The best smart watches and physical activity wristbands (smart watches, October 2017)
December 05, 2017
The world of wearable devices or
wearable devices (in English wearable devices or wearable) does not stop being
for now a minority sector. But month by month the number of units sold
increases and with them the interest of the rest of the consumers, although
focused on the activity bracelets. In addition, after the arrival of the Apple
watch, the rest of the smart watches have been selling better due to greater
consumer attention in alternatives with Android.
The most interesting products right
now are smart watches (in English smart watches) with Android Wear, Google's
bet for the sector and compatible with both Android and iOS phones. But there are also other systems like the one used in Pebble watches, the Microsoft Band bracelet, or watches
like the Samsung Gear S3 that use Tizen.
The most common use currently given
to wearable devices is to quantify physical activity, such as keeping track of
steps, calories burned, or sleep cycles.
Comparison of smart watches and
activity wristbands
Screen
|
Comp.
|
Connect.
|
Extras
|
Price
|
|
Watch Series 3 (38mm)
|
1.32”
|
iOS
|
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, cardiac sensor, waterproof
|
Cycling, calories,
distance, elevation, golf, heart rate, race, sleep, breathing, steps,
swimming, watchOS applications.
|
------------
|
Watch Series 2
|
1.32”
|
iOS
|
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, cardiac sensor, waterproof
|
Cycling, calories,
distance, elevation, golf, heart rate, race, sleep, breathing, steps,
swimming, watchOS applications
|
412.37 Euro
|
Gear S3 Classic
|
1.3”
|
Android iOS
|
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, cardiac sensor, waterproof
|
Tizen applications.
|
360.81 Euro
|
M600
|
1.3”
|
Android iOS
|
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, cardiac sensor, waterproof
|
Calories, distance,
elevation, sleep, steps, Android Wear applications.
|
265.45 Euro
|
ZenWatch 3
|
1.39”
|
Android iOS
|
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cardiac sensor, waterproof
|
Android Wear applications.
|
245.48 Euro
|
Vivoactive HR
|
1.9”
|
Android iOS
|
Bluetooth, GPS, cardiac sensor, waterproof
|
Calories, distance,
elevation, heart rate, race, sleep, steps, swimming.
|
192.67 Euro
|
Mi Band 2
|
0.42”
|
Android iOS
|
Bluetooth, cardiac sensor, waterproof
|
Heart rate, sleep,
steps.
|
16.00 Euro
|
M400
|
1.4”
|
Android iOS
|
Bluetooth, GPS, cardiac sensor, waterproof
|
Calories, distance,
race, sleep, steps
|
182.64 Euro
|
Vivosmart HR
|
1.38”
|
Android iOS
|
Bluetooth, cardiac sensor, waterproof
|
Calories, distance,
elevation, heart rate, sleep, steps
|
87.94 Euro
|
Alta HR
|
“
|
Android iOS
|
Bluetooth, cardiac sensor, waterproof
|
Calories, distance,
elevation, heart rate, sleep, steps
|
123.00 Euro
|
Apple Watch Series 3 (38 mm)
Apple has the best smart watch in the form of the Watch Series 3, with aluminum case and
a digital crown to interact with what you see on your screen, plus a start
button on the right side. It is available in various colors, such as silver or
black, and in two variants of the watch width of 38 and 42 mm.
The processor is a S3 designed by Apple
dual-core, which is up to 70% more powerful than the one used in Watch 2.
Integra 802.11 b / g / n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, barometric altimeter,
accelerometer, gyro, rhythm reader heart, GPS, and GLONASS. There is a version
with LTE that is provisioned through an integrated eSIM, but it is only
available in certain countries where there are operators with this embedded SIM
system.
The new microphone system allows you to pick up the
voice even if the watch is not close to your mouth, and with enough sound
quality. It includes an advanced noise cancellation system to make it possible.
watchOS 4 also provides new functions in applications, such as monitoring more
sports, swimming or golf.
