The best alternatives to the Apple Watch. Copy or original, what to choose: the best copies of Apple watch Pros and cons of Apple Watch replicas

Apple Watch 3 was presented simultaneously with Apple TV 4K and new iPhones. Externally, the watch is barely different from the previous ones, but inside there are enough changes. Or is it still not? Let's figure it out.

Price: from 27,500 rubles
Compatibility: iPhone 5S+, iOS 11+ for version without LTE; iPhone 6+, iOS 11+ for LTE version

Neither the dimensions of the watch nor the display characteristics have changed when comparing the second and third versions of the Apple Watch. In principle, there is nothing wrong with this - their design is original and quite successful, there are no problems with existing models, so there is no big reason to change anything. The display diagonal is 1.34 inches for the 38 mm version and 1.54 inches for the “male” 42 mm version. The resolution has not changed either - 272x340 and 312x390 pixels, respectively.

The only external difference Apple versions Watch Series 3 with an LTE module - that part of its crown will be red (“When society has no color differentiation of the crowns of pants, then there is no purpose!” (c) film “Kin-dza-dza!” ). Both generations of watches are capable of not drowning at a depth of up to 50 meters and are suitable for swimming.

But if you want to upgrade your old Apple Watch Series 2 just because the old one is boring in appearance, then you're better off just looking for a different strap.

Apple Watch Series 3

All the most important changes in the Apple Watch are on the inside. For example, the emergence of support for electronic SIM cards - Apple e-SIM. In fact, the card is not inserted into the gadget’s body, but is written into an already soldered chip. But this is by no means a plus for the Russian consumer - such SIM cards are not supported by our cellular providers.

But in countries where e-SIM has already been implemented, this means that you will not need a separate SIM card for your watch - Apple Watch Series 3 will duplicate your SIM and receive the signal as soon as the watch is out of sight of the smartphone. Interestingly, providers like AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon will charge about $10 per month for this. But it’s not clear why - just for the possibility of redirection?

So in the US, buying the LTE version of the Apple Watch Series 3 will not only cost you $70 more one-time, but also $120 more annually. As for the third Watch without an LTE module, they, like the Apple Watch Series 2, can communicate with outside world via a smartphone, if it is nearby, or via a Wi-Fi network.

Apple Watch Series 3

What will the Russian consumer get? The regular version without an LTE module also has its advantages over the previous series. Eg, new processor S3. True, all that is known about it so far is that it is supposedly 70% faster than the previous one - S2. The chip responsible for wireless communication via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth has also been updated - now it will be more productive with less energy consumption.

Apple promises that the new watch will last up to 18 hours on a single charge. As for memory, the RAM remains the same as it was - 512 MB, but the permanent memory has doubled - 16 GB instead of the previous 8 GB, but only for the version with LTE. In addition, the new watch has a built-in bluetooth module 5.0 - this can be found in the Samsung Galaxy S8 or in upcoming ones new iPhones. Its “economical” component is faster than Bluetooth 4.2 and “hits” four times further.

Apple Watch Series 3

This time, Apple has built a barometric altimeter into its new smartwatch, a sensor that measures changes in altitude. With it, you can monitor your achievements in more detail, for example, when running on hilly terrain, skiing in the mountains, and so on. As for prices, the cheapest version of Watch Series 3 will cost 27,500 rubles.

That's basically it. Some more new features will appear with the release of watchOS 4, but they will also be available for previous series, so we won’t dwell on this, but will move on to competitors.

Samsung Gear S3

Price: 22,000 rubles for the version with LTE
Compatibility: Android 4.4+ with 1.5 RAM, iOS 9+, iPhone 5+

Direct competitor new Apple Watch Series 3 was announced last September, and has been on sale in Russia since December. This is a Samsung Gear 3 stuffed with everything possible. It is round and generally imitates a regular watch much better than the square Applewatch.

Among the advantages are convenient control using not only touch screen, but also the bezel - a round frame that rotates in any direction. The Gear S3 has almost everything: GPS, altimeter, NFC, heart rate monitor, water protection and even its own operating system - Tizen. True, there are still not as many applications for the latter as there are for Android Wear or watchOS, which blurs the pleasure of use. In addition, they have less permanent memory - 4 GB versus 8 GB for the Apple Watch 3. An LTE module - also for e-SIM - is available in some versions, but they are not sold in Russia.

