A new device is supposed to improve on its predecessor, that is for sure. Well, what is the gulf in difference between the original Microsoft Band compared to its successor, the second-generation Microsoft Band? The folks over at Neowin have taken both devices out for a test, and the results are really very, very different – which does leave plenty of room for thought.
Over the course of 14 workouts, each workout saw the new Microsoft Band 2 deliver an average heart rate at least 10 beats per minute lower, and more frequently up to 25 beats lower. Apart from that, the average estimate for calories burned between workouts by the two devices do also sport a rather vast chasm between them. It goes without saying that Microsoft claims the Band 2 is more accurate at reading heart rates compared to its predecessor – it’d be a disaster if the reverse were true!
Just how much more accurate? Microsoft claims an approximate figure of 20% more accurate when it comes to reading heart rates compared to the original Band, and while certain scenarios saw the Band 2 being more accurate than the Band, there were also moments when the older model proved to be more accurate.
At the end of the day, it would be best to remember that neither Band is a constant heart rate monitor, so do get a dedicated one if you are serious about your workouts.