Choose a smart intelligence Today, dealing with a wide variety of devices and operating systems, with Android and iOS being the main competitors. Before making a purchasing decision, it is important to thoroughly analyze what the Advantages of Android smartwatches over Apple Watches and everything that each platform can provide according to your needs, preferences and usage expectations.
Variety and customization: Android's great strength
One of the most notable differences It's the huge range of models and brands that rely on Google's operating system for watches. While iOS only offers the Apple Watch in different generations and finishes, Android offers alternatives from manufacturers such as Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, Mobvoi, Fossil, Suunto, Garmin and many more, each with its own styles, features and price ranges tailored to different audiencesThis means you can choose from sporty, elegant, ultra-durable, and minimalist models, as well as options with classic designs for those who don't want to give up the traditional look of a watch.
La customization is another key aspect: Android devices usually allow a greater degree of customization in terms of watchfaces, straps, widgets, and apps, thanks to the creative freedom enjoyed by developers and manufacturers. Users can choose from thousands of different watch faces, as well as make changes to the interface that truly suit their everyday use. In this sense, the Apple Watch is more restrictive, limiting customization possibilities to its own ecosystem and the designs allowed by Apple.
Diversity of operating systems and compatibility
In addition to the popular Wear OS From Google, there are Android smartwatch models with proprietary operating systems, such as those from Huawei (HarmonyOS), Amazfit (Zepp OS) or Samsung (One UI Watch on Wear OS or Tizen in previous versions), which further expand the options for those looking for something specific in terms of features, autonomy or interface.
A relevant advantage is the wide compatibility Android watches. The vast majority can be paired with both Android and iOS phones, albeit with different functional limitations, allowing you to switch smartphones without having to replace your watch. In contrast, Apple Watches can only be used with Apple devices, which limits the user ecosystem.
Prices and accessibility for all budgets
La diversity of brands and models This makes Android smartwatches available across a wide price spectrum. It's easy to find affordable and functional options at very affordable prices, perfect for those new to the world of wearables or looking for a simple device to track physical activity, receive notifications, or control music. There are also high-end models with premium finishes, advanced sensors, and cutting-edge features that rival the most sophisticated Apple Watch.
El Apple Watch It stands out for its quality and integration with iOS, but its price remains high across all versions, making it a less accessible option for many users. Android, on the other hand, democratizes access to smartwatch technology, allowing any user profile to find the device that suits their needs and budget.
Advanced features, autonomy and user experience
Android smartwatches are characterized by offering advanced functions such as built-in GPS, NFC for payments, water resistance, health sensors (heart rate, blood oxygen, stress measurement, ECG on some models), music storage, call support, and a wide variety of downloadable apps from the Google Play Store. If you want to delve deeper into the advantages of the Android system in terms of compatibility and features, you can check out our Huawei Watch GT3 review.
One aspect where Android stands out is in the autonomyMany models offer longer battery life than the Apple Watch, lasting several days or even weeks depending on usage and active features. This difference is due to the optimization of certain proprietary operating systems, as some models allow you to activate low-power modes or basic watch faces, extending the device's lifespan between charges. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch typically requires a daily or two-day charge, depending on the model and usage.
La multitask and the ability to install third-party apps are also strong points for Android watches with Wear OS. They allow you to reply to messages, manage notifications, start workouts, or use navigation apps with virtually no limitations. Additionally, some models allow the use of eSIM for complete independence from your smartphone, allowing you to make calls, respond to messages, or stream music without having your phone nearby.
Feature Comparison: Android vs. iOS Smartwatches
It's important to note that some features may vary depending on whether the smartwatch is paired with an Android or iOS phone. For example, certain Google apps like Google Messages, Google Wallet, and Google Maps have limitations when paired with iPhones, while Android is fully compatible. This means that if you're an Android user, you'll enjoy a much more seamless and integrated experience with all of Google's own apps and services.
When it comes to notifications and replies, Wear OS and other Android operating systems offer the ability to reply to messages directly from the watch (even using a keyboard or quick replies), manage calls, and control a wide variety of apps installed on the phone. Apple Watch, meanwhile, offers deep integration with the iOS ecosystem, but this integration is exclusive to Apple devices and cannot be replicated on Android.
Managing notifications and applications
One of the pillars of the smartwatch experience is notification management and app interaction. Android smartwatches, especially those equipped with Wear OS, allow for quick and customizable actions about incoming notifications, allowing you to respond with voice, text, emojis, or pre-written responses. Plus, thanks to integration with the Google Assistant, you can perform searches, set reminders, check the weather, or manage smart home devices directly from your wrist.
