The Pro-Trek WSD F20 and the Pro-Trek WSD F30 are both outdoor smartwatches that offer GPS, heart rate monitoring, and water resistance. The WSD F30 has an improved battery life and a sleeker design compared to the WSD F20. Additionally, the WSD F30 features a new and improved map functionality and a more responsive touchscreen for a better user experience.
So, you’re an adventurer, a trailblazer who craves the challenge of the unknown. You need a smartwatch that can keep up, a reliable companion that thrives where phones fear to tread. Two contenders rise to the challenge: the Casio Pro Trek WSD-F20 and the WSD-F30.
But which one is the perfect fit for your wrist? Buckle up, because we’re about to delve deep into the specs, features, and user experiences of these two outdoor powerhouses.
A Legacy of Rugged Exploration
Let’s rewind a bit. Remember those clunky brick phones from the 90s? Casio, the brand synonymous with durability, was already a pioneer in the world of digital timekeeping back then. In 1994, they launched the Pro Trek line, a series of watches built for the toughest conditions. Fast forward to 2016, and Casio unveiled the WSD-F20.
This groundbreaking watch merged the robust functionality of the Pro Trek series with the modern world of smartwatches, powered by Google’s Wear OS. It was a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts who craved a tech companion on their adventures.
Now, let’s talk about the WSD-F30. Released in 2018, it was the successor to the F20. Casio listened to user feedback and aimed to refine the F20 experience. They kept the core functionalities that made it an outdoor favorite but streamlined the design and improved on some key aspects.
Built to Withstand Your Wildest Adventures
First things first, let’s talk about how these watches feel on your wrist. The WSD-F20 is a no-nonsense tool. It prioritizes functionality over form factor, resulting in a slightly bulkier profile (56.4 x 63.5 x 13.7 mm) compared to the WSD-F30’s more streamlined design (60.5 x 53.8 x 14.9 mm). You’ll definitely feel the F20 on your wrist, but hey, that extra chunk comes with a benefit – it feels incredibly robust. Both watches weigh in at around 80 grams, so you won’t feel weighed down, but the F20 might be a tad more noticeable.
As for materials, both watches prioritize durability. The WSD-F20 boasts a reinforced resin case with a stainless-steel bezel and a urethane band. This combination is built to take a beating – drops, bumps, scrapes? No problem. The WSD-F30 follows a similar approach, utilizing a resin case with a stainless-steel bezel. However, you have a choice of either a urethane or a more comfortable silicone band. Both options offer excellent durability, so the choice comes down to personal preference.
When it comes to conquering the elements, both watches are water-resistant up to 50 meters, meaning they can handle rain, splashes, swimming, and even shallow dives. But the WSD-F20 goes a step further. It boasts military-grade shock resistance certification (MIL-STD-810G). This means it can withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and even drops, making it the ideal companion for those who push their limits in harsh environments.
Seeing Clearly, No Matter the Conditions
Now, let’s talk about what you see on your wrist. The WSD-F20 offers a unique dual-layer display. The bottom layer is a transflective LCD. Imagine a screen that gets brighter the more sunlight hits it – perfect for checking time, basic stats, and outdoor sensor data even on the brightest day. On top of this sits a full-color OLED screen. This layer provides vibrant visuals for map viewing, notifications, and app interaction, but it requires activation and might be less visible in strong sunlight.
The WSD-F30 streamlines things with a single, circular OLED display. This display offers rich colors and good visibility indoors, but it can’t quite compete with the F20’s transflective LCD in terms of direct sunlight readability. However, the F30 does have a slight advantage in size – it’s a 1.2-inch display compared to the F20’s 1.13 inches. This might seem minor, but it can make a difference in terms of readability, especially for maps and data.
Navigating the interface is also an important factor. Both watches offer touchscreens, but the software experience differs. The WSD-F20 utilizes Google’s Wear OS. Android users might find it familiar, but the interface can feel slightly cluttered on a smaller screen.
The WSD-F30 takes a different approach with Casio’s proprietary OS. It’s designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. The interface is clean and straightforward, with large icons and a focus on essential outdoor functions. Both options offer some level of customization, but the WSD-F30’s interface might feel more intuitive, especially for users who prioritize quick access to outdoor data.
Tools for Every Adventure: Feature Face-Off
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: the features that make these watches ideal for outdoor exploration. Both offer the core functionalities you expect, including timekeeping, date display, alarms, stopwatch, and timer. The WSD-F20 goes a step further with sunrise/sunset times and moon phase displays, catering specifically to those who rely on natural light cues.
However, where the WSD-F20 truly shines is its dedicated outdoor features. It boasts built-in GPS, barometer, compass, and altimeter. This combination provides invaluable data for navigation, altitude tracking, and weather monitoring. You can even download offline maps and use GPS functionality in a power-saving mode, extending battery life for those extended expeditions.
The WSD-F30 keeps things a bit simpler. It still offers built-in GPS, but it lacks the dedicated barometer, compass, and altimeter sensors of the F20. This might not be a deal-breaker for casual hikers or those who rely more on smartphone apps for navigation, but for serious outdoor enthusiasts who value these functionalities, the F20 takes the lead.
Both watches offer illumination for low-light visibility, and the WSD-F20 provides world-time functionality with sunrise/sunset information for different locations. But the WSD-F30 throws in a bonus – it has a built-in speaker and microphone. This allows you to make calls and interact with voice assistants directly from your wrist, which can be a convenient feature for hands-free communication during hikes or on the go.