Samsung Gear S3 Classic
The Gear S3 Frontier and the Classic include similar hardware but
with different appearance, although the Frontier includes integrated LTE
connectivity. The processor is two-core at 1 GHz, includes 750 MB of RAM with 4
GB of storage, Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi as well as GPS, have Gorilla Glass
SR + protection, heart rate sensor, and are waterproof.
The success of this line of watches lies in the
software, since the system based on Tizen
and the interaction with the dial of the rotating clock are fundamental to provide
the user with the correct information when he wants.
Polar M430
The M430
activity clock is an evolved version of the M400. It includes a 1.3-inch monochrome
screen with a resolution of 120 x 120 pixels, with five buttons and rubber
strap. The improvement focuses on the optical heart rate sensor, which Polar
indicates is much more accurate thanks to a change in the interpretation
algorithms, although as often happens with these sensors it will not be as
precise as one might wish.
The watch has GPS and other sensors that will allow
calculating distances, given steps, type of races, lapping marks in circuits,
measurement of elevation changes, and other similar measures of activity of
interest for runners. It can also be used to track sleep.
It has Bluetooth connectivity to pair with a phone,
and in this way you can receive notifications and text messages. Polar has also
improved the software that accompanies it, with smart coach options that allow
you to immediately see the results of a workout, generating a race index based
on distance, speed and work done. It has other options for visualizing results
and recommendations for types of training to be carried out according to the
data provided.
Samsung Gear S2
Samsung has opted to continue supporting the Tizen
operating system for its smart watches. The main feature of this watch is that
it includes a rotating bezel with which to interact with it to navigate
sections, expand or reduce maps and other new ways of interacting with the operating
system. It is very effective and comfortable to use by not covering the screen
with your finger.
There is also a version, available in a few countries
that includes 3G connectivity although through e-SIM or embedded SIM, so only
certain operators will be compatible. In the field of applications, has a good
support among the best-known brands in all areas such as Nike, Audi, Twitter, Yelp, etc., with more than 1,000 applications.
Polar M600
The M600 is an Android
Wear watch that maintains the company's signature design, and includes a
1.3-inch color screen. The processor is an MT2601 from Mediatek, a double core at 1.2 GHz, which will give it a good
fluidity. It has Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n, and GPS and GLONASS
location.
On the back of the watch includes a heart rate sensor of six LEDs, and in general has a
design and compatibility oriented entirely to what the company is an expert,
which is the practice of sports of all kinds. Even aquatics since it is IPX8 waterproof, which protects from
complete and prolonged immersion.
The catch with respect to other watches and bracelets
of Polar is the Achilles heel of
Android Wear: the battery lasts up to 2 days. Only a few hours if the
positioning by GPS is used continuously. The watch has specific Polar
applications for activity monitoring, inactivity and generic alerts
Garmin Vivoactive HR
Vívoactive HR bracelet is a fairly complete model, since it has a
heart rate sensor, GPS to leave the phone at home when going out to exercise,
and is able to track a multitude of sports, such as swimming or hiking thanks
to include a barometer to measure altitude.
It has autonomy for a week, or up to thirteen hours
using the GPS system with GLONASS that integrates. It is managed through the
Connect IQ application.
Samsung Gear Fit2
Gear Fit2 includes a 1.5-inch Super
AMOLED screen with a density of 322 ppi. It has a dual-core processor at 1 GHz, the same as
that used by Gear 2, and 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of storage using other wearable
devices such as Android Wear.
Samsung focuses on its functionalities for physical activity,
which includes a heart rate sensor, GPS, accelerometer, barometer, and
gyroscope, in addition to being dust and waterproof. Therefore it can be used
for all kinds of activities, from swimming to cycling, keeping a record of
steps and distances traveled, stairs climbed, and others. He even keeps track
of yoga and Pilates activities.
Since it is based on
Samsung's Tizen platform (the only one for which it will make wearable in
the near future), it has other functions such as controlling music, using maps
for navigation or viewing notifications of the paired phone, or responding to
messages and emails .
