Stiftung Warentest: Smartwatch from Apple against Samsung & Pebble
Stiftung Warentest tested 8 smartwatches in 2015, including the Apple Watch, Pebble and Samsung Gear. The cheapest smartwatch is already available for around 100 euros - but can it keep up with Apple's premium watch? We summarize the results of the test and show which smartwatch is really worth it.
Product test: Double victory for Apple Watch
Apple clears twice in the Stiftung Warentest smartwatch check: Mails, WhatsApp messages, tweets can be displayed and you can even reply to SMS. To do this, navigate the Apple Watch and display appointments. Nevertheless, the test grade is quite modest:
- With the Apple Watch, Apple tops the Smartwatch ranking from Stiftung Warentest: The high-contrast, high-resolution display and very precise fitness data distinguish the Apple Watch from the competition. In addition, the experts emphasized that the smartwatch is also suitable for making calls thanks to the integrated microphone and speaker.
- Nevertheless, the experts only awarded the grade 2.6 ("satisfactory"). The reason: the small battery lasts less than 24 hours. The display is switched off until you turn the watch towards you, but the battery lasts a maximum of 19 hours. In addition, emails cannot be answered, so the criticism. Price: approx. 700 euros
- In second place is the almost identical Apple Watch Sport: only the display is slightly more susceptible to scratching, the housing is more robust. The built-in technology is almost the same and that for only about 450 euros.
3rd and 4th place: LG smartwatch with fewer functions
- LG G Watch R (grade 3.0): You cannot make phone calls with the third place winner, but you can reply to emails. The battery life is also slightly longer than that of the Apple Watch - but there are no other significant differences. The advantage: You can also use the watch with an Android smartphone. Price: about 250 euros.
- LG Watch Urban (grade 3.0): The range of functions is similar to that of the LG G Watch R, but here you get a high-quality look and accurate fitness data. Navigates with Google Maps. However, the battery is empty a little faster. Price: about 250 euros.
Pebble Time & Pebble Steel deliver a long-lasting battery
- The pebble time lasts just under four days before it has to be plugged in again. Nevertheless, it is only enough for the grade 3.5 in the test: without a touchscreen, a poor display and no heart rate monitor - the range of functions is very limited. It is limited to reading and writing emails, WhatsApp messages and tweets. Price: about 250 euros.
- The Pebble Steel scores a little worse at 3.6: the battery lasted a week, but the range of functions is extremely low, as with the Pebble Time. The display is only in black and white and must be operated using buttons. Price: approx. 175 euros.
- All details can be found at test.de.
Cheap smartwatch alternatives: CHIP leaderboard helps
- The Apple Watch is also at the top of the CHIP leaderboard. It currently tops every other smartwatch on the market.
- But if you don't have an iPhone, you should grab second place in the leaderboard: The Sony Smartwatch 3 does not have a heart rate monitor, but is a solid smartwatch with a good display and a reasonable battery life. Only phone calls are not possible here. Price: approx. 150 euros.
- Samsung Galaxy S owners benefit from the Samsung Gear S: top display, phone calls, reading and writing e-mails, reading WhatsApp messages and tweets - no problem. The catch: The smartwatch has to be recharged after just 10 hours. With a trick, it can also be connected to an iPhone. Price: approx. 150 euros.
On the next page we will show you how to choose the right smartwatch.