Which smart watch is better to choose: smart watch models. Smart, but not a watch

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A smart watch is a device that not only demonstrates current time, but also synchronizes with your smartphone. A mandatory element is a liquid crystal display, the diagonal of which usually exceeds 1 inch.

With their help, it becomes possible to answer a call, read notifications and messages received on the phone, and even talk to the subscriber through the built-in microphone. The specific set of functions depends on the model. About how and what smart watch choose, we'll talk in our article.

Material

Depending on the manufacturer, products can be made of plastic or metal. Accordingly, plastic models are lighter in weight and adhere more softly to the skin. If you are thinking about which smartwatch is best for your child, it is recommended to give preference to plastic options. You don’t have to worry that they will quickly fail - modern materials can withstand even serious damage. mechanical impact. If you need a more solid gadget, then the option with a metal case would be more relevant.

You should also pay attention to the material of the strap. Silicone specimens have proven themselves to be the best, as they are soft and durable at the same time. They know how to take the shape of the natural curves of the hand, preventing the possibility of chafing.

operating system

There are two options here: either the manufacturer installs its own unique operating system (for example, Apple Watch, Android Wear) or uses the familiar Android firmware.

It will be a significant plus to have a GPS module, which is designed to record current coordinates and record the route. If the device is synchronized with a smartphone, the sensor will simply connect to its navigation maps. Please note that if the geopositioning system operates independently, battery power consumption increases significantly.

You should pay attention to the number and types of sensors. It is advisable to be present:

Accelerometer, the action of which is aimed at improving orientation in space;
A light sensor that allows you to adjust the gadget’s backlight automatically. This ensures not only comfortable use of the product, but also significant battery savings;
A barometer, compass, and altimeter are especially useful if you like to travel;
Heart rate monitor. Necessary for those who monitor their own activity and want to always be aware of the state of the cardiovascular system.

Equipment

In order to notify the owner of incoming messages and notifications, a vibration function is provided, which is present in all models of Xiaomi smartwatches. There are copies equipped with a speaker and microphone, so you can listen to music and talk with your interlocutor. However, it is worth considering that your conversation will be heard by others. You can avoid this by using a wireless headset.

Autonomous operation

The rule here is that the larger the battery capacity, the better. Typically, the operating instructions indicate the time during which the gadget will operate autonomously. In this case, we are talking about the standard operating mode, i.e. if you have, for example, a heart rate monitor constantly on, then energy consumption will naturally be higher than stated by the manufacturer.

Moisture protection

How to choose a smart watch if you plan to carry it with you all the time? It is imperative to choose those options that meet certain levels of protection against moisture ingress.

Information can be presented in the form of an ATM indicator in combination with a certain number: 5ATM will mean that the gadget will withstand immersion in water to a depth of 5 meters.

If you see the IP67 marking, then the device is protected from short-term immersions to a depth of 0.15 to 1 meter. The IP68 rating indicates that the product will withstand long-term immersion at great depths.

Top 5 best smartwatches

Xiaomi Huami Amazfit Watch

They have a round OLED display that provides high-contrast images and excellent readability of information even in bright sunlight. The kit comes with standard eco-leather straps, which can be replaced with metal ones, which will not be a problem, because the mounting width is 22 mm.

They are perfect for sports fans, as they are equipped with many useful functions, including:

Pulse sensor;
Possibility of measuring running on a simulator, “on paths”, cycling, running and walking outdoors;
Vibration alert that heart rate has exceeded user installed norm;
The presence of a reward system that provides pleasant bonuses in the form of badges for meeting specified standards;
Convenient viewing statistics;
The ability to analyze activity not only during training, but also throughout the day.

Among additional functions I would like to note the possibility of using the gadget as music player, alarm clock, compass. The device operates through a special Amazfit Watch application, through which synchronization with the phone and installation of the interface are carried out. The package includes a micro-USB cable and a charging cradle.

Samsung Gear S3 Classic

What is the best thing to buy for a man who prefers to dress in a business casual style? Certainly, Samsung Gear S3 Classic, the design of which can be called ideal. There are no unnecessary details, only a combination of black and silver shades. You can choose from 15 preset display interfaces.

There is a unique rotating bezel, through which you manage notifications, adjust the volume, and answer calls. The nice thing is that you can operate it even with gloves or wet hands. And if you connect to your phone via Bluetooth and install Samsung app Gear, you can make voice calls and listen to voice notifications. The level of moisture protection is also impressive - IP68, as well as excellent resistance of the glass to scratches and impacts.