Garmin vívosmart 3
The vívosmart 3 activity wristband includes a heart rate sensor and
can calculate the VO2 of the organism, which Garmin translates into the
interface as a level of fitness during exercise, taking into account other user
parameters such as age and gender.
The bracelet includes a barometric sensor and an
accelerometer, with which it takes the account of exercises such as walking,
running or climbing stairs, but also adds the possibility of performing the
monitoring of strength exercises.
The strap of vívosmart 3 is made of rubber, and has a 0.8-inch OLED-type touch
screen with a resolution of 64 x 128 pixels. Garmin has also reduced its
weight, standing at 20.4 g, and can be submerged to a depth of 50 m. It is
compatible with Android, iOS and Windows, and can be used to receive
notifications and alarms from the paired device.
Asus ZenWatch 3
With dial made of 316L stainless steel (82% stronger
than conventional steel), the Zenwatch 3
has a 1.39-inch 400 x 400 resolution screen with a pixel density of 287
dpi, covered by a slightly curved glass and with Corning Gorilla Glass coating, reaching 9.95 mm thick.
Asus boasts with the Zenwatch 3 that the watch will spend more time on the wrist than in
the charger thanks to the battery saving technologies available in the
Snapdragon Wear 2100 that it carries inside, and that also has a fast charge
capable to reach a 60% load in just 15 minutes. And ZenWatch Manager is also presented, with which you can create
personalized spheres and add them to the more than 50 that the clock already
incorporates.
The watch will be compatible with Android and iOS, and
will have three physical buttons, activity measurement, microphone, IP67
protection and you can choose the type of strap between Italian leather or high
quality rubber, as well as being able to choose the color of the dial between
silver, black and pink and silver.
Xiaomi Mi Band 2
Xiaomi renewed its My Band sales success by keeping the
heart rate sensor and accelerometer, as well as the vibration for
notifications. But with the new screen included you can use the clock and
interact with it directly through a central button and not through the paired
phone.
The screen is 0.42 inches OLED
type, and the battery life
is around 20 days. It has Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, and also serves to
monitor sleep cycles. It can be carried to the pool thanks to its IP67 dust and
water protection.
Fitbit High HR
High HR includes a heart rate sensor, is designed in
plastic, with a small OLED-type touch screen for low consumption. The company
promises autonomy of up to seven days, and can be purchased separately other
types of belts, such as steel or leather, or in other colors beyond the basic
black.
This activity bracelet allows you to carry out an
exhaustive control of the physical exercise that is performed, which includes
running or swimming, but also records the promotions or cycling, among others.
Alta HR also carries out sleep control and monitoring of sleep phases. In
addition, basic features can show incoming calls from the paired phone, text
messages or calendar appointments, and you can customize the format of the date
and time.
Garmin Phoenix 5
The Phoenix 5 that arrives in three different models of physical
activity clock: Fénix 5, Fénix 5S and
Fénix 5X. Each of these versions is available with a dial size of 42 mm, 47
mm and 51 mm, and sapphire edition that makes it scratch resistant and includes
wifi connectivity. They are waterproof, and support an immersion at 10 ATM
-about 100 m-.
The most basic model starts at 600 euros, with the
sapphire version adding an additional 100 euros. They include Bluetooth as a
means of communication with Android, iOS and Windows, and it has GPS and
GLONASS positioning systems. The watches are prepared to keep track of all
types of sports thanks to their sensors: accelerometer, altimeter, digital
compass and heart rate monitor. That includes cycling, running, swimming or
golf, among many others.
They are available in a wide variety of colors, with
different external aspects to suit the tastes of the largest number of
potential buyers. The 5X model includes as standard, for 750 euros, the
sapphire version and the TOPO map system that provides cycling maps,
directions, points of interest and much more.
Polar A370
The A370 activity bracelet focuses on the sleep tracking options. Use
the accelerometer to track the hours of sleep, when you fall asleep and the
quality of it, but using a polysomnography algorithm combined with the included
heart rate reader information.
