Fitness freaks are in love with smartwatches. The global wearables market is projected to be around $73 billion in 2022, from $16 billion in 2016.
So if you’re among the ones joining the fitness bandwagon, you must be looking for a smartwatch like the Apple smartwatch, Samsung Galaxy Active 2, Huawei Watch GT 2, or any other smartwatch. In this article, you’ll learn how to sort through the available smartwatches and select the best one for you.
1. OS and Phone Compatibility
Most smartwatches are conceived to serve as a companion for their respective smartphone manufacturers. For example, the smartwatches from Huawei were designed for Huawei smartphones. Apple and Samsung have their ecosystem.
Thus, for optimal performance, you must ensure OS and phone compatibility. Look at the smartwatch’s label for compatible devices. Then shop only for the eligible devices while ignoring the non-compatible ones.
2. OLED or LCD Display
Smartwatches come in two different screen types. One is OLED, and the other is LCD. The majority of the smartwatches have an LCD screen or an AMOLED display.
Both these screens allow you to view content in vibrant colors. The brightness, which can be controlled, is on the higher side too. The downside of an LCD screen is they tend to drain battery life faster.
In the case of an OLED display, you get the same viewing experience. The difference is a slimmer design. So you’ll see that most smartwatches with OLED displays will be thinner than their LCD counterparts. But expect to pay higher for these types of OLED wearables.
3. GPS and Calling Facility
If you’re a runner and want to track your running path, you need to select a GPS-enabled smartwatch. The GPS units send signals to the GPS satellites, which help track your progress. So you do not have to worry about cellular networks either.
For more accurate positioning and tracking, you can select a smartwatch with two GPS units. The system will calculate data from both the GPS units and approximate your location better. Along with location tracking, you can also track your distance and pace.
If you want to receive calls when you’re running on the track, then you should look for Bluetooth-enabled calling watches. These will allow you to respond to incoming calls on the go.
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4. Fitness Features
As a basic feature, most smartwatches can track your heart rate, calories burned, number of steps, and the type of exercise you’re doing. If you’re jogging, the smartwatch will track your progress differently than if you are cycling.
For swimmers, there are waterproof watches that can resist water. So you should buy them rather than non-waterproof devices.
Advanced smartwatches are equipped with SpO2 monitors that can track the oxygen level in your body. With this information, you’ll get to know when to track your body’s oxygen consumption.
Also, inquire if the smartwatch can connect to the App stores. By connecting, you’ll get access to the third-party apps you can download and use.
5. Battery Life
Smartwatches are portable devices with an in-built battery. So, look at the battery life. Ideally, the device should last at least 18-24 hours with continuous use. But some devices can hold a charge for up to 2-3 days. On standby mode, the smartwatches can last up to a week. They should also have a battery saver mode, which is meant to conserve energy.
Look at the mAh for a better understanding of battery capacity. It’s also worth checking for the charging time. You’d want your device to charge faster and last longer.
Finally, don’t forget to look at the price. Some smartwatches are affordable, but they lack several features that are mentioned above.
High-end ones have all the features covered, but they tend to be pricier. You may opt for a mid-range smartwatch, like Huawei Watch GT 2 or any other brand for long-term use. But it all comes down to what your requirements and preferences are.