La opening of the ecosystem Android facilitates compatibility with third-party apps of all kinds, from fitness and sports to productivity and home automation. The repertoire is especially broad and continues to grow thanks to independent developer communities.
Autonomy: battery life and saving modes
La autonomy It's a differentiating feature for many users. Android smartwatches often outperform the Apple Watch in this regard, as they can offer several days of continuous use and even weeks on devices with more closed, but optimized, operating systems. Some models, like the TicWatch Pro, feature power saving modes These devices disable smart functions and turn the watch into a simple digital watch, allowing the battery to last up to a month. Other devices, such as the Honor Watch or Amazfit and Huawei watches with proprietary systems, offer much longer battery life by sacrificing certain smart functions.
This factor is essential if you're looking for a smartwatch for continuous activity monitoring or if you spend a lot of time away from a charger. However, most Apple Watches, despite their updates, require frequent recharging, which can be inconvenient for some users who prioritize independence from a charger.
Freedom, updates and fragmentation
One of the recurring debates in the smartwatch universe is the fragmentation Android versus Apple's absolute control over its devices and updates. While Apple guarantees simultaneous updates and a consistent experience across all its watches, Android is partly manufacturer-specific: some watches receive the latest Wear OS versions quickly, while others may lag behind or incorporate updates through their own patches.
This fragmentation can be seen as a disadvantage, but it also allows manufacturers to incorporate their own features or tailor the experience to specific user segments. Thus, you can find Android watches that are completely different in terms of hardware, software, performance, and battery life, which broadens the consumer's choice.
Fashion, design and trends
Unlike the Apple Watch, which maintains a uniform aesthetic (albeit with different colors and materials), the Android ecosystem ranges from From modern and sporty smartwatches to classic models Designed for more elegant or professional use. Options include metal cases, ceramic finishes, universal interchangeable straps, round or square dials, and recognizable details from traditional haute horlogerie brands.
Users can choose the smartwatch that best suits their personality, lifestyle, or even a specific occasion, something that is much more limited in the case of the Apple Watch. Furthermore, some collaborations between conventional watch manufacturers and technology brands have resulted in luxury or sporty editions that combine technology and design.
Mobile independence and connectivity
The development of smartwatches with eSIM has allowed many Android models to offer complete independence from a mobile phone. These watches allow users to make and receive calls, send messages, download music, or use GPS without needing to be permanently connected to their smartphone. This functionality turns the smartwatch into an autonomous extension of the user, allowing them to go running, swimming, or work without carrying their phone. Apple Watch also offers models with eSIM, but this feature is limited by country and carrier, and always requires an iPhone for initial setup.
Watches with closed operating systems: maximum autonomy
They exist in the market smartwatches with more closed or lighter operating systems (not based on Wear OS or WatchOS), such as those from Huawei, Amazfit, Xiaomi, Honor or Realme, which sacrifice advanced functions and app installation in exchange for weeks of autonomy and an experience focused on monitoring physical activity and health. These watches often stand out for their low power consumption, ease of use, and attractive prices, positioning them as an alternative for those looking for something simple and efficient, without having to charge the device every one or two days.
Professional use, health and sports
There is no doubt that smartwatches, both Android and iOS, have become allies for the sport and healthAndroid models typically include advanced medical sensors, multisport modes, GPS, and specialized metrics for runners, cyclists, swimmers, and elite athletes. The Apple Watch, on the other hand, focuses on integration with Apple Health, medical certifications, and support for major health apps, giving it an excellent reputation in this field. However, Android's offerings range from rugged devices for extreme activities to basic options for the casual user.
Update on features and applications
The pace of feature updates for Android smartwatches is very dynamic. Google, together with its manufacturing partners, integrates constant improvements into the Wear OS operating system, as well as into the apps available for download from Google Play. Furthermore, Google's recent acquisition of Fitbit has driven even greater integration of health and fitness metrics into Android devices, thus increasing their appeal to wellness-conscious users.
Support and developer community
the community of Android developers and users is particularly active. This means that, while there are limitations to the aforementioned fragmentation, the availability of new watch faces, specific apps, widgets, and hacks is unmatched. Wear OS and other systems allow you to experiment and expand the watch's capabilities far beyond what's intended out of the box, something tech enthusiasts will appreciate.
