Max Buondonno from ZDNETI tests a variety of gadgets, with some being better than others. This principle applies to common items like phones and laptops, but it especially rings true for smartwatches, a category filled with both decent wearables and devices that you can’t wait to take off your wrist.
In the midst of testing numerous watches, ranging from traditional touchscreens to analog hybrids, there is one watch that continues to capture my attention despite my initial intentions: the Apple Watch. It sits on my desk, silently staring at me as I try out a competitor’s product for the first time. The urge to put it back on fades initially, but as time goes on, I find myself missing the features that I enjoy about the Apple Watch.
The Apple Watch is widely regarded as one of the top smartwatches globally, potentially even the best depending on who you ask. It remains my favorite smartwatch, and here are six reasons why, applicable to all Apple Watch models whether it’s the basic SE or the latest Ultra 2.
1. A seamless extension of your iPhone: When connected to a cellular plan, the Apple Watch becomes an extension of your iPhone, integrating core services and keeping you connected even without your phone nearby. This feature proved invaluable during a vacation in Florida when I could leave my phone in various locations and rely on the Apple Watch for notifications, calls, and texts.
2. Exceptional fitness tracking: Apple offers one of the best fitness tracking experiences, from closing your activity rings daily to engaging in fitness challenges with friends. The various sensors in the Apple Watch provide valuable health information and progress tracking, making it an enjoyable and informative tool for fitness enthusiasts.
3. Interactive notifications: The Apple Watch delivers notifications in a user-friendly and efficient manner, with gentle taps, clear animations, and easy dismissal options. The notifications are synchronized with your phone, offering a seamless and effective user experience.
4. Superior haptics: The Apple Watch’s Taptic Engine delivers precise and natural-feeling haptic feedback, setting it apart from other smartwatches. The quality of haptics can significantly impact the overall user experience, making the Apple Watch a pleasure to wear.
5. Apple Maps navigation: Navigating with Apple Maps on the Apple Watch provides a pleasant and smooth experience, with clear directions, unique haptics for turns, and a user-friendly interface. The navigation perks offered by Apple Maps make it a preferred choice for exploring new destinations.
6. Superior watchOS platform: WatchOS is widely considered the best smartwatch platform, offering a fast, fluid, and user-friendly interface with a vast library of third-party apps. The platform seamlessly syncs with your iPhone, providing a cohesive user experience that is unmatched by other smartwatch platforms.
In conclusion, the Apple Watch stands out as a top choice in the smartwatch market due to its seamless integration with the iPhone, exceptional fitness tracking capabilities, interactive notifications, superior haptics, efficient navigation with Apple Maps, and the best-in-class watchOS platform.