Ticwatch GTH vs Fitbit Sense

The Fitbit Sense stands as the premier smartwatch in Fitbit's lineup, while the Ticwatch GTH represents the introductory semi-smartwatch model offered by Mobvoi.

Upon a direct comparison, it becomes apparent that the Ticwatch GTH and Fitbit Sense share several similarities in their smartwatch offerings.

However, does this similarity extend beyond the surface?

Indeed, both these smartwatches exhibit a strong emphasis on fitness features.

Their design elements, too, showcase remarkable resemblances.

Yet, it's the marked divergence in pricing that truly sets them apart.

So, the question remains: Does the Ticwatch GTH manage to strike a balance between

affordability and quality?

Cheap and good

Indeed, I am of the opinion that the Ticwatch GTH offers a cost-effective and commendable choice, particularly when pitted against the Fitbit Sense.

Considering its significantly lower price point, the Ticwatch GTH provides a smartwatch that delivers commendable health insights and data, making it a worthwhile option.

Design and comfort

Both smartwatches boast exceptionally appealing designs, marked by contemporary aesthetics.

They incorporate all the quintessential elements that contribute to their sleek and modern appearance.

With their curved glass and rounded contours, they embody a sense of elegant simplicity, accentuated by their minimalist single-button design.

This design approach is undeniably commendable.

It's worth noting that if your preference leans towards a smartwatch with a less formal, more relaxed aesthetic, both options are well-suited to your taste.

Health data

Both smartwatches revolve around the core concept that a smartwatch can play a pivotal role in enhancing your lifestyle, fostering positive habits, and elevating your workout routines.

Undoubtedly, knowledge is a potent tool.

It's quite common to fall into the trap of bias and assume that the Fitbit holds an inherent superiority due to its higher price point.

However, I've consistently held the perspective that Mobvoi, the manufacturer behind Ticwatches, has consistently delivered remarkable smartwatches that offer exceptional value for your money.

Neck-and-neck with 2023’s hottest health metrics

The health metrics of both smartwatches rank quite high. 

Concerning blood oxygen saturation – absolutely covered. 

This metric is also referred to as an oximeter or SpO2.

A clear sign of its modernity is the presence of red LEDs on the back of the smartwatch, dedicated to tracking this particular metric.

While I'm unsure about the utilization of this metric or the appropriate steps to take in the event of a low percentage, it's reassuring to note that both watches offer this feature, allowing you to explore its potential at your convenience.

Stress tracking

Curious about your stress levels? Introspection is no longer the sole route. Your watch is up to the task!

Both smartwatches offer a means to gauge your stress levels.

Yet, the Fitbit Sense comes equipped with an EDA meter (electrodermal response), which offers deeper insights into your body's reactions during breathing exercises.

While I personally wouldn't deem this feature worth an additional expense, fear not, as the Fitbit Versa 3 (and similarly, the Ticwatch GTH) present viable alternatives.

Sports

Both smartwatches double as workout trackers, but the insights provided by the Fitbit Sense appear to be notably superior.

What truly stands out is the cohesiveness of the data it offers.

It's worth addressing upfront that both watches support a rather limited selection of exercises.

If you venture beyond the typical trio of running, biking, and swimming, you'll notice the available options dwindle.

For enthusiasts of watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, it's common to find yourself metaphorically "cycling" on the water.

Nonetheless, when it comes to the quality of data, the Ticwatch GTH falls considerably short in comparison.

Internal GPS

To begin, the Ticwatch GTH lacks built-in GPS functionality, relying entirely on your smartphone to provide location data.

If you're in a situation akin to mine, with a smartphone that's showing signs of wear and consistently relegated to power-saving mode, you'll quickly discover the absence of GPS data.

In contrast, the Fitbit Sense boasts an internal GPS, a notably advantageous feature for those aiming to unburden themselves from the necessity of carrying a smartphone during activities.

Sports data

Certain fitness apps integrated into smartwatches may boast an array of exercise options, yet disappointingly yield negligible data.

Google Fit is a prime example of this category. It presents a multitude of workout choices, but regrettably, the impact on the resulting data remains marginal.

The Ticwatch GTH fares poorly in this scenario. Its data output lacks diversity, with most metrics mirroring one another.

In some instances, the Ticwatch GTH doesn't even provide distance data. While it can estimate distance through step count during walks or runs, other activities might only display heart rate and elapsed time – a rather frustrating limitation.

