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Comparative Analysis of Apple Watch and Ordinary Smartwatches in 2024: Features, Benefits, and User Preferences

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 27, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Comparison of Apple Watch Models
  3. Ordinary Smartwatches: Features and Performance
  4. User Preferences and Decision Factors
  5. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
  6. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'Comparative Analysis of Apple Watch and Ordinary Smartwatches in 2024: Features, Benefits, and User Preferences' provides a detailed comparison between Apple Watch models—Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE—and ordinary smartwatches from brands like Samsung and Garmin. It evaluates key aspects such as health monitoring capabilities, battery life, device integration, and user satisfaction. For example, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 feature advanced health sensors like ECG and SpO2, while the SE offers basic health tracking. The Ultra 2 is noted for its rugged design and long battery life, ideal for fitness enthusiasts. Ordinary smartwatches from Garmin and Samsung are praised for their robust fitness tracking capabilities and exceptional battery life but may require more frequent charging due to high-performance operations. The report aims to guide potential buyers in selecting the most suitable smartwatch based on their specific needs, technological ecosystem, budget, and lifestyle.

2. Comparison of Apple Watch Models

  • 2-1. Overview of Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE

  • The Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE are the latest offerings from Apple, each catering to different user needs and price points. The Apple Watch Series 9 features the S9 processor, a brighter display of 2,000 nits, and faster Siri interactions. It offers comprehensive functionalities but lacks an overhauled design. The Ultra 2, positioned as the most rugged and advanced model, includes a 49mm screen, brighter display at 3,000 nits, and substantial improvements in performance thanks to the S9 processor. It is ideal for serious fitness enthusiasts. The Apple Watch SE is the budget-friendly model, providing essential smart features and good fitness tracking capabilities. It uses a chipset from the Series 8 and is best suited for first-time users or those on a budget.

  • 2-2. Health Monitoring Features (ECG, SpO2, Menstrual Tracking)

  • Regarding health monitoring, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 come equipped with advanced health sensors such as ECG and blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2). These features allow users to conduct ECG tests and monitor blood oxygen levels, although SpO2 functionality has been recently disabled in new US models due to a patent dispute. Both models also support menstrual cycle tracking, which includes temperature sensing capabilities. In contrast, the Apple Watch SE lacks ECG and SpO2 sensors but still offers basic health tracking functionalities, including heart rate monitoring and irregular heart rhythm notifications.

  • 2-3. Integration with iPhone and Apple Ecosystem

  • All Apple Watch models—Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE—have excellent integration with iPhones and the broader Apple ecosystem. They seamlessly mirror notifications from the iPhone, offer Apple Pay, and can control smart home devices via Siri. The Series 9 and Ultra 2 have additional ecosystem features enabled by the new ultra-wideband chip, improving device location precision and enhanced interaction with other Apple devices. The SE also supports newer watchOS updates, maintaining compatibility with the latest iPhone models.

  • 2-4. Battery Life and Performance

  • Battery life varies significantly among the models. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 excels with an impressive 36 hours of usage, extendable up to 72 hours with low power mode, making it suitable for prolonged outdoor activities and training sessions. The Series 9 offers up to 18 hours of battery life, sufficient for a day's use with regular health tracking and notifications. The SE, being a less resource-intensive model, still provides reliable battery life for a day’s activity. All models benefit from the efficient S9 processor, although the Ultra 2 stands out with the most efficient use of the battery.

  • 2-5. User Experience and Satisfaction

  • User satisfaction across the Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE remains high, largely due to the smooth and responsive performance enabled by the S9 processor. The Series 9 is praised for its balance of features and affordability, making it a popular choice among general users and fitness enthusiasts. The Ultra 2, despite its premium price, receives accolades for its rugged design and feature-rich performance suited for athletes and adventurers. The SE garners appreciation for offering a significant number of features at a lower price point, making it attractive for budget-conscious buyers or first-time smartwatch users.

3. Ordinary Smartwatches: Features and Performance

  • 3-1. Overview of popular brands (Samsung, Garmin)

  • Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic are highly recommended wearable gear for fitness enthusiasts as of 2024. Despite running on the less-than-perfect Google Wear OS platform, these watches exhibit exceptional accuracy in health monitoring. Meanwhile, Garmin offers robust fitness tracking capabilities and specialized features aimed at serious athletes. Their smartwatches are known for their long-lasting battery life and comprehensive health metrics.

  • 3-2. Fitness tracking capabilities (training data, lactate threshold)

  • Garmin watches excel in providing advanced fitness tracking capabilities, including training status, training effects, and lactate threshold. These features are ideal for athletes looking for detailed performance analytics. Conversely, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 series also offers precise fitness tracking, covering various health metrics such as heart rate, VO2 max, and stress levels.

  • 3-3. Battery life and performance

  • Garmin watches are renowned for their extraordinary battery life, often lasting from four days to two weeks on a single charge, some models even feature solar charging. In contrast, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 series, while delivering high performance and feature-rich experiences, generally require more frequent charging due to their power-intensive operations.

