Smartwatches have been on the market for nearly ten years. They have conquered the public in this period, becoming one of the most purchased tech products after smartphones and tablets. Thanks to the evolution of technology, these watches have begun to integrate more powerful hardware while maintaining the dimensions of traditional models and, in some cases, offering even smaller ones.
The Apple Watch has paved the way for many other products today. It is possible to buy smartphones with different operating systems, such as WearOS, Tizen, Huawei LiteOS, and watchOS. Let’s see what it is and choose the smartwatch based on your needs, considering some specifications to be used as an evaluation parameter.
What Are Smartwatches
The smartwatch is very similar to any watch with a circular or square shape. Still, it is a smart device with an LCD or AMOLED touch screen that allows access to various functions. A smartwatch can have the function of fitness tracking, heart rate, sleep measurement, and pedometer. Some models integrate GPS to track routes, and others provide a SIM slot, including smartphone functions.
Some products, particularly Android smartwatches and those with Google’s WearOS operating system, allow the installation of applications to add functions to the basic ones, such as managing chats, calendars, maps, and much more. Then there are hybrid smartwatch models that have some intelligent functions, albeit relatively limited to the collection of data to be transferred to the smartphone, to particular movements of the hands, or notifications with light.
How Smartwatches Work
The smartwatch operation is quite intuitive and straightforward, without going into the merits of the various operating systems available. Most of the products on sale are paired with smartphones or other devices via Bluetooth. In addition, an application is provided to download for free on the App Store and install on the phone to access all the smartwatch features and manage them with a tap.
If the smartwatch integrates the GPS, it will be possible to trace the path you take during training; if it hosts a memory slot, you can insert a micro SD with your favorite music and play it directly in the paired Bluetooth earphones without the need to use the smartphone.
How To Choose A Smartwatch
To choose a smartwatch, you have to observe a series of technical specifications, essential to buy the perfect product for your needs. A vital element of the smartwatch is the display. This can be OLED / AMOLED or LCD. The first type has deeper blacks, and higher contrast guarantees a good view of the screen even in sunlight. In addition, it offers excellent autonomy. On the other hand, the LCD screen is brighter, and this involves a more significant waste of the battery. However, the visual experience outdoors, in direct sunlight, is excellent.
This is, however, a generic speech, as the final result, in terms of performance, depends on the panel inserted as a display. RAM is also important, the amount available in the device determines its speed and fluidity of use, so there must be enough, especially if the smartwatch has to run multiple apps simultaneously. Some smartwatch models integrate a microphone and speaker and allow you to answer a call without touching the smartphone. If the SIM / eSIM slot is present, it can be used to make calls without a phone. Essential features for the smartwatch are the pedometer, heart rate monitoring, and blood oxygenation, all valuable tools for those who play sports.
GPS makes it possible to trace your route without using that of your smartphone, so if you are looking for a smartwatch for running, check that this feature is not missing. Another fundamental factor is the resistance to water and dust. If no IP certification is indicated on the device, it is more likely that the smartwatch can be damaged. Check that the IP68 certification is present, allowing it to be immersed in water or IP67. Finally, the connectivity aspect is essential: all smartwatches are equipped with a Bluetooth connection. You will also find products with wifi and NFC connections, ideal if you need advanced features such as direct payments from your digital wallet.
How Much Do Smartwatches Cost?
The prices of smartwatches are variable and depend on the type of hardware adopted and the functionality available. Usually, the economic range products have a price of around 15/30 euros, and the available functions are above all those of “fitness tracker.” Then you go up until you also get to high-end smartwatches, the absolute top of the range, which can cost up to 450 euros. We have selected some of the best smartwatches of the various bands to offer you an overview of the products currently on the market.
Here Are The Best Smartwatches 2022
Xiaomi Band 5
Xiaomi band 5 is a smartwatch with a 1.1″ AMOLED display, ideal for men and women, offers accurate health monitoring thanks to the heartbeat detector and the measurement of oxygenation in the blood. Pedometer. In addition, Bluetooth connectivity is available for pairing with the smartphone and wifi to download updates directly to the watch.
Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 6
The Mi Xiaomi band six is equipped with a 1.56 inch AMOLED screen with 326 PPI resolution for a clear view of images and texts. There are thirty training modes available, heart rate and calories burned recording, SP02 tracking to detect blood saturation level: sleep monitoring, and breathing quality. Made with quality and durable materials, this smartwatch can be submerged up to 5 ATM 50m in water.
Apple Watch Series 3
Apple Watch Series 3 is a top-of-the-range product with a dual-core processor, Apple W1 wireless chip, and 8GB capacity. Compatible with WatchOS 7 operating system. It includes several functions, including a heart rate monitor, accelerometer, and gyroscope, which allows you to listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks, even in a streaming fitness tracker. Up to 18 hours of autonomy. Water-resistant up to 50 meters.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
Samsung Galaxy Active 2 is a top-of-the-range Android smartwatch compatible with most Samsung smartphones, including the latest Fold, Flix, and S21. A complete device with GPS, heart rate sensor, fitness tracker, and health monitoring. Aluminum case, sports strap, and IP68 certification for better water resistance.
Apple Watch Series 6
Apple Watch Series 6 made with gray aluminum case and sport strap with ultra-resistant materials, always-on Retina display. This smartwatch is a real top-of-the-range and is ideal for those looking for Cellular functionality. It supports Vodafone, an operator that must also be present on the iPhone to match. Functions: heart rate meter, blood oxygenation, fitness tracker, GPS. IP68 waterproof.
Conclusion
The smartwatch is a small, ergonomic, and decidedly versatile device, combining the functions of a traditional watch with those of an intelligent machine. It is beneficial for those who play sports and those who want to monitor their health, thanks to the downloadable apps on smartphones, from which to read all the information collected during the day of use. Now that you have some small guidelines to guide you, all you have to do is choose the smartwatch that’s right for you.
Also Read: The Best iPhones To Buy
