In this article, we are looking at the differences between a smartwatch Vs a digital watch. However, there are two questions we need to answer first. The first question is, “What is a digital watch?” And the second question is “What is a smart watch”? It is only after answering these two questions that we can even begin comparing the two.
What is a Digital Watch?
A digital watch is any watch that uses a digital display to show the time. So, a digital watch is exactly what it sounds like. It is a watch that shows the time, digitally. This is in contrast to an analog watch, which shows the time through the use of minute, seconds, and hour hands.
What is a Smartwatch?
A smartwatch is a digital watch that uses technology to obtain and display information about the environment. Did you catch that? A smartwatch is technically a type of digital watch. But it has more functions than a standard digital watch, which is what makes it “smart”. More on that in a minute!
So, basically, to make thigs simple, if a person is referring to a digital watch, they are talking about a simple digital watch without smartwatch features. On the other hand, if someone mentions a smartwatch, then they are most definitely referring to the watch with advanced features and connectivity.
Now that we have clear definitions of what a smartwatch is, and what a digital watch is, we can go into further detail about what distinguishes one from the other.
Smartwatch Vs Digital Watch: The Functions
Since a smartwatch is a type of digital watch, we can start by looking at a digital watch.
The Digital Watch
First off, at the base level, a digital watch would be considered a quartz watch. Even though they are not analog watches, digital watches run on the same basic principles as any quartz watch.
As we have already stated, digital watches, are watches that utilize digital displays. Now before digital watches were invented, the only types of watches that existed were those that use analog displays. This all changed, however, in 1970, when Hamilton released their Pulsar. This was the first digital watch ever seen by consumers.
These original digital watches came with limitations, of course. For one, they only displayed the time, and you had to hold the button for the digital display to show. It did not display the time continuously as seen in the digital watches of today.
With advancements in technology, digital watches advanced as well, incorporating chronograph features such as a stopwatch, timer, and backlighting features. Even other advanced features like temperature sensors started showing up in various high end models. There are even watches that combine both analog an digital displays.
The Smartwatch
The smartwatch also has a digital display, however, the range of features and technology included is far more advanced than that of the simple digital watch. This is the main thing that distinguishes the two.
Smartwatches, for one, possess various degrees of connectivity. They employ wi fi capabilities, bluetooth, can sync with your smartphone, install apps, and some can even operate independently as a phone on their own!
You will also find that smartwatches have health and fitness applications. It is not uncommon for smartwatches to act as fitness trackers. They will track your progress in various sporting activities, monitor your heart rate, sleep cycles, and so much more. Apple smartwatches have been particularly dominant as fitness trackers.
The way technology is moving forward at such a rapid pace, there is really no telling how many more features will start to show up in smartwatches in the coming years.
Now, let’s look at some other differences between smartwatches and digital watches. Durability and longevity is a factor to consider.
Smartwatch Vs Digital Watch: Durability & Longevity
Durability
When it comes to durability and longevity, digital watches have the advantage. For one, they have much less computerized technology in them, so there is much less of a chance of incurring damage when being banged around.
Casio’s G-Shock is a popular example of a tough digital watch. There are, however, some pretty tough smartwatches out there as well.
Longevity
Another thing to look at when it comes to longevity, is the improvements of technology over time. Since a digital watch only has simple functions, you can keep the same one for years and years. When it comes to smartwatches however, the technology can become outdated pretty quickly.
You may find the need to upgrade after a couple of years or so. Additionally, older smartwatches may no longer be compatible with newer phones or apps.
The next thing we’re going to look at is pricing. This is yet another important factor to consider when deciding between digital and smartwatches.
Smartwatch Vs Digital Watch: Pricing
This is going to be a key difference between the smartwatch and the simple digital watch. Smartwatches, on average, are going to be significantly more expensive than digital watches. While there are digital watches that are expensive, you will find that typically smartwatches are more expensive.
The digital watches that do get more expensive will be the ones that have advanced features like we mentioned earlier. For example, Casio’s Protrek series is an example of digital watches that can include features such as temperature and altitude sensors, and even solar powered capabilities.
The bottom line is, when going for a smartwatch, be prepared to spend much more than you would on a digital watch.
Ok, now it’s time to start wrapping things up.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully now you have a much more thorough understanding of the differences between a mere digital watch, and a smartwatch.
Moving forward into the future, it seems like smartwatches will slowly take over to the point that all digital watches will be smartwatches. Now when it comes to analog watches, that’s another story entirely.
Analog watches have a different kind of appeal stylistically and mechanically, so those will probably stick around for a while.
Anyway, that concludes this somewhat brief explanation of the smartwatch Vs digital watch. If you enjoyed learning about this topic, and want to learn more interesting facts about watches, we have plenty more informative articles available. You can check some of those out here