Fueling Your Adventures: The Battery Battle
Let’s face it, a dead watch in the wilderness is a major buzzkill. Both watches utilize rechargeable batteries, but their performance and management differ. The WSD-F20 offers two operational modes. In full smartwatch mode, with all features active and the color display engaged, it can last around a day, comparable to most smartwatches.
However, where the F20 truly excels is its power-saving mode. By disabling most smart features and relying solely on the transflective LCD for basic timekeeping and sensor data display, the battery life can be extended to a remarkable one week. This extended life makes it an ideal companion for long backpacking trips or off-grid adventures.
The WSD-F30 offers a more typical smartwatch battery life, lasting 2-3 days on a single charge with moderate usage. While Casio improved the battery efficiency slightly compared to the F20, it still falls short in terms of extended expeditions. However, the WSD-F30 does offer a more streamlined design, which might contribute to some improvement in battery life.
Both watches offer power-saving features like reducing screen brightness and limiting background app refresh. However, the WSD-F20’s dedicated power-saving mode offers significantly more control and extends battery life by a much greater margin.
Replacing the battery on either watch requires specialized tools and potentially professional help. The F20’s focus on ruggedness might make accessing the battery slightly more complex due to its reinforced construction. However, the extended battery life of the F20 in power-saving mode means battery replacement might be less frequent compared to the WSD-F30 which requires charging more often.
Price and Value: An Investment in Exploration
Now, let’s talk about the price tag. The WSD-F30 generally carries a slightly higher price compared to the WSD-F20. This might seem counterintuitive as the F20 boasts more features. However, remember that the F20 is a slightly older model, and the smartwatch market is constantly evolving.
Here’s where value comes in. If you prioritize dedicated outdoor features like barometer, compass, and altimeter, and value the extended battery life in power-saving mode, the WSD-F20 offers excellent value despite its slightly lower price point. It’s a true adventurer’s tool.
However, if the extra features aren’t crucial for you, and you prefer a more streamlined design and a newer model with a speaker for calls, the WSD-F30 might be a better choice. Remember, the battery life isn’t quite as long on the F30, so
factor in how often you’ll be on extended adventures where frequent charging access might be limited.
Long-Term Considerations:
Both watches are built to last. The rugged construction and water resistance ensure they can withstand the elements. However, the WSD-F20’s potentially more complex battery replacement due to its design might be a factor to consider. Additionally, the availability of replacement parts and software updates for older models could also influence your long-term value proposition.
The User’s Voice: Real-World Experiences
So, what do actual users have to say about these watches? Here’s a breakdown:
- WSD-F20: Users consistently praise the F20’s comprehensive outdoor features, excellent sunlight readability of the transflective LCD, and its long battery life in power-saving mode. These aspects make it a reliable companion for serious outdoor enthusiasts who value functionality over form. Common complaints include the bulkier size compared to some smartwatches, occasional limitations of Wear OS, and the potentially complex battery replacement process.
- WSD-F30: Users appreciate the WSD-F30’s sleeker design, user-friendly proprietary OS, and built-in speaker for making calls. The improved battery life compared to the F20 in standard mode is also a plus for some. However, some users report missing the dedicated outdoor sensors (barometer, compass, altimeter) of the F20, and a few find the display can be less visible in direct sunlight compared to the F20’s transflective LCD.
Overall User Satisfaction Ratings:
Both watches enjoy positive user reviews. The WSD-F20 caters to a more specific audience of outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize its specialized features. The WSD-F30 receives acclaim for its well-rounded smartwatch functionalities, stylish design, and the addition of a speaker for calls. Ultimately, the choice depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
The Final Verdict: Choosing Your Companion for the Trail
Choosing between the Pro-Trek WSD-F20 and WSD-F30 boils down to your priorities and intended use:
- For the Hardcore Adventurer: If you prioritize dedicated features like GPS, barometer, compass, and long battery life in remote locations, even at the expense of a slightly bulkier design, the Pro-Trek WSD-F20 is the clear winner.
- For the Stylish Explorer: If you value a more streamlined design, a user-friendly interface, a built-in speaker for calls, and still appreciate some core outdoor functionalities like GPS, the WSD-F30 is a compelling option. However, be aware that the battery life won’t be quite as long on extended adventures without frequent charging.
- Finding the Middle Ground: If you value some outdoor capabilities but also prioritize everyday smartwatch features, consider these aspects:
- App Selection: The WSD-F30 offers a more user-friendly proprietary OS, but the WSD-F20 with Wear OS allows access to a wider range of apps, although some might be less optimized for the smaller screen.
- Fitness Tracking: Both watches offer basic activity-tracking functionalities. However, some third-party apps with more advanced features might not be compatible with the WSD-F20’s Wear OS due to hardware limitations.
Beyond Specs: The Intangible Factors
Beyond the technical specifications, consider the overall philosophy of each watch:
- The Pro-Trek WSD-F20: It prioritizes functionality over form. It’s a tool for exploration, built to withstand harsh environments and provide vital data for navigation and decision-making.
- The WSD-F30: It strikes a balance between functionality and style. It aims to be a versatile companion for everyday life and some outdoor adventures, offering a user-friendly interface and the convenience of a built-in speaker for calls.
The Final Thought: Performance vs. Experience
Ultimately, the choice between the Pro-Trek WSD-F20 and WSD-F30 depends on what kind of experience you seek on your wrist. The WSD-F20 prioritizes raw performance and dedicated outdoor features, making it a true adventurer’s tool. The WSD-F30 provides a more user-friendly and stylish experience, excelling as a well-rounded smartwatch with some outdoor capabilities. Whichever watch you choose, remember it’s an extension of your adventurous spirit. Let it be a reliable companion on your next exploration, helping you navigate the trails, conquer challenges, and create lasting memories.