The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Smartwatch

Thanks to a push led by Apple, smartwatches have become the latest rage. One of their core design tenets is fitness, as they increasingly focus on providing people with new ways to monitor their health. In addition to keeping time, they offer features such as controlling music, receiving notifications, making and receiving calls, communicating with a voice assistant, and making payments. Some smartwatches are designed for athletic and fitness tracking, while others prioritize functionality and making tasks simpler. Finally, some smartwatches are designed to look as impressive as possible, using premium design features and materials to compete directly with luxury watches that currently dominate the timekeeping market.

Consider these important factors before making a smartwatch purchase:

1. Compatibility: Check if the smartwatch you are eyeing is compatible with your device.

2. Aesthetics: Determine the style that suits your taste and complements your fashion sense.

3. Fitness Features: Assess the fitness features you want and need, such as GPS tracking or waterproofing.

4. Battery Life: Decide on the battery life duration that suits your lifestyle, but also consider the trade-off between battery life and features.

If you're on a budget, the Amazfit GTR Mini Smartwatch is the perfect choice for you. Priced at just $119.99 on Amazon, this budget smartwatch has a range of features that make it a great value for money.

Android users, take note - the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 has been named the Best Android-Based Smartwatch, and it's easy to see why. With a price tag of $224 on Newegg, this smartwatch has a great range of features that make it the perfect choice for Android users.

Fitness enthusiasts will love the Fitbit Charge 5, which has been named the Best Fitness-Centric Smartwatch. Priced at $131.99 on Amazon, this smartwatch has numerous features that make it the perfect choice for tracking your fitness goals.

If you're in the market for a hybrid smartwatch, look no further than the Withings Steel HR. Priced at $180 on Withings, this smartwatch has a stylish design and a range of features that make it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a hybrid smartwatch.

The Apple Watch Series 8 is the latest and greatest iteration of the original smartwatch that started it all. It boasts the best of what Apple has to offer, including tight integration with its ecosystem, while also prioritizing health and safety features and improved durability. The Series 8 builds on the successes of its predecessors by doing everything well, but better. It has a 1000 nits retina display, customizable straps, optional SIM support, and impressive health sensors, including oxygen, heart rate, and temperature monitoring. It also offers a variety of exercise modes and workout detection, making it a top contender for fitness enthusiasts. While it may come with a higher price tag compared to the competition, the Apple Watch Series 8's ecosystem and integration with Apple's hardware offerings make it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a high-quality smartwatch.

The latest addition to the Apple Watch lineup, the Series 8, takes a step forward from its predecessors by introducing a range of new features including temperature sensing, crash detection, and fertility cycle tracking for women. Additionally, the watch boasts a low power mode that is immediately available upon purchase due to its WatchOS 9 operating system. The seamless integration with the broader Apple ecosystem makes the Series 8 an indispensable tool for iPhone users. The watch's screen is one of the brightest and most advanced in the industry, positioning the Apple Watch Series 8 as the clear front-runner among smartwatches in 2023. While the upgrades may not be sufficient to persuade Series 7 owners to upgrade, those with older Apple Watch models may find it tempting. If you're in the market for the most advanced and up-to-date smartwatch from Apple, the Series 8, or its more luxurious counterpart, the Apple Watch Ultra, is the way to go.

The Amazfit GTR Mini Smartwatch offers a budget-friendly option for those in search of a feature-packed smartwatch. With a heart rate monitor, AMOLED 326PPI screen, and onboard GPS, this watch offers all the necessary features for fitness enthusiasts. The customizable strap and smartphone music control make it a versatile accessory for everyday use. Its excellent battery life, lasting up to 7 days (up to 30 in low power mode), is a standout feature. However, limited software support and the inability to receive or make phone calls due to the lack of a speaker and microphone are notable drawbacks. Overall, the Amazfit GTR Mini Smartwatch is a well-made and affordable option for those in search of a reliable smartwatch.

The Amazfit GTR Mini Smartwatch faces stiff competition in the budget segment from multiple low-end smartwatch manufacturers with similar features. However, it stands out by excelling in fitness and wellness capabilities and offering impressive battery life. Additionally, its stainless steel case gives it a more premium feel compared to its rivals.

Despite its strengths, the smartwatch does have some drawbacks. It lacks a speaker and microphone, which means users cannot make or receive voice calls or send voice notes, requiring them to use their phone instead. Additionally, it does not use Wear OS, opting for the in-house Zepp OS. While Zepp OS performs well, it limits users to a small selection of 3rd party app options.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a refined upgrade to Samsung's already impressive watch lineup. It builds upon the success of the Watch 4 lineup by introducing improvements like longer battery life, Type C charging, and enhanced durability. Packed with features and a wide range of sensors, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 offers excellent value for its price, making it a compelling alternative to pricier Apple Watches.

