new Polar Grit X2 – what’s new, why it’s different from the X2 Pro

Update: Polar Grit X2 review in detail

TL;DR – It’s smaller and significantly cheaper!

Polar’s latest high-end watch incorporates every feature from the Grit X2 Pro (reviewed in 2024) into a smaller, more compact case format. The smaller format means that the screen and battery are slightly smaller, and all dimensions and weight are reduced, making the watch suitable for those with smaller wrists. As you might expect, the battery life in all the various modes falls, but at 30 hours even in performance mode, all is good.

There are some other differences. Firstly, the style of the watch has changed; the X2 is now less rugged-looking, and perhaps you might agree with me that it appears more refined and elegant. The water rating is oddly reduced to 50m, but that’s fine. Oh, there’s a significant price drop, plus the name no longer contains the ‘Pro’ word – it’s a mystery why that’s changed.

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The Price Drop

Let’s discuss the substantial €300 price drop to € 479.90.

2024 – Previously, Polar saw the Grit X2 Pro as a competitor to the Garmin Fenix 8 (43mm), priced at €1,099.99. They highlighted that the X2 Pro, at €350 less, includes a Sapphire lens, unlike Garmin’s Gorilla Glass. However, that argument didn’t hold up in the market when Garmin’s superior features and ecosystem were taken into consideration.

Today – Realistically, Polar is now targeting users who don’t want a Garmin, specifically those considering the Suunto RACE S 45mm at the same price (€469). Coros has an old-tech product at this price, but it’s not a like-for-like competitor.

Polar Grit X2 comparison to Grit X2 Pro

Here is the table comparing the Polar Grit X2 and the Polar Grit X2 Pro, highlighting their differences and key similarities:

To summarise the differences, the Polar Grit X2 is presented as a smaller, lighter, and more affordable option compared to the Grit X2 Pro. This is evident in its physical dimensions (45mm vs. 48.6mm, 12.5mm thick vs. 13.4mm thick), weight (62g vs. 79g), and price (€479.90 vs. €749.90).

The Grit X2 also has shorter battery life in its GPS performance mode (30 hours vs. 43 hours), eco (90 hours vs. 140 hours), and smartwatch modes (7 days vs. 10 days), as well as a lower water resistance rating (50m vs. WR100/100m). The display size (1.28″ vs 1.39″) and resolution (416×416 px vs 454×454 px) are also smaller on the Grit X2.

And it’s €479.90, rather than €749.90

Polar Grit X2 – Early Testing Results

Polar has kept the Sony dual-frequency GNSS chipset. It is accurate, but others are more precise.

Similarly, its Elixir heart rate tracking is carried over from earlier models, and its performance will vary from person to person and in different sporting scenarios. I’ve had some positive results and some less favourable results so far. Perhaps the lower weight of the X2 compared to the X2 Pro has slightly improved OHR accuracy? I would use a chest strap for my sports.

I don’t plan to conduct any rigorous HRV testing with the Elixir for sleep, as I currently have too many devices to test thoroughly and not enough time or wrists available.  However, over a couple of nights’ sleep, it looks Ok. Decent. You can’t infer HRV accuracy from sporting HR accuracy.

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Polar Grit X2 – Takeout

Grit X2 is a good-looking watch, priced sensibly. I like it. It brings a smaller option to the Polar range, in a size that many will prefer.

Polar still holds a meaningful place in the market for those seeking a sports and adventure watch with a dedicated focus on training and performance. Its ecosystem—including the app and web interface—is good, streamlined and purpose-built. The on-watch feature set offers a core sports experience that will more than satisfy most, if not all, potential buyers. That said, I love the clarity of the maps, but if you’re following complex off-road trails, you’ll need more detailed map information than is offered.

However, Suunto matches much of what Polar offers, and Coros is likely to release a refreshed, competitive model soon. Suunto has an app store for its watches, but Coros and Polar do not.

Polar continues to excel in ease of use. That said, while there have been numerous recent updates (Polar OS4), the design of the Polar app, watch faces, and menu system has remained essentially unchanged for years, and is now overdue for a modern redesign.

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