A smartwatch operates as a computerized wristwatch that does much more than simply keeps track of time. Early models, which companies released during the 1990s, performed basic functions that included translations, calculations, and game playing. Contemporary smartwatches have transformed the earlier models into veritable mobile computers that run on mobile operating systems.
The mobile operating systems provide mobile app downloads, FM radio, and portable media player capabilities. Newer models released allow users to enjoy full mobile phone functions that make and answer wirelessly transmitted phone calls
Common Features for Smartwatches
Here are some of the common features of contemporary smartwatches:
- Camera
- Compass
- Thermometer
- GPS Navigation
- Touch Screen
- Map Display
- Chronograph
- Calculator
However, not all smartwatches perform the same functions. Therefore, consumers must perform research to learn which functions each smartwatch under consideration includes. Some smartwatches possess activity monitors that record sports-related performance measurements such as running speed, swimming lap times, and heart rate.
As with computers, smartwatches gather information from both internal and external sensors that control and/or retrieve data from other computing devices. The new breeds of smartwatches provide Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access. Two smartwatches often receive comparison analysis.
Let’s compare the Basic Peak vs Fitbit Charge.
About the Basis Peak
Basis designers and engineers construct the Peak as a considerable improvement over the imperfect B1 smartwatch. The Peak possesses a more stylish design that allows users to wear the smartwatch to social events.
An enhanced display screen presents high-resolution images, which comes in handy for consumers that want crystal clear data that measures sports performance. The Basis Peak is available for about $179 here. (regularly retails for $200).
Fitbit Technology Ensures Real-Time Heart Monitoring
Basis invariably draws from science to develop its heart rate monitoring suite of smartwatches. A comprehensive system of sensitive sensors accurately measures heart rate, as well as skin temperatures and galvin skin responses.
Many reviews of the Basis Peak praise the smartwatch for not only doing a better job of monitoring vital statistics than what the B1 accomplishes but also exceeding the standards set by the Fitbit Charge. Durable materials protect the sensors from damage incurred by water and strong impacts, making the Peak a reliable way for athletes to monitor training performance.
Cutting Edge Sensors
The Basis Peak includes spectroscopic sensors that slice through light pollution. An improved photoreceptor absorbs LED light that captures the trajectory of blood flow and hence, the heart rate. Basis has developed a new sensor chassis that sits on a raised berm that forms an incredibly tight connection to the skin.
This is an important feature, as many smartwatch sensors succumb to perspiration and violent motion to present inaccurate readings. The lighter design of the Peak prevents the sensors from breaking away from the skin.
Improved Design That Stands Out
Basis changed the design of the Peak to rid the company of the reputation of designing smartwatches that appeared more like medical devices that included poorly lit display screens. The company upped the ante on the design and display screen of the Peak, and smartwatch expert reviews have taken notice.
Four days of battery life pales in comparison to what standard smartwatches offer for juice, but the Peak does much more than simply tracking activity data.
Here are the key features of the Basis Peak smartwatch
- Capture your heart rate, with no chest strap required
- Automatically monitors walks, runs and bicycle rides
- Receives text, call, and email notifications
- Keeps track of caloric burn data
- Automatically monitors sleep duration and behaviors that include restlessness and REM deep sleep stages
- Works well with Google Fit and Apple Health
- Water resistant to 5 ATM
How does Basis Peak compare to others
About the Fitbit Charge
The Fitbit Charge operates under the paradigm “If you do one thing, do it better than everyone else.” Considered the best fitness tracker by numerous technology blogs and print publications, the Fitbit Charge takes the place of the Fitbit Force.
The enhanced snap-on functionality of the wristband makes the Fitbit Charge the consummate smartwatch to take on grueling bike rides and long-distance hikes over the most rugged terrain.
At a starting price the average $129, the Fitbit Charge provides more value for fitness tracking than the value offered by the Basis Peak, albeit, the Charge does not include advanced sleep monitoring features.
Design Changes Improve the Fitbit Charge
The bright, glowing OLED display presents easy-to-read fitness tracking data that even swimmers can see in the depths of a murky lake or river. Fitness tracking data include the number of steps taken during high-powered walks and the estimated number of calories burned after intense aerobic workouts.
The activity monitoring system even accounts for how many steps you take to navigate from the bottom to the top of your office building.
Basis does not offer as many activity monitoring measurements as the number of activity monitoring measurements offered by the Fitbit Charge. The Fitbit Charge goes dark to conserve power, which extends the life of the system batteries.
Snap on, Snap Off
Consumers choose among two colors and three different sizes for the Fitbit Charge, but any version of the smartwatch includes an adjustable feature that ensures comfort and secure attachment.
The quick to snap fastener remains secure during the most aggressive athletic competitions, which is a marked improvement on previous
Fitbit smartwatch models. However, several reviews mention that the Basis Peak does a much better job of remaining firmly attached to a user’s wrist. Many consumer reviews praise the Fitbit Charge for not creating discomfort and in fact, the reviewers write that they barely notice wearing the activity tracking smartwatch.
Almost Perfect Fitness Tracking Smartwatch
Fitbit has historically provided users with the most accurate fitness measurements, from counting steps to measuring distances. The smartwatch also records preset distances to alert users when a run or walk has reached its conclusion.
Simply hold down a button to start a targeted timed run or walk. The Fitbit Charge does not possess the water-resistant qualities that allow users to take the smartwatch with them for an underwater training session or even into the shower after a strenuous workout.
Fitbit Charge features:
- Accurate wrist-based heartbeat readings
- Measures calories burned, floors climbed, and active minutes
- Monitors sleep
- Compiles daily statistics into easy to read summaries
- Send activity statistics wirelessly to computers and smartphones
- Silent alarm wake up call
- Caller identification
- Pristine OLED display readings
- Call notifications
- Comfortable all-day wear
Fitbit has developed an App that supports most other apps and services. The Fitbit Charge works with iOS, Android, and Windows Phones, as well as supports more than 100 other types of electronics devices.
How does Fitbit Charge compare to others
Final Take – Which Would I Go With Today?
The decision of whether to go with the Basis Peak or Fitbit Charge comes down to two factors: price versus functionality. A new Basis Peak runs consumers about $70 more than the price of a new Fitbit Charge. Even a six-month used Basis Peak costs more than a new Fitbit Charge.
However, the Basis Peak includes a comprehensive suite of sleep monitoring features that far exceed the number and quality of sleep monitoring features found with the Fitbit Charge. Both smartwatches provide long-lasting durability, although the Basis Peak outperforms the Fitbit Charge underwater.
If tracking the above water activities matters most to you, then consider buying the more affordable Fitbit Charge. If you need underwater performance metrics, as well as sleep data, then you’re better off forking over the extra $70 for the Basis Peak.
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