The battle of digital vs analog scale causes an unending hot debate. Each time they get compared, you would always hear arguments about analog scales being obsolete and a thing of the past, while digital scales being unpredictable and complicated. Surely, these scales have their list of pros and cons, but which is better?
The analog scale is known to be the traditional version of weight scales. When you step on the analog scale’s surface, a bed of springs creates a mechanism that causes a dial to spin and point on your respective weight in pounds or kilograms.
Th digital scale, on the other hand, is considered as the revolutionized version equipped with the latest technology and offers additional functions and features that give you results concerning your body mass. It has digital sensors which measure the pressure applied when the user steps onto the surface and displays the result through LCD or LED screens. An internal calculation is done before actual weight measurement is shown.
Digital vs Analog Scale: A Detailed Comparison
Choosing the right weighing scale is such a daunting task, especially when faced with store shelves overflowing with options, not to mention the salespeople giving you different opinions while you panic and hope they do not add more pressure to an already hard decision.
With that said, we have laid out the points of comparison below to help you understand their similarities and differences better.
Reliability
Analog scales are reliable in terms of measuring your weight in real time. However, you have to keep in mind that the needle will move with you the moment you step on the scale, and too many movements can give you inaccurate results. In other words, the accuracy depends on the user’s ability to stay still while on top of the scale.
Likewise, digital scales are reliable as it can also measure your weight in real time. It usually has a no-power button technology; it will only require you to touch or place both your feet on the surface for it to do its job and the result is less likely to have deviations. And just like the analog scales, too many movements can cause the numbers to fluctuate. You also have to stand still to get the correct measurement.
Ease of Use
One of the features loved by many about the analog scales is that they do not require any form of electricity or batteries to function. You just have to step with both feet on its surface and get your weight in pounds or kilograms in an instant. There are also knobs underneath the tool to calibrate the scale.
With the high-technology it comes with, the digital scales can give you not just your weight, but also your body and muscle mass, water content, and other bodily measurements which are calculated by the device’s internal system as soon as you step on its surface. You just have to make sure that you fix the settings beforehand and choose the data that you want to see.
Durability
Analog scales have been proven and tested to be long-lasting and durable. You can easily tune up these scales and continue to ensure its accuracy. Although, most analog weighing scales have limitations and are only designed to withstand a weight of up to 265 lbs or 120 kgs which can be considered a significant disadvantage as compared to modern standards.
Digital scales, on the other hand, are usually able to withstand a weight of up to 400 lbs, and they are far more durable than the analog scales. However, since digital scales use sensors, they can get desensitized and worn out with time. These sensors will need to be replaced when they become dull and could not be fixed with tune-ups.
Accuracy
The mechanical components of analog scales allow it to provide you accurate real-time measurements. However, too many movements by the user can be a problem in keeping the needle steady which, in turn, can create confusion and cause inaccurate readings.
Digital scales are known to be more precise and accurate due to the up-to-date technology that they come with. This allows them to record, analyze, read, and sometimes even store data and information so that you can keep track of your progress. However, some brands are of low-quality which can give you inaccurate and wrong readings.
The Verdict
The discussion above pretty much gives us a clear comparison between a digital scale and an analog scale. Now, try not to be overwhelmed because no matter how heated the arguments on digital vs analog scale these days are, the choice will still depend on your preferences and your purpose for wanting to own one.
You can simply choose the analog type because it is low-maintenance as it runs without the need for electricity or batteries, or you can end up getting the digital one because you love how advanced its functions are.
With regards to functions, the analog scale does what is expected of it—give you your weight measurement. Meanwhile, the digital scale can measure not only your weight, but also your body and muscle mass, water content, and some other bodily measurements that are vital to your overall physical health. Some digital scales are also capable of storing your information allowing you to track and monitor your progress.
In terms of affordability, the analog scales can easily be acquired since they are not that pricey. On the other hand, digital weighing scales can be low-priced or high-priced depending on the quality and the features that they come with. Of course, the more feature it has, the pricer it gets.
Overall, we can say that they both have their pros and cons, and what matters is your preference. Your current weight is also a consideration since analog scales have lower weight limitations. Hence, before you choose the weighing scale that you will bring home with you, make sure to think about all the factors discussed above to help you select the right weighing buddy for you.
