LONDON, July 18, 2024 – If you rely on your smartwatch to accurately track your steps, you might be surprised. A recent test involving ten popular brands – Amazfit, Apple, Coros, Google, Garmin, OnePlus, Polar, Samsung, Suunto, and Withings – revealed significant discrepancies in step-counting accuracy.
Polar watches showed moderate variations, while Samsung’s offerings presented a wider range of accuracy depending on the specific model. Withings, typically focused on health metrics, also displayed some inconsistencies in step counting.
The Coros Pace 2, a popular choice among runners, showed a noticeable tendency to undercount steps. This suggests that the algorithms used by different brands may be optimized for specific activities, potentially impacting accuracy for general step tracking.
Why the Discrepancies?
Several factors could contribute to these variations. Algorithms used to interpret motion data differ between manufacturers. The placement of the accelerometer within the watch, as well as the sensitivity of the sensor, can also play a role. Furthermore, individual gait and arm swing can influence step counts, potentially leading to inaccuracies.
- step-counting accuracy varies