LG Watch Style

Price: 15,000 rubles
Compatibility: Android 4.3+, iOS 9+

If you are put off by the prices of the Apple Watch Series 3 and Samsung Gear 3, then you can always just take the LG Watch Style - they will cost “only” 15 thousand rubles. Among the advantages: they are very compact and elegant, they weigh a third less than the Samsung Gear 3, they look good even on a woman’s hand, they work on operating system Android Wear 2.0, and are also protected from dust and moisture.

True, they not only cost less, but also do much less than the already mentioned models. For example, the LG Watch Style does not have a GPS module, heart rate monitor, or even NFC. So if you like to run around, stopping at shops to pay for hours (a common activity modern man), then this model is unlikely to suit you. But if you want to quickly view notifications, switch tracks on your smartphone by hand, or simply change your grandfather clock to something more or less modern, then LG Watch Style is a good option.

Apple Watch Series 2

Apple Watch Series 2

Price: 23,000 rubles
Compatibility: iPhone 5+, iOS 10+

The Apple Watch Series 2 hasn't gone old school yet - this watch is only a year old. And, if you already have them, then switching to new ones is a very dubious idea. We most likely won’t see an Apple Watch Series 3 with an LTE module one way or another, but without it the difference is not that big. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are slower than the new model, there is no height sensor, and the processor is weaker. True, we will only find out whether a more powerful one is needed with the release of watchOS 4.

But the Apple Watch Series 2 has GPS, a heart rate monitor, and is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters. You can also pay with them using Apple Pay.

In August of this year, Apple began selling Apple Watch in Russia. According to expert estimates, in the 2015 financial year, which ended for the company at the end of September 2015, the manufacturer sold 7.6 million Apple Watch units, which is more than any other smart watch manufacturer.

Apple Watch allows you to read SMS, notifications and messages from social networks, check email, answer calls, listen to music on wireless communication, install applications, give commands to the Siri voice assistant, track progress in sports, measure your pulse, and also find out the weather forecast, stock and currency rates.

The first owners of the Apple Watch were users who already had an iPhone. However, there is a layer of people who would not mind wearing a smart watch, but the need to buy an “Apple” model seems inappropriate to them, for various reasons. The authors of the Gadgetarium project proposed a selection of five “smart” devices that could become an alternative to Apple products. The models below run on Android Wear and are fully compatible with iPhone.

Moto 360 second generation

According to analyst reports, the original Moto 360 manufactured by Motorola has become the most popular model on the Android Wear platform. The round watch obviously attracted buyers with its steel case and unusual round screen.

The second generation of Moto 360 was presented at IFA 2015. While maintaining the round shape of the dial, the watch became more massive in detail, received an updated case and has several versions. Like the Apple Watch, the second generation Moto 360 comes in two sizes – 42mm or 46mm for men and 42mm for women. The strap can be leather or metal in various colors. This set of features really does feel like the variety offered to Apple Watch buyers.

LG Watch Urban

LG Watch Urbane went on sale in April this year. They are equipped with a 1.3-inch round P-PLED display with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with a frequency of 1.2 GHz, 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of internal memory, and a 410 mAh battery. They are able to monitor users' physical activity, calorie consumption and heart rate. The watch case is protected from dust and moisture in accordance with the IP67 standard.

LG managed to reduce the rim around the display, making the watch more compact (45.5 x 52.2 mm versus 46.4 x 53.6 mm), and the all-metal case and replaceable leather strap make the Watch Urbane a truly stylish watch. The watch comes with a leather strap, which can be replaced with any other with a 22 mm fastening width. The watch in a stainless steel metal case is presented in Russia in silver and rose gold colors at prices of 19,990 and 24,990 rubles, respectively. IN Google Play The model costs $349.

Sony Smartwatch 3

The third generation of Sony watches was presented last fall. The new product has a 1.6-inch LCD display with a resolution of 320x320 pixels, a quad-core processor with a frequency of 1.2 gigahertz, 512 megabytes of RAM, NFC support and 4 gigabytes of built-in storage. Bluetooth 4.0 is responsible for pairing with a smartphone. This entire system is powered by a 420 mAh battery. The watch is waterproof.