Huawei Watch 2

It belongs to the classic modifications, as it has a round dial. The presence of a built-in LTE module provides a unique opportunity to access the Internet without the need to be tied to a phone. Wi-Fi, GPS+GLONASS, NFC are also present.

Touch color AMOLED screen with a record pixel density of 460 ppi, protected by impact-resistant glass Gorilla Glass v3, on which glare does not appear. There is also a screen lock: when the watch is removed, the display is automatically locked. Among the advantages is the presence of a slot for nano-SIM.

Operates on the basis Android applications Wear, which does an excellent job of counting the number of steps, distance traveled, calories burned, and analyzing them. Waterproof – IP68.

Xiaomi Amazfit Cor Midong

In our article, we cannot fail to mention Amazfit Cor Midong from Xiaomi, which is included in the rating of the best smart watches for women. The diagonal of the LCD screen is 1.23 inches. His distinctive feature is a sensitive sensor that instantly responds to the slightest touch.

The sensor is protected by Corning Gorilla 3 glass, and the body is made of 316L stainless steel. The modification can withstand immersion in water to a depth of 50 meters, so it is ideal for use in a swimming pool.

Main features:

View weather information;
Timer;
Stopwatch;
Alarm;
Chat communication;
Counting heart rate and heart rate;
Analysis of calories burned;
Information about sleep quality;
Pedometer and route tracking and many others.

Thanks to the implementation energy saving technologies managed to achieve record autonomy – up to 12 days without recharging.

Casio WSD-F10

The product stands out from its competitors with its spectacular design, where preference is given to bright and rich colors. It will be a profitable purchase for fans of active pastime – hikes of varying difficulty levels. The information is perfectly readable, as there is a 1.32-inch display with a resolution of 320x300 pixels.

Among the advantages of the device it is worth noting a pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a light module and a built-in compass. Can act as a simple activity tracker, although there is also specialized software for fishermen. To save energy, you can switch to timepiece mode, which disables the “smart” functionality and makes the gadget normal electronic watch. Bluetooth 4.1 and Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) are used to communicate with a smartphone.

This concludes our review. We hope that we have helped you decide on the selection criteria and selection of the most suitable product.

A smart watch is a modern electronic device in the form factor of a wristwatch, interfaced with mobile gadgets. Smart watches can record physical activity, show notifications about activity on social networks, notify about calls, text messages and important events calendar In addition, smart watches allow you to control music; some models even have the ability to play simple games.

Some models have already “learned” to work without being tied to a smartphone, via Wi-Fi, while others are even “watch phones” - smart watches with a SIM card.

Many predicted the end of the era of traditional watches with the advent of smartphones. A watch is not just a device that shows the current time. This is an image accessory that demonstrates the style and financial capabilities of its owner. This is exactly what smartwatch manufacturers are playing on. They offer a traditional accessory generously flavored with the latest advances in hardware and software algorithms. Assortment of stores with new models of smart watches. Smartwatches are one of the fastest evolving electronic devices today. New, modernized versions are regularly introduced to the market. How to choose a smart watch, what functions should be present in it, what to look for when choosing it? Which smart watch should I choose for my child?

How to choose a smart watch

What does smartwatch even mean? Literal translation from English is smart watch. This is a compact electronic device, the mandatory functionality of which is time counting. These gadgets are made smart by special programs. The application and the ability to remotely pair with smartphones or tablets greatly expand the capabilities of smart watches. Many manufacturers equip their gadgets with an accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS module, MP3 player and even a video camera.

And yet, the simplest digital models- still in use! You can safely go for one of these - it is a sports model, well assembled and reliable both during training and in everyday life.

Convenient square body, simple push-button control and maximum information at minimum cost + good autonomy! You get a good gadget that can monitor your heart rate and receive notifications from your smartphone.

Digital models are the most popular and in demand, despite their obvious problems with autonomy: not every smart model lasts at least a week! However, this indicator is improving all the time when it comes to “author’s” gadgets. From this point of view, MyKronoz is doing quite well.

In many ways, the familiar watch design—the circle—will be universal and comfortable for both men and women. Despite the fact that the watch is well equipped with sensors, the autonomy is at a decent level: the model can work for 3-4 days! , by the way, equipped and NFC module for contactless payments.

