Apple Watch vs các đồng hồ RTOS (Huawei, Xiaomi, Amazfit...)

Key Concepts

• Apple Watch vs. RTOS Smartwatches: Comparison of features, pros, and cons.
• RTOS (Real-Time Operating System): Operating system used in many non-Apple smartwatches.
• Wide Angle OLED: Display technology in Apple Watch for better viewing angles and brightness.
• Build Quality: The physical construction and materials of a device.
• Watch Face Design: Aesthetic appeal and customization of the watch display.
• App Ecosystem: Availability and variety of third-party applications.
• Voice Reply to Messages: Functionality for responding to messages using voice.
• Navigation Display: How the watch provides turn-by-turn directions.
• Sports Tracking Accuracy: Precision of fitness and health data collection.
• Battery Life: Duration a smartwatch can operate on a single charge.
• Price Point: Cost of smartwatches relative to their features.
• NFC Tag Functionality: Ability to add and use NFC tags (e.g., for elevators).
• Call Answering from Chat Apps: Ability to answer calls from messaging applications directly on the watch.
• Platform Compatibility: Whether a smartwatch works with iPhone or Android.

Apple Watch vs. RTOS Smartwatches: A Detailed Comparison

This video aims to provide iPhone users with a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of Apple Watch compared to RTOS smartwatches (e.g., Huawei, Xiaomi, Garmin) to aid in making an informed purchasing decision. The content is sponsored by ShopDunk, an authorized Apple reseller, with a focus on new Apple Watch models.

Advantages of Apple Watch

1. Display Quality:

• Apple Watch Series 11 and SE3 feature Wide Angle OLED displays.
• These displays are specifically designed for wider viewing angles, maintaining good brightness, color accuracy, and contrast even when viewed from the side.
• The overall OLED quality is described as excellent with good colors, contrast, and high brightness.
• High refresh rates contribute to a smooth and fluid user interface.
• While RTOS smartwatches in the 4-5 million VND price range (e.g., Huawei GT6, Fit Balance 2) also offer good displays, Apple Watch's "wide angle" aspect provides a subtle but noticeable difference.

2. Build Quality and Finish:

• Apple Watch exhibits superior build quality, characterized by seamless integration between the aluminum frame and glass.
• There are no noticeable gaps or rough edges, providing a comfortable feel and a premium, solid sensation when handled.
• RTOS smartwatches generally require a higher price point (4-5 million VND and above) to achieve comparable build quality. The Huawei GT6 is highlighted as an exception, matching Apple Watch in this regard.

3. Watch Face Design:

• The square design of Apple Watch is considered aesthetically pleasing, refined, and instantly recognizable.
• Many users opt for Apple Watch solely based on its design, viewing it as a piece of jewelry rather than just a tech gadget.
• While RTOS watches offer square designs, Apple Watch is perceived as setting the standard in this category.

4. App Ecosystem:

• Apple Watch boasts a rich app ecosystem, though not as extensive as iOS due to the need for dedicated WatchOS apps.
• Popular third-party apps available include Google Maps and Swim (for advanced swimming tracking).
• While the presenter personally relies on built-in apps, the availability of third-party options is a significant advantage for users with specific app needs.
• RTOS watch app stores are generally more limited and less interconnected across brands.

5. Voice Reply to Messages (Vietnamese):

• Apple Watch excels in voice-to-text messaging, particularly for Vietnamese.
• Users can speak naturally, including punctuation, and the watch converts it to text for sending.
• This feature is highly convenient and is missed by users when switching to RTOS watches, especially those that lack robust Vietnamese voice input.
• While some Sufit watches can do this with Android, it's not a common feature on other major brands for iPhone users.

6. Navigation Display:

• Apple Watch provides excellent turn-by-turn navigation through both Apple Maps and Google Maps.
• In Vietnam, Google Maps on Apple Watch displays concise directional prompts (e.g., "turn left," "turn right") with haptic feedback (vibrations) rather than a full map view.
• This offers a more focused and less distracting navigation experience compared to RTOS watches, which may only provide basic notifications or lack this feature entirely.
• To get a full map display for navigation, one would typically need a Wear OS watch (Android-only).

7. Sports Tracking:

• Apple Watch offers robust sports tracking features, comparable to top-tier brands like Huawei.
• Comparisons with a professional Polar watch show that Apple Watch's metrics are highly accurate.
• Both Apple Watch and Huawei are considered leaders in sports tracking accuracy, with Garmin also being a strong contender.
• The accuracy of RTOS watches can vary significantly between models and generations due to algorithm and sensor updates.

Disadvantages of Apple Watch

1. Battery Life:

• Apple Watch has poor battery life, requiring charging every two days under normal usage.
• While newer models like Series 11 show slight improvements, they still fall far short of RTOS watches that can last 7-14 days or even longer (e.g., Garmin Fenix 8 with 10-20 days).
• This is a significant drawback for users who prioritize long battery life, as exemplified by the presenter's wife switching to a Huawei Watch for this reason. Even Apple Watch Ultra typically lasts only 3-4 days.

2. Price:

• Apple Watch is generally more expensive than RTOS smartwatches with comparable features.
• RTOS smartwatches in the 4-5 million VND range offer excellent value, and premium materials like sapphire glass and titanium are available at lower price points than on Apple Watch.
• High-end materials on Apple Watch (e.g., titanium) are found on models costing 9-10 million VND and above.

3. Design Limitation (Square Only):

• Apple Watch is exclusively available in a square form factor.
• Users who prefer a round watch face have no option within the Apple Watch lineup and must turn to RTOS smartwatches.

4. Missing Physical Buttons for Specific Activities:

• For activities like swimming, Apple Watch Series and SE models lack a dedicated physical button to pause tracking.
• Users must unlock the screen and manually tap "post," which is inconvenient when hands are wet.
• Apple Watch Ultra has an "Action Button" that can be configured for this.
• Most RTOS watches from various brands (Huawei, Xiaomi, Suunto, Garmin) feature physical buttons for easy pausing of activities.

5. Missing NFC Tag Functionality:

• Unlike some Huawei watches, Apple Watch does not support adding NFC tags, which can be used for functions like accessing elevators.

6. Limited Call Answering from Chat Apps:

• While many RTOS watches allow answering calls from chat apps (e.g., Facebook Messenger), Apple Watch does not natively support this.
• Although Apple provides a "CallKit" framework for third-party integration, app developers have not widely implemented this feature.
• The presenter suggests Apple should adopt a simpler Bluetooth-like approach for call handling.
• For users who frequently make and receive calls via chat apps, Apple Watch is not a suitable option.

7. Platform Incompatibility (Android):

• Apple Watch is exclusively compatible with iPhones.
• There is no official way to use an Apple Watch with an Android phone.
• While some future Vivo and Oppo models might offer limited compatibility, this is not yet a widespread or tested solution.

Conclusion and Personal Recommendation

The presenter concludes by reiterating the importance of understanding these pros and cons for iPhone users choosing a smartwatch. Personally, the presenter currently wears a Huawei GT6 (46mm) daily, finding it meets his needs, especially with features like NFC, at a price point of around 5 million VND. He plans to review the Apple Watch Series 11 and SE in more detail after extended use. Users are encouraged to leave comments with any further questions.