Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Discover several crucial elements to help refine your search and bypass the clutter while shopping for smartwatches.
Budget Considerations for Smartwatch Shoppers
Price: If seeking a bargain, consider waiting for significant discount events such as Black Friday or Labor Day in the US, when numerous retailers, including original manufacturers, offer sales or cash-back rewards. Delaying your purchase until the next update cycle and contemplating the previous-generation model can also yield savings, as these devices often go on sale upon the release of newer versions. While latest models typically offer slight enhancements in battery life, processing power, and design, these updates are usually incremental. Previous models still perform admirably in terms of functionality and features. Nevertheless, consider all other factors—especially software and operating system updates—when making your final call.
Battery Performance of Top Android Smartwatches
Battery Longevity: Most Android smartwatches in this lineup deliver between 24 to 72 hours of battery life on a single charge, contingent on how frequently you employ power-intensive features like GPS or the always-on display. However, a few outperform their rivals. If battery life is your primary concern, the OnePlus Watch 3 is your ideal choice; it can endure up to five days on a charge with raise-to-wake enabled, or roughly three days with the always-on display active. For Samsung device users, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a worthwhile indulgence, providing at least a full day more than other Galaxy models (though still not matching the OnePlus). The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 and Enduro models are also robust alternatives if you’re seeking extended battery life at a lower cost.
Wear OS Updates for Android Smartwatches
Operating System Updates: One of the drawbacks of Android smartwatches is that most manufacturers do not govern the operating system’s update cycle. Google oversees Wear OS updates, and there’s no assurance that every watch will receive them. Therefore, it’s vital to investigate how many updates a smartwatch is anticipated to receive. This data is frequently listed on the manufacturer’s website or in our evaluations. Without thorough research, you risk waiting a year for an update or discovering that your model is ineligible. Samsung leads the industry, pledging at least four years of updates for its Galaxy Watch models, with the Pixel Watch 3 and OnePlus Watch 3 trailing closely with up to three years of support. Others, like Mobvoi, have been notoriously slow in deploying updates, and while these older models may save you money initially, they may not be as future-proof, potentially resulting in increased long-term replacement costs.
Design Choices in Android Smartwatches
Style: The advantage of having numerous Android smartwatches is the vast array of design choices available; varied screen shapes, cover materials, sizing options, and more. You can opt for a more traditional watch design with a stainless-steel finish and a bulkier frame, like the OnePlus Watch, or choose the sleek, minimalist design of the Pixel Watch 3, which features ultra-thin bezels. Sizing is another crucial factor to consider. If you have smaller wrists and prefer a device that won’t dominate your arm, you should steer clear of the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the OnePlus Watch 3, as they are only available in one size—large and extra-large, respectively.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi Only vs. Cellular Options
Connectivity Options: Your choice of smartwatch may hinge on whether it offers the choice of LTE or Wi-Fi only, so it’s advisable to explore this early on to avoid veering off course. The OnePlus Watch 3, for example, is available solely as a Wi-Fi model, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra is cellular-only. Most users will find Wi-Fi models adequate for tracking workouts and making mobile payments without the phone nearby. However, features like notifications, messaging, and calls still necessitate your phone being in proximity, and if you plan on leaving your phone behind occasionally and desire complete smartwatch functionality on the move, it may be worth investing in an LTE version, which can add $50 to $100 to the price tag and may incur a monthly carrier fee.