You obviously think of the Apple Watch first, but it’s 2023, and there are four versions to choose from in the series: 8, SC, Ultra, and Hermes, or perhaps Fitbit sense or Versa. This combines a lot of Health aspects with some communication. Convenience draws your attention, and if you’re on Android, the Samsung Galaxy watch is worth a look.
Introduction
Shopping for a smartwatch can be overwhelming, especially for iPhone users who automatically think of the Apple Watch. However, with four different models to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. Android users also have options, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch with the redesigned wear OS. To help make the decision easier, our team has tested and reviewed various smart watches throughout the year, and we have determined the best options for both iPhone and Android users.
Key Takeaways
- There are numerous smartwatch options available, making it difficult to choose the right one.
- Our team has tested and reviewed various smartwatches to determine the best options for both iPhone and Android users.
- The Google Pixel Watch, Fitbit Sense 2, Apple Watch Series 8, and Ultra are among the top smartwatches on the market.
Google Pixel Smart Watch
As a Pixel phone user, I was excited to try out the Google Pixel Watch. While it’s a first-generation device, it offers a clean design and a full collection of Google Apps. The watch is powered by Fitbit’s platform, making for a compelling smartwatch experience.
One of the standout features of the Pixel Watch is its pairing of a top-notch Wear OS experience with Fitbit’s holistic health tracking. This is further enhanced with the Fitbit Premium membership, which offers plenty of tools onboard for staying connected and getting active. However, the thick bezels and singular size option might deter some users in terms of design.
In terms of battery life, we found it to be disappointing compared to other Fitbit smartwatches. While the Pixel Watch stands out enough from other smartwatches for Android, it’s not the best option on the market.
Overall, the Google Pixel Watch is a successful first attempt at a smartwatch. It’s the best smartwatch for Pixel phone users, offering a compelling combination of top-notch Wear OS experience with Fitbit’s holistic health tracking. However, there’s some room for improvement in terms of battery life and design.
Fitbit Sense 2
The Fitbit Sense 2 is an upgraded version of the original Fitbit Sense. It features an upgraded design, interface, and Eda sensor, making it Fitbit’s most holistic smartwatch yet. With advanced health analysis and deep integration with Fitbit Premium, the $299 Sense 2 also sustains an edge in fitness tracking over many of the best smartwatches on this list.
One of the standout features of the Sense 2 is the update to the stress-detecting Eda sensor, now called C Eda, for continuous monitoring of stress levels or heightened responses throughout the day. It prompts the user to take action on mood monitoring with body response notifications. However, there is no third-party app support available at launch.
The Sense 2 supports all the basic health stats you’d expect, including blood oxygen levels, heart rates, and more. Some features, such as the electrocardiogram (ECG), are still only available to users of compatible smartphones.
Overall, the Fitbit Sense 2 is a successful upgrade from the original Sense, offering advanced health tracking and deep integration with Fitbit Premium. While it may not have as many features as some of the other smartwatches on this list, it excels in its core functionality of fitness tracking and stress monitoring.
Garmin 4 Runner 955 Solar
Garmin 4 Runner 955 Solar is a top-of-the-line smartwatch that is perfect for runners and athletes. It has all the necessary features that a runner needs, including GPS tracking, performance stats, and analytics. The watch comes with a 1.3-inch always-on high-resolution glare-free color touchscreen, and it is waterproof, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
One of the unique features of the Garmin 4 Runner 955 Solar is its solar charging capability. The watch has a solar ring around the screen, which helps to extend its battery life. The solar model gets 20 days of battery life in simple smartwatch mode while connected to your phone, plus 42 to 49 hours of use in GPS mode. This enhanced battery life is based on some 3 hours per day outdoors in 50,000 Lux sunlight or 7 hours in GPS mode with continuous exposure to 50,000 Lux. Outdoor runners will benefit from this feature.
The watch is not a fashion watch, and its plastic body is utilitarian, with a shatter-free Gorilla Glass DX glass screen cover. You can navigate via the touchscreen or use the Garmin 5-button physical buttons. Garmin excels at accurate GPS tracking, and the 955 comes with additional GPS tracking modes for the Garmin brand.
