Spring is here. And sporting outdoor activities deserve a suitable measuring instrument. Smart watches have been offering more and more functions here for a good ten years. They measure the pulse, take phone calls, show text messages, play music, show us the way, increasingly support digital payment and, depending on the housing design, can also be suitable for business. The diversity is overwhelming for some. Apple benefits from this. With the Apple Watch introduced in autumn 2014, a classic was immediately established on the market. The coordination with the iPhone works, the processing is also right. Last fall, the Apple Watch Series 6 came out and continued the family’s success. In addition to the sophisticated functions of the predecessor, such as heart rate measurement including a warning in the event of arrhythmia, measurement of maximum oxygen uptake and fall detection, the sixth Apple Watch can even record the oxygen content of the blood.
The basic model for around 400 euros prevailed in both tests and sales. Apple quickly became the world market leader in smart watches. The previous model of the 5 series and the Apple Watch SE with LTE function, which is cheaper from around 270 euros, also landed in the front test positions. If you try hard to find it, you can now get the SE model for 180 euros. As usual with Apple, each model is of course available in more expensive versions depending on the case and bracelet. The reliability speaks for Apple. The rounded shapes of the rectangular display are a matter of taste; in any case, most will recognize an Apple Watch from a distance. The look also goes well with women’s and men’s wrist joints. And depending on the bracelet or the set display, it is also compatible with business conferences. About the Series 7, which is expected next fall, there is the expected speculation. A crown with a joystick function, which is already patented, and an ultra-hard case for extreme sports enthusiasts are two plausible rumors.
Samsung presents itself with two basic models, the Galaxy Watch and the Galaxy Watch Active. As expected, the latter is more geared towards fitness athletes. The normal watch is also a companion for sport, but is also recommended as a multi-purpose instrument suitable for everyday use. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 performed well in several tests. Compared to its predecessor, it has significantly more fitness functions, including ECG, blood pressure measurement and fall detection. A loudspeaker is no longer missing either. It plays music or announcements from the voice assistant Bixby. The smaller model, 40mm in diameter, fits most wrists. With aluminum housing and LTE around 280 euros, only with Bluetooth function around 190 euros.
The Galaxy Watch 3 for around 250 euros with Bluetooth and around 390 euros with LTE is more of a large men’s model at 45 mm. Operation via the handy bezel and three push buttons is very convenient. Fall detection, measurement of oxygen saturation and of course a lot of training functions help with training. The older Samsung Galaxy Watch is not quite as lavishly equipped for around 180 euros. The shape of the case and the display design should still please buyers who find a smart watch with the classic look of a mechanical chronograph attractive.
Huawei is currently being prevented from marketing its excellent smartphones by the US ban, but the smart watches are selling well. A price-performance recommendation is the Huawei Watch GT 2 for just about 125 euros. There is no LTE module for this, but stable Bluetooth telephony, as well as the receipt of SMS or social media posts, plus music playback of pieces that are stored directly on the watch. For the sporty user, the watch offers all the important functions for running, swimming or cycling. The generously designed battery lasts up to two weeks. The sister model Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro is more complex with more than 100 adjustable training modes, GPS and a high-resolution AMOLED display. In stores for around 230 euros.
One of the most elegant smart watches has arisen from the collaboration between the product designers from Porsche Design and Huawei. The Porsche Design Huwei Watch GT2 can be recognized at first glance as a Porsche offshoot, as it takes on the look of the Porsche chronograph. The case is made of titanium, the display is protected with sapphire crystal. The look can be switched between five different watch faces designed by Porsche. The smartwatch supports precise data tracking for more than 100 training modes. And with the intelligent measurement of the SpO2Level can be used to check the oxygen levels in the blood. The 24-hour heart rate detection reports when the heart rate exceeds or falls below a set range. The mechanical chronographs with the Porsche label start at around 5000 euros. The digital version is far more affordable at around 695 euros.
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