Indeed, quite exasperating!

While the Fitbit Sense offers a marked improvement, it still doesn't achieve remarkable distinction, as the data it delivers across various workouts tends to be strikingly similar.

Messages, emails and replies

When dealing with the Ticwatch GTH, incoming messages and emails are viewable, though responding remains outside its capabilities.

Lacking a microphone, the Ticwatch GTH naturally precludes the usage of a speech-to-text method for crafting replies, even if such a function existed.

Here's where the Fitbit Sense truly gains an edge over the Ticwatch GTH. Upon receiving a message or email, you possess the ability to formulate a response (when synchronized with an Android device).

This can be executed through its commendable speech-to-text system or by opting for a swift pre-defined reply.

Undoubtedly, this stands as a pivotal aspect worth contemplation. It's a feature I've found remarkably practical across all smartwatches, negating the need to retrieve your smartphone solely for the purpose of replying.

Voice assistant

The Fitbit series has long featured a voice assistant, which has now undergone significant enhancements.

Conversely, the Ticwatch GTH lacks this functionality, which is a notable drawback.

In my personal experience, a voice assistant has consistently streamlined tasks, allowing me to vocally command my smartwatch to perform various actions like checking the weather or setting a timer, all without the need for tedious tapping.

This capability has effectively spared me from the tedium of constant screen interactions to achieve the same outcomes.

Regrettably, the Ticwatch GTH fails to offer such a feature.

Conversely, the voice assistant on the Fitbit Sense has witnessed a substantial upgrade through a collaboration with Google. Users can opt for either Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa. Notably, the former outperforms the latter, which is why I find the new update on the Fitbit Sense to be particularly gratifying.

Watch faces

Both smartwatches offer an extensive array of watch faces that showcase a distinctively modern aesthetic.

Among the selection of Fitbit's watch faces, what truly caught my attention were the personalized, user-generated options – especially the engaging meme-inspired watch faces.

Conversely, the Ticwatch GTH boasts a multitude of exquisitely crafted watch faces adorned with intricate drawings and artistic elements. Nevertheless, one notable limitation I encountered was the tendency for these watch faces to prominently display step counts, with no apparent option for customization.

Personally, step counts aren't a metric I prioritize, which led me to wish for the ability to substitute this information with something more pertinent to my preferences.

Sleep tracking

Sleep tracking holds significant appeal for me on smartwatches, and I find it reassuring that both the Ticwatch GTH and the Fitbit Sense incorporate this feature.

In terms of functionality, there's a notable similarity between the two: both provide insights into your sleep patterns, including the time you fell asleep, your wake-up time, and an assessment of your sleep depth.

Phone app

Mobvoi's mobile app has undergone a notable transformation, transitioning from its earlier subpar state to a more encompassing and visually appealing platform.

However, in terms of serving as a tool for augmenting health and lifestyle, I would assert that the Fitbit app holds a superior position.

There are several domains in which the Fitbit app outshines Mobvoi's offering.

Firstly, the Fitbit app encompasses a calorie counter, a facet that enhances its functionality.

The Fitbit app presents itself as a more comprehensive hub for health and wellness, embracing a wider range of features.

Furthermore, the Fitbit app encompasses diverse activities and programs that users can participate in. However, it's important to note that substantial portions of these features are exclusively accessible to Fitbit Premium subscribers, entailing a monthly subscription fee.

Verdict

 

The Ticwatch GTH presents a compelling value proposition for individuals seeking a timepiece that not only tells time elegantly but also exudes a stylish appearance in the process.

Furthermore, its remarkably budget-friendly price point adds another layer of allure to its appeal.

The standout feature undoubtedly lies in its capacity to provide comprehensive health metrics, encompassing respiration rate, stress tracking, blood oxygen saturation, and more.

However, the Ticwatch GTH falls short as a productivity tool, lacking functionalities that enhance efficiency.

Enter the Fitbit Sense, introducing an added layer of utility through attributes like a voice assistant and the capability to respond to messages.

The inclusion of a voice assistant is especially transformative, sparing users the inconvenience of initiating timers through screen taps, a task I've personally found irksome.

Notably, the Fitbit app contributes significantly to the equation. Diverging from the role of a mere data repository, it serves as a dynamic platform offering supplementary features beyond the watch's offerings.

In essence, the crux of the decision lies in whether the benefits conferred by the Fitbit Sense justify its higher price point compared to the Ticwatch GTH.