To be honest, I hate fussing around with all that tape when I am trying to be at 100% erect. With the smart device, you just click a button and the tape retracts until it encompasses the thing you can measuring tautly but not squeezing. I'd say it'd give more consistent measurements. I did compare with standard tape measure and against rigid objects, it seems to be 0.1 inches off. But against soft objects, it is the same. I am guessing they built that in since it is made for measuring waists, thighs, calves, biceps, necks, etc.