When the first smartwatches were being developed, there were some limitations that disappointed the customer base, one of which would be the lack of stand-alone operations such as GPS.
In addition, in the earlier days of technology, the Apple version of the smartwatch required the wearer to have a paired iPhone in order to use tracking and other geo-location applications.
Today’s iPhone continues to have a healthy assortment of navigation tools, map applications, and other real-time GPS-oriented programs, which the smartwatch will be just beginning to do as well.
It took a few years, but Apple watches are slowly becoming just as capable as phones.
What are the Similarities?
They are similar beyond the fact they are manufactured by Apple and have the same iOS operating systems. Plus, watches have become just as useful as full phones.
The latest models of apple products, the iPhone and smartwatch more specifically, will have the same GPS location and tracking services along with many of the same applications to utilize these components.
Both units are easy to learn and use, needing only some time to pay with the unit in most cases. Then you have the cellular functions of both pieces of technology, which makes calling your loved ones all the easier.
What are the Differences?
You may not think so, but these products have more differences than you might expect. For example, the iPhone offers advanced and dual-camera systems for taking photos, slow-motion moving images, or recording a video.
The smartwatch will not offer such functions, but instead will offer lightweight and convenient access to the time, biorhythmic information and other health tracking services.
There will be the obvious gadgetry difference, being between a phone used in hand and a watch is to be strapped to the wrist, but also with screen sizes and viewability because of the relative size of both units.
What are the Pros and Cons?
To start, think about how inconvenient it can be to have your phone lost when enjoying some outdoor recreation; I, for one, had lost a smartphone in a lake when it slipped from my pocket, bounced, and splashed into the water.
Made for a good laugh, but then there was replacing the unit and the tedious steps to getting your cell service back online, to which the smartwatch will be a whole lot better, being secured to the wrist.
The issue with the watch is the limitations compared to the phone’s functions. Not being able to record video or take a photo will certainly be a reason to hang on to the iPhone for a while longer.
Which one is More Beginner Friendly?
This will be debatable, for the smartwatch is much easier to wear and keeps away from damaging situations, compared to how easy it is to drop your smartphone.
Then again, for those that have been using this technology over the past few years, continuing to use the iPhone will be a better option.
There will be models of iPhones designed for the non-tech savvy community, which will provide easy-to-read guides on how to set up and use the iOS operating system and smartphone functions.
Making the iPhone the current leader, but certainly only by the slightest of margins.
Which One has More Functionality?
This will be the first time I declare a tie because both gadgets provide a very useful set of features and functions.
For instance, the artist will want to keep an iPhone close to capture their paint strokes, take a memory of a sunset they just witnessed, or record that new lyric that popped into their mind.
On the other wrist, there will be the health monitoring features and functions of the Apple smartwatch that will keep track of vitals and also provide statistics for any athletes looking to train with one of these on.
Final Thoughts on iPhone GPS vs Apple Smartwatch GPS
The reasonable assertion here would be to decide what sorts of tasks you need your tech to perform for you, then decide whether or not to have a smartwatch in addition to your iPhone.
The biorhythmic body monitors will be invaluable to those concerned about their health or training to improve it.
The smartwatch is more of a valuable add-on to the iPhone, which can certainly change here shortly. It would be interesting to see if the watch replaces the phone, or what have you. Certainly, both pieces of tech have come a long way in the past few years.