Unlike previous Sony models, smart watches run on Android Wear - special version Google OS, which is adapted for wearable electronics. Users will be able to download music to the smart watch and, by connecting Bluetooth headphones to it, listen to it without using a smartphone. The package includes the device itself, a replaceable silicone strap with adjustable length and a microUSB cable.

In Russia, sales of SmartWatch 3 began at the end of last year. The recommended retail price for the new product, which was “developed in close cooperation with Google,” is almost 11,000 rubles.

Samsung Gear S2

Unveiled at IFA 2015, the Gear S2 is the Apple Watch's strongest competitor. It is this model that should compete in the market against Apple’s smart watches, which occupy a leading position among wearable devices.

Samsung Gear S2 equipped full set biometric sensors, including a heart rate sensor. They allow you to track a person’s physical activity, as well as their rest regime. The collected information is used by the fitness application, which displays the results achieved and also generates recommendations regarding the user’s further physical development. The device is equipped with a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen and works in offline mode from 48 to 72 hours.

The device is available in two versions - Gear S2 and Gear S2 classic. The black S2 classic with leather strap is for those who prefer timeless style, and the S2 is for those who love minimalist modern design. Gear S2 will go on sale at a price of 20,990 rubles for the main version and 24,990 rubles for the classic version.

LG G Watch

The boxy LG G Watch is powered by a 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, which comes with a 1.65-inch display, 512MB random access memory, 4 GB flash drive, Bluetooth 4.0, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, 400 mAh battery. The device is housed in a case 10 mm thick and weighing 63 g.

In March, LG announced a price cut for its own smartwatch, the G Watch. If earlier models were traded at prices of 200 and 300 euros, respectively, now you can get them by paying 100 and 200 euros. The price fell ahead of the launch of the Apple Watch.

Fake goods from China will always attract crowds of fans. This applies to any market segment. The niche of smart technologies, of course, has not gone unnoticed. The original Apple product is expensive, but the replica pleasantly warms the soul with a significant difference in price. Which copy of “Apple watch” is the best and whether it’s worth taking, we’ll figure it out further.

What can original watches do?

Some features of the original Apple watch:

  1. Three dial design options;
  2. Full synchronization for iOS;
  3. Pedometer;
  4. Heart rate monitor;
  5. Motion Sensor;
  6. Light sensor;
  7. Player;
  8. Standard applications (calendar, voice recorder, and others);
  9. Camera;
  10. Protection from water and dust;
  11. The battery capacity is 380 MA.


Materials

When purchasing Apple equipment, a buyer pays not only for the logo, but also for the quality of materials and workmanship. Apple analogues are often made of low-quality plastic, like the screen itself. The original version uses a metal case and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. In the copy, the Chinese craftsmen will, perhaps, glue a film onto the screen as compensation. To take or not to take Chinese apple watch each buyer decides independently. Let's present several models.


Main differences from the original

There are several signs that immediately indicate cheap copy. The display is too small. The frames on the sides are huge. In addition, there is a charging slot on the side of the device. Some copies have a wheel that does not function at all; it is simply impossible to turn it.

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Smart watch Makibes M3 - 4G, Android 7, IP67, 8MP camera


Model G8

Chinese apple watch from the original device only got appearance. More than half of the functions refuse to work or do not work correctly. The model is crude, with a lot of flaws. One of the main functions smart watch– call also doesn’t work. Incoming calls are not recognized by the device. For outgoing calls, on the contrary, forwarding is performed. The icons located in the menu refuse to interact with the user, or do not recognize the SIM card, or a message appears about insufficient memory. Searching the address book is only possible through brute force; the calendar does not respond to touches.


Iwo 2

Relatively not bad Chinese copy. In the kit you can find Charger and instructions in passable Russian. Traditionally, a film is glued to the display. This model even contains sapphire crystal, like the original, but the screen size is smaller.

Possibilities

  • Answering incoming calls
  • Outgoing calls
  • Set of SMS messages
  • Sync with phone book smartphone
  • Pedometer;
  • Remote camera control.


Among the genuine advantages we can list:

  1. Steel body and scratch resistance;
  2. Stable synchronization, fast recovery after a connection is lost;
  3. High ergonomics.

Advantages of any copy

  1. Turns on;
  2. Makes sounds high level volume;
  3. There is SIM card support and you can make calls from your wrist;
  4. I don't mind losing or ruining it.

