Smartwatch vs Smartphone: Which One to Choose?

Modern smartwatches are becoming increasingly versatile, not only are they smartphone accessories that show notifications and organize your life, but they are also powerful fitness tracking devices. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or training for your 100th marathon, I think a smartwatch is a perfect tool to help you achieve your goals.

With integrated heart rate sensors, GPS, and a myriad of health and wellness features, a premium smartwatch is now almost as powerful as a dedicated running watch.

Here are the reasons why I think buying a smartwatch is good for your health.

1. Measure your heart rate

Okay, so you're walking more and sitting down less. Now it's time to start actually exercising - get into the heart rate tracker. We can't remember the last smartwatch that didn't have a heart rate monitor - they're very useful for tracking various health indicators.

Using a heart rate monitor during your workout allows you to track key information, the most important of which is your heart rate zone and the source of energy you are burning. This way, you know that you are working out efficiently.

2. Help track your diet

Another feature that can help you lead a healthier life is the ability to track your diet. Smartwatches have apps that can monitor and record calorie intake. This can be particularly useful if you have a very strict diet.

3. Get detailed health indicators

Smartwatches are now equipped with a number of sensors and algorithms that can detect a variety of health issues. The heart rate sensor is not only used during workouts, it can also detect irregular heart rhythms, which can be a sign of atrial fibrillation, and alert you if your heart rate is too high or too low. The latest smartwatches can also track blood pressure. All of this information gives you greater insight into your health and allows you to make more informed decisions about your health.

4. GPS can be used to track movement

Adding GPS means your smartwatch will record speed, distance, and altitude more accurately during outdoor activities such as running and cycling. It's much more accurate than devices that only use accelerometer estimates. GPS smartwatches also offer more advanced tracking metrics, such as pace frequency or VO2 max score, which can help people training for a marathon or triathlon.

Smartwatch vs Smartphone

A smartphone can do many of the things you can do on a smartwatch, but depending on the circumstances, a smartwatch is better suited to some things. It's much easier to check the notifications on your smartwatch while driving your car or bike than trying to get your phone out of your pocket. It's nice to see the name of the caller before answering a call through a Bluetooth headset. Smartphones come with built-in GPS, but it may be easier to go out running without your phone and use a smartwatch with built-in GPS to track the length and speed of your run.

The smartwatch also adds features that smartphones don't have, such as heart rate monitoring. The hearing measurements on the wrist are very accurate. It's also nice that it tracks my activity during the day and I can challenge myself to walk more and use the stairs rather than the lift. The exercise and heart rate tracking also automatically captures information about the timing and quality of sleep, which can be beneficial, allowing you to ensure you get enough sleep and go to bed on time.

Waterproof smartwatches

Smartwatches are very versatile devices that are usually waterproof. I like to keep my smartwatch on when I'm swimming or doing water sports or even when I enter the sauna. Some smartphones are now waterproof too, but it's really awkward to carry a smartphone while swimming. As well as telling the time I like to measure my swimming time, some devices also measure distance and heart rate while swimming.