This smartwatch purchase guide delves into all of the considerations to consider when determining if the Apple Watch, Fitbit, or other leading wearables are the right fit for you.
The best smart watches we’ve checked are all great in their own right, but they don’t fit everyone. Hundreds of businesses make smartwatches that send alerts, apps, and more to your wrist, from major technology brands like Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit to traditional watchmakers like Tag Heuer and Fossil.
Let’s take a look at the things you must consider while buying a smartwatch before you look for “sleep aid machine”.
#1 Compatibility of The Operating System & The Phone
Device compatibility is critical since most smartwatches are intended to be companions to your smartphone. Samsung’s Tizen-powered Galaxy Watch work with various Android and iPhone devices. However, it should be noted that using those watches with an Android device, especially a Samsung device, is more straightforward.
#2 Displays: OLED vs LCD
Most smartwatches have a vibrant LCD or AMOLED display, which is brighter and allows you to view images, apps, and other content in richer colour. The trade-off is battery life, though smartwatch manufacturers are improving their devices’ efficiency. Some should last for days, if not weeks, but go with a black-and-white display if you want the longest battery life.
#3 Touchscreen vs Non-touch
It would seem that choosing a touchscreen for your smartwatch is a no-brainer. However, selecting objects on a smaller touch display can be tricky, and some of the gesture-based interfaces aren’t intuitive.
#4 Personalization & Design
The best smartwatches come with various straps or the option to swap them out for a third-party option. This is crucial if you want to customize the appearance of your device. Before purchasing a smartwatch, most of them now offer a variety of customization options.
#5 Charge Time & Battery Life
Most smartwatches with colour screens last one to two days (and often less than one day) between charges, so think about how much you’re ready to keep plugging in your watch. When used as phones, watches with voice capabilities won’t last nearly as long, but that’s to be expected. On a single charge, the Apple Watch lasts about 18 hours of mixed-use.
Quick Tips
- Don’t buy a smartwatch until you’re sure it’ll work with your phone. Apple Watches, for example, are only compatible with iPhones. Both Android phones and iPhones will work with Google’s Wear OS platform, and Samsung’s Tizen watches, but with lesser features than if you use them with Android phones.
- If you’re a fitness fanatic, look for a watch with a heart rate sensor and GPS (to track your runs).
- When shopping, pay attention to the rated battery life. The most extended battery life is found in hybrid smartwatches that resemble analogue timepieces but lack touchscreens.
- Check that the clasp or buckle on the watchband is easy to use and exchange. Also, make sure that replacement bands are easy to come by.
- App selection is essential, but it pales in comparison to compatibility, construction, and other features.