Flaws

What do you have Chinese manufacturers comes out poorly compared to the European original:

  1. Dimensions. The fake is usually heavy;
  2. Low quality materials;
  3. No protection from water;
  4. The assembly was done carelessly;
  5. Some models turn off after several hours of use;
  6. Malfunctions;
  7. The operating system freezes;
  8. Most functions don't work;
  9. Even the most exact copy is easy to recognize the first time;
  10. The quality of the belts leaves much to be desired;
  11. The display does not respond to user actions.
  12. Low service life.

The first Apple Watch was released in 2015, and from April to September the company managed to sell about 8 million units, which is significantly more than all of its competitors. Apple watches are not the first in their class, however, they have become a driving force in the market, encouraging everyone to develop their projects with great effort.

The branded smart watch Apple Watch is a companion device for the iPhone, it allows you to read and send SMS, view notifications, messages and mail, monitor your health, play games and much more. The cost of branded “Apple” watches ranges from 350 to 1100 dollars (not counting luxury versions made of precious metals). However, the watch also has a number of disadvantages - time battery life, price, inability to work in conjunction with Android gadgets. As we said above, the Apple Watch did not appear on the market before everyone else; before them, there were already smart watches from Samsung, Motorola, LG and Pebble. Below we look at all the most notable alternatives to the Apple Watch.

Second generation Moto 360 smartwatch

Motorola has released the second generation of its smart watches - Moto 360, the first, according to the manufacturer, have become the most popular on the Android Wear platform, they are distinguished by a round display in a metal case.

Moto 360 can be purchased in two sizes - 42 or 46 mm for men and 42 mm for women, the screen resolution for the first is 360x330 pixels (233ppi), for the second - 360x325 pixels (263ppi). The battery capacity of the model with a smaller display is 300 mAh, for the larger one – 400 mAh. Processor - Snapdragon 400s clock frequency 1.2 GHz, memory – 4 GB and 512 MB RAM.

The Moto 360 is available with a leather or steel strap in a variety of colors. The watch is compatible with iPhone and has special application V App Store. A sports version of the gadget was also announced - Moto 360 Sport. The cost in the US ranges from $300 to $450.

Smart watch LG Watch Urban

LG Watch Urban went on sale simultaneously with the Apple Watch, equipped with a 1.3-inch round display with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels. They work on the same base as the Moto 360 - a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with a frequency of 1.2 GHz, 4 GB memory and 512 MB RAM. Built-in battery with a capacity of 410 mAh.

Smart watches can do everything that others can: monitor messages, mail, help with sports, etc. The case size is 45.5 x 52.2 mm, it is all metal, has a protection rating of IP67, with protection against moisture and dust. There are two standard types of straps: leather and steel, but you can install your own with a fastening width of 22 mm. The cost of LG Watch Urban in Russia is 19,990 and 24,990 rubles, on Google Play – $349.

Smart watches LG G Watch

LG G Watch is another version of the watch from the Korean company, inside it is not much different from the LG Watch Urban: still the same Snapdragon processor 400, with identical memory capacities. Built-in accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, Bluetooth 4.0 module, as in other analogues on the market. Battery capacity – 400 mAh.

This gadget is one of the very first to appear on the market. LG G Watch can be bought at a price of 100 to 200 euros, enclosed in a plastic case 10 mm thick and weighing 63 g.

Smart watch Samsung Gear S2

The second generation of Samsung Gear S2 watches is one of the most thoughtful and serious competitors to the Apple Watch. They were presented at the IFA 2015 exhibition.

The device is equipped with all kinds of sensors, including a heart rate monitor, which allows you to collect complete information while relaxing and playing sports. Samsung Gear S2 has a circular display, with a screen size of 1.2 inches, with a resolution of 360 x 360 (302 ppi). The Korean company said that the built-in battery in the watch will last from 48 to 72 hours of use. They work on the proprietary Tizen platform.

Samsung Gear S2 will be available in a sports version and a classic version: Gear S2 and Gear S2 classic, in plastic and steel cases, respectively. You can buy them in Russia at prices of 20,990 and 24,990 rubles for different versions.

Smart watch Sony SmartWatch 3

Also not the first generation of smart watches from the Japanese company, Sony Smart Watch 3 is equipped with a large 1.6-inch display with a resolution of 320x320 pixels. The standard processor for wearable accessories of this type is responsible for the performance - Snapdragon 400 with a clock frequency of 1.2 GHz, memory - 4 GB and 512 MB of RAM. There are NFC and Bluetooth modules. 420 mAh battery. With a high degree of security, Sony SmartWatch 3 is waterproof.

