How To Choose a Smartwatch: The Ultimate Guide

In the last decade, we have seen a tremendous spur of smartwatch manufacturing brands, all designing hundreds of smartwatch models with futuristic features. With the variety of brands and the seemingly look alike smartwatch models, choosing the best smartwatch for you can be an uphill task, and trust me, it is even more confusing if you have never bought a smartwatch before.

So, how do you choose the perfect smartwatch for you? or rather, what are the ground factors to consider when purchasing a smartwatch?

Well, to help you make an informed decision, the next section of this post will outline and vividly describe all the factors you should consider when purchasing a smartwatch.

What Do You Consider When Buying a Smartwatch?

First, you should understand what you are looking to purchase. Are you looking for a smartwatch or a fitness tracker? Many people cannot tell the difference between the two. To clear the confusion, a fitness- tracker is a smart wearable designed to help track your health and interacts with a single fitness app on your phone.

On the other end, a smartwatch comes with a wide range of features and does more than fitness tracking. For example, you can call, receive text and notifications from social platforms, among other things. Having understood the difference, here are some basic factors to consider when buying a smartwatch.

Compatibility

Most smartwatches run on Android Wear OS by Google and WatchOS by Apple company. Recently, Samsung also launched Tizen OS for all Samsung smartwatches. With the diverse system software, compatibility is a key factor to consider.

 For instance, Apple Watches are only compatible with iPhones, while Android Wear smartwatches work with iOS and Android devices. Typically, smartwatch models designed by Samsung, Garmin, and Fitbit work with iOS and Android smartphones. However, you will have to install the companion app to use them with iPhones.

Price

The price of smartwatches is hugely determined by the features, design, and brand. Generally, the best smartwatches will cost you between $200 to $400. These high-end smartwatches have more features and are somewhat classy than budget smartwatches that go for around $100 to $200.

We also have “Luxury smartwatches” that go for over $500, and the prices can go beyond $1000, which is unrealistic, especially if you cannot afford one. Therefore, always go for smartwatches that match your budget to avoid economic stress.

Battery life

Creating long-lasting smartwatch batteries has been the biggest nightmare for manufacturing brands. However, in recent years companies have made strides to manufacture rechargeable long-lasting batteries.

For example, on average, the Apple Watch 6 can go for 3 days on a single charge. The smartwatch can recharge from zero to 80% in half an hour, while the new OnePlus Watch can go from zero to 43% in just 10 minutes!

Usually, most Wear OS smartwatches will go 2 days without recharging. However, if a long battery life is a top priority, you should consider purchasing a hybrid smartwatch. The battery can go for 4- 6 months without depleting. Unfortunately, you will have to deal with the fact that they have limited features and do not have touchscreens.

Fitness features

Your health and fitness is of utmost importance. Therefore, when selecting a smartwatch, always go for the one with more fitness features and applications. Check if it has the most basic fitness features such as GPS, heart rate, and pedometer.

Smartwatch bands

Different smartwatches come with diverse swappable clasp bands. Make sure that bands are comfortable and easy to buckle or swap. Also, check to find if they are available in the event that you need a replacement in the future.

Display

Most smartwatches come with colorful LCD or AMOLED display screens- there are brighter screens that allow users to view photos and menus much clearly but will drain your battery much faster. High-end smartwatches offer OLED displays which are darker, slimmer, and offer excellent performance under direct sunlight.

Navigation

A considerable percentage of smartwatches have a touchscreen. Even though some come with button controls, it is a no-brainer; I would go for the touchscreen smartwatch. Fully touchscreen smartphones such as Amazfit GTR 2 and Garmin Venu 2 are much easier and fun to use. Also, we have hybrid smartwatches that have no touchscreen. However, they offer basic fitness features and have a long-life battery.

Why Are Smartwatches Popular?

Smartwatches received massive downplay soon after they launched, with critics saying that they would never see the future. But, on the contrary, smartwatches are today as popular as other smart gadgets.

With the increasing awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, many people have found smartwatches to be essential tools to help monitor and achieve physical fitness.

Compared to smartphones, smartwatches are portable and can perform a wide range of functions, making them convenient smartphone complementary smart gadgets.

Can I Use a Smartwatch Without a Phone?

Of course, you can use a smartwatch without a smartphone. Most smartwatches from top smartwatch manufacturing brands such as Samsung and Apple come with Wi-Fi connectivity capabilities, meaning that you do not have to be within your smartphone’s Bluetooth range to use your smartwatch.

In fact, there are stand-alone smartwatches that function fully without a smartphone. They come with a SIM card slot or an eSIM in the LTE model that allows for stand-alone capabilities.

What Is an LTE Smartwatch?

LTE smartwatches use 4G/LTE radio technology to automatically connect to your carrier’s data plan without your smartphone connection. This means that you can operate your smartwatch normally, receive calls, send messages, access the internet without your smartphone being around- It’s called stand-alone connectivity. A perfect example of an LTE stand-alone smartwatch is the SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Active 2.

What Is the Difference Between Bluetooth and LTE Smartwatch?

Typically, a Bluetooth smartwatch requires a Bluetooth connection for you to operate apps and access the internet via a cellular connection on your smartphone. Even though you can connect the smartwatch to the internet via a wireless connection, it would be impossible to receive calls, reply to messages, and operate apps if you do not have your smartwatch connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth.

Nevertheless, LTE smartwatches have an eSIM in the LTE model that allows them to automatically connect to your smartphone cellular network, meaning that you access the internet via your smartphone cellular, receive calls, notifications and messages when you are far from your phone.

Do I Need a Data Plan for A Smartwatch?

If you are using a Bluetooth smartwatch, you do not need to purchase a data plan for your smartwatch. Typically, Bluetooth smartwatches connect to the internet via Bluetooth pairing from your smartphone. However, if you are using a stand-alone smartwatch with a SIM card slot, you will have to buy a data plan to connect to the internet when you are away from your phone.

Do Smartphones Get Outdated?

Like other devices, the smartphone’s hardware will age with time. For example, if you need a new battery, you can always purchase or contact the manufacturer for replacement at a fee. However, the rate at which a smartwatch gets outdated depends on its quality. Some of the best smartwatches will serve you for at least five years before they get faced out and stop receiving software upgrades.

With all the above tips, we now beyond confident that you now find the best smartwatch for yourself! Also, you can always refer to our previous article on some of the best Android and iOS smartwatches available in the market today.