Smartwatch with fall detection - new trend in wearables?

At this year's product presentations, like the last one at IFA 2020, the leading manufacturers of wearables Huawei, Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung and Apple presented their new models. If you want to get an overview of the current market, there is no way around these manufacturers. The popularity of smartwatches is benefiting from a new, healthier lifestyle among potential buyers and a still-growing fitness trend. The feature set of a smartwatch combines elements of a modern lifestyle with useful fitness functions to create a wearable accessory.

The current models from leading smartphone manufacturers Samsung and Apple are additionally upgraded with a further and useful function: the Fall detection. In this review, we will introduce the respective top model as well as its features and highlight similarities and also differences. But first, we will take a look at the fall detection, which is a novelty among wearables.

What is fall detection?

If the wearer of a supportive smartwatch should fall, the fall detection triggers an acoustic and visual alarm for 60 seconds. If the wearer survives this fall unharmed, the alarm can be canceled within the 60-second period by simply pressing a button on the right side of the case. However, if there is a loss of consciousness during the fall, for example, and the alarm is not canceled by the wearer within this time, a previously stored emergency contact will be notified of the fall. The accelerometer detects a potential fall and can transmit geo-location data (GPS) via notification to a previously stored emergency contact to ensure rapid emergency response in the event of an emergency. In this respect, fall detection can be a decisive criterion for many prospective buyers when choosing a smartwatch. In our overview, we highlight the current top models from the two manufacturers Samsung and Apple. The difference lies in the details, but it is essential for potential buyers.

Samsung Galaxy Watch3

Samsung′s Galaxy Watch3 is offered in 41 mm and 45 mm versions as well as in the color variants Mystic Black, Mystic Silver and Mystic Bronze. The classic exterior, which is modeled after an analog watch, is framed by a rotating bezel, which can be used to specifically control essential app functions. The case of this smartwatch is made of metal. On the side, this smartwatch has two additional buttons. The large Amoled display promises high color reproduction and good readability even in bright ambient light. A striking feature of the Galaxy Watch3 is the long battery life of up to 4 days. This smartwatch is based on Google′s Android ecosystem and can be sensibly integrated into other Android end devices. Thus, the usual information from the appointment calendar, address book or the Samsung Pay payment function can be shared on these devices. Furthermore, the sleep function (REM sleep phase, deep sleep phase and sleep duration) are compiled in a sleep log to analyze the sleep quality. Moreover, with over 120 workouts, a wide variety of fitness exercises and workouts are available. Pressing the back button for up to 30 seconds triggers monitoring of heart function by means of an electrocardiogram (ECG), and infrared rays are used to measure oxygen saturation in the blood (SpO2 value) by means of red LEDs in the base of the housing. A strap made of genuine leather completes the stylish design of this smartwatch, but it can be easily exchanged for other straps depending on your preference to give enough room for individual expression.



The Galaxy Watch3 could also convince in tests in trade magazines:

• Grade very good (1.3) single test by Chip September 2020 (model Galaxy Watch3 45 mm).
• Grade good (2.2) in the single test by Computer Bild from August 24, 2020
• Grade very good in the 11/2020 issue of connect (Galaxy Watch3 45 mm model)

[url="https://amzn.to/36YcbWE",name="Amazon-Link 41 mm model",title="Amazon-Link 41 mm model at Amazon"]
[url="https://amzn.to/3kXVzmH",name="Amazon-Link 45 mm model",title="Amazon-Link 45 mm model at Amazon"]

Apple Watch 6

The Apple Watch 6 is offered in 40 mm and 44 mm versions and in the colors space gray, blue, rose gold and silver. The wristbands offered by Apple are based on the buyers′ individual tastes in their different designs. There is also a plastic band called Solo Loop made of recycled materials, optionally also as a braided version. With the ProductRed, Apple also offers a special model in red, which financially supports an aid organization for fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria through its higher purchase price. The case is made of aluminum, which makes it lighter than the Galaxy Watch3 and also waterproof up to 50 meters. A new type of sensor at the bottom of the case measures the blood oxygen content (SpO2 value), monitors heart function by means of an electrocardiogram (ECG) and can also analyze the wearer′s sleep function. Unlike Samsung, the Apple smartwatch has a very legible OLED Retina display. The battery life, on the other hand, is only specified with up to 18 hours. As with all Android devices, the products in the Apple cosmos are also compatible with each other, so information from calendars, address books or the Apple Pay payment function can be used on the various compatible devices like smartphone, tablet & co.


Since Apple introduced fall detection in its smartwatch early on, price-oriented buyers in particular can take a look at the predecessor model [url="https://amzn.to/3l0POoD",name="Apple Watch 5",title=""]. Compared to the current model, a good 100 euros can thus be saved without having to do without the fall detection.

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[url="https://amzn.to/33apGRO",name="Amazon Link 44 mm model",title="Amazon Link 44 mm model"]

Conclusion

A smartwatch with fall detection combines a healthy and safe lifestyle with the smart functions of computers, tablets, and other devices like no other product of our time. Samsung and Apple offer market-leading watches with reliable fall detection.

In addition, both models presented can be purchased with an integrated LTE module. This enables a connection to mobile services far away from a smartphone that has to be carried along and thus increases the range of use of the smartwatch. With the Allways-on function, both models have a digital dial modeled after the analog watch.

The difference is more significant when it comes to compatibility with other devices purchased in the household, such as the tablet or smartphone. The Android universe at Samsung connects the respective smartwatch to a simple user experience similar to Apple. However, mixing both worlds is not easily possible and difficult to implement. Therefore, buyers of a smartwatch will essentially orient themselves on the criterion of product compatibility with the owner′s previous equipment between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 with Android or the Apple Watch in addition to the new fall detection.

This does not detract from the range of functions with integrated fitness and health applications as well as the individual design options.