Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

The discussion of square vs. circular smartwatches isn't new, but it's yet to come to a definitive answer. Admittedly, it's easier to pull off an angular device than it used to be, but many users still rely on aesthetics. circular.

This year saw the debut of an exciting new Wear OS on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, an effortlessly sleek flagship with a round profile. We also saw the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 7, with a screen bigger than ever, in the same way we expected.

But which design makes the most sense? There are reasonable (and unreasonable) defenses to each. Let's discuss the common arguments and practical pros and cons of round and square watch cases.

Our verdicts: Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 review | Apple Watch Series 7 review

aesthetics is personal

Before we get too deep here, it goes without saying that style is subjective. A lot of people like the strongly geometric silhouette of the Apple Watch. Perhaps the streamlined shape and straight edges have an art-deco vibe you can get behind. Alternatively, you could be one of the many wearers who insist on a circular watch. It could be that you hated the Great Gatsby. Or maybe the rectangular shape just screams “sport”, and you'd hate for people to think you enjoy cardio.

If you're choosing your device based solely on the look of its case, this article probably won't sway you. Aesthetics are deeply personal and not often up for debate. That said, you're buying a tool, not just an accessory, so that it might be worth compromising to get the best experience.

Related: The best running watches you can buy

Going back to the old square designs

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

The argument for wanting to imitate a traditional watch opens another door of discussion. I fell down a charming rabbit hole of wristwatch history researching this debate. However, I recognize that not everyone is as nerdy as I am, so I'll spare readers the details. The important thing to note is that Apple didn't reinvent the wheel (or, in this case, the clock).

Angular wristwatches may seem few and far between, but they have always had a place in history. Cartier's square-shaped 1904 Santos is considered to be one of the world's first wristwatches. Its successor, the Cartier Tank (a rectangular watch inspired by the tread lines of World War I tanks), is a truly timeless luxury watch that, at 100 years old, has clearly stood the test of time.

This means that users (including me) who want a device that looks like a real watch have more options than they realize. Apple's rectangular silhouette has always existed. Overshadowed perhaps, but always present.

A clear break with tradition

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

More importantly, we're not talking about comparable purchases. Just as smartphones aren't the same as old rotary phones, smartwatches don't serve the same purpose as a 20th-century watch. Aside from the fact that smartwatches they can make phone calls, track SpO2, store photos, and generally do a lot more than regular watches, they're just not the same thing.

We don't have the same relationship with smartwatches as we do with traditional wristwatches.

Smartwatches are frequently updated, retired and changed compared to traditional watches. No one passes their Galaxy Watch 4 to their great-grandchild as a family heirloom. These are utilitarian devices and as such it can be argued that form should follow the function (says the writer who insists on a green device, a uselessly adorable watch face, and a loop band that isn't waterproof).

The circular motion

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

So why are so many devices following the circular trend? When the Moto 360 first brought a circular Wear OS watch to wrists, it created a monster. Since then, the circle has been the most common choice for many, including users from Samsung, Garmin and Wear OS. This makes sense for brands like Fossil or Michael Kors, as fashion brands cater to an audience looking for a specific style.

Check: Your guide to the best fashion smartwatches

Circular displays are ideal for round analog watch faces, and are often better suited to smaller wrists. They are more easily suited to elegant styling and go great with business attire. In other words, they offer a subtle contrast with the sporty look of square smartwatches. But what about their utility? A circular aesthetic doesn't have to be the standard for a competitor like Samsung and, frankly, it might not be right.

If it's not trendy, it's at least useful to be a square smartwatch

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Beyond appearances, circular displays simply don't have the same functionality as a rectangular display. It all comes down to real estate. Round watches take up less space and only a few lines of information can use the maximum width. In other words , you'll see a lot of text cut off and frustrating margins.

Circular screens fall further behind with the new oversized Apple Watch Series 7. It's hard to miss a full keyboard, bigger buttons, and more space than ever. With a steady trend toward advanced health and fitness tracking, square smartwatches also make more sense for displaying graphs.

Rectangular screens give users more room to display information and interact with features.

Plus, there's an argument for consistency. Most of the screens we use on a daily basis are rectangular, including smartphones, monitors, e-readers, laptops, and TVs. It's worth mentioning the benefit of a similar user experience across all screens. the devices.

Summing up: circular vs square smartwatches

Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Advantages of square smart watches

More room for information at a glance Intuitive organization of information A consistent experience across all devices

Square watch faces offer users the most space to interact with their devices. That's the argument in a nutshell.

Cons of the square smart watch

Overwhelmingly sporty aesthetic People know you're most likely an Apple user Size range is limited

While we can argue that angular watches are historic, no one thinks you're wearing a fancy watch from the jazz age. You can be sure your boss knows that when you check your smartwatch, you're catching up on a text thread. , not just seeing if it's half past nine.

Pros of circular smartwatch

Easier to dress up or down Analog faces look right at home Available in a variety of sizes

If your smartwatch is first and foremost a statement accessory with some notification support, circular devices may fit the bill.

Circular smartwatch cons

Limited space to display information Less functionality and space for user interaction

The space race is back, albeit a little different and a lot closer to home. If companies want to catch up, they probably need to think outside the box (or inside the box?).

Do you prefer round or square smartwatches?

9 votes

Round

67%

Square

33%

both are fine

0%

You can't please everyone

The leaders of the smartwatch industry can't make everyone happy, including this Apple user with a love affair with the Galaxy Watch. The ultimate solution would be to offer users more choice. As a frequent Apple Watch user, I I'd love to see a circular option to pair with formal attire, particularly womenswear. Similarly, I can imagine a square smartwatch would be a welcome change for many users of Garmin, Wear OS, Samsung, and other circular watches.

Keep reading: The best smartwatches for women.

Comments