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.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
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.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