GoKawiilYouTuber's tests show Apple Watch Series 12 heart sensor rivals chest straps
The Quantified Scientist's Rob ter Horst compared the Apple Watch Series 12's redesigned heart rate sensor against a Polar H10 chest strap across cycling, running, and weightlifting. He found near-perfect correlation during cycling, strong results while running, and solid but slightly weaker accuracy during weightlifting, an exercise notoriously difficult for wrist sensors to track.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Apple's overhauled sensor now samples heart rate every five seconds even at rest, giving users far more granular insight into how daily activities affect their bodies. Independent testing against medical-grade equipment matters because it validates whether Apple's hardware claims hold up in real workout conditions, not just marketing promises.
- Series 12's sensor matched Polar H10 almost exactly during indoor cycling
- Weightlifting remains the toughest test, but Series 12 still beat 85% of tested devices
- New sensor's overall accuracy is similar to the Series 11, despite the redesign
Apple Watch Series 12 — This is the very watch put to the test against a Polar H10 chest strap, and it held up impressively well for heart rate tracking during cycling, running, and weightlifting. If you want continuous, near real-time heart rate insights throughout your day, this revamped sensor makes the Series 12 a compelling upgrade.
See Apple Watch Series 12 on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Marcus Mendes, 2026-09-18
Published there as: “The Quantified Scientist tests the Apple Watch Series 12’s new heart rate sensor”
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