With this, Polar
ensures that more reliable results are obtained than with other activity
wristbands. The information is available in the watch application for later
reference. The combination of a heart rate sensor and a more precise
accelerometer also make it a precise bracelet for all types of exercise, such
as running or cycling.
The bracelet will be available in six colors, and
includes a 1.2-inch color screen with a resolution of 160 x 80 pixels. It is
made waterproof, and includes a 110 mAh battery.
Garmin quatix 3
Garmin Quatrix 3 is a watch that features dual GPS and GLONASS for
maximum accuracy of location on land or high seas, promising a range of GPS use
of up to 20 hours, or up to 6 weeks in clock mode.
The watch includes a color LED display with support
for notifications and alerts from the phone to which it is paired. But because
it is a watch more thought for activity in the water, it includes information
of the tides, of navigation in boat, fishing, and competition of swim and
button of alert of man to the water. In fact, Garmin is advertising it as a
watch for sailors thanks to the inclusion of NMEA 2000 information compatible
with the boat equipment.
But it also serves for running, hiking, swimming in
the pool, with indication of depth and altitude, or specific functions for
paddle or golf, with a calorie counter. It is a complete watch for water
lovers.
Asus TalkBand B3
The PMOLED screen of the Talkband B3 can be separated from the metal body, and can be used
as a headset for incoming phone calls. The basic functionality of this activity
bracelet does not go much further, although it allows receiving notifications,
managing phone alarms, accepting and rejecting calls, viewing contacts or
keeping a certain record of the carrier's physical activity, such as changes in
altitude, race, hiking or cycling, as well as the hours of sleep.
The 91 mAh battery will last between three and four
days according to Huawei, and takes
1.5 hours to recharge. The monochrome screen has a resolution of 80 x 128
pixels, and includes vibration alert. It is available in various types and
colors of plastic belts (Active model), metal (Elite model) and leather
(Classic model).
Fitbit Charge 2
Fitbit Charge 2, heir of Fitbit
Charge HR, improves in all respects to its predecessor starting with an
OLED touch screen four times larger than the HR. However, the navigation
between functions is carried out through a button and is confirmed by touching
the screen. Also with this increase, you can show notifications from the phone.
Another of the novelties of Charge 2 is its function Connected to the GPS, by which it will be
associated with a phone from which it will be taking the GPS location to
provide this data to the activities that are carried out. This will also be
able to automatically recognize the exercise that is being done at any time and
using proprietary Fitbit technology,
PurePulse, monitor the pulse,
control the calories burned and receive advice to improve your training.
The Reflex function is also interesting, in which a
session of relaxation and guided breathing based on your heart rate will begin,
which will help you relax. As a final touch, it allows personalization thanks
to its interchangeable straps, where a large repertoire of colors and textures
will be offered.
Xiaomi Mi Band 1S
Xiaomi has the cheapest physical activity bracelet on the
market, but that does not mean it is not useful. It will keep track of the
steps taken, calories burned, distance traveled running and running, and sleep
phases. It also vibrates to notify you of calls, wake up and you can unlock
your phone with it.
Although it does not carry GPS, it does include a
heart rate reader. For less than 20 euros, with a good Android application to
set activity objectives, it is a great investment.
Garmin vívosmart HR +
Garmin has a popular vívosmart HR, which the company has slightly renewed calling vívosmart HR +, and gaining GPS in the
process. It has the same heart rate sensor, accelerometer, water resistance up
to 5 ATM and ability to track activities such as walking, running, cycling or
swimming.
It provides information about sleep patterns,
exercises performed and comparisons of distances traveled thanks to your GPS.
It lasts up to five days of use with the active heart sensor, or up to eight
hours in a row of GPS usage.
Withings Activité
This watch could easily be confused with a normal one
because Withings has put its
attention first on the design and then on its features. Includes leather strap,
water resistant, sapphire crystal that holds up to 5 ATM, made of stainless
steel in Le Locle in Switzerland.
The different sensors included allow you to count
steps, distance traveled, sleep cycles, heart rate monitor, and also serve in
April for swim distance. It uses a button cell like any other clock, and its
autonomy reaches 8 months.
