The Big 3: Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit Sense

Apple Watch: The King of Ecosystems

If you’re already an iPhone user, the Apple Watch Series 9 (or Ultra 2) is a no-brainer. It’s not just a watch—it’s an extension of your phone, seamlessly integrating with iMessage, Apple Pay, and Siri.

Key Features:

• Health & Fitness: Tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, sleep patterns, and now even temperature changes (great for wellness tracking).

• Productivity: Respond to texts, take calls, control your smart home—all from your wrist.

• Ecosystem Lock-In: Works best if you’re all-in on Apple products.

What’s New?

• Double Tap Gesture: Control the watch with just a tap of your fingers (great for

when your hands are full).

• Brighter Display: Easier to read in direct sunlight.

Downsides?

• Battery life is a letdown (about 18-36 hours at best).

• It’s expensive—the latest models start at $399+ and go much higher.

Samsung Galaxy Watch: The Android Powerhouse

For Samsung (and most Android) users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the top contender. Powered by Wear OS, it bridges the gap between a fitness tracker and a full smartwatch.

Key Features:

• Health Tracking: ECG, blood pressure monitoring (Samsung-exclusive), body

composition analysis.

• Customization: More watch faces, straps, and design options than Apple.

• Battery Life: Outlasts Apple, with up to 40+ hours of usage.

What’s New?

• Temperature Sensor: A step closer to Apple’s wellness tracking.

• Improved Sleep Coaching: Uses AI to give personalized sleep tips.

Downsides?

• Works best only with Samsung devices.

• App selection isn’t as robust as Apple’s.

Fitbit Sense: The Wellness-First Option

If you’re looking for a watch that prioritizes health and fitness over smart features, the Fitbit Sense 2 is a solid pick. It’s not as flashy as the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch, but it shines in areas that matter most to health-conscious users.

Key Features:

• Health & Stress Management: EDA sensor detects stress levels, SpO2 monitors oxygen, and it even has an ECG app.

• Battery Life: A whopping 6+ days on a single charge.

• Price: More affordable than Apple/Samsung (typically under $299).

What’s New?

• More focus on mindfulness & mental health, including guided breathing

exercises.

• Google Wallet and Google Maps now built-in.

Downsides?

• Limited “smart” capabilities— no real app store like Apple/Samsung.

• Notifications are read-only, meaning you can’t reply directly from the watch.

Trends in Smartwatches vs. Traditional Watches

Watches have evolved from simple timepieces to full-blown health monitors and productivity tools. But does this mean traditional watches are dying out? Not quite.

1. The Rise of Hybrid Watches

Many traditional watchmakers, like Tag Heuer, Fossil, and Garmin, are now creating “hybrid” smartwatches. These look like classic watches but pack smart features like step tracking, notifications, and heart rate monitoring.

2. Health is King

The biggest shift in smartwatches is how they’re becoming mini health clinics. ECG readings, blood pressure monitoring, stress tracking, and even early signs of heart disease detection are pushing smartwatches beyond just fitness tracking.

3. The Luxury Watch Industry is Fighting Back

Luxury brands like Rolex, Omega, and Patek Philippe aren’t worried about smartwatches. Their focus is on craftsmanship, legacy, and the emotional connection people have with a finely crafted watch. Smartwatches might

dominate daily wear, but for formal events and status symbols, traditional watches still reign supreme.

Apple Watch versus Samsung Galaxy Watch vs Fitbit Sense

If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch is unbeatable.

If you’re an Android user who wants the most features, go for the Samsung Galaxy Watch. If your priority is health and wellness, the Fitbit Sense is

the best value.

The beauty of a traditional watch is its timelessness.A Rolex or a Seiko can be passed down for generations, a symbol of craftsmanship and legacy. An Apple Watch? Well, it’ll likely be outdated in five years, replaced by the next sleek innovation. But smartwatches aren’t trying to replace traditional timepieces—they serve a different purpose. They make life more convenient,track our health, and keep us connected in ways a classic watch never could.

The Apple Watch outsells the entire Swiss watch industry, yet Rolex remains

the king of luxury sales. The first smartwatch, the 1972 Pulsar P1, cost more than a Rolex at the time, and Paul Newman’s Rolex Daytona still holds the record as the most expensive watch ever sold at $17.8 million. Timepieces, whether classic or digital, each have their place in history and on our wrists.

Would my grandfather approve of my Apple Watch? Probably not. But when I tell him it tracks my steps, reminds me to call him, and even warns me if my heart rate is too high—he might just change his mind. Or at the very least, ask me to set a reminder for his next doctor’s appointment.