Smart Watches: For Which Watch Would One Wish?

2015 is quickly shaping up to be the year of the watch, specifically the smart watch. In this field of wearable tech there are two titans dominating the industry: Apple and Android. Which watch is the one for you? Well, after pouring over reviews and painstakingly researching both items, we may have the side-by-side comparison to help you decide. We’ve looked at the different feature of both watches and determined the pros and cons for each, to make a comprehensive comparison for smart watch consumers.

Display / Design

As with most of the features of these devices, it’s a close call on which watch is “better” in terms of display and design. They both offer different features and have pros and cons. Ultimately it comes down to which features are desirable to you the consumer.
On the one hand, Android offers a higher resolution level in the Samsung, Sony and Asus models. And even the Moto 360 offers 280X280 and 240 ppi. Plus the Huawei Android model promises 400×400 resolution in addition to sapphire crystal screens.

However, the Apple Watch is still competitive, with 312×390 resolution, and a nifty feature called Force Touch. Its unique, pressure-sensitive technology that isn’t yet available in Android models. Basically, with force touch, the watch screen is able to tell the difference between light taps and a hard press. This feature makes use of the Apple Watch easier and more intuitive. While Android wear doesn’t currently support anything like Force Touch yet, we wouldn’t be too surprised to see similar technology popping up on future models. Apple Watch also sports a crown, which is present on some Android models, but only for aesthetics. This crown is actually a functional, digitized wheel that helps navigate your device.

In terms of aesthetics, the Apple watch comes in only one shape, with fewer face options. They do have aftermarket wristbands that can be purchased if you really want to mix it up. But when it comes down to it, Android, which comes in multiple shapes including a highly coveted round face, with a wide variety of wristbands and enough face options to match your every mood.

Features

Both Apple and Android use voice integration to make the smart watch more like a personal assistant. For Apple, just talk to Siri, and with Android, just say, “Ok, Google,” to start searching. Similar to the smartphone you already have, but voice integration is getting better with ever advancement. Both also have apps to help users reach fitness goals better than ever before. Fitness fans will adore either watch for the fitness perks.

Both watches also send all the notifications that you normally get on your phone, and once you swipe them away one your watch, you won’t get them a second time on your phone. They also both have the ability to detect your exact location and give you pertinent updates, life traffic and weather. They both also use your search history to be more helpful (and creepy). But it works. Google’s Android wear definitely keeps better tabs, but there’s no denying that their stalking robot is definitely the more helpful one.

Applewatch has a more personal messaging system than anything you’ll find on Android, though. With iMessage, you can send texts, sketches, even your heart rate. We’re not sure why that last one will be handy, but we’re not here to judge, so send away, Apple users.

Price

It almost goes without saying that Apple is more expensive, starting at $350 compared to Android’s which start at about $200. The pricing really depends on t\what you’re looking for though, and prices can vary bases one just about any modification, from strap to casing. Prices for the swanky-looking Huawei model have not even been announced yet, so there’s still more to come on the topic of Smart watch pricing.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your decision on which watch to buy might be decided by which smartphone you already own. If you are nuts about the Apple watch but own an Android phone, you’ll either have to get both a new phone and a new watch, or get an Android watch that’s actually compatible with the phone you already have. For the vast majority of users, the price tag alone will make that decision an easy one. But for those who have more freedom of choice, the decision ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for in your device. Both brands offer different features that should help even the most discriminating techie make up their mind.