In the race to become the dominant smartwatch operating system, two platforms have emerged as frontrunners: Wear OS and Lite OS. Both platforms offer a wealth of features and customization options, but which is the best choice for you? Wear OS is the clear winner when it comes to overall functionality and ease of use. It’s packed with features, including support for third-party apps and a robust app store. Plus, it’s compatible with a wide range of devices, from budget smartwatches to high-end models. Lite OS, on the other hand, is more streamlined and user-friendly than Wear OS. It offers fewer features but does a better job of simplifying the interface. Plus, it works well on lower-powered devices. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use platform that won’t bog down your device, Lite OS is definitely worth considering. ..
Both operating systems offer users great benefits – check the body’s vital organs, check your social media messages and notifications, aids in running, make calls, send messages, send voice notes, etc. Yet, they’ve got some major differences and limitations.
In this article, we’ll compare Wear OS Vs Lite OS to help you decide which smartwatch OS is better.
Wear OS by Google
Wear OS is Google’s software designed to make your smartwatches function optimally to offer you the convenience of some selected functions of your smartphones on your wrist. Google’s Wear OS is compatible with Android devices as well as iOS devices. But, you’ll have a better user’s experience when you pair it up with android smartphones.
Wear OS by GoogleLite OS by HuaweiFunctions of Wear OS and Lite OS
Lite OS by Huawei
Lite OS by Huawei is an operating system developed by the Chinese technology giant to provide an open and unified API which is used in Huawei-produced smartwatches. In the past, Huawei used the Wear OS produced by Google until recently when they began installing the Lite OS which started with their Huawei Watch GT.
Functions of Wear OS and Lite OS
Both operating systems have been updated consistently which has led to improved functionality of the Wear OS and the Lite OS. Some of the improvements have given rise to the aesthetic user interface, compatibility with iOS devices, checking your heartbeat while exercising, amongst other functions.
At a glance, here are some of the functions of the Wear OS and the Lite OS to help you make an informed decision on which OS is better.
Download Third-party Apps.
The Wear OS supports a good number of third-parties apps. When you download and install these apps, your smartwatches perform more tasks that would be otherwise impossible without these apps. Some of these apps include Uber, Strava, Spotify, Runtastic, etc.
Unlike Google’s OS, Huawei’s Lite OS doesn’t allow for the installation of third-party apps. This simply means that you won’t be able to download and install any of your favourite apps that you want on your smartwatch. You’re better off buying a smartwatch with Wear OS because of its versatility.
Supports NFC Payment
Wear OS supports Google’s NFC contactless payments option. With this payment technology, you can buy items from physical stores in the United States of America and 38 nations around the world. You don’t need to take your payment cards with you always when you’ve got a smartwatch that supports NFC payment. All you’ve got to do is hover your smartwatch above the payment terminal. After which you’d wait to see the checkmark which indicates that your payment was successful
Unfortunately, the Lite OS doesn’t allow for NFC payment in the global version of their smartwatches. But, the NFC payment is available on the Chinese version of Huawei’s smartwatches. This is a huge drawback for users of wearables with the Lite OS.
To enjoy the simplified NFC payment option, your best bet is to get a Wear OS enabled smartwatch.
See Your Messages and Social Media Feeds.
Wear OS shows you message on your messages and notifications from your social media accounts. You can check your messages without pulling out your phone from your pocket. You can also get notifications from your social accounts like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter while you’re on the go. Smartwatches with Wear OS allows you to reply to messages as well as send voice notes to your contacts.
With the Lite OS there are some limitations on checking your social media messages and feeds. Messages and notifications from originally installed third-party apps like Gmail add WhatsApp messenger are shown on the watch’s screen, but you can’t reply to text messages or audio notes, view multimedia files or listen to voice notes directly from your smartwatch.
Get yourself a smartwatch that supports Wear OS if you want to have access to your messages and social media notifications from your wrist.
Smartwatches that Run the Wear OS
Here are some of the popular smartwatch brands that run Google’s Wear OS.
Skagen Falster 3 Misfit Vapor 2 Fossil Gen 5 Suunto 7 Ticwatch E2.
Smartwatches that Run the Lite OS.
Huawei Watch GT2e Honor Magic Watch 2 are two notable smartwatch brands that run on the Lite OS.
Our Verdict
Given the facts that the Wear OS has more functions than the Lite OS and the possibility of connecting iOS devices to smartwatches with the Wear OS, you’d have more value for your money’s worth if you buy wearables with the Wear OS.