Another one promises to radically solve the problem with autonomy. This is literally the hit of the year - a watch that doesn't need to be charged at all!

They “feed” on the energy generated by a person while wearing them, which is enough for them to eliminate the charging dock and forget about this element of the kit as an archaic niche past.

Smart watches – which one to choose, and what they can

Smart watches can work in offline mode or in conjunction with a mobile gadget. Some believe that to standalone devices The concept “smart” does not quite fit - watches of this type would be more appropriately called electronic watches with extended functionality. The software content in them is most often focused on fitness statistics.

Truly smart watches are synchronized with mobile devices. For this purpose they most often use wireless connection By Bluetooth protocol. There are a variety of smartwatches on the market, which one is best to choose largely depends on which smartphone it will work with. Manufacturers are trying to reach the largest possible audience, so the vast majority of models are paired with gadgets based on the most popular operating systems - Android, Windows Phone, iOS. After synchronization, they receive information about events in the synchronized device. The user receives incoming notifications voice calls and SMS, letters received on email, important events on the calendar. For correct operation paired, smart watch required mandatory installation special application on your smartphone or tablet.

Now large manufacturers gadgets such as LG, Huawei, Moto, Fossil work in partnership with Google, and their watch models run on Android Wear OS. Serious opposition to this OS is, of course, from Apple - the watches of this brand are controlled by Watch OS. Also, a significant share of the market is occupied by Samsung's operating system - Tizen - the company's proprietary devices operate on its basis.

Other manufacturers, both large (for example, Fitbit), and do not really prefer to develop proprietary applications for controlling gadgets.

Case and design

And here we are in the store and choose Smartwatch. What should a smartwatch look like? The appearance of the device depends solely on the individual preferences of the user. Most models are made in wrist format mechanical watch. You can buy a smartwatch with a deliberate slant towards a sporty style, for example. Most often, such gadgets have massive cases, large symbols and wide bracelets. There are also improved dust and moisture protection characteristics. Straps are most often made of plastic, rubber or silicone, less often - of metal.

Others, on the contrary, imitate classic wrist chronometers so well that they can be recognized as electronic devices not possible either at first or at twenty-first glance. Here we can mention analog smart ones.

Externally, it is an ordinary clock with arrows, but when paired with a proprietary application, the gadget can be configured to receive notifications, as well as view activity statistics by steps, calories, and distance.

Analogue or hybrid smartwatches are the so-called “smartwatches with arrows”. Externally, these are classic dials, and all the smart functions appear in the application. Notifications to such watches come in the form of vibration or diode signal. The niche became very popular with the arrival of the Fossil brand on the market, which released an analog smart model for almost every brand in its portfolio.

However, there is only one truly hybrid smartwatch model so far and it belongs to the company MyKronoz: they can actually work as both analog and digital, and the hands are literally embedded in the center of the display, which will receive digital notifications!

Clock face

Smartwatches vary in display sizes and shapes. Some models have traditional look dial and a special screen for displaying notifications. Sometimes one or more LEDs perform this function. In other models, the dial is entirely occupied by the display, which can be designed in any style. The style collection most often features dials in a traditional pointer format or digital operating screens. When considering which smart watch to choose, it is worth remembering that it is worn on the wrist, so an overly large case will be inconvenient for daily use. The universal size is 1.4-1.7 inches.

Electronic display type

Smartwatch models with several types of screen resolutions were presented on the market:

— e-papier – a special type monochrome screen, ensuring long battery life;

— LCD – full-color screens. They are distinguished by high realism and detailed images, but quickly drain the battery.

Some smartwatches have touch screens. This solution makes navigation easier, but is not always convenient due to the small size of the display. Lately This solution is becoming more and more popular!

Term of the work

The performance of the device depends on the battery. The most a big problem smart watches are small in size. There is simply nowhere to place a large battery. The operating time depends on many reasons - the type of power element, its capacity, the presence of wireless modules, sensors and sensors. Some smartwatch models hold a charge for 1-2 days. They have to be recharged regularly using the original network docking stations. More expensive options work without recharging for 7-10 days. There are smartwatch models that run on non-rechargeable batteries. These watches can operate on one battery for six months.

operating system and amount of RAM

Smartwatches may be equipped with an operating system, but this is not required condition. Some models, when paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth, do not have their own OS and do not support the ability to install additional applications. Others work on an adapted operating shell (usually Android, iOS). In some cases, manufacturers are developing proprietary mobile operating systems, for example, Tizen from Samsung. The performance and efficient operation of a smartwatch is affected by the amount of RAM, but this indicator is not as critical as when choosing a smartphone or laptop. In general, we can say that with 512 MB the watch will work correctly and perform all the stated functions.

