Choosing the best smartwatch is about more than just functionality. You also need to consider your personal aesthetic and lifestyle.
You’ll want to consider how the watch looks, whether it fits comfortably and how it reflects your personal style. Next, you’ll want to consider the key features and compatibility.
Features
Many smartwatches are designed to be a companion to your smartphone. A big consideration is how you’re going to use the device and what features you want. Aside from standard phone functions, most of the latest smartwatches have a suite of wellness and fitness features. These can include functions to track your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep patterns and more. This helps you practice preventative healthcare and manage a healthier lifestyle.
For athletes, there are models with GPS tracking for navigating routes during running or cycling, and sports-focused apps such as workout tracking and training plans. One good example of this kind of smartwatch is the Garmin Singapore. These are often combined with a wrist-based heart-rate monitor, which can provide more accurate readings than traditional wearables or smartphones.
Other useful features include a way to discreetly stream music and audiobooks, the ability to quickly answer or decline calls, and the option to use voice controls without needing to take your phone out of your pocket. Many traditional watch brands are also jumping on the smartwatch bandwagon with devices that combine the look of an analog watch with the functionality of a modern smartwatch.
Design
A good smartwatch is a convenient way to stay connected and get important notifications without having to reach for your phone. It can also help you keep track of your fitness goals and look cool doing it. But before you go out and buy a new smartwatch, it’s important to understand how these devices work and what features to look for.
One feature that’s gaining popularity is fall detection. This feature lets you wear your smartwatch and set it to notify a friend or family member of your location if you lose consciousness. Some smartwatches can even send your heart rate and blood oxygen levels, so you can get help if needed.
Another helpful health and wellness function is sleep tracking, which helps you understand the quality of your rest. It can also help you find healthy sleep habits and improve overall well-being. Many fitness watches also have modes that help you calm down and relax by using guided breathing exercises.
Other useful functions include being able to instantly respond to text messages and emails, or answer phone calls directly from your wrist. You can also use some smartwatches to instantly check the weather, without having to grab your smartphone. These are especially handy for people who are on the go and don’t always have their phone on them.
But while these features can make a big difference, it’s important to remember that you should be careful about getting too fixated on the data your smartwatch is collecting. If you become too preoccupied with your calorie or step count, it may take a toll on your mental and physical health. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor about the benefits and drawbacks of these devices before you start using them regularly.
Compatibility
Most smartwatches aren’t standalone devices, meaning you’ll need a smartphone to use them properly or access most of their features. This is an important consideration when deciding which device to buy, as some models require different phones or run on operating systems that only work with certain types of smartphones.
Most modern smartwatches expertly balance quality design and health and fitness tracking with smart features that take some of the burden off your phone. For example, some models can help you practise better health care by monitoring your heart rate, blood oxygen levels and sleep patterns, while others have sensors that detect falls or auto crashes to call for emergency assistance.
Some smartwatches also let you pay for things without having your wallet nearby by using NFC payments. Simply hold your watch up to a compatible reader, like a payment terminal at a store or your credit card’s NFC chip inside of a mobile phone, and you’ll be able to make a purchase with just a tap.
Another practical feature to consider is whether your smartwatch will allow you to make calls, receive text messages or check social media from your wrist, especially if you’re going to be wearing it while working or exercising. Some models offer cellular connectivity so you can leave your phone at home, though this is typically more expensive and requires a separate data plan.
Battery life
A good smartwatch will have long battery life, particularly if you opt for a model that doesn’t require a constant connection to a smartphone or uses your phone’s GPS to track your location. Some smartwatches have an always-on display to allow you to see notifications even when your watch isn’t turned on, but these models tend to use more battery than others.
If you want your smartwatch to be your primary fitness device, look for one with a built-in heart rate monitor that’s able to continuously track your activity. This will enable you to get accurate data about your heart health, including heart rate and calorie burn during workouts or morning jogs. Some smartwatches also have GPS, which allows you to see detailed maps on your watch and to track how far you’ve travelled while running or cycling. However, using GPS will drain the battery significantly more than simply tracking your heart rate or logging steps, so keep this in mind when shopping for a new smartwatch.
For those interested in monitoring their overall health, consider whether you’ll need a smartwatch with advanced features such as an ECG or blood oxygen measurements.
Be sure to factor in any additional costs, such as the cost of a mobile phone data plan if your smartwatch has cellular connectivity, or the price of replacement bands and accessories. Also, be aware that many smartwatch manufacturers release updated versions of their watches throughout the year, so if you’re planning to buy a new one, make sure it won’t be obsolete soon.
Apps
The heart of a smartwatch is its apps. These small computer systems enable a world of possibilities that make the device more useful than its non-smart counterparts. They are often connected to the Internet and offer users extra functionality, like message notifications, GPS navigation and calendar synchronization. They can also help people with their fitness, providing heart rate monitoring and a pedometer. In addition, most modern smartwatches allow you to answer messages by voice, bringing a Dick Tracy two-way radio watch into the 21st century.
While these apps are not as important as features such as battery life and design, they are the reason that many people choose to buy a smartwatch in the first place.