertical Solar are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Suunto Race excels if you value vibrant 1.43” amoled screen with sapphire crystal durability. Suunto Vertical Solar is better if you prioritize industry-leading battery life with solar charging efficiency. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
Affiliate disclosure
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