Congratulations! You just bought yourself a smart watch and you wear it daily. Is your smartwatch submersible or waterproof? Who can be constantly aware of if something so close to your hand gets wet? What does smartwatch IP68 mean? Do you wonder if your Apple Watch is water resistant or if your Fitbit wristband can get wet?
First of all, water protection for any product is registered with the IEC60529 international code. When it comes to smartwatches, the codes for waterproof or water resistant is coded with the letters IP, followed by two digits. In this case, let’s check what IP67 and IP68 mean.
Waterproof, to What Extent?
If your smartwatch has an IP67 code, it means that the company tested the item under three feet of water without any water penetrating the timepiece. IP67 doesn’t mean that you can use this device for swimming.
Unfortunately, when you swim, the arm hits the water and, therefore, water can get into the smartwatch. It may cause a lot of damage. However, if you are just in the water, it may hold up to three feet or more. However, you can shower with the watch on without problems, as long as you don’t have multiple direct jets, and keep in mind that soap can affect its components.
To What Extent are IP68 Smartwatches Water Resistant?
If your smartwatch carries an IP68 code, it means that it is submersible and can be like that for an extended time. These are the smartwatches you can use for swimming in a freshwater stream or a swimming pool.
When it comes to saltwater, it can be much more aggressive than freshwater. Saline damages steel and other metals. If it gets wet, dry it immediately. Your best bet is not to submerge it in sea water.
Many manufacturers can be a bit contradictive when it comes to a water-resistant smartwatch. Some smartwatches have the IP68 code which should have no problem wearing in the pool. However, the manufacturer indicates that it does not recommend the device for aquatic use.
Is it a contradiction? Well yes and no. Apparently, although they pass the leak tests indicated by the regulations, their use underwater can cause problems. During the tests, they only submerge the smartwatch but do not touch the buttons. And here is where the problem is. The sealing is lost when using the buttons and of course, the water can get inside and ruin the device.
Despite that all their timepieces are tested before they go to retail stores, situations such as dropping, any source of impact, or even exposure to chemicals like soaps, perfumes detergents, oils, and creams, even if you fall from a jet ski or a surfboard, can reduce the degree of water resistant on your smartwatch.
The bottom line is that your IP68 smartwatch is submersible, but do not touch the buttons while underwater.
Fitbit Versa or Apple Watch Series 3 – Which one is Best?
Battery
The Apple Watch 3 and the Fitbit Versa both include a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. However, the Versa far exceeds the Series 3 with up to 4 days of durability, unless you are listening to music continuously.
Unfortunately, the Apple Watch Series 3 still has problems with battery life. Like its predecessors, the third generation of the smartwatch will work for approximately one day, time that is reduced with the GPS enabled. This means that you will have to recharge it almost daily.
Water Resistance
Both the Versa and the Apple Watch 3 have the IP68 certification of water resistance up to 50 meters. So, you don’t need to worry about swimming with them. In fact, both can monitor swimming sessions without any problems.
The Fitbit Versa is up to the Apple Watch with its new and elegant design, adaptable for men and women. Although both devices seem similar, the truth is that there are many differences between the two:
Fitbit Versa
The Versa is first, and foremost, a fitness watch converted into a smartwatch. It takes advantage of all the fitness monitoring capabilities developed by the company so far, and even brings a novelty a function dedicated to the health of women. What does not work to your advantage is the lack of a GPS sensor. However, unless you are a fan of running or cycling, the absence of the GPS module probably will not affect you too much. The lack of GPS module also makes the Versa much cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 3. In addition, the Fitbit watch offers some other advantages over the Apple Watch, such as greater autonomy and sleep monitoring.
Apple Watch 3
The Apple device offers many more things apart from being able to record user activity. We must remember that the version with mobile connectivity is much more expensive and its autonomy is reduced to nothing when using the call function. On the other hand, if you are looking to achieve your exercise goals, the Apple Watch has a GPS that monitors and personalizes your training, whether you’re walking, running or riding a bicycle.
If you own an Apple Watch, you can also download an app called AutoSleep, which monitors your sleeping habits and keeps a record of how much time you stayed profoundly asleep.
Also included on the Apple Watch is the My Swim Pro app, which helps you personalize your swimming goals while in the water. It works great with other apps including Fitness and Heart apps.
Both smartwatches are water resistant up to 82 feet in depth for long periods of time.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a smartwatch that allows you to monitor your workouts and sleep habits, the Fitbit Versa would be our recommendation, especially if we also take into account its lower price. However, if you are interested in other functions besides monitoring your workout, there is a long list of reasons why the Apple wearable smartwatch is currently the best-selling smartwatch in the world.
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