As we head into the end of 2016, the smartwatch market is quite hot; buyers have a good number of options to deal with. From some of the top brands like Tag Heuer and Fossil to Apple and Samsung, the smartwatch industry has much to offer you.
Smartwatches comes with a number of features and designs meaning that you can likely find one that fits your need and budget. So, whether you want to receive calls or send a message, control your music or stay active on social media, there’s something or you. Fitness tracking is another feature found in most smartwatches which is worth looking into. In short, there should be no problem in finding what you need without having to rely on your smartphone. Simply look at the wrist.
Finding the right smartwatch is really a task you need to care for especially when it comes to your budget. There are often deals and discounts floating around on just about any given day. You can also make use of websites and service such as Curry’s voucher code while buying to get discounts.
Here are some basic features and tips to look for when shopping for a smartwatch:
- Find a smartwatch compatible smartphone: any Android or iOS model should suffice
- Find a smartwatch which measures heart rates, steps, or other stats you care about
- Smartwatches should come with a decent battery life; most get through one or two days at a time
- At an absolute minimum, the smartwatch should be smart enough to show time
- The smartwatch should come with an easy buckle or clasp system
- The wearable should be compatible with most of the apps you plan to use
Device and OS compatibility
Most people want their smartwatch to work well with their smartphone. They’re not quite as fun if they operate independently or don’t tie to your phone. Therefore, device compatibility is very important. Many of the bigger name watches you’ll come across are compatible with one or both of these platforms. Thanks to a recent update, Android Wear works with both Android and iOS.
Most of the smartwatch companies like Pebble, Alcatel OneTouch and Martian work well with both platforms. How? In short, they pair via Bluetooth to talk with the phone. But, it’s not a universal approach of picking a phone and pairing it with a watch. The Samsung Gear S2, powered by Samsung’s Tizen, is compatible with Android handsets while Apple Watch works only with iPhones.
LCD or E Ink?
Most of the smartwatches in the market have an AMOLED display or LCD screen while others like the ones from Pebble have an e-paper display. E-paper displays are available in color or monochrome options. The anti-glare property of e-paper display helps you to carry it out even during the day time. These E-ink displays are very easy to see in all lighting conditions, especially the brightest of days.
Displays consume a decent amount of battery life so most of the smartwatches are default to turn off the screen when not in use. If you have to see the time, you may have to turn on the screen or flick the wrist to activate the display. Many watches let you toggle the display to stay on at all times, but it comes at the cost of battery life.
Touchscreen or buttons?
Having a watch with a touch screen may feel like a no-brainer, but it’s worth looking into. Not all watches let wearers interact with the screens. And, just because we’re conditioned to work with display on our phones, that doesn’t mean you have to get a touch display on your watch.
The Pebble line of watches make use of buttons to scroll the screen and for other activities and apps; it gives wearers the feel of traditional watches. On the other hand, the Android Wear-powered watches comes with card-based notifications which are easy to use and interact with. Sometimes it’s a simple swipe for notifications to dismiss them, or a tap to pull up the calendar or daily steps taken.
On the other side of the fence, the Apple Watch comes with both – digital crown on the side and a touch display. This means you can simply zoom the screen using the digital crown and use the touch screen for your actions.
Personalization
Most of the smartwatches sold today offer a some degree of personalization. Android Wear is perhaps among the most flexible, letting users customize the display, bands, and notifications.
Alerts and notifications
One of the best uses of a smartwatch is the alerts and notification for simple things such as when you get a message or call. This way you can decide whether you want to take the call or not. But, even a more basic watch from today also allows for some apps and limited functionality. Opt for an Android Wear or Apple Watch, though, and a whole world of possibility opens up.
Battery life
When it comes to smartwatches with a color screen, they will typically last for 1-2 days while those with e-paper displays lasts for 4-5 days. Similarly, watches with voice capabilities also use more battery life. How often do you want to charge your watch? Can you take it off at night and plug it in just like your phone?
Pricing
The price of smartwatches varies depending on its features and design. A smartwatch with a metal body costs you more than one with a plastic housing. Price always matters and so make use of Dealslands discount deals while shopping and you may get the right smartwatch within your budget. Look around and compare prices; there are many places to consider.
The smartest of smartwatches are all about features and app support. Is that what you need? Perhaps you just want something that notifies you on the wrist and keeps you from getting your phone out. There’s plenty to consider, but keep in mind that you’ll pay for function as well as fashion. A classy looking and smart wearable will cost more than a block and basic utilitarian watch.
