Our verdict
A compact AMOLED multisport watch with multi-band GPS, offline maps and strong recovery tools at A$649.
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What we like
- Sharp AMOLED display
- Multi-band GPS and offline maps
- Compact 45 mm format
- Strong training and recovery tools
What to consider
- No payments or onboard music
- 60 g is not ultra-light
- No hands-on testing in this desk review
- Gorilla Glass rather than sapphire
Desk review: This Suunto Race S review is based on current official Suunto Australia product information and support documentation, not hands-on testing. Australian price and specifications were checked on 5 August 2026.
The Suunto Race S is a compact performance watch with a 1.32-inch AMOLED display, multi-band GPS, offline maps, HRV recovery tracking and more than 115 sport modes. Suunto Australia lists the stainless-steel All Black version at A$649.
Its appeal is straightforward: much of the mapping and training capability of the larger Suunto Race in a 45 mm case. It is aimed at runners and multisport athletes who want detailed navigation and recovery guidance without a very large watch.
Suunto Race S price in Australia
Suunto Australia lists Race S All Black at A$649. The price and in-stock shipping information were verified on 5 August 2026 on the official Suunto Australia product page. Prices and availability can change.
Titanium Race S variants cost more. This review and score apply to the stainless-steel All Black model, SKU SS051013000.
Design, display and comfort
Suunto specifies a 45 × 45 × 11.4 mm case and 60 g total weight. Materials include a stainless-steel bezel, Gorilla Glass, a glass-fibre-reinforced polyamide case and silicone strap. Water resistance is rated to 50 metres.
The 1.32-inch AMOLED display has 466 × 466 resolution, touch input and an always-on option. We have not worn or durability-tested the watch, so our comfort assessment relies on official dimensions and weight rather than personal experience.
GPS, maps and running tools
Race S supports all-systems GNSS with multi-band reception and 32 GB of storage for offline maps. It offers route navigation, breadcrumbs and map guidance without requiring a mobile signal. Suunto also lists Snap to Route, FusedSpeed, wrist-based running power, interval guidance and Ghost Runner.
There are more than 115 sport modes, with customisable data screens, Race Pacer, race-time estimation and performance tests. Suunto Coach uses training, load and recovery data to provide guidance in the Suunto app.
We have not compared GPS tracks, running power or pace against reference equipment, so this desk review makes no independent accuracy claim.
For shoes and accessories to pair with the watch, RunHQ carries running shoes, running socks and running accessories.
Recovery and daily tracking
The watch measures sleep duration and stages, overnight HRV, stress, recovery and daily resource levels. It also tracks steps, calories, daily minimum heart rate and activity targets. Blood oxygen measurement is included.
These features are intended to support wellness and training decisions, not diagnose medical conditions. We have not independently validated heart rate, HRV, sleep or blood oxygen readings.
Battery life
Suunto claims up to nine days of daily use with heart rate active and wrist-raise display behaviour, or up to 13 days in standby-style daily mode. Training claims are 30 hours with all-systems multi-band GPS, 40 hours with single-band, and up to 120 hours in power-saving modes with reduced accuracy and heart rate disabled.
Actual battery life depends on display, notifications, maps, sensors and satellite mode. These figures are manufacturer claims, not results from our own testing.
Smart features
Race S provides phone notifications, Android predefined replies, media controls, alarms and Suunto app syncing. It does not offer cellular connectivity, contactless payments or onboard music downloads.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Sharp 1.32-inch AMOLED display
- Multi-band GPS and offline maps
- Compact 45 mm format
- Deep training and HRV recovery tools
- Strong claimed endurance modes
Cons
- No contactless payments or onboard music
- 60 g is not ultra-light
- No hands-on accuracy or comfort testing in this desk review
- Gorilla Glass rather than sapphire on stainless-steel model
Scores
- GPS and navigation: 9.0/10
- Heart-rate and recovery tools: 8.5/10
- Comfort and design: 8.4/10
- Value: 8.7/10
- Overall: 8.7/10
Suunto Race S review: verdict
The Suunto Race S is a compelling compact mapping watch for runners who value navigation, AMOLED clarity and structured recovery data. At A$649, it offers strong desk-reviewed value for trail, marathon and multisport training, provided payments and music storage are not priorities.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Suunto Race S in Australia?
The stainless-steel All Black model was listed at A$649 on 5 August 2026.
Does Suunto Race S have offline maps?
Yes. Suunto lists 32 GB of offline map storage and route navigation.
Does it have multi-band GPS?
Yes. Suunto lists all-systems GNSS with multi-band reception.
How long does the battery last?
Suunto claims up to nine days in regular daily use, 30 hours in the best multi-band training mode and up to 120 hours in a reduced-accuracy power-saving mode.
Was this watch hands-on tested?
No. This is a source-verified desk review based on official Suunto information.
Sources: Suunto Australia product page and Suunto Race S support. Official image credit: Suunto, official Suunto Australia product image.
Compare your options
For a wider shortlist and another model to consider, see our best running watches in Australia guide and Suunto Vertical Review. Compare the features you need with your training, phone compatibility and budget.
