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Why I Love (And Hate) the New Polar Street X

The Quantified ScientistMarch 25, 202617m
Topics9
Introduction to Polar Street X as Garmin Instinct Alternative0:00Pricing and Background0:31Reason 1: Feature/Quality to Price Ratio1:01Reason 2: Design3:01Reason 3: Data Privacy4:01Reason 1 to Avoid: Polar App4:30Reason 2 to Avoid: Optical Heart Rate Sensor5:30Sponsor Break and Reason 3 to Avoid: Sleep Tracking12:01Overall Summary16:02
In a Nutshell

The Polar Street X ($250) is a compelling Garmin Instinct alternative with excellent feature-to-price ratio (flashlight, route guidance, skin temp), minimalist rugged design (1.28" 1000-nit AMOLED), and strong EU data privacy. Avoid it due to the outdated Polar app (sluggish despite overhaul), mediocre Precision Prime optical HR sensor (strong on biceps/indoor cycling but weak on wrist/outdoor activities vs. newer sensors), and subpar sleep tracking (behind Oura, Whoop, Fitbit). Full review pending; check other testers for algorithm improvements.

AI-Generated Notes

These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.

The new Polar Street X seems like a proper Garmin Instinct alternative at a more affordable price. Polar hasn't provided reviewers with early access, but based on the sensors, much can be said about its likely performance using data from tested devices with the same sensor. Provides three reasons to get it and three reasons to avoid it, based on previous testing, new features, price, and more.

Polar Street X is marketed as a more affordable Polar watch at $250 or euros, actually $219 British pounds. Not a real budget device, but for premium brand Polar, one of the more affordable watches. Easily recommendable for Polar ecosystem fans from a price point.

Host is Rob, post-doctoral scientist specializing in biological data analysis.

First reason to get it: excellent feature/quality to price ratio. Garmin equivalent with similar features costs much more. Includes flashlight like Garmin Instinct 3, Venue 4, and Fenix 8. Flashlight in two colors: white and red (helps preserve night vision when camping). Also includes route guidance. Not full on-watch maps, but shows shape and provides turn-by-turn guidance during sessions without needing phone connection (confirmed via email to Polar). Polar more inclusive with features vs. Garmin, which software-blocks many on lower/mid devices.

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