Though the iconic calculator watch dates back to the 1970s, timepieces have now advanced to the point where they are, well, intelligent. The newest smartwatches are far more than simply timepieces; they can do much more, like heart rate monitoring, smartphone notification mirroring, and app support.
With numerous options available on the market, it’s essential to review and compare the leading smartwatches to find the perfect fit for your needs. In this article, we’ll delve into the top smartwatches of the year, examining their features, battery life, and user experience to help you make an informed decision.
Apple Watch Series 9 (Starting $300 – $400)
Along with the largest collection of third-party apps available for any smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 9 comes with a full range of integrated lifestyle, fitness, health, and safety features. The most recent model has an exceptionally bright 2,000-nit display (up from 1,000 nits in the previous iteration) for better vision outside without consuming more battery life. Even more capabilities are made possible by its new S9 SiC technology, including double-tap gesture for one-handed use, precise directional device finding with the iPhone 15 series, and on-device Siri processing.
The Series 9 is a feature-rich wristwatch to monitor your health, measure your activity, and remain connected. Because of its bigger screen, always-on display option, and sophisticated health-tracking features, it’s worth spending a little more than the Watch SE. With the Series 9, you have the option of an aluminum or stainless steel case that is 41 mm (small) or 45 mm (large), equipped with Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi, or you may add cellular connectivity. Cellular and stainless steel variants are more expensive.
Garmin Venu Sq 2 (Starting $230)
Garmin’s Venu Sq 2 stands apart in the crowded fitness smartwatch market thanks to its usefulness. Compared to circular devices, its huge AMOLED color touch screen’s squarish form improves text legibility. Another benefit of the Venu Sq 2 is its long battery life. In tests, it operated with minimal usage for up to nine days between charges.
Similar to the more expensive round Venu 2 series, the second-generation Sq model prioritizes fitness and comes with a full suite of tools for tracking workouts and health. It also has some helpful lifestyle features, like support for Garmin Pay mobile payments, vibrating alarms, smartphone notifications, and calendar and weather apps.
Compatibility should not be a problem as it pairs with smartphones running at least Android 7.0 or iOS 15 via the Garmin Connect app. For an additional $50, Garmin provides a Music Edition with up to 500 tracks of onboard storage in addition to the base model.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (Starting $300)
With its most recent flagship wristwatch, Samsung didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. The same elegant design as the previous model is there in this latest iteration, which sacrifices some battery life for a larger, brighter 2,000-nit display. With Wear OS on the Galaxy Watch 6 series, you can use all the common Google apps, including Assistant, Maps, Messages, and the Play Store. Regarding wellness, the Galaxy Watch 6 has some functions (such as body composition assessments and nighttime snoring tracking) that are not seen on the Apple Watch or Pixel Watch.
Most Android users would be better off with the Galaxy Watch 6 instead of the Apple Watch. To meet the needs of a diverse spectrum of customers, it is available in two sizes (40mm and 44mm), three colors (graphite, gold, and silver) for the aluminum casing, and two types of connectivity (with or without LTE).
Just like the Apple Watch is compatible exclusively with iOS devices, the Galaxy Watch 6 series is only compatible with Android phones. The newest smartwatches from Samsung need an Android 10 or later device with at least 1.5 GB of RAM. You can connect the Watch 6 to any Android phone, not just Samsung ones. However, a few features, such notifications for unusual heart rhythms, phone separation alarms, and the Camera Controller app, are brand specific.
Apple Watch SE (Starting $172)
Apple’s Watch SE is the cheapest smartwatch in terms of price and size. It has a faster processor, a new motion sensor for Crash Detection, and an eco-friendlier rear cover. Except for an always-on display and a few health sensors (ECG, SpO2, and temperature), the Series 9 offers, nearly all of its connectivity, safety, and fitness features are available for $150 less.
Safety features include fall detection, heart rate and rhythm notifications, and an SOS button. International emergency calling on cellular SE models lets you call emergency services in over 120 countries and regions without a phone. The health benefits of the automatic 20-second handwashing timer are especially appreciated.
First-time wristwatch buyers, kids, teens, and seniors might consider the Apple Watch SE. It also supports Apple’s Family Setup, which enables you control a relative’s watch without an iPhone. Although the Apple Watch SE is a good affordable option, we recommend the Series 9 for its better health tracking and always-on display. However, US-marketed Series 9 and Ultra 2 versions no longer have blood oxygen saturation monitoring, bringing them closer to the Watch SE, which has never had it.
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, Apple Watch Series 9 includes advanced technology, innovative features, and easy ecosystem integration. Apple luxury smartwatch purchasers will like its health-tracking, display, and elegance. Garmin Venu Sq 2 fitness monitors’ battery life and price attract exercise enthusiasts. Activity-oriented text legibility is improved by its vivid fitness tracking and square AMOLED display. Galaxy Watch 6’s sleek design, stunning display, and health-tracking capabilities stand out. Wear OS integration lets Android users use many Google apps.
Finally, Apple Watch SE is cheaper without losing key functionality. It’s a terrific smartwatch for first-time buyers and budget shoppers because of its affordable price, solid performance, and Apple ecosystem compatibility. Ultimately, the best smartwatch for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. By carefully considering factors such as features, battery life, and user experience, you can find the perfect smartwatch to elevate your daily life.