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How to Compare Smartwatches to Pick the Best?
Some features of a smartwatch are must-haves as compared to the rest, and while comparing your desired choices, you should not neglect them. Here is the checklist of them.| Specification | Description | Range |
|---|---|---|
| OS Compatibility | Requires to sync your phone’s app and notifications with smartwatch | Depends upon the OS used by your smartphone and smartwatch |
| Build Quality & Design | Responsible for the comfort and durability of the watch | Higher the better |
| Display Type | Responsible for color quality and user experience | Depends upon user preference |
| Battery Life | Decides how long a watch can last without charging upon normal usage | Higher the better |
| Apps Connectivity | Let you install and manage apps directly to your smartwatch | Higher the better |
| Communication Features | Let you make and receive calls using an in-built card without a smartphone | Good to have |
| Connectivity Features | Let you connect with other devices and pay to nearby merchants using NFC technology | Must have |
| Price | Decide how many advanced features and apps support you will have | Lower the better (depends upon brand, requirements and features) |
Compatibility – iOS vs Android
The first and foremost thing to compare among smartwatches is their compatibility with your smartphone. You can only use your smartwatch to control your smartphone using voice commands and app syncing when both devices’ OS is compatible. Not all smartwatches are compatible with both Android and iOS. For example, Apple watches work only with iOS and not Android because it runs on WatchOS. On the other hand, Android or Google Wear OS is used in various smartwatches like Fitbit Versa 2 and 3 to provide compatibility for Android and iOS devices. So, while making an iOS or android wear comparison, don’t forget to check the smartwatch’s OS compatibility with your phone’s OS.Design and Build Quality
A smartwatch is not something you’re gonna wear for just two days and then forget it. That is why its design and build quality matter. The better the build quality, the more long-lasting the watch is. Nowadays, brands like Fossil or Apple offer personalization in straps and dials for unisex smartwatches or those with slimmer wrists. So, depending on your wrist size, you can choose between square and round dials.
Some smartwatches come with plastic straps, while others come with metal or rubber straps, so depending on your comfort type, you can choose the strap material. Don’t go for such watches whose claps require too much pressure to open and close. Also, a smartwatch should be water-resistant to prevent damage from excess sweat or bad weather conditions.
Display Type
The display is the core part of any smartwatch; thus, it is crucial to compare it in top rated smartwatches.- OLED vs LCD
- Touchscreen vs Physical Controls
Apple watches address this issue nicely by offering a combo approach of touch display with physical controls. Using the touchscreen option, you can scroll through the notifications or zoom the content, while the physical side button allows you to access frequently used apps. It also uses a force touch to distinguish between a long press and a tap.
Battery Life & Charging Type
Range: 2 hours to 2 weeks Smartwatches with more colorful and brighter displays (like LCD or AMOLED) tend to have shorter battery life than black and white or OLED displays that last for days without charging. Also, watches with voice capabilities drain batteries faster than normal ones. So, it is crucial to check the battery life and charging time required while comparing various smartwatches. It is better to go for the one that lasts at least 16-24 hours upon regular usage. For example, the Apple watch has an excellent battery life of 18 hours. Conversely, the Amazfit GTS2 mini smart watch comes with a claimed battery life of 2 weeks (which is commendable). Not only this but some high-range watches also offer wireless charging functionality, so choose according to your preferences.App Support
As smartwatches become more advanced, they give you multiple apps selection and support to install directly from the app store. There is a dedicated WatchOS store for Apple watches to install apps directly on your smartwatch, depending on your needs.
Similarly, the Google Wear OS offers similar apps like Whatsapp, Lyft, etc., on its dedicated store for your convenience. So, you can check what app selections you are getting with a particular smartwatch. Compare and go for the one that offers more app selections.
Fitness Tracking Features
Some smartwatches also integrate activity-monitoring features to work as fitness trackers. So, if you are a fitness enthusiast, you can compare smartwatches to check if they are offering the following features or not:- Step counting
- Heart rate
- ECG
- SpO2
Connectivity
Connectivity features like GPS and NFC are crucial in smartwatches as they allow you to connect various devices with your watch. Smartwatches with NFC chips inside and built-in LTE features also support calling and mobile payments even without a phone nearby. Apple watches come with Apple Pay compatibility, while Google or Android Wear OS watches have Google-Pay enabled to pay nearby merchants through NFC. Samsung uses its own Samsung Pay in its watches for the same, which works on its latest models.
Communication Features
Nowadays, modern smartwatches come with a groundbreaking feature called eSIM support. With this feature, you can use your mobile number as an in-built card to make and receive calls without using your phone. This feature comes in handy when you don’t have your phone nearby and want to make an urgent call using your smartwatch. Apple watches come with this feature with an in-built Jio eSim (optional) to make calls. So, depending on your budget and requirements, you can compare which brands offer this feature in their smartwatches.Pricing
Range: $100-$1700 Depending on the combination of features, display type, app support and OS, smartwatches range from $100 to as high as $1700. Most budget watches come under $200-$500, depending on your chosen brand. If you go for Apple watches, the cost of a smartwatch increases for the latest variants and premium designs. For example, Apple Watch Series 7 starts from $399 but can go as high as $1400 as you opt for designer variants or ceramic cases. So, compare which brand has the most to offer you under your budget.Communication Syncing with Other Smartwatches
If you and other family members wear smartwatches, then a synchronized communication feature can help you communicate with each other. Using this feature, you can sync the schedules of your and your family members to send notifications for crucial tasks. This way, you don’t have to call each other to remind them about a particular task or stay in sync.Fall Detection & Emergency Call Functionality
Most smartwatches come with a fall detection feature by using an accelerometer sensor. In such kinds of watches, the accelerometer sensor detects sudden falls.
If the wearer doesn’t respond to the smartwatch alarm, an emergency call gets triggered to 911 or its emergency contact for further assistance. This feature usually comes in Apple, Fitbit and Garmin brands’ watches and can really be helpful for kids and older adults.