Smartwatches use data from their sensors to track movement, and some also combine it with data from a smartphone. Step counts, calorie estimates and elevation readings can be useful, but they may not be completely accurate. It also helps to understand what goal an app is actually tracking.
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1. Combining watch and phone data
Some watches use sensor data from both the watch and a smartphone to track activity. Combining sources can help reduce incorrectly recorded steps, but it does not guarantee error-free measurements.
In practice, the total step count may differ from the number shown on the watch or phone alone. When comparing results, check which devices the app draws its data from.
2. Steps and calories are different goals
Manufacturers may present daily activity in different ways. For example, Apple Watch emphasizes active calories burned for one of its daily goals, but it also tracks steps.
Step count indicates how much you walk, while estimated active calories aim to capture the energy you use during movement. The two are not interchangeable: a workout with fewer steps can still contribute to an active calorie goal. Calorie data is also an estimate, not a precise measure of effort.
When choosing a watch, check which daily goals it displays and whether its approach suits you. Results and recommendations can differ between devices.
3. Step counting has limits
The accuracy of activity tracking depends on the technology used and the conditions in which measurements are taken. A watch may interpret some movements incorrectly, and discrepancies can also occur when an app combines data from multiple devices.
Treat the daily total as an estimate. When tracking your activity, comparing longer-term trends may be more useful than attaching too much importance to a small difference between two days.
4. Sleep scores and health data
Sleep scoring was introduced on Apple Watch in fall 2025. Metrics like this expand the possibilities for health tracking, but their results have limitations.
A score can provide a general overview, but it cannot on its own identify the cause of sleep problems or replace a medical assessment. If you have persistent difficulties or are concerned about your readings, speak to a healthcare professional. When choosing a watch, also check whether your devices and their software support the features you want.
5. Weather affects barometric altimeters
Some smartwatches use a barometric altimeter to estimate altitude. It relies on atmospheric pressure and changes in that pressure. When pressure changes because of the weather, the altitude estimate can also drift.
Treat elevation gain during a hike or outdoor workout as an estimate. If tracking climbs is important to you, check whether the specific watch model has a barometric altimeter before choosing it.