The Galaxy Watch 5 boasts impressive features such as the heart rate monitor, onboard GPS, and support for notifications. It also has a customizable strap and is available in sizes 40mm and 44mm with color options of graphite, silver, and pink gold. The watch is equipped with Exynos W920 CPU and 1.5GB RAM, with 16GB storage and runs on Android Wear OS. It has a 330 PPI Super AMOLED display with Sapphire Crystal Glass in an aluminum frame, making it durable and resistant to scratches. The watch also offers a skin temperature sensor, blood pressure monitor, and altimeter, making it an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts. The Galaxy Watch 5 supports up to 90 different exercise modes and has mobile payment options with Samsung Pay and Google Wallet. While the Watch 5 is a minor upgrade from the Watch 4, it is still a great choice for those looking for an Android-based smartwatch with impressive features and a lasting battery life.

The Galaxy Watch 5 is a worthwhile investment for those who are hesitant to spend on the latest model. It offers a temperature sensor, an improved screen, and longer battery life as upgrades to the already exceptional Watch 4. Additionally, with Android's Wear OS, it boasts better software and third-party app support compared to most of its competitors, making it a popular choice for Android-based smartwatches.

For those seeking a budget-friendly fitness tracker that doesn't skimp on features, the Fitbit Charge 5 is a top contender. With a focus on both comfort and functionality, this wearable offers everything you need to track your fitness goals and then some. In addition to its impressive sensor array, it also functions as a GPS-enabled smartwatch, making it a versatile choice for those seeking an all-in-one device.

The Fitbit Charge 5 may not be marketed as a smartwatch, but it certainly functions as one. While it lacks certain features like music control, it compensates with impressive fitness tracking capabilities, detailed statistics, and exceptional battery life. Additionally, its NFC connectivity allows for convenient contactless payments through Fitbit Pay. However, there are concerns about the future of the device following Google's acquisition of Fitbit and its software, which could potentially lead to even greater capabilities through a Wear OS upgrade. Regardless, the Charge 5 stands out as the top fitness-focused smartwatch thanks to its range of sensors and functionalities.

Withings Steel HR is the perfect hybrid smartwatch that combines the advanced features of a smartwatch with the classic look of a traditional watch. It allows users to easily track their heart rate, steps, and up to 30 different exercises. The battery life of up to 25 days is unbeatable compared to other smartwatches in the market, enabling users to spend more time moving and less time charging. The watch comes with customizable straps, a stainless steel case featuring chrome indexes, and a soft silicone wristband. It also has a calendar and can detect workouts accurately. The companion app is easy to use, but the watch face is not entirely a smartwatch. At $180 on Withings and $179 on Amazon, it is an incredible investment for anyone who wants to have the best of both worlds.

A hybrid watch is the perfect solution for those who want the benefits of a smartwatch without sacrificing style. The Withings Steel HR strikes a balance between classic design and modern functionality, boasting a discreet digital display accessible through the side dial. This display provides valuable information such as heart rate, steps, and even phone notifications. While it may not offer all the features of a comprehensive fitness tracker, individuals who prioritize step counting and heart rate monitoring will find this watch to be just right, without overwhelming them with excessive data.

One of the remarkable features of this watch is its long battery life, lasting up to 25 days on a single charge, thanks to the low power consumption of the digital display. Additionally, Withings offers plenty of customization options to make this watch match your personal style, with interchangeable bands that are easy to switch out.

How To Choose The Perfect Smartwatch For You?

Compatibility

Ensure that the smartwatch you choose is compatible with your device, as this is crucial for its functionality. Without compatibility, all the advanced features of the smartwatch would be rendered useless, reducing it to nothing more than a regular watch. While it is possible for Android users to use an Apple Watch, we advise against it as the features available are significantly restricted.

Aesthetics

Although the performance of a smartwatch is the top priority, the appearance of the device also holds significant value when making a purchase decision. Even those who prioritize functionality still consider the aesthetics of a device, particularly when it comes to a watch. As traditional watches serve both practical and fashion purposes, it's only reasonable to expect the same from a smartwatch.

There are tons of different styles to choose so picking out one that best fits your style is well worth it.

Fitness Features

When it comes to fitness tracking, most smartwatches offer basic features such as step counting and heart rate monitoring. However, for individuals with specific fitness goals, these features may not be sufficient. For instance, swimmers require a waterproof watch that can track their swimming sessions and different types of exercises. On the other hand, GPS tracking is an ideal feature for runners who want to share their routes with friends or for walkers who prefer to see their daily walking paths instead of just step counts. Therefore, it's crucial to choose a smartwatch that supports your fitness goals to ensure a fulfilling workout experience.

Battery Life

The battery life of a watch is a crucial consideration for many users. While some might not mind charging their devices nightly, others prefer a watch that can last for weeks without requiring a charge. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preference and usage habits.

Shoot for a longer battery life device to alleviate any concerns about it dying in the middle of the day. Analyzing your device habits can help determine the perfect battery life for you.

Are smartwatches worth it?

Smartwatches offer a multitude of benefits that make them worth the investment. The convenience of receiving phone notifications without constantly checking your phone is a game-changer. Additionally, the ability to track fitness stats and set goals can significantly improve your health and well-being. Moreover, smartwatches equipped with features like AFIB tracking and fall alerts help ensure your safety, making them a must-have device for anyone who values both convenience and security.

Do you need a phone if you have a smartwatch?

While most smartphones require a connection to another device to access all their features, there are some models available that have 3G/LTE capabilities and can operate independently.