Microsoft Band 2 vs Samsung Gear S2 vs Fitbit Surge vs Apple Watch: Which is the best smart gadget for your wrist

Microsoft Band 2 vs Samsung Gear S2 vs Fitbit Surge vs Apple Watch: Which is the best smart gadget for your wrist - Microsoft Band 2 vs Samsung Gear S2 vs Fitbit Surge vs Apple Watch: Which is the best smart gadget for your wrist – There is no shortage of computerized wristwatches to choose from.

Your options will vary depending on if you use an iPhone or Android, as most of these watches require a companion phone.

Samsung smartwatches have incorporated tremendous improvements over the years. Instead of swiping through screen after screen, you now rotate the watch’s circular outer ring to choose apps or view notifications.

The main limitation: limited apps. The Gear S2 supports Android phones but doesn’t run Android apps. Talking about exercise, the watch mostly tracks footsteps and heart rate.

Android Wear has also become better over the years. One swipe and you have the recently used apps on top. Swipe again for contacts and again for common tasks. The main health app, Google Fit, doesn’t allow you to start or stop workouts manually, with or without GPS.

It depends on automatic detection. Several apps provide manual controls, but require built-in GPS or a phone, which can be a discomfort to carry on a run.

Apple Watch definitely stands out in fitness. Apple’s smartwatch doesn’t just calculate steps. Instead, it challenges you to exercise at least 30 minutes a day and to take 12 walk breaks throughout the day.

However, Apple Watch is devoid of advanced features found in sport-specific devices. Battery life isn’t as impressive as Samsung and many Android Wear devices.

Microsoft Band 2 and Fitbit Surge are among the few fitness trackers which have built-in GPS and heart-rate monitors. The Surge and the Band are limited smartwatches that can alert you of new texts or calls.

But the Band’s battery life doesn’t cut it for heavy exercise. Under normal use, the Surge lasts up to a week. Source: TechnoMeda