The world of smartwatches has certainly changed a little from the days of the Sony Ericsson LiveView, the Pebble, and the MOTOACTV. The Consumer Electronics Show is now bursting with new Garmin, new Apples, and new Samsungs each and every year, giving us consumers more choice than ever before.
On the one side of the coin, we do feel a little bit like a kid in a sweetshop¦ nothing but rows and rows of technology that we can’t wait to get our hands on. But on the other side of the coin, all this choice is overwhelming! So how can we be sure we’re choosing the right smartwatch out of all the possibilities?
Here are 10 questions that we can ask ourselves to help make the decision easier:
Smartwatch: If you’re looking for a smartwatch that allows you to leave your phone behind without FOMO (fear of missing out), then Huawei Watch 2 is a good choice. This smartwatch is packed full of handy, everyday features including Google Assistant and Android Pay so it’s pretty high tech.
Fitness Tracking: The Fitbit Ionic was Fitbit’s first venture into smartwatches, so if you’re looking for a dual-purpose smartwatch then the Ionic is definitely one to consider. There is, unfortunately, a lack of typical smartwatch apps, but it makes up for this with a huge variety of different fitness options.
High: As you might expect, with a big brand comes a big price tag, and Apple watches are still some of the most costly around. The Apple Watch 3 and the Apple Watch 4 are both towards the higher end of the scale, but they’re also some of the best out there. Don’t you think it would be a great idea to use a Toby Delas discount code?
Low: Don’t be afraid to consider some of those lesser known brands. Mobvoi, for example, has launched the budget-friendly Ticwatch E that’s actually a remarkably good performer and it’s surprisingly feature-rich. Although you will have to put up with outdated magnetic connecting pin charging sadly.
Samsung: If you’re loyal to Samsung, then you can’t do any better than the Gear S3. As most of us know, the standout feature of the Gear S3 is the rotating bezel (which is now being rolled out to other models) which makes it super easy to answer that phone call, respond to that text, or launch your favourite app.
Apple: Any Apple Watch will tick all the boxes if you’re an Apple fan. Remember that it’s not just the standard Apple Watch that you can choose, however; Apple’s collaboration with Nike and Hermes mean you have much more choice on style and design, but still get to keep all those Apple Watch functions.
Classic Smartwatch: The Misfit Vapor is a great example of a classic smartwatch style. In fact, this really is top-end design, with a large AMOLED display that’s so bright you can’t help but notice it. It may be a little thick for some, but overall this is one of the most attractive ‘classic’ styles available on the market check out audemars piguet
Sleek Fitness Tracker: If you prefer the minimalist look of fitness trackers (the Fitbit Versa, for example), then the Xiaomi Amazfit BIP smartwatch could be the answer. The BIP’s design is simple and understated and is remarkably lightweight. It feels more like a fitness tracker than a smartwatch.
Big: If screen size is a factor, there are loads of off-the-chart options, like the ridiculous Neptune Pine. However, if you want a big screen that still falls within the realms of reality, Mobvoi Ticwatch S is great. The 1.4 inch OLED display is super bright and super sharp but despite its size its comfortable to wear.
Small: Although the Xiaomi Amazfit Pace is more of a sports watch than a classic smartwatch, it’s worth a mention for its more slimline design. The screen size is just 1.3 inches, making it much smaller than most of the other smartwatches on the market and perfect if you’re looking for something more compact.
It Doesn’t Matter: This is becoming less of an issue. While the Apple Watch is, of course, loyal to iOS, many modern smartwatches are actually compatible with both iOS and Android, even if they use a different operating system. Take the Mobvoi Ticwatch Pro, for example. The watch runs on Wear OS, but is compatible with Android 4.3+ and iOS 8+, so the operating system is less important than it once was.
Laid Back: If you tend to enjoy a more laid–back pace of life, you have a wide choice of smartwatches. Charging probably isn’t too much of a concern, which means you’ll get along just fine with a watch that isn’t especially long–lasting, as well as a watch with some of the older, more clunky charging methods.
Always on the go: If you have a busy, hectic lifestyle, you need to make sure your smartwatch is able to keep up! The Samsung Galaxy Watch is ideal as this model especially is renowned for its incredible battery life of up to 4 days on the larger 46mm model (although it’s slightly less on the 42mm model).
Not so Much: The second of Fitbit’s attempts at cracking the smartwatch market, the Fitbit Versa keeps its price down through a limited storage capacity. Total internal storage is 4GB, although just 2.5GB of that is allocated for music storage; that’s around 300 songs on average (not included apps, of course).
Loads!: Most smartwatches will come with 4GB of internal storage, which for many people is absolutely fine. If you’re looking for something with a massive internal storage capacity, however, the Neptune Pine has an impressive 32GB capacity! Consider watches with upgraded storage options for more flexibility.
It Doesn’t Matter: Like the operating system, the debate between digital and analogue is now somewhat obsolete. Consider the Mobvoi Ticwatch S for example, which has the option of a digital display, or a digitised analogue display. Many smartwatches offer a choice of display, which means there’s no need to choose between the two, and give you more control and input over the style of your accessories.
Bluetooth, WiFi: Pretty much all smartphones (apart from standalone 4G models) will come with both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, so unless you’re looking specifically for mobile data inclusion then the world’s your oyster! But remember, you will need to be within range to make full use of the features.
3G, 4G: One of the best things about the Huawei Watch 2 is that it offers 3G and 4G connectivity options in addition to WiFi and Bluetooth. This is ideal for people who want to get away from their phones but still enjoy being connected. More standalone 4G smartwatch models are expected in the near future.