Suunto Vertical Solar vs. Suunto 9 Peak Pro – Are there many differences?

The smartwatch market is probably one of those that has grown the most in recent years. Since we discovered all the functionalities and advantages of these smart watches to improve our training, we have to admit that we no longer know how to live without them. This is very exaggerated, yes, but it is true that we have become accustomed to a series of features that make us more demanding when we look for which smartwatch to buy. Today we want to talk to you about two very interesting models that, despite being from the same brand, are quite different: Suunto Vertical Solar vs Suunto 9 Peak Pro. 

The first thing we notice is that the Suunto Vertical Solar has a much higher price than the 9 Peak Pro, and this already tells us where the shots are going. The point is to look carefully at all the differences to decide if it is worth paying more for this smartwatch, or sticking with the Suunto 9 Peak Pro. In fact, let us tell you that the 9 Peak Pro is still one of the smartwatches with the best value. quality-price that exists in the market. However, the Suunto Vertical and, specifically, the Solar version, has arrived with force.

One of the most important differences is that the Suunto Vertical has a series of offline maps that you can download through the app anywhere in the world. This, for now, is a great advantage for all of us who practice outdoor activities. In addition, the other great feature of the Suunto Vertical Solar is that it has a solar charging option, which gives it more autonomy. So much so that the battery life doubles that of the Suunto 9 Peak Pro, as you will see.

However, are these features enough to make us opt for the Suunto Vertical Solar? We analyze it in detail, below.

Suunto Vertical Solar vs Suunto 9 Peak Pro – Comparative table

In this table, we show you the main characteristics of the two Suunto smart watches so you can check which one interests you the most, or which one best fits your preferences:

Design similar to the larger screen

Aesthetically, there are no major differences between the Suunto Vertical Solar and 9 Peak Pro; at least, in the structure of the smartwatch as such. In fact, they have the same buttons, the casing is, in both cases, made of polyamide reinforced with fiberglass, and the strap is made of silicone. Likewise, the two models can be purchased in different colors, although they are not the same. But, in general, Suunto has not introduced major new features in the design of the Vertical Solar compared to the 9 Peak Pro, which is older.

The only part where we see an evolution is the screen, which goes from 1.2 inches in the Suunto 9 Peak Pro, to 1.4 inches in the Suunto Vertical Solar. Consequently, the new smartwatch offers more resolution, by increasing the size of the interface. The material of the bezel also changes, although here it depends a lot on which Suunto Vertical model we choose. The Solar version, which is the one we focused on, has a titanium bezel, but the standard version is stainless steel, just like the Suunto 9 Peak Pro.

Double autonomy and solar charging

Another of the exclusive qualities that the Suunto Vertical Solar has is that, in addition to being charged using the power cable, it is a watch with a solar charging option. What’s more, according to Suunto, this smartwatch can go up to a year without being charged in the traditional way (we haven’t had time to check it, but it is true that solar charging works very well).

In any case, the Suunto Vertical Solar has a typical autonomy of up to 2 months in watch mode, and 1 month if we activate the 24/7 tracking functions. On the other hand, the autonomy of the Suunto 9 Peak Pro is reduced to 1 month and 21 days respectively. Let’s go, approximately, half. And without a solar charging option, of course.

Maps and sports features

You’re probably wondering what maps have to do with sports, and the truth is, a lot. If you practice outdoor sports, such as cycling, hiking or climbing, you will surely be interested in being able to view any map even if you do not have an Internet or Bluetooth connection. And this is precisely one of the differences between the Suunto Vertical Solar and 9 Peak Pro.

In the first smartwatch, we can download any map via WiFi to consult it offline at all times. The Suunto 9 Peak Pro, at the moment, does not have this option, and we cannot consult any map. In addition, the Suunto Vertical Solar allows you to access weather forecasts. Therefore, the Vertical Solar seems like a better alternative for outdoor sports.

Now, if you practice indoor or swimming sports, you will have great performance with either of the two. Both the Suunto Vertical Solar and the 9 Peak Pro have about 95 predefined sports modes, and are waterproof up to approximately 100 meters.

Are there improvements in health benefits?

You already know that, in addition to sports monitoring, smartwatches allow you to keep track of your health, and to do so they usually include specific parameters and metrics. In this case, both watches can monitor heart rate, blood oxygen saturation or the hours of sleep you record each day, as well as its quality.

They also help you manage your stress level, and establish the most appropriate daily health goals according to your physical conditions. As points to improve, neither of them is designed to carry out menstrual cycle control, a feature that could be really useful in women’s health.

Connectivity and technology: Is there evolution?

We now look at the connectivity features and other intelligent functionalities. It should be noted that Suunto watches are not compatible with NFC technology, so we cannot make contactless payments through them. As far as connectivity is concerned, both are compatible with Bluetooth, but they do not have an ANT connection, and this could be a point against when comparing them with other competing models.

Of course, both are compatible with the Suunto app.

Suunto Vertical Solar vs Suunto 9 Peak Pro: Which smartwatch is more interesting?

At this point, you will understand why the Suunto Vertical Solar is more expensive than the 9 Peak Pro, and that is because it includes more important features, and offers double the autonomy. Now, does this mean that it is a more interesting option in all cases? We think not, and we are going to explain it to you.

Basically, we recommend the Suunto Vertical Solar if you regularly practice outdoor sports and like to monitor your activity. The ability to download and view any map without having to be connected to the network is a very important advantage over the 9 Peak Pro, since it helps you not get lost no matter what route you take. It requires planning to download the maps, but it is worth it.

In addition, the battery has more capacity and, therefore, lasts longer, and this is also key if you go out to do sports outdoors. Without forgetting that the solar charging option is very important for those who spend a lot of time away from home, since they do not need to look for an outlet to recover the battery.

On the other hand, if you do not usually practice this type of sports, it is likely that the Suunto 9 Peak Pro has a better quality-price ratio, because the health benefits are the same as those of its rival. Therefore, think about the majority use you are going to make of the smartwatch; In this case, it is key to making a decision.