Functions

Key features available in almost all types of smartwatches:

— display of the current time, alarm clock;

— recording, displaying and analyzing fitness statistics;

— the ability to notify about incoming calls and text messages on a paired smartphone;

- the ability to receive notifications and messages from social networks;

— receiving notifications about calendar events;

— display of weather information.

Some watch models are equipped NFC chip, Wi-Fi module and video camera.

Activity statistics

Smart watches are an excellent companion for people interested in sports and outdoor activities. Some models have a built-in heart rate monitor and blood pressure monitor. As a standard, manufacturers equip them with the following functions:

— counting steps;

— calculation of speed and distance;

— calculation of the number of calories burned.

It would seem, why pay for something that anyone, even someone who is not very smart, can do for free - counting steps for an hour or two is not that difficult. But all day, and the next, and so on every day. Unlike a person, smart watches do not get tired, do not get confused, and do not forget. They clearly record and analyze, allowing you to see the process in dynamics.

Degree of protection

Most modern smartwatches are not afraid of rain or splashes when washing your hands. But keep in mind that the label “waterproof” and “waterproof” does not mean completely sealed. The degree of protection against water is marked with an IP code and two numbers. The higher the numbers, the better the tightness. The vast majority of smartwatches have an IP 68 protection standard. And although manufacturers promise that the watch will remain functional when immersed in water up to a depth of one meter for half an hour, it is better not to tempt fate and remove the watch before swimming.

Sports smartwatches will most likely be more airtight, but there will be few or no smart functions. Still, we should separate watches for sports - this includes, say, smart watches with a sports design!

Unlike adult models, smart baby watches are focused primarily on:

- the ability for parents to control the child’s whereabouts outside the home;
- Opportunity for parents to contact their child.

But not only! For example, this is an “almost adult” smart watch without parental control, created for entertainment and reminders.

The company, by the way, specializes in “Adult children’s” gadgets!

Taking into account the needs of parents, manufacturers of children's watches are equipped with a SIM card to enable parental controls and connections with the child: not everyone is ready to give their children a smartphone, given their active and mobile lifestyle.

With the help of a children's watch, the parent will be aware of where the child is at a particular moment, and if something happens, he will be able to call him or send a message. The child, for his part, can also make an emergency call to dad or mom to warn about some event.

Smart watches are actively gaining popularity: they are written about on the Internet, companies are constantly announcing new and more advanced models, the demand for various straps for them is growing, and developers are coming up with new ones. interesting applications. What kind of miracle is this “smart watch”? A smart watch is a wrist gadget in the form of a regular watch, which, in addition to displaying the time, has a number of other functions borrowed from modern smartphones.

For example, in such a watch you can view notifications that come to your smartphone, check the weather, email, track your activity throughout the day, set an alarm, and much more.

The first smart watches appeared seven years ago, but only today have they become so multifunctional and popular. The abundance of male and female models continues to be replenished with models for children. Also appeared now a good choice among models from different manufacturers. Therefore, if you need a smart watch and are wondering how to choose one, then the rating of smart watches in terms of price-quality ratio will be useful to you.

Do you use smart watch?

Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.

55%, 424 are too expensive vote

No, because weak functionality 10%, 79 votes

No, the clock should remain a clock 10%, 77 votes

06.07.2017

This group includes smart watches, which can roughly be called budget watches.

There is nothing in this watch that gives away its “smart” functions - it looks like an ordinary, classic watch. You can choose a black or silver model, and there are also two types of bracelet - stainless steel and Italian leather. The watch looks very stylish and will decorate any look.

But Meizu Mix can hardly be called a classic smartwatch, since it is equipped without a screen on which you can select various functions, and also read notifications. But if you synchronize the watch with your smartphone, on which a special application is installed, the watch will count your steps.

Also, if you can’t find your phone at home, then use special button the watch will call the phone. The Meizu Mix smartwatch notifies you of incoming messages using an indicator and sound. They also have an alarm clock.

The price for such a device is from $150.

