Smartwatch vs Smartband, which should you choose?

Smartwatch and Smartband are both wearables

If you’ve seen or used both devices, you’ll notice that they both have some features in common. Typically, smart watches and smart bands tell the time, have health and fitness features (sleep monitor, heart rate monitor, pedometer, tachometer, etc.), can be synchronized with smartphones and generally worn on the wrists.

The differences between the two wearable devices usually revolve around the sizes, dimensions and other complex features of the screen. I will explain.

In comparison, what did they call it?

Smart watches are what they are: “watches“. Hence the name Smart-Watches. Smart bands are called with many variations of names and should not be compared to smart watches. Some call them smart wristbands, others call them Smart Fitness trackers.

That’s because smart bands are focused on fitness, while smart watches are a much more complete package – tracking, communicating, fashion and even acting like a phone on your wrist.

Screen size and dimension

Typically, smart watches are generally larger than smart bands. Likewise, your monitors. Generally, smartwatch screens are usually between 1 and 3 inches, while smart bands are usually sized between 0 and 1 inch.

Smartwatches (on the left) and Smartband (on the right)
In addition, smartwatch screens are fully compatible with a touchscreen, so you can control them with your fingers (as you are used with your smartphone). Navigation in smart bands, on the other hand, is usually done with a physical button. You can find some smart bands with a touchscreen interface but with fewer funcionality as a smart watch.

Finally, all smart watches have colorful and vibrant screens, while the screen you find in a smart band is dull and monochromatic or even polychromatic with low resolution capable of displaying only some colored icons.

Comparing features of Smartbands vs Smartwatches

As mentioned earlier, smart bands are focused on fitness and, as such, mainly on sports resources that help keep your health in check. In addition to counting the hours, smart bands often have pedometers, heart rate monitors, sleep monitors and other health resources.

A smartwatch typically has all the features of a smart band and more. For example, you’ll find smart watches with SIM card slots, Wi-Fi connectivity, 4G LTE, camera, standalone apps, an app store, and even complex health features that you wouldn’t find in a smart band.

How and when you will use it.

Another big difference and determinant of which wearable you should buy between the smartwatch and a smart band is when, where and how often you plan to use the device.

A smartwatch designed in a very similar way to an ordinary watch. That is, smart watches are suitable for everyday use. Some are even better designed than ordinary watches and have detachable straps (stainless steel, leather, buckle, rubber, etc.) that you can exchange for different occasions or outings.

Smart fitness trackers, like the name suggestion, are most used during sports or recreational activities and, as such, have only rubber strips most of the time. And although some people use their smart bands all day, they are not well designed for certain occasions. For example, in a meeting or corporate event, you would agree that a smart watch is more adequate to wear than a smart band.

If you exercise more often than you attend events, parties or meetings, you should purchase a smart band / fitness tracker. But you should know that the fit of smart watches is perfect for everyday use.

The interactivity of these gadgets

This is another great differentiator of smartwatches and smart bands. As smart watches have an operating system and more complex features, in addition to having a bigger and better screen, interactivity is much smoother and more advanced than the device than in smart bands.

Smartwatch vs Smartband: Texting on a smartwatch
Smart watches can work independently, like a smartphone. You can send text messages and reply to WhatsApp messages or email from your colleagues directly on your smartphone. If you have a SIM card inserted, you can make a call. Some smartwatches come with speakers, allowing you to play music in the morning, while some may have an SD card slot to store music, photos and other multimedia resources. Notifications are also better on smart watches than on smart bands.

App notification on a smartwatch:

Smart bands lack these complex features and interactivity.

Battery life:

Before you think that smart watches have the longest battery life, because obviously there are bigger and more complex ones, they don’t.

Yes, they generally have higher capacity and battery sizes, but due to the numerous advanced features, large color touch screen and complex operating system activities, smart watches generally have a shorter life span. Typically, you will probably need to recharge a smartwatch after daily use. On the other hand, smart bands can last from 2 to 5 days on a single charge.

Comparing prices

Although clothing prices generally depend on the resources and the brand that made them, smart watches cost more than smart bands.