In the third generation of watches, Sony decided to use a more common platform - Android Wear, which should increase their popularity. Sony SmartWatch 3 can be used as a player with a Bluetooth headset. Traditionally, two options for straps and cases are available – plastic and metal; the cost of the watch in Russia will be 11,000 and 15,490 rubles, respectively.

Smart watches Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel

Pebble Time is another serious opponent of the Apple Watch; the first generation of Pebble smart watches was the most popular before the release of the Apple gadget. They were distinguished by their operating time, which to this day no one can surpass. In the second generation of Pebble Time, the device is equipped with an E-Paper color screen, which distinguishes low power consumption, the developers claim 7 days of operation. However, such a screen has its drawbacks - the lack touchpad and low resolution.

Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel run on their own Pebble OS platform, but are fully synchronized with Android smartphones, the owners of which will be able to make voice replies to SMS, mail and instant messengers. For iPhone owners, it is increasingly more difficult; Apple artificially limits the capabilities of its competitor. Another feature of the watch is a port for connecting additional sensors that can be produced by third-party companies.

Both Pebble Time variants are sealed and can withstand deep dives; the steel version uses Gorilla Glass to protect the screen. Pebble Time price in plastic case will be – $199 dollars, Pebble Time Steel – $250.

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As we know, the functionality of the Apple Watch is extremely rich. This includes reading notifications with messages, the ability to make calls, listen to music, view health status and find out various information of interest to the user.

However, not all users can purchase this device. The reasons are different, ranging from a simple lack of funds to a reluctance to support Apple Corporation. These people can purchase other devices that have similar functionality.

Moto 360

We are not talking about the first generation of smartwatches, which were once the most popular model on Android Wear, but about the second, which were presented at IFA 2015. The second generation of smartwatches from Motorola, although they have retained original design, but became a little heavier and received different versions.

The device was released for both men (display diameter 42 and 46 mm) and for women – 42 mm. The strap material is leather or metal, and in various colors. As for the functionality of the device, they are almost identical to the Apple Watch.

LG Watch Urban

The wearable device from LG went on sale in April, and has already gained many fans. Watch Urban received a round P-PLED display with a 1.3” diagonal. Hidden inside is the Snapdragon 400 chipset, 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of ROM. Battery capacity – 410 mAh. The smart device monitors not only a person’s physical activity, but also allows you to calculate calorie consumption and the number of contractions of the heart muscle. All this functionality is protected from moisture by IP 67 standard.

The company's engineers managed to make this device one of the most compact on the market. This was achieved by reducing the frame around the display, which makes the device more impressive. Domestic user can purchase this device at a price starting from 20 thousand rubles for the silver version, and 25 thousand rubles for the modification from “ rose gold».

Sony Smart Watch 3

The Japanese company presented its version of smartwatches last fall. The gadget has a one and a half inch display, a quad-core chipset, 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB of ROM and is gaining popularity NFC module. The watch is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0, powered by a 420 mAh battery. Note that, like the Motorola device, the Japanese version also has protection against external influence.

The watch is delivered to the buyer with an adjustable strap and a cable with a microUSB connector. In Russia, this model can be purchased at a price of 11 thousand rubles.

Samsung Gear S2

Perhaps the main competitor of the Apple Watch on the market. The watch was presented relatively recently - at IFA 2015, but during this time it acquired many fans. Like their main competitor, they have an abundance of biometric sensors that allow you to monitor physical activity and display them on your smartphone screen.

The device has a 1.2” AMOLED screen and a battery that can extend the watch’s operation in active mode for up to four days. In Russia, this gadget can be purchased for 21 thousand rubles and 25 thousand rubles, depending on the modification.

LG G Watch

Another competitor to the Apple Watch and again made by LG is the G Watch model. main feature The wearable device in question has a square display with a diagonal of 1.65”. It is also worth noting the presence of the Snapdragon 400 chipset, 512 MB of RAM, and 4 GB of flash memory. The user will have all the necessary transmission modules and sensors, including a gyroscope with an electronic compass.

If we talk about price, now, after the spring price collapse, the G Watch can be purchased for 200 euros. Previously, the price tag was 300 euros.