Launched in 2018, Polar’s Ignite series is positioned in the fitness and well-being segment, without however neglecting the purely sporting aspect. A year and a half after the release of the Ignite 2, which was content with slight improvements, Polar introduces a noticeably modernized Ignite 3.
Amoled screen and new processor
The 1.2″ LCD touch screen (240 x 240 px) of the first two versions thus gives way to a 1.28″ AMOLED screen with a much better definition (416 x 416 px), compatible with the display permanent (always on) and which we hope is also much more reactive. It is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 encircled by a steel bezel with different finishes depending on the color of the watch.
In order to guarantee better fluidity, the tocante incorporates a new processor which would be up to twice as powerful as that of the Ignite 2 and would benefit from increased RAM.
The Polar Ignite 3 retains its 43 mm format and is still very thin (9.5 mm) and light (35 g with bracelet). A serious asset for a watch intended to be worn day and night.
Respect of the circadian rhythm, monitoring of sleep and recovery
Indeed, Polar emphasizes its sleep tracking and recovery features. In addition to the Sleep Plus Stages and Nightly Recharge functions analyzing the quality of sleep, a new SleepWise function — which will arrive later on other Polar watches compatible with the Sleep Plus Stages function — determines when we wake up our “cognitive alertness“, to better advise us a physical activity or a moment of relaxation for the day to come. This in order to respect our circadian rhythm (biological processes over a day), according to Polar.
Beyond Fitness
In the same spirit, the Ignite 3 takes advantage of the FitSpark function, aimed at offering sports training adapted to our physical condition and our preparation. The watch also includes more than 150 sport profiles as well as training programs and performance tests in fitness, walking and running.
This 3rd generation of Ignite also gains a voice coach during training, to transmit indications via headphones connected to the watch via Bluetooth.
The Polar Ignite 3 may be presented as a fitness and well-being watch, but that does not prevent it from gaining a dual-frequency GPS chip, for better geolocation during outdoor sports activities (in town or in the forest, in particular). The waterproofness is unfortunately not reinforced, the watch only displaying a WR 30 (3 ATM) certification, in principle insufficient for the practice of swimming and water sports.
Better battery life, big price hike
On the battery life front, the built-in 220mAh battery would give the Ignite 3 up to 5 days of battery life in smartwatch mode, up to 30h in GPS mode and even up to 100h in smartwatch mode. energy saving.
All these improvements are unfortunately reflected in a steep price increase, the Polar Ignite 3 being launched at €329.90, or €100 more than the Ignite 2. It comes in three colors: black (Night Black), mauve (Purple Dusk), sand/gold (Greige Sand) and brown/copper (Brown Copper).
The 4 finishes of the Polar Ignite 3 watch © Polar