Just a few years ago, the arguments for buying a smartwatch were quite vague. The market wasn’t as saturated as it is today, and the features were more modest. Nowadays, the world of smartwatches is filled with various high-quality options, and some key manufacturers like Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit Versa have paved their way to the top with cutting-edge functionality. If you’re reading this guide, you’ve likely already decided it’s time to upgrade the gadget on your wrist—whether from a standard watch or an outdated smartwatch model. No matter which category you fall into, the list of features to consider before deciding which smartwatch to buy is long, and we’ll help you navigate through it.
Compatibility
Apple Watches only work with iPhones, while Wear OS devices are compatible with both iOS and Android phones. Smartwatches from Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit, and other brands also work with both Android and iOS, but you’ll need to install an additional app on your smartphone.
The operating system of a smartwatch also determines the type and number of third-party apps you can use. However, many apps offer limited utility, so overall, this factor is relatively insignificant.
Price
A good smartwatch generally costs between $300 and $400. Compared to budget options, which range from $100 to $250, pricier models come with more advanced operating systems, communication features, music playback, and fitness tracking. They also often include perks like built-in GPS, music storage, and NFC, which are typically absent in budget devices.
Some companies offer specialized fitness watches that can exceed $500, which we recommend only for serious athletes. Luxury smartwatches from brands like TAG Heuer and Hublot can also reach sky-high prices, but we don’t recommend any of them. These devices can cost more than $1,000, and you’re usually just paying for the brand and unnecessarily expensive materials.
Battery Life
Battery life remains one of the most significant complaints about smartwatches, but there has been some progress. You can expect Apple Watches and most Wear OS devices to last two full days. Watches with the Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor can run for up to five days in extended battery mode, which disables all features except for displaying the time. The next-gen Snapdragon Wear 4100 and 4100+ processors were announced in 2020, but only a few models use them so far, and some of these are still not available for sale. Other models can last five to seven days, but they typically offer fewer features and lower display quality. Meanwhile, some fitness watches can last several weeks on a single charge.
Some smartwatches now also support fast charging. For instance, Apple claims that the Series 7 can charge from 0 to 80% in just 45 minutes, and a full charge takes 75 minutes. The OnePlus Watch charges even faster: from 0 to 43% in just 10 minutes. (Note that this turned out to be one of the few strengths of this device).
Communication Features
Any smartwatch worth considering will display call and message notifications on the screen, as well as app alerts. Call and SMS notifications don’t need further explanation, but if this is crucial for you, consider getting a watch with LTE. They are more expensive than WiFi-only models, but cellular support allows you to make and receive calls and send texts from the watch without needing to be near your phone. As for app notifications, these are displayed on the watch screen, so you can decide if you need to check your phone immediately.
Fitness Tracker
Tracking physical activity is one of the main reasons people buy smartwatches. A good smartwatch should function as a fitness tracker, monitoring your steps, calories, and workouts, and most modern devices are also equipped with heart rate sensors. Many smartwatches include built-in GPS, which is useful for tracking distance during runs and bike rides. If you swim, look for waterproof models, and fortunately, most smartwatches today can withstand at least a pool dip. Some brands, like Garmin, are more sports-focused and offer advanced features such as heart rate tracking, recovery time evaluation, built-in maps, and more.
Health tracking in smartwatches has also improved significantly in recent years. Apple and Fitbit devices can measure blood oxygen levels and take ECGs. However, the more affordable the smartwatch, the less likely it is to have advanced health-tracking features; if health metrics are important to you, you’ll need to pay extra for these functions.
Music
You can do more than just track your morning run with a smartwatch—you can also listen to music while working out. Many smartwatches allow you to store music locally, so you can pair Bluetooth headphones and listen to your songs without taking out your phone. Watches that lack built-in music storage usually have music control features, so you can manage playback without using your phone. And if your watch has LTE, local storage isn’t necessary—you can stream music directly from the watch via connected headphones.
Always-On Displays
Most flagship smartwatches today have an Always-On display feature, either enabled by default or available in settings. This feature allows you to check the time or any other customized information on the screen without raising your wrist. It does impact battery life, but most Always-On modes dim the display to reduce unnecessary power consumption. Cheaper devices don’t have this feature; instead, their touchscreens automatically turn off to save battery, and you’ll need to check the watch manually to wake the display.
NFC
Many smartwatches come equipped with NFC, allowing you to make contactless payments directly. By saving your credit or debit card information, you can tap your smartwatch to an NFC reader to make purchases. Keep in mind that different watches use different payment systems: Apple Watches use Apple Pay, Wear OS devices use Google Pay, Samsung devices use Samsung Pay, and so on.
Apple Pay is one of the most popular NFC payment systems, supporting various banks and credit cards in 72 different countries, while Samsung and Google Pay are available in fewer regions. It’s also important to note that NFC payment support depends on the device for both Samsung and Google systems.
Conclusion
Smartwatches today come with a wide range of features, catering to various needs and budgets. From fitness tracking and communication to advanced health monitoring, music playback, and customizable design, smartwatches have evolved into a versatile tool for modern life. Whether you’re an athlete, a tech enthusiast, or just looking for a convenient gadget, there are plenty of excellent options on the market to suit your needs.