New Apple Watch models lose lead

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The testers from Stiftung Warentest have now looked at the latest smartwatches and fitness trackers just in time before shopping for Christmas presents. The testers came – once again – to some surprising results.

Old models perform better

New to this round of testing are the new watches from Apple, Huawei, Garmin and Samsung – and there is also the first surprise in the test. Stiftung Warentest comes to the conclusion that you can basically save the money for a new Apple Watch Series 9 this year.

Anyone interested in buying is advised to go for the previous model. The Series 8 has an overall rating of good (grade 1.6), the Series 9 good with a grade of 1.7. The different assessments were made in the test sections for “handling” and “communication and other functions”. What makes the new Apple Watch worse than the old one is not explained.

Overall, Apple once again takes overall victory in the ranking of the best watches. The Series 8 takes first place, followed by the Series 9, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Apple Watch Ultra. Only then does another manufacturer follow with the Garmin Venu 2 Plus (grade 1.7).

The Venu 2 Plus scores particularly well in terms of sports and health features and in terms of price and is on par with most Apple models – that’s a big surprise and a good comeback.

Conclusion to the test

What is particularly noticeable in the new test is that the testers hardly address the technical improvements and the increased performance of all new models, but rather use their test specifications to evaluate the general functions, handling, battery life, additional functions and data protection.

In the test.de database you can currently find more than 140 devices for every price range and different areas of application. As always, the devaluations of products may be irrelevant for the individual user, so the database can be used for an individual, personal comparison.

The entire test can be found in the current test magazine 12/2023 and online behind a paywall (free for print subscribers, there is also a flat rate without a magazine subscription). In the new issue and in the test archive there is also “the test of current smartphones“.

Summary

  • Stiftung Warentest tests smartwatches before Christmas.
  • Apple Watch Series 9 worse than previous model.
  • Series 8 leads with a grade of 1.6, Series 9 receives 1.7.
  • Garmin Venu 2 Plus impresses with sports functions.
  • Test focuses on functions and handling.
  • Over 140 devices listed in the test.de database.
  • Test reports available online and in the magazine 12/2023.

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