Other than being more durable, Suunto Core Alpha features a red blacklight that is night vision goggle-friendly, making it better for hunting compared to Suunto Core. The Core Alpha is also slightly bigger, heavier, and has a textile strap instead of an elastomer strap found in Suunto Core.
Suunto Core vs Core Alpha: Is durability the only difference?
By Naila Syifa
Updated May 2024
Suunto Core and Suunto Core Alpha are both great traditional outdoor watches that can accompany you during your adventures, from hiking to camping and more. Both being the most affordable Suunto sports watches, they have similar features and functionality.
The more expensive Core Alpha offers a more durable construction, but is durability the only advantage that it has over the Core Classic version? Let's find out!
Key Takeaways
Suunto Core Alpha is more durable than Suunto Core, tested to 9 durability tests and passed the US military standards. It also features a red blacklight that is night vision goggle-friendly, making it better for hunting compared to Suunto Core. In terms of design, the Core Alpha is slightly bigger, heavier, and has a textile strap instead of an elastomer strap found in Suunto Core.
Suunto Core Classic
Traditional Outdoor Watch
✓ Altimeter, Barometer, Compass
✓ Storm Alarm
✓ Weather Trend Indicator
✓ 30m Water Resistance
Suunto Core Alpha
Military-Grade Outdoor Watch
✓ Altimeter, Barometer, Compass
✓ Storm Alarm
✓ 30m Water Resistance
✓ Red Backlight
#1 Price
Suunto Core vs Core Alpha
Suunto Core is the most affordable model among Suunto's sports watch lineup, retailing at a budget-friendly price point of US$199.
Suunto Core Alpha costs US$100 more, retailing at US$299. However, the Core Alpha can still be considered quite affordable compared to other Suunto watch models or other high-end outdoor watches on the market.
With the additional cost that the Core Alpha demands, it's worth examining if the extra features and durability justify the price difference.
#2 Design & Durability
Suunto Core Alpha
Suunto Core and Suunto Core Alpha share a similar sporty appearance, featuring a composite case, aluminum bezel, and mineral crystal glass for enhanced durability. The strap material is different, however, with the Core Alpha sporting a more rugged and comfortable textile strap compared to the elastomer strap on the Suunto Core.
Suunto Core Alpha is also bigger and heavier than the Core model, but the difference is minimal. The Core Alpha measures 49.5 x 49.5 x 15.1 mm in size and 67 g in weight, while the Suunto Core measures 49.1 x 49.1 x 14.5 mm and weighs 64 g.
What mainly sets the Core Alpha apart is its superior durability and military-grade toughness. The watch has passed 9 durability tests that met the MIL-STD-810H military standards, including low pressure, heat, cold, temperature shock, humidity, dust, shock, drop, and icing or freezing rain.
This ultra-durability makes the Core Alpha a more reliable choice for extreme outdoor activities and harsh environments. It is a better choice for those who demand the most rugged and dependable gear.
#3 Features
Suunto Core Alpha
In terms of features, the Core Alpha is not very different from the Core Classic model. They both offer key outdoor features like an altimeter, barometer, compass, and a range of weather and time functions.
In the Alti & Baro mode, you can select between four profiles: Automatic, Altimeter, Barometer, and Depth Meter. Altimeter profile tracks your vertical movement and helps you navigate altitude-related activities. Barometer profile provides the current sea level air pressure to give information about real-time weather changes. Meanwhile, a Depth Meter is used when snorkeling, displaying your current depth and maximum depth reached during the dive.
The Core and Core Alpha also measure the current temperature and provide helpful weather monitoring tools, including Storm Alarm and Weather Trend Indicator. The Storm Alarm notifies you when a significant drop in air pressure occurs, indicating an approaching storm. Meanwhile, the Weather Trend Indicator serves as a quick reference for checking the weather forecast.
One only difference between the two is that the Suunto Core Alpha also offers a red backlight feature, which allows you to read the watch display better in the dark. The backlight is compatible with night-vision goggles for hunting and tactical purposes, making it a valuable tool for military personnel and hunters.
#4 Battery
Suunto Core
Suunto Core and Suunto Core Alpha are both powered by a long-lasting replaceable battery, so you don't need to worry about charging the watch frequently like most other sports smartwatches on the market.
In normal use, the battery can last for up to 12 months, a really impressive battery lifespan that guarantees a worry-free experience during your long outdoor adventures.
Suunto Core vs Suunto Core Alpha
Final Thoughts
Suunto Core Alpha
In conclusion, both the Suunto Core and Suunto Core Alpha are excellent choices for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable and feature-packed watch.
Suunto Core Alpha offers enhanced durability and a red backlight for better night vision, making it a superior choice for extreme outdoor activities, military use, and hunting.
However, Suunto Core Classic remains a solid option for most average users who don't require these specific features. In addition, you can save $100 while still being able to enjoy most of the outdoor functionality that the Core Alpha provides.
If you like to read more on smartwatches, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Garmin Watches
Suunto Vertical vs Garmin Fenix 7
Suunto 9 Peak Pro vs Garmin Fenix 7
Suunto 9 Peak vs Peak Pro
Suunto 9 Baro vs Peak Pro
Suunto Race vs Vertical
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