The world of
wearable devices is vast and complicated: there are all types, sizes, colors
and prices. I'm most often asked about the difference between smart bands and
smartwatches, and which is better. In this article, I'll explain the
differences to help you decide which is right for your needs.
What are smart bands?
Connected
bracelets or smart bracelets are called smart bands. In most cases, they have a
simple form and their main function is to track and analyze your movements
during the day. That's why, most smart bands have a pedometer, and sometimes
also an optical heart rate sensor and various other sensors.
Smart bands are
closer to the concept of a bracelet than a watch, but there are some smart
bands with displays that can tell you the time and various other useful tidbits
of information.
What are smartwatches?
Smartwatches are
like regular watches, but with smart features. Their shape is close to that of
a normal watch and usually these devices are paired with a smartphone to
perform their main functions.
Smartwatches, in
principle, all have a display that simulates the dial of a real clock, analog
or digital. Thanks to the display, many other features are made possible, like
reading notifications, interacting with them, using the apps installed on the
smartwatch itself or choosing an alternate watch face that fits our style.
There are also hybrid smartwatches with real hands and some limited smart
functionality.
Which should you choose?
The choice between
a smart band and a smartwatch is personal, but there are some things you should
keep in mind when deciding which fits your needs best. First, you should ask
yourself if you want to be able to read the time on your wrist. If the answer
is yes, don't rule out smart bands entirely, because some can display time.
Second, you should determine whether or not you're interested in monitoring
your heart rate. If the answer is yes, you still don't have to rule out smart
bands, as some like the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 have this feature.
Another question
to ask yourself is if you want to use the wearable every day, or only when you
are doing physical activity? Not only that, the last thing to consider is
perhaps the most important of all: do you want to be able to interact with
notifications?
The answers to
those last two questions are the ones that move the needle from one category to
the other. Smartwatches can inform you that a notification has arrived, and you
can even interact with them by replying with quick responses or your voice. In addition,
smartwatches have a more traditional design so they can fit in everyday
situations, elegant dinners or work meetings.
On the other
hand, smart bands are more conspicuous and sometimes brightly colored, though
it depends on the model. Smart bands tend to have better battery life due to
either having no display or just a small one, and no apps or notifications to
sync. One of the few exceptions to this is the Gear Fit2 Pro, a smart band with
a beautiful display and many apps available.
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