SMARTWATCHES + ACTIVITY TRACKERS

A GPS watch is designed for athletes needing precise tracking of distance, pace, elevation, and heart rate, making it ideal for running and endurance sports. Fitness trackers focus on basic activity and health metrics with longer battery life. Smartwatches combine fitness tracking with smartphone features like notifications, calls, and apps, but may have shorter battery life and less specialised tracking. 

Key features include built-in GPS for accurate route mapping, long battery life (often up to 40 hours in GPS mode), water resistance, and advanced performance metrics like VO2 max, cadence, and recovery analysis. Durability and shockproof design are also important for challenging environments. 

GPS watches provide high-precision tracking of routes, pace, and elevation, outperforming most fitness trackers and smartphones, especially in remote or challenging terrain. Fitness trackers may rely on a connected smartphone for GPS and are generally less accurate for distance and pace measurements during running or hiking. 

Yes, both device types can monitor heart rate and sleep patterns. GPS watches often offer advanced heart rate analytics and detailed performance zones, while fitness trackers provide basic heart rate and sleep tracking for daily wellness monitoring. 

GPS watches typically last up to 40 hours in GPS mode, but daily use may require more frequent charging due to power-intensive features. Fitness trackers usually offer longer battery life, ranging from 5 to 14 days, as they use less power and have fewer advanced features. 

Most GPS watches and fitness trackers are water-resistant, suitable for running in the rain, swimming, or showering. Always check the specific water resistance rating to ensure it meets your activity needs.