  • 3-4. Integration with Android and other ecosystems

  • Both Samsung and Garmin smartwatches integrate exceptionally well within the Android ecosystem. Samsung's watches perform optimally when paired with Samsung Galaxy and other Android devices, ensuring a seamless user experience. Garmin's devices also provide a broad range of compatibility with various Android devices, enhancing the overall utility and functionality for Android users.

  • 3-5. Health monitoring accuracy and specialized features

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series is lauded for its near-unbeatable accuracy in health monitoring, including metrics such as ECG, SpO2, heart rate, and stress levels. Garmin's latest devices, featuring the Elevate Gen 5 heart rate sensor, also offer high accuracy in health tracking. Garmin further extends specialized features like Body Battery, which monitors energy levels, sleep tracking, and pregnancy tracking.

4. User Preferences and Decision Factors

  • 4-1. Budget Considerations and Model Choices

  • Users frequently consider their budget when choosing between different smartwatch models. For those who do not engage in extreme sports, the Apple Watch Series X is generally sufficient and offers more features than the Apple Watch SE, which is a budget-friendly option with fewer health and fitness tracking capabilities (

  • 4-2. Lifestyle and Specific Use-Cases

  • Specific lifestyle requirements also influence the choice of smartwatch models. Individuals looking for extensive fitness and health tracking without paying a premium may opt for the Apple Watch Series 8. Those interested in sports requiring robust functionalities, like ultramarathons, may prefer models like Apple Ultra for its longer battery life and extended tracking features. (

  • 4-3. Compatibility with Existing Devices

  • Compatibility with iPhones is a key factor for Apple Watch users. Models like the Apple Watch Series 8 and SE seamlessly integrate with the iOS platform, allowing for complete use of health and fitness features through apps like Workoutdoors and notifications for calls, messages, and other apps without needing the iPhone constantly. This contrasts with non-cellular models that need to be tethered to the iPhone for full functionality (

  • 4-4. Battery Life Requirements for Various Activities

  • Battery life is a significant decision factor for consumers. While the Apple Watch Ultra is noted for its extended battery life, making it ideal for prolonged activities like ultramarathons, the Series 8 offers a balanced option for everyday fitness tracking. The Apple Watch SE, while budget-friendly, provides shorter battery life and may not be suitable for users with demanding battery requirements (

  • 4-5. Customization Options Through Third-Party Apps

  • Customization through third-party apps adds value to the user experience. Many prefer Apple Watches because of the ability to integrate with apps like Nike Run Club and Strava, enhancing their health and fitness monitoring capabilities. This is appealing to users who engage in specialized sports or require specific health tracking features that these third-party apps offer (

5. Conclusion

  • The comparative analysis underscores the unique strengths and limitations of both Apple Watch and ordinary smartwatch models. Apple Watch models such as the Series 9, Ultra 2, and SE are highly favored for their seamless integration with the iPhone, advanced health monitoring features, and user-friendly experience, making them especially appealing to iPhone users and health-conscious individuals. In contrast, ordinary smartwatches from brands like Samsung and Garmin excel in fitness tracking, long battery life, and compatibility with Android devices. The report suggests that the best choice depends on an individual's specific requirements, such as budget, lifestyle, and device compatibility. Notably, Apple Watch models are subject to certain limitations such as battery life and occasional software issues, while ordinary smartwatches may face connectivity challenges but generally offer more extended usage between charges. Looking ahead, advancements in battery technology and cross-platform compatibility could further enhance the practical applicability of these wearables, providing users with more comprehensive health and fitness tracking options.

6. Common Issues and Troubleshooting

  • 6-1. Common problems with Apple Watch

  • The Apple Watch has several known issues, ranging from software glitches to hardware malfunctions. Some of the common problems include: Unlock with Apple Watch not working (particularly with iPhone 13), Notify When Left Behind feature not available on Apple Watch, repeated passcode requests, issues with unlocking the Apple Watch, failures to update the watchOS, overheating problems reported particularly by South Korean users, random reboots on Apple Watch 3, charging issues, and poor battery life.

  • 6-2. Official solutions and user-recommended workarounds

  • Several solutions and workarounds have been suggested for these issues. For instance, updating the iOS to the latest version solves the Unlock with Apple Watch issue. For the Notify When Left Behind feature, ensuring both the iPhone and Apple Watch are using the same Apple ID and updating to the latest iOS might help. Repeated passcode requests can be resolved by enabling Wrist Detection and Unlock with iPhone settings. Overheating issues must be reported to Apple, with users advised not to wear the watch until it has been checked professionally. Battery drain issues may be alleviated by updating to the latest watchOS version or re-pairing the devices. For issues like charging problems, users are advised to check for plastic films on the device and ensure using the original charger.

  • 6-3. Comparison of reliability and issues in ordinary smartwatches

  • Ordinary smartwatches from brands like Samsung and Garmin also face their own set of common problems. These can include connectivity issues, especially with LTE models, software update failures, and hardware defects. However, compared to the Apple Watch, ordinary smartwatches generally have longer battery life and better compatibility with Android devices. The community forums and user guides of these brands often provide structured troubleshooting steps similar to those provided by Apple.

7. Source Documents