Overall, the Garmin 4 Runner 955 Solar is an excellent choice for runners and athletes who need a reliable and durable smartwatch that can keep up with their active lifestyle. It may be overkill for your morning jog, but those involved in triathlons or ultramarathons will appreciate the watch’s top-line functionality.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is one of the best smartwatches you can buy on the market. It runs on the latest Wear OS 3 software, making it one of the few wearables on the market wearing this software. The Galaxy Watch 5 offers a ton of useful health-tracking features, making it one of the best fitness smartwatches.
The Galaxy Watch 5 supports all the basic health stats you’d expect, including blood oxygen levels, heart rates, and more. Some features like the electrocardiogram (ECG) are still reserved for those using it with Samsung smartphones, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s plenty capable.
Some other noteworthy features of the watch include a super A-mold display, GPS support, a bigger battery with faster charging speeds compared to its predecessor, and more. The regular Galaxy Watch 5 ditches the Pro moniker along with some features to keep the price low, but it still offers a lot of value for the money.
The Galaxy Watch 5 is not a big departure from its predecessors, but it does just enough to upgrade upon the already excellent watches in the lineup. The regular Galaxy Watch 5 is still plenty for most users who are switching from an older smartwatch or buying one for the first time.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a solid option for those coming from an older smartwatch or even those who are buying their first smartwatch to go with their Android phone. Its $280 price tag makes it a better pick for budget-conscious buyers compared to the Pro models.
Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 may not look drastically different from its predecessor, the Series 7, but it still packs a punch with its updated features. The Series 8 comes in two case sizes, 41 millimetres and 45 millimetres, and is designed to be compatible with all old bands. The screen is also nearly edge-to-edge with rounded sides, making it both beautiful and durable.
One of the most significant updates to the Series 8 is the new watchOS 9 software, which brings new watch face options, upgraded health stats, and personalised app notifications. The Series 8 also includes crash detection, one of the most advanced features of its kind available on a smartwatch. If it detects that you’ve been in an accident, your watch will give you the option to make an emergency call. If you remain unresponsive, emergency services will be automatically contacted and provided with your location.
The Series 8 is also great for avid runners and triathletes with its upgraded health stats and medication tracking. The sleep tracking feature is also a great addition, making it easier to monitor your sleep patterns and improve your overall health.
Overall, the Apple Watch Series 8 may not have a tonne of new features that make it stand out from its predecessor, but the slight changes make it a deserving upgrade for those who don’t already have an Apple Watch or are coming from an older model. It’s a reliable and stylish smartwatch that offers advanced health tracking and personalised notifications, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality wearable device.
Apple Watch Ultra
The Apple Watch Ultra is the ultimate smartwatch for those who want the best of the best. This luxurious device is almost the same as the regular Apple Watch, only bigger and better. The Ultra comes in a 49mm x 44mm x 14mm titanium case, which is incredibly sturdy and durable. It’s also incredibly lightweight, weighing only 61 grammes.
One of the standout features of the Ultra is the new orange action button, which triggers the workout mode by default. This button can also be customised to perform a variety of other functions, such as starting a timer or controlling your music. In addition, the button serves as an emergency siren that emits a loud noise if you’re in trouble.
The Ultra’s screen is big and beautiful, with rounded edges that nearly reach the edges of the watch. It’s incredibly bright, reaching up to 1000 nits, making it easy to read even in direct sunlight. The form factor is slim and doesn’t get in the way, making it easy to forget about when working out.
The Ultra is also packed with features designed to help you stay healthy and active. It includes advanced health stats, personalised app notifications, and crash detection, which is one of the most advanced crash-detecting features available on a smartwatch. If it detects that you’ve been in an accident, it will give you the option to make an emergency call. If you remain unresponsive, emergency services will be automatically contacted and provided with your location.
Overall, the Apple Watch Ultra is the ultimate smartwatch for those who want the best of the best. It’s packed with features, is incredibly durable, and
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