Apple is arguably the leading smartwatch brand but why is it so popular despite there being other brands out there? In this article, we are going to take a look at the differences of Apple compared to its close competitors.
A smartwatch can do a lot of personal services as long as you know how to use it and take its features for granted. Also, be careful to adjust the level of detail of the messages, otherwise, you will find yourself in embarrassing situations when an inappropriate message opens automatically in full view of your interlocutor (any resemblance to a situation experienced by your servant would only be coincidental).
But beyond notifications, connected watches are above all for athletes, whether they are Sunday or more serious. This is where they show their usefulness, loaded with an increasing number of sensors that will allow you to be more efficient in your training. ECG, SpO2, VO2max… if you do not understand their usefulness, we explain all that to you here.
A quick overview of the best-connected watches of the moment and how Apple differs from them.
APPLE WATCH SERIES 6
If you own an iPhone and are looking for a smartwatch, there is no need to procrastinate: buy an Apple. The device is perfectly integrated into the ecosystem of the firm, for a fusional relationship between your iPhone, your smartwatch, and also a little bit your Mac.
Apple Watch version 6 does not change the winning formula: the exterior design remains virtually unchanged, with the notable exception of the appearance of a choice of case colors. It’s not a revolution, but it does bring some variety. The screen becomes even more readable thanks to increased brightness.
But the big news this year is the arrival of the blood oxygenation measurement. If additional data is always good to take, it is however very niche. However, we appreciate the arrival of fast charging, which allows you to refuel in 1 hour 30 minutes instead of 2 hours 30 minutes.
The rest of the new things can be found on the software side, with a watchOS 7 that emphasizes sleep monitoring. The update is of course also available on older models.
Apple, therefore, continues to evolve slowly and further consolidates its position as a market leader. To learn more, you can read our full review.
FOR SMALLER BUDGETS: THE APPLE WATCH SE
As with its phones, Apple is playing Doctor Frankenstein and mixing different models to bring down the prices. The Apple SE, therefore, takes the design of the Series 6 coupled to the Series 5 processor but does not include the always-on screen. There is also the fast charge which allows the battery to be filled in an hour and a half.
If you’re not particularly interested in measuring blood oxygenation, the Watch SE is probably the choice for the reason. The Watch Series 3 is still marketed, but it is starting to date. Paying a little more for a newer processor and therefore guaranteeing extended software support is a good calculation in our view.
SAMSUNG GALAXY WATCH ACTIVE 2
Very similar to the Galaxy Active first of the name, this second model adds a similar rotating ring inspired by other models of Samsung watches for easier navigation. False because the latter is no longer physical, but the haptic feedback is delusional. This is a nice plus. For the rest, it is still an Active device that is therefore intended for athletes.
We logically find the calculation of the number of steps taken or calories burned and it can automatically recognize up to 6 sports activities among the forty available. Swimming is at the heart of this list since this connected gadget is IP68 certified, guaranteeing water resistance to a depth of 50 meters.
Like its predecessor, it is particularly pretty and discreet but is not stingy in features. It incorporates classic sensors such as a gyroscope, an accelerometer, or a barometer, but also a heart rate monitor to measure the heart rate (or detect increases in stress) and even an NFC chip to pay with Samsung Pay on terminals accepting contactless. . Note that, unlike some older models, we are now entitled to a parity of functions between Samsung smartphones and other Android models as long as we do not forget to install the Galaxy Wear app.
Its battery gives it an autonomy of about 3 days for the 44 mm model that we tested. It is today the most versatile connected gadget on the market while maintaining a certain elegance. This is our recommendation if you are not on iOS.
FITBIT SENSE
Known for its activity trackers, Fitbit has also offered connected gadgets for several years with more mixed success. This is why this Sense surprised us very pleased with its 100% healthy approach. It indeed embeds all the sensors available to date.
In addition to the very classic cardiac sensor, we are entitled to an ECG, a temperature sensor, and an electrodermal activity sensor as well as monitoring of oxygen saturation. Battery life is solid with just over 4 days of use on a charge in our testing.
Beyond its sensors, the Sense offers a simple and qualitative design which despite its thickness makes it very discreet. Health orientation requires the classic connected functions are quite limited, in particular with regard to third-party applications. This is particularly noticeable for sports apps. The very popular Adidas Running (ex-Runtastic) is therefore missing, it’s up to you to check if one of your essential apps is not available.
On the other hand, it shines by the quality of its smartphone application which manages to give meaning to a lot of raw data. These are therefore analyzed and contextualized, with explanations and advice very well put forward. If your primary focus is on keeping track of your health, we just don’t get better today. For more details, head to our full test.
HUAWEI WATCH GT 2 PRO
After an excellent value Watch GT 2, Huawei comes with a GT 2 Pro which evolves more than its name could suggest. First big evolution, the look loses the sports side of its big sister and the design becomes much soberer. On the strap side, we stay on a standard 22 mm model and therefore easily replaceable.
Once on the wrist, its finesse (11.4 mm) and lightness make it easy to forget. The OLED display is of good quality, with enough brightness to be readable even in direct sunlight.
The Lite OS operating system is slowly evolving and above all seeing its catalog of third-party applications expand a bit. Most of the big names are still missing, however. The sports tracking of the device is generally good, but the GPS is singularly lacking in precision, especially in the city. On the other hand, we appreciate the very good autonomy which reaches without too much trouble during the week. The charge is now by induction and compatible with all Qi chargers.
On the connectivity side, we are satisfied with Bluetooth, Wifi, and 4G being absent subscribers. Despite some weaknesses, the Watch GT2 Pro stands out as a quality gadget offered at a reasonable price.
