We recently launched two new smartwatches from Polar, which are the Ignite 2 and Vantage M2. Both have many similar characteristics to each other. Still, this time, we will only talk about the Ignite 2 and the original Ignite, which is shown as the predecessor. And it is that below we compare these two last-mentioned smartwatches to know what improvements and differences there are in the new generation of the Ignite that comes with the Ignite 2.
The first thing to note is that the Polar Ignite 2 was launched just over a month ago, while the original Ignite was made official on the market in June 2019. Both have the same base design, so easily they can be confused with the naked eye. In this sense, we face two smartwatches with a circular format and an elegant, sporty and simple appearance, which is why they are ideal for all audiences, both for athletes and ordinary users with an average lifestyle.
Pros and Cons
| Polar Ignite 2 | Polar Ignite |
| Stylish design with engraved metal bezel | Optical wrist heart rate monitor |
| Large color touch screen | Extremely accurate GPS |
| New weekly summary dashboard | Smart advice based on metrics |
| Occasional phone syncing issues | No SpO2 sensor |
| The silicone strap feels a little cheap | Poor GPS accuracy |
General
| Polar Ignite 2 | Polar Ignite | |
 |  | |
| $ | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Brand | Polar | Polar |
| Model | Ignite 2 | Ignite |
| Release date | April 2021 | June 2019 |
| Compatibility | Android + iOS | Android + iOS |
| Colors | Black, Gold, Rose Gold, Blue | Black, White, Pink, Orange, Yellow |
Technical Specifications
| Polar Ignite 2 | Polar Ignite | |
| Display | Color circular panel | Color circular panel |
| Screen Resolution | 240 x 240 pixels | 240 x 240 pixels |
| Water Resistant | 5 ATM (50 meters) | 5 ATM (50 meters) |
| Connectivity | – Bluetooth LE – Integrated GPS – A-GPS – GLONASS – Galileo – QZSS | – Bluetooth LE – Standalone GPS – GLONASS |
| Sensors | Heart rate monitor | Heart rate monitor |
| Battery | 165 mAh Li-pol battery | 165 mAh Li-pol battery |
| Dimensions | 43 x 43 x 8.5 mm | 43 x 43 x 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 35 g with a wristband, 21 g without wristband. | 35 g with a wristband, 21 g without a wristband. |
The displays on these two watches appear to be the same. Both are tactile, and color and have a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. In turn, they are protected by a resistant glass, none other than Dragontrail, one that rivals Corning’s Gorilla Glass for its durability and resistance to abuse of all kinds such as falls, bumps, and scratches.
Concerning the battery, there are not many differences. Both can be kept on and running for up to 5 days in smartwatch mode. The thing is reduced considerably when the sport mode is activated, making the Polar Ignite 2 last up to 20 hours on average, and the Polar Ignite does it for up to 17 hours. However, the difference is little. In this section, the Ignite 2 wins.
It should also be noted that both have water resistance to be submerged to a maximum depth of 3 ATMs (30 meters) and used in swimming pools. They do not have storage for music, but they do have playback control. They also show incoming calls and notifications.
Activity Monitoring
| Polar Ignite 2 | Polar Ignite | |
| Step counter | Yes | Yes |
| Calories burned | Yes | Yes |
| Distance travelled | Yes | Yes |
| Raised floors | No | No |
| Sleep monitoring | Yes | No |
| Measuring stress levels | No | No |
| Heart rate measurement | Yes | Yes |
| Calorie intake | No | No |
| Hydration levels | No | No |
| Running | Record various metrics | Record various metrics |
| Cycling | Record various metrics | Record various metrics |
| Swimming | Record various metrics | Record various metrics |
| Outdoor | Record various metrics | Record various metrics |
The connectivity options of both watches are also similar, although a little more extensive in the new Polar Ignite 2 smartwatch. And it is that in this smartwatch, as in the Ignite, we have Bluetooth LE connectivity (low consumption) and an integrated GPS chip, so there is no need to have the connected GPS of the Android or iOS smartphone with which it can be paired and synchronized. However, in this new model, we also have A-GPS, QZZ, Galileo, and GLONASS for greater precision in obtaining geopositioning and location metrics, which, at the same time, helps to obtain activity tracking metrics and sport like calculation of distance traveled and more.
Smart Features
| Polar Ignite 2 | Polar Ignite | |
| Smartphone notifications | Yes (apps, messages, calls, and more) | Yes (apps, messages, calls and more) |
| Music storage and playback | No | No |
| Streaming services | No | No |
| Virtual Assistant | Yes | No |
Already speaking more in-depth about the monitoring functions of both smartwatches, we find that both one and the other have diverse characteristics that go from the basic to the advanced to monitor activity, status, health, and sports. Both feature a heart rate monitor, VO2 max function. And sleep quality monitors and functions to measure steps taken and calories consumed during workouts and the day. Of course, they can calculate and detect sports and activities such as running, swimming, cycling, and outdoor recreation.
Both smartwatches are available for purchase. The Polar Ignite 2 was launched with an official price of 280 USD, while the Polar Ignite for less than 245 USD. However, at the time of publication of this comparative analysis, both are not available on Amazon but are available through Polar’s official website and other online sales platforms and various physical stores globally.
Conclusion!
The brand’s new smartwatch, the Polar Ignite 2, is not a very big improvement on the already well-known Polar Ignite. However, it is a more advanced and new watch, making it a better option to buy. In addition, it has better autonomy and more diverse functions that make it better for athletes and sportspeople.
It also features better connectivity options, so if you’re not looking to cut corners, the Polar Ignite 2 is the watch to buy; otherwise, the Polar Ignite is still a great option to this day.
