Smartwatch or Fitness Tracker: What Is the Difference and What to Choose

Modern fitness trackers have learned to notify about calls and display messages from messengers, so it seems that they don’t differ from smart watches. But only at first glance. Let’s find out the main differences between these gadgets.

You Can Install Apps in a Smartwatch

Manufacturers embed a full-fledged operating system in smart watches. Here are the most common ones:

• watchOS – in watches from Apple. It’s customized to work in the Apple ecosystem – smartwatches can be synchronized with iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and AirPods. The device is linked to the Apple ID and you get access to the App Store, iCloud.
• Android – is installed on many smartwatches. For example, Realme Watch, Aimoto.
• Wear OS – the OS from Google for watches of different manufacturers. For example, the latest models of Samsung, TicWatch Pro 3, Fossil Gen 6 work on it.
• Tizen is a proprietary OS from Samsung. Watches on this operating system synchronize with devices from Samsung: smartphones, tablets and even televisions.

Thanks to the full-fledged OS, it’s possible to install applications from official marketplaces into the smart watch. For example, a cookbook with voice-activated step-by-step recipes or trackers for an active lifestyle – from rock climbing to SUP-surfing.

The fitness trackers have the simplest OS, which does not support the installation of applications. All available programs are already pre-installed and can not even be updated. If you need a function that isn’t in the device, such as sleep phase monitoring, you will have to buy a new fitness tracker.

Smartwatches Support SIM Cards

Some smartwatch models can have a SIM card inserted or eSIM activated. They will work autonomously without being tethered to a smartphone. In fact, you get a small cell phone on your wrist. You can use it to call a friend, answer and reject calls from an unknown number, or use the mobile Internet. Some models even support typing messages on a mini-keyboard, and in others you can set pre-prepared phrases and send them to the interlocutor in one click, such as: “I’m driving” or “I’ll answer later”.

Fitness trackers do not support sim cards. But some models can synchronize with your cell phone and send a notification of incoming calls and messages. But answering calls and texting won’t work.

The Smartwatch Has a Bigger Screen

Typically, smartwatches have a round or square screen with a diagonal of 1.2 inches and a resolution of more than 300 × 300 dots. This size is enough to comfortably read messages, get notifications from https://slotbookofshadows.com/, and hit touch buttons even with a thumb.

Fitness trackers more often have a streamlined, rectangular shape and a small display, usually up to 1.2 inches and with a resolution of 180 × 180. It usually displays only numbers, such as the number of steps taken or heart rate.

Some Models of Smartwatches Have a Place to Store Files

There are models of smartwatches with built-in memory to download music and images from a computer. This comes in handy when it’s inconvenient to take your phone to workout, but you want to listen to your playlist. In fitness trackers, the internal storage only serves to install and operate the system, so you can’t download media.

Smartwatch Is More Like a Wristwatch

If you want a gadget that will be similar to the classic wrist models, it’s better to look at the smart watch. Unlike bracelets, which are often compact and look exactly like wristwatches, many smartwatch manufacturers produce models with a traditional round screen for classic watches.

High-end smartwatches are made of more durable and reliable materials than fitness trackers. For example, the Apple Watch Series 8 has a ceramic case and sapphire crystal, which are shock-resistant and protect the device from scratches and cracks, while the Huawei Watch GT 3 has a stainless steel case.