Suunto Vertical 2 Takes Aim at Garmin With LED Illumination, Offline Navigation, and Next‑Gen Sensors

Suunto Vertical 2 debuts as an adventure-ready GPS smartwatch with AMOLED, LED flashlight, and free offline maps

Suunto has unveiled the Vertical 2, a feature-packed GPS smartwatch built for serious training and backcountry adventures. Positioned as a direct rival to popular performance watches, it combines premium materials with upgraded sensors, navigation tools, and long-lasting battery life.

At a starting price of €499, the Vertical 2 comes in four stainless steel models, with titanium variants available for an additional €100. It features a 1.5-inch AMOLED display at 466 x 466 resolution, housed in a 49 x 13.6 mm case that’s ready for all-day wear and rugged use. A built-in LED flashlight—complete with multiple brightness levels and a red-light mode—adds practical utility for night runs, early starts, and campsite tasks.

Suunto has redesigned the optical heart rate sensor to improve tracking accuracy, especially during intense efforts and rapid HR changes, a common challenge during interval workouts. Endurance athletes will appreciate the battery claims: up to 65 hours with the most accurate GPS mode enabled and up to 20 days as a daily smartwatch, making it a credible option for ultramarathons and multi-day treks.

Navigation is a major highlight. The Vertical 2 supports free, detailed offline maps so you can navigate without a smartphone. Climb Guidance offers advance information on upcoming ascents and descents, while color-coded route sections help plan pacing and breaks. You can also adjust routes on the fly without stopping navigation. Suunto rounds out the package with a new, faster processor for smoother performance across menus and maps.

Key features at a glance:
– 1.5-inch AMOLED display (466 x 466)
– Stainless steel and titanium versions (titanium +€100)
– LED flashlight with adjustable brightness and red light
– Redesigned optical heart rate sensor for improved accuracy
– Battery life up to 65 hours in best-accuracy GPS mode; up to 20 days in smartwatch use
– Free offline maps, Climb Guidance, color-coded route sections, on-watch route changes
– New processor for quicker, smoother operation
– Case dimensions: 49 x 13.6 mm
– US pricing to be announced

With its blend of premium build, robust mapping, and endurance-focused battery life, the Suunto Vertical 2 is geared toward runners, hikers, mountaineers, and anyone who wants reliable, phone-free navigation in a high-visibility AMOLED package. If you’re considering a performance watch for training and trail exploration, this one deserves a close look.