21-06-2021 by MNP
What are the best smartwatches? At the top of our selection are three models that have the best quality / price ratio, but they are not the only ones that are worth it and we extend the list to 10!
How to choose your smart watch?
A smart watch is a hybrid object that allows you to put the information contained in your smartphone at your fingertips: notifications, emails, SMS. You don't need to take your phone out of your bag.
This accessory also has its own features that complement those of your laptop, such as physical activity tracking. At the moment, there are two types of connected watches: mixed (or hybrid) analog and touch screens.
The latter transmit their data through small LCD screens, LEDs or even specific hands.
Their advantage is that they have batteries that last longer than touchscreen watches. The latter, on the other hand, have many more characteristics.
Like smartphones, smart watches have different operating systems. To make the most of its possibilities, it is preferable (but not mandatory) to coordinate your phone and your watch. Therefore, Android users will definitely prefer Android Wear or Google, while iPhone owners will turn to Apple Watch.
Also note that some brands have created specific operating systems for their products such as Pebble, Vector Watch, or Samsung. In short, there is something for everyone!
What Makes a Good Smartwatch?
During our comparison, we took into account the number of functions of the connected watches, their efficiency in performing each task, and their compatibility with different smartphones. Appearance is the last feature to examine, as everyone's tastes are different.
Before buying a smartwatch, consider your habits and how you want to use them.
If you are a runner, you probably prefer a watch with a GPS and heart rate monitor (be careful, these can be disappointing), but if you like swimming more, then you will choose a waterproof watch.
1. Apple Watch Series 6 - Ideal for iOS Users
The Apple Watch Series 6 has the same design as its predecessor. It has a square dial with rounded edges. Its Retina OLED LTPO screen has "Always On display" technology, which allows it to remain activated and with a luminance of 1000 nits.
In terms of aesthetics, the only real difference to the Apple Watch Series 5 and other models is the new single-buckle strap option and the PRODUCT color scheme.
This new model has better performance, in particular thanks to its new S6 chip and its Dual Core processor.
You'll also benefit from an altimeter, sleep tracking, and oxygen monitoring with a built-in oximetry sensor.
Depending on the brand, the S6 SiP chip enables the Series 6 to be 20% faster than the Series 5.
As for its autonomy, it remains unchanged, it is approximately 18 hours.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3: ideal for Android users
The Galaxy Watch 3 has a slim and lightweight design and a large screen that gives it a premium look. Its rotating bezel provides a very intuitive way to interact with your smartwatch without touching the screen.
The Watch 3 offers an impressive feature set, with automatic tracking of seven types of exercise, as well as measuring your heart rate, oxygen consumption, and blood oxygen.
It incorporates the same processor as the Galaxy Watch 2018, the Exynos 9110 compatible with 1 GB of RAM.
3. Oppo Watch: the Best Wear OS model
Considering Oppo has never released a connected watch before, its Oppo Watch, in its two settings, is a pretty brilliant first try.
The 41mm features a 1.6-inch 320x360 rigid AMOLED screen, while the curved glass front of the 46mm model features a 1.91-inch flexible AMOLED screen with a 402x476 resolution. Both are framed in polished aluminum, available in different colors.
Each of them integrates a rich set of features and excellent performance, in particular thanks to its Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor associated with an Ambiq Micro Apollo3 SoC. Add to that a generous 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage capacity.
4. Fossil Gen 5 - Best Design
The fifth-generation Fossil has a beautiful 1.28-inch OLED screen with a density of 328 pixels. We love its elegant rounded dial and the choice of a stainless steel or silicone finish, its build quality is undeniable.
In terms of performance, this generation incorporates a Snapdragon 3100 chip, GPS, Bluetooth connection and also monitors the heart rate.
The Gen 5 is topped by loudspeakers through which you can call from your wrist or use the Google Assistant.
One of the great strengths of Gen 5 is its battery. The latter has a power of 310 mAh and benefits from fast charging that allows it to reach 85% in 1 hour.
5. Fitbit Sense: Best Fitbit Health
The Fitbit Sense distinguishes itself from other smartwatches mainly by its detailed health functions.
It includes an electrodermal activity sensor (AED) that can measure your stress management, an electrocardiogram (ECG) app to monitor your heart rate, and a skin temperature sensor. You will also receive personalized notifications about your health status.
It is equipped with all the fitness functions and applications of the rest of the models, being more precise during swimming sessions thanks to its gyroscope.
The Sense has six days of battery life and is compatible with voice assistants from Amazon and Google.
6. Amazfit GTS 2 Mini: the most affordable
The Amazfit GTS 2 Mini looks a lot like an Apple Watch, with an eerily similar metal body and a rectangular AMOLED display, slightly thinner than the brand's Apple Watch.
It offers much better battery life, as well as additional features like sleep tracking.
The operating system is the only bad point of the GTS 2 Mini, we can blame it for its little responsiveness. However, it makes up for it with its features that fall somewhere between those of a tracker and a connected watch.
A good balance offered at a very affordable cost.
7. TicWatch Pro 2020: the most versatile
The original TicWatch Pro was launched in 2018, two years later it receives its update. The functionalities have not changed, but Mobvoi has seen fit to renew the design making it more robust and refined. The company has also added more memory for a better user experience.
However, the dual display is still a very powerful feature. You can enjoy a full Wear OS smartwatch for three days or a simple digital watch for 30 days on a single charge.
8. Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro: the most elegant
In addition to presenting a luxurious design, incorporating a sapphire dial and a titanium case, the Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro also provides complete monitoring of your physical condition.
It supports more than 100 types of training and offers professional-level analysis for 17 of these categories. You will benefit in particular from features such as heart rate, VO2Max, golf analysis mode and constant geolocation.
This Pro model also gives you the results of SpO2 measurements, stress monitoring, and sleep.
As if that wasn't enough, you'll also have access to voice training to guide you through your new workouts without having to keep an eye on your screen.
The icing on the cake, its autonomy is 14 days, enough to convince you.
9. Suunto 7: ideal for runners
Suunto 7 features a rugged yet stylish outdoor design that should appeal to hikers and athletes used to nature.
Surrounding the 1.39-inch AMOLED screen, it sports a metallic dial accompanied by three buttons that provide access to the key functions of the watch, without having to use the touch screen.
Surprisingly thin and light, it boasts superior GPS accuracy for route tracking. You will also have access to Suunto's own fitness applications. Finally, you will find applications like Citymapper or Outlook to access your emails.
10. Amazfit GTR 2: the best value for money
The Amazfit GTR 2 has a distinguished look and offers the best features to track your fitness, all at a lower price than the competition.
You'll enjoy a 1.39-inch high-definition AMOLED display, with a pixel density of 326ppi.
For your sports sessions, it incorporates 12 sports modes, in addition to GPS, and is waterproof to a depth of 50 m. On the health side, the GTR 2 monitors your heart rate and the quality of your sleep. It also measures your blood oxygen saturation and your stress level.
To offer an autonomy of two weeks, the Amazfit GTR 2 is equipped with a 471mAh battery.
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