In a market flooded with options, choosing a new wearable can be daunting. What should you look for and how do you prioritize your options? Features, sensors, and compatibility are just the beginning. Before you drop a bunch of cash, our buying guide can help you choose the right smartwatch for you. If a new device is on your radar, consider the questions below. Each one should get your wheels spinning on an important aspect of choosing the right smartwatch.
- Is the newest flagship wearable really the best option for you?
- What are your wearable needs?
- How much should you spend?
- What is the best device for your current ecosystem?
- Would you be just as happy with last year’s watch?
Why that Apple (or Samsung) flagship smartwatch might not be the move
Don’t fall for the buzz. Just because a watch is the latest doesn’t mean it’s the greatest, especially in terms of value. Apple and Galaxy watches are great for some, but that doesn’t mean they should be your first choice. Many of the biggest competitors are household names and all are worthy of consideration.
Likewise, you may not need all the newness driving a flagship device’s price sky-high. Or, maybe there isn’t even that much new anyway. When the Apple Watch Series 7 arrived with minimal changes, for example, we still recommended the Series 6 for most users. If you already own a device with well-supported software, you might not need to upgrade just yet.
Needs: How are you going to use your smartwatch?
Jimmy Westenberg / Android Authority
Not everyone strapping on a smartwatch is using it the same way. Before you make your purchase, nail down what type of user you are likely to be. Most people fall into three general categories: casual exerciser, athlete, and communicator. Each of these types of users should consider different factors when choosing a smartwatch to buy.
Casual exerciser
Activity tracking is one of the most common reasons people swap their analog watch for something smarter. Smartwatches allow you to keep tabs on your basic fitness, without a ton of extra effort. The casual exerciser is committed to getting in shape but doesn’t need the kind of data that users training for a race may need. Instead, this user appreciates the motivation of at-a-glance features like Apple’s rings. They may even have a passing interest in other health analyses like sleep tracking.
Athlete
Not everyone is just looking for the basics, some users are seeking a workout companion. An Athlete needs super-accurate fitness tracking and top-level insights. They prioritize features such as advanced heart rate monitoring, workout and recovery tools, and long battery life. Often, they gravitate towards devices with plenty of sport modes, durable builds for standing up to sweaty workouts, and water resistance for clocking laps. Athletes are also likely to prioritize built-in GPS to avoid pocketing a phone during long-distance training sessions.
Communicator
For other users, a smartwatch is first and foremost a supplemental device to their smartphone. Communicators are users who need to stay connected, not set a new 10K PR. Rather than pulling out a phone dozens of times a day, communicators rely on their wearable for notifications, voice assistance, and even phone call support. They need a device that seamlessly pairs with their current ecosystem and has …….
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/how-to-choose-smartwatch-3175971/