Smartwatches have evolved to become more advanced and versatile than ever before. They serve multiple functions such as monitoring health and fitness, serving as a digital wallet, and acting as a smartphone extension. With features such as heart rate monitoring, elevation detection, and emergency services connection in case of a fall, they have become increasingly popular. Some models even offer advanced features such as ECG and SpO2 readings. Additionally, the best smartwatches offer a variety of apps and features that cater to your daily needs. Smartwatches are also customizable with options for changing their faces and straps to fit your personality and style.
- Apple Watch 8
The specifications of this product include two size options of 41mm and 45mm, a battery life rated for 18 hours, GPS functionality, swim-proof design, heart rate monitoring, optional LTE connectivity, and support for mobile payments through Apple Pay. This product is compatible with iOS devices.
The Apple Watch Series 8 is a highly-rated smartwatch with a similar design and screen size to the Series 7. Although it doesn’t have many new features, it does have a skin temperature sensor that can help with cycle and fertility tracking, as well as sleep tracking. Additionally, the long-awaited low-power mode can help extend the battery life up to 36 hours. The Series 8 also has a crash detection feature that can provide immediate assistance in emergencies. It serves as an excellent health tracker and communication device, running on watchOS 9. This smartwatch is perfect for anyone who wants to use it for exercising, answering calls, or accessing Apple Watch apps, as long as they have an iPhone.
This voice-activated smartwatch offers the best features at a discount rate
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The Samsung smartwatch is available in two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, and boasts a battery life of up to 50 hours. It comes equipped with GPS capabilities and is designed to be swim-proof, making it suitable for those who enjoy water activities. Additionally, users have the option to include LTE connectivity and utilize Samsung Pay for mobile payments. Overall, the Samsung smartwatch offers a range of features that make it a versatile and convenient device for daily use.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 boasts several improvements over its predecessor, including a skin-temperature reader, a more durable display, and an extended battery life. Despite similarities with the Galaxy Watch 4, these upgrades make the Galaxy Watch 5 a superior device, and its starting price of $279 makes it a worthwhile investment. While the skin temperature reader will not function immediately, the watch performed well in testing, lasting for two days and charging up to almost 50% in just 30 minutes. The Wear OS 3, combined with Samsung’s skin, offers additional advantages such as Google Assistant and better compatibility with other Samsung devices. Furthermore, the Galaxy Watch 5 delivers more advanced GPS features and even longer battery life.
3. Google Pixel Watch
The specifications of the device indicate that it has a size of 41mm and a battery life of 24 hours. It also has GPS capability and is rated as swim-proof, meaning that it can withstand exposure to water during swimming activities. Additionally, the device has the option for LTE connectivity and supports mobile payments through Google Wallet. Overall, these features make the device a versatile and convenient tool for those who require GPS tracking and mobile payment capabilities, as well as the ability to use the device while engaging in swimming activities.
The Google Pixel Watch is the ultimate smartwatch for Pixel phone users, with its sleek design, comprehensive range of Google apps, and Fitbit’s advanced health tracking technology. Despite being a first-generation product, the Pixel Watch combines the best features of Wear OS with Fitbit’s integrated health monitoring, which is further enhanced with a Fitbit Premium membership. It offers various features for staying connected and active, but some users might not like the thick bezels and limited size options, and the battery life is not as good as other Fitbit smartwatches. Nevertheless, the Pixel Watch stands out among other smartwatches for Android.
4. Apple Watch SE (2022)
The Apple Watch comes in two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, and has a rated battery life of 18 hours. It features GPS functionality and is designed to be swim-proof. The watch also includes a heart rate monitor and has optional LTE connectivity for mobile data. It supports mobile payments through Apple Pay and is compatible only with devices running iOS.
The Apple Watch SE is a blend of the previous Apple Watch design and the latest Apple Watch Series 8’s chipset, which costs $249. While it lacks some of the Series 8’s features, it is still a great option for fitness tracking and safety features, and it also has an LTE option that makes it ideal for those who want to try out Family Setup.
The main difference between the Apple Watch Series 8 and the Apple Watch SE is the extra $150 you’d pay for the former, which offers a brighter display with an always-on option, an ECG monitor, skin temperature monitoring, and a larger display. If you don’t need these features, the Apple Watch SE is still a highly capable device for iPhone users. Furthermore, it comes with the latest Apple Watch software, watchOS 9, which includes a low-power mode, fresh new watch faces, an upgraded workout interface, a redesigned compass tool, and the new Medications app.
5. Fitbit Sense 2
The 40mm sized Fitbit device boasts a battery life of 6 days and features GPS functionality. It is also swim-proof, and comes equipped with a heart rate monitor. However, it does not support LTE connectivity. The device offers Fitbit Pay and Google Pay mobile payment options, and is compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems.
The upgraded Fitbit Sense 2 boasts an improved design, interface, and EDA sensor, which enables advanced health analysis and integration with Fitbit Premium. Its updated cEDA stress-detecting sensor monitors stress levels and prompts users to take action with Body Response notifications. While lacking third-party app support and Google Wallet and Maps integration at launch, the Sense 2 remains a top choice for fitness-tracking and mood monitoring.
6. Garmin Venu 2 Plus
The specifications of the device are as follows: it has a size of 43mm, a rated battery life of 10 days, GPS capability, and is swim-proof. The device also features a heart rate monitor; however, it does not have LTE connectivity for cellular data. It does offer mobile payments through Garmin Pay. The device is compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems.
The Garmin Venu 2 was an impressive fitness-tracking smartwatch that combined style with functionality. It was regarded as one of the best Garmin watches due to its accurate GPS and thorough fitness tracking capabilities. The newly launched Garmin Venu 2 Plus, priced at $449, now includes on-wrist calling and voice assistants, making it an even stronger option for those who want their smartwatch to function as an extension of their smartphone. Despite its limited third-party app store and lack of LTE support, the addition of more communication tools is a significant step towards achieving a complete smartwatch experience. Furthermore, the smartwatch has a 10-day battery life, making it even more appealing.
