Tag Heuer’s Connected Modular 41 is a smartwatch which blends cutting edge Google technology with all the craftsmanship and design of a luxury watch – and a price tag to match. Let’s take a closer look at this stylish and dynamic Wear OS smartwatch.
Background
The Tag Heuer Connected Modular 41 comes hot on the heels of the brand’s Connected Modular 45. Introduced to the market just a year after its sibling, the Connected Modular 41 brings a number of major improvements.
The pixel density is higher, the RAM is doubled and the onboard storage has been increased by 100%. It’s also 4mm smaller than its big brother making it a great choice for those with slim wrists, but the Modular elements remain the same as the 45 – the lugs and strap are removable and interchangeable to suit your style and mood.
Features
This smartwatch comes with a host of features including NFC for making payments and GPS for finding your way. Unfortunately heart rate monitoring isn’t included – a major drawback for fitness fans looking for a watch that can do it all. This device does have a powerful Intel powered Atom processor, however, rather than the Qualcomm hardware used by most of its rivals.
The RAM and onboard storage are pretty impressive with this model – you get 8GB of memory and 1GB of RAM and that means you have plenty of space for storage on your wrist. You also have the option to connect to your Bluetooth headphones if you want to play music on the go.
Perhaps the top feature of this watch, however, lies in its AMOLED sapphire crystal display that resists scratching while offering excellent resolution for even cleaner visuals. This model has had a brightness boost, making it easier to see the screen even in direct sunlight.
Design
The founding principle of the Apple Watch was its customisation, and this watch has taken that idea and really run with it. T he Modular 41 has a more subtle appearance than larger smartwatches, but it certainly doesn’t compromise on style. You can customise the lugs, bezel and band of this watch, choosing from a variety of accessories so you can alter your watch to suit your mood or outfit. And even though it’s made up of several components, the watch remains solid and with a high-quality finish.
Fitness Tracking
If fitness tracking is your number one reason for investing in a smartwatch, this might not be the one for you. It does boast a number of fitness tracking features, but not as many as some of its rivals.
Google Fit and Fit Workout are pre-installed on this device, so you can quickly track daily step counts and log a wide range of workouts from cycling and running to other more niche activities including meditation. Google Fit is even capable of counting your reps accurately, which could be a bonus for gym bunnies. You’ll also find that there are daily challenges for squats, sit-ups and press-ups with a choice of three difficulty levels. It’s also possible to install other third-party exercise apps.
What Are The Main Advantages?
- A Wear OS operating system
- A range of faces and straps are available for customisation
- Works seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices
- Pre-installed fitness apps
- Ability to install third-party fitness apps
What Are The Main Disadvantages?
- 345mAh battery – the short battery life is a major disadvantage for this smartwatch
- No heart rate monitoring
Competition
This smartwatch has two major competitors, the biggest being the Apple Watch. Apple has been leading the field in the smartwatch industry for years now, and for those who have iPhones, there simply isn’t any other choice. The ease of linking between the watch and smartphone together with some unique functions means that Apple users can enjoy a seamless and outstanding experience.
The other major competitor is the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus, an extremely solid device designed for those who are serious about sports and an active lifestyle. Its premium finishes make it a rival luxury brand and the sports tracking, battery performance and connectivity can all outstrip this Tag Heuer watch.
In Summary
If you’re looking for a luxury, high-quality watch which is comfortable and stylish to wear, the Tag Heuer Connected Modular 41 is a great choice. The customisability of this device is a major plus point, but its short battery life and lack of heartrate monitor needs to be borne in mind. This is an expensive watch, so if your primary requirement is fitness tracking, a Garmin or Apple watch might be better for you. On the other hand, if you’re keen for a premium device with stunning looks, this Connected Modular 41 is hard to beat.
How Do We Test Smartwatches?
1. We gauge its comfort and design. If it isn’t comfortable as well as stylish, it won’t rate too highly.
2. We test its fitness tracking functions. We put every function and sensor through its paces, from GPS tracking to step counts.
3. We install apps then test them out to ensure that the memory and processor power is up to scratch.
4. If there is inbuilt LTE, we’ll test the call quality to ensure that it’ll work perfectly well even if your smartphone isn’t around.
5. We check out the watch’s battery life using a range of everyday scenarios. We test the battery life while using apps, receiving notifications and working out to see how long it lasts before requiring a recharge.
With all that information to hand, we can then give you a clear idea of the pros and cons of each device.