Polar M200
The M200 includes both GPS and a heart rate sensor. This
bracelet allows you to keep track of various physical activities, such as steps
taken, distances traveled, calories burned, and make notifications of
inactivity and others, but does not allow receiving notifications from a phone.
After the addition of the heart rate reader, it also
keeps track of the sleep and its quality. The strap is made of plastic, but can
be exchanged for others that Polar sells.
Fitbit Charge HR
This bracelet includes a heart rate detector that
works continuously, and is ideal to have exact measurements of the calories you
burn, the steps you take, the sleep cycles or distances traveled. It has
autonomy around five days.
Casio WSD-F10
The traditional watch makers almost got into the world
of smart watches with the WSD-F10.
It is a model designed to practice outdoor sports - hence also its robust
appearance - and includes direction, altitude, atmospheric pressure, indication
of sunrise and sunset, tides and calories. Pretty complete.
For this, he has chosen to use Android Wear, and develop specific applications for different
activities, such as hiking, cycling or fishing. The watch includes some
additional watch spheres that include some complications - watchmaker language
for information that is not the time -, such as altitude or atmospheric pressure
data.
In addition to the Google Android Wear application, certain parameters can be
configured from the Casio Moment Setter +
application, and the watch will notify when the ideal time to practice the
favorite sports of the carrier.
Fitbit Surge
Fitbit Surge is
an interesting connected clock. It has 3G connectivity and GPS tracking, so it
will be very useful for many of those who go out to run. It is accompanied by a
good number of sensors, including heart rate, to keep a good record of our
physical activity, sleep cycles and food database.
The biggest drawback that Fitbit Surge has is its design, since being a product of 300 euros
you could have expected something much better in this regard. It is something
thicker than many users would like, but it has a lot of functionalities that
manage to counteract this aspect.
Garmin Vivofit
A good and basic bracelet, able to measure distances,
sleeps cycles and resistance to water. The main drawbacks is that the screen
does not have backlighting, nor does it include an altimeter or smart alarm, so
it has limited features, but it has autonomy for a year and you do not need to
take it off before going to the shower.
Focused on notifications and
physical activity
Both smart watches and fitness wristbands are focused
on including various sensors to measure the steps taken, distances traveled or
monitor sleep and heart rate. At the moment there is no definitive application
that justifies the purchase of a smart watch outside of these more physical
uses. Also the sensors, especially the heart rate, has a sufficient accuracy
but not ideal for other purposes such as conducting a medical evaluation.
That's why clocks are designed to access important
information for a few seconds, such as notifications or fast sending of a text
message, but nothing that requires more than 10 to 15 seconds. Due to its low
battery, in the range of 300 to 400 mAh in the case of watches with color
screen, to use them intensely none would last more than 2 or 3 hours. Any task
that can’t be completed in a few seconds is best done with the phone.
The battery life of Android Wear increased with one of
the first updates, from just a day of average use to two days, and some users
get three days out if they do not use it too much. Almost all the consumption
in this last scenario refers to using it for notifications, but not for GPS or
3G. In this type of watches (and also the activity bracelets) with GPS do not
wait more than a few hours of duration when active.
In the field of connectivity, due to its small size
and need to consume little, its antennas are not especially good. They comply,
but they will have more coverage problems than you would have with your mobile.
They can’t radiate to as much power as a phone or they would run out of battery
in a tiny space of time.
Currently, GPS and GLONASS are also used
simultaneously in phones to avoid certain moments of loss of coverage that
exists using only GPS and also improve their accuracy. Since the watches that
include positioning system only use GPS as a general rule, and using low power
chips, they are not the most reliable and will not replace the need to use the
phone if you drive to get reliable addresses. They are enough to navigate, more
or less, around the city and record the approximate course we have taken when
going for a run, walk or pedal.
The options of watches with Android Wear are also the
most interesting since the developer community is more extensive and will have
support for an indefinite period.
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