Apple Watch v Android Wear: Who is the Winner?

2017, Wearable Wars Begins

Android Wear - Apple Watch - Smartwatch Phone

With Android Wear 2.0 out of the gate and the Apple Watch now sporting the fourth iteration of its software.

Like the smartphone war that still wages, the differences go beyond just price and looks – it's ideological. Apple's singular experience versus the choice and variety offered by Android Wear; Apple's huge fanbase and army of devoted developers and accessory makers against Google's mighty partners and powerful platforms.

Left Android Wear - Right Apple Watch (www.wareable.com)

1. Apple Watch VS Android Wear Tracking Activity

Over on the Android Wear side of the fence, most smartwatches give you step, sleep and heart rate tracking, though it varies between makes and models. Some of the more luxury watches like the Asus ZenWatch 3 don't even feature a HR tracker. Google Fit comes as standard in Android Wear, and in Wear 2.0 the Fit platform has got better with support for a wide range of gym workouts on top of the usual running and biking.

If you have a GPS-packing smartwatch like the Polar M600 you'll be better able to take advantage of this, not to mention, again, all the third-party options which become more useful in Wear 2.0. Standalone apps mean you can do a lot more without having your phone nearby.

Apple has been eager to underline the health and fitness capabilities of its smartwatch at every available opportunity, and its Activity Rings have become a bit of a platform of their own. As well as the Series 2's on-board sensors, measuring GPS, heart rate, steps, sleep (with third-party apps) and more, it ties in with the Health app on an attached iPhone.

As features such as Medical ID and ResearchKit show, Apple is serious about health, and with the addition of GPS and waterproofing - for runners and swimmers - the Series 2 is heavily pitched as a fitness device. And beyond Apple's own tracking, you have the option to load up third-party Apple Watch running apps like Strava and Runkeeper. Just note that the Series 1 lacks both of these features, so its tracking powers are a little more limited. With Series 3/watchOS 4 we're expecting Apple to push health even further, with things like VO2 Max and GymKit, which will let the Watch sync data with select gym equipment.

2. Designs

The design of this two competitors is much differents, while apple watch consistent with theirs square designs, and Android Wear have more designs like square and rounded. Apple Watch Straps is more attractive than android wear because big Watch brands is creating their own straps for Apple Watch to Aim Luxury Markets. Apple Watch continues to aim for the luxury market, but with Series 3 Apple has steered its wearables ship a few more degrees towards fitness. There's a choice of four models across two sizes - 38mm and 42mm - and with dozens of straps, meaning how high-end you go just depends on your budget. You have the aluminium Watch Sport; the stainless steel Watch; the aluminium Apple Watch Nike+; and the ceramic white Edition, which replaces the 18k gold model. You also have Apple Watch Series 1, which is a refreshed model of the original that gives it a few internal enhancements, but this one's only available in aluminium.

Apple Watch

3. Verdict

Choosing your smartwatch is going to be largely influenced by what kind of smartphone you're currently rocking. Less so now that Android Wear works with iPhones but it's worth pointing out that you can't get an Apple Watch unless you use iOS. Moreover, if you're using Android Wear with an iPhone, you're still not going to get the full experience.

With Apple, the software and hardware have been tightly woven together, and watchOS 3 and 4 it feels like it's evolved to a point where it feels more intuitive. But Android Wear smartwatches have caught up in the hardware department thanks to better design, with companies like Tag, Fossil and Casio all getting involved. We also think it's finally snapping at Apple's heels in the software section, with Android Wear 2.0 offering a significant leap forward from what it was. Plus, you have the benefit of cheaper options.

There was no easy answer when we first put the Apple Watch and Android Wear side by side, and truth be told, that's still the case. Just keep in mind everything mentioned above and think it over carefully before making your decision.

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