Smart Watches: What to Check Before Buying One

Whenever a traditional watch replaces its face and hands with a touch screen, it is now considered a smartwatch. Some hybrid watches combine these features, with the simpler displays packed inside a watch’s face. With respect to operating systems for smartwatches, there are several main players, just like with computers and smartphones. In the first place, we have watchOS, the operating system designed exclusively for Apple Watches.

The next platform is Wear OS, belonging to Google and formerly known as Android Wear. Here are some of the factors to consider before buying a smartwatch.

Smartwatches: Plain vs. pricey

Your budget could play a major role when choosing a smartwatch.

Basic and Budget-Friendly

Smartwatches and fitness trackers share many similarities. However, smartwatches allow third-party applications. Your watch’s operating system will determine the exact number and variety of features it offers. Most smartwatches will also alert you when you get phone calls, emails, or texts. Prices for basic models range between $100 and $250.

Elegant and pricey

A more expensive smartwatch not only performs everything you’d expect of one, but it comes with more advanced features too, such as full-color touch screens, voice control, activity tracking, GPS tracking, mobile payments at the register, and voice calls. The cost of these models can range from $250 to $800.

Compatible: Before you purchase a smartwatch, make sure it will work with your existing smartphone or the smart device you intend to pair it with.

Comfort: An appropriate smartwatch should be comfortable to wear. Bulky watches can be uncomfortable to wear. Most modern models are not as bulky as previous models.

Battery life: Battery life can range from one day to several days, depending on how much juice you use, how sophisticated the watch is, and how often it is charged.

Water resistance: Most smartwatches have some degree of water resistance, but very few of them can take a dip in the pool. If this is a feature you care about, check the specifications.

Charging: Some smartwatches have wireless charging capabilities. Other smartwatches come with a charger dock. Other smartwatches connect to the watch with a cable. Make sure you choose one that suits your needs.

What watch should I buy?

Smartwatch technology, despite its infancy, is constantly improving. Before you overcommit, identify which features are most important to you.

Saving money is possible by choosing a watch with fewer features. A fitness tracker may be enough if all you need is to monitor your exercise.

If you’re an Android fan, an Android Wear watch offers seamless integration with your phone and Google Now. Although Apple fans may gravitate toward the company’s own smartwatch, several models by other brands also work with iOS.

This story is attributed to Omar Abdulla, Content Developer at TECHx Omar Abdulla is a university student with a passion for business, artificial intelligence, and technology. He is also knowledgeable about digital marketing, content creation, financial management, and coding. Omar is a team player, an active thinker, and an open-minded guy who approaches work with a problem-solving attitude. He possesses technical skills in programming and design.