Advantages:

Long operating time provided by batteries. That is, there is no need to recharge it. After about 8 months active work you will need to change the battery.
Meizu Mix is waterproof and scratch-proof.

Flaws:

Limited functionality for smart watches.

Video review of the device:

Zeblaze VIBE LITE

This hybrid watch model is the latest of similar “smart” gadgets in the VIBE series released by the company. All predecessors of the described model entered the market in just a year, these are VIBE, VIBE 2 and VIBE 3.

VIBE LITE is distinguished by its stylish design, the color range is classically sparse: only black and white options. The diameter of the glass covering the dial is 43 mm, while the case itself is made of metal and plastic. The watch is waterproof to a maximum depth of 50 meters. Battery: CR2430 (battery, Japan Maxell). The application used is Uwatch.

In addition to the stylish, classic-looking design, the watch is “stuffed” with a number of useful functions, including:

The cost of the watch is from $33.

Advantages:

Budget model;
Efficient battery – up to 12 months;
When operating the gadget in economy mode, the battery life can reach 24 months.

Flaws:

The Uwatch application used is more “raw” in comparison with those used on similarly priced devices.

Watches from this manufacturer offer the owner:

4G LTE support;
Slot for the smallest SIM card to date (nanoSIM);
Processor MTK6773 1.3 GHz;
Operating system;
Android 7.0;
Memory capacity: 1 GB – RAM and 16 GB – built-in;
Built-in 2MP camera and the ability remote control smartphone camera;
Optical heart rate sensor;
Pedometer;
Sleep monitoring;
Own player and the ability to control the smartphone player remotely;
Everyday “usefulness”: calculator, calendar, alarm clock, timer.

All these characteristics make it possible to consider the Bakeey I7 the most functional among those in a similar price range.

As for the appearance of the device, it is a steel case with plastic parts and a silicone strap. Watch parameters: 50.5 x 15.5 x 224 mm, weight – 69.5 g. The screen is a Super AMOLED panel with a diagonal of 1.39 inches.

The watch is powered by a 600 mAh battery. Operating time without recharging is 3 days in standby mode, up to 2 days in normal mode.

Bakeey I7 costs from $145.

Advantages:

Stainless steel housing;
Good screen brightness, rich colors;
Wide functionality;
Ability to make autonomous calls when installing a SIM card.

Flaws:

The built-in camera has low performance - 2 megapixels, and the placement of the lens itself is inconvenient to use.

Asus Vivo Watch BP

Watches from the Taiwanese manufacturer will become available to fans of such gadgets in August 2018. Vivo Watch BP has become a kind of modification of the previous smart watch from Asus - Vivo Watch. However, in addition to many additional functions that distinguish the new product from its predecessor, the watch received unique feature– the ability to measure blood pressure and stress levels.

The watch has a rather rough design: small screen and a wide frame, but this is more than compensated for by the functional component. For example, electrocardiographic and photoplethysmographic sensors are placed on the frame, providing a decent level of accuracy in blood pressure readings. To find out the values, you just need to put your finger on these sensors.

In addition to what is described, Vivo Watch BP has a number of functions and characteristics:

Monitoring the state of the body: determination of heart rate, sleep monitoring, stress index, determination of activity level;
HealthAI technology support – artificial intelligence, capable of generating personal recommendations for improving the body’s condition;
Built-in GPS, which means the ability to determine your location, build a route, and inform your loved ones about your location.

Vivo Watch BP costs from $169.

Advantages:

Functionality for measuring vital signs of the body;
Support for artificial intelligence technology;
Possibility of autonomous operation up to 28 days.

Flaws:

Quite a rough appearance.

Video review of the watch:

This watch is the brainchild of a small Chinese company, which previously released a similar device called W1. What distinguishes the new model from its predecessors is primarily the presence of a SIM card slot (nanoSIM, with 3G support), as well as excellent dust and water resistance. Also, compared to the W1, the sports functionality is much wider. This is a heart rate sensor, pedometer, tracking of 9 sports modes, sleep monitoring.

W2 Features:

4-core processor MTK6580;
Memory parameters: 2 GB – RAM and 16 GB – built-in;
Availability of GPS;
The operating system used is Android 7.0;
Battery – 469 mAh;
Built-in camera 2 MP;
Waterproof rating IP68;
Screen - Super AMOLED, resolution: 400 x 400 pixels, ratio to body - 85:15.

The design of the watch, with which you can not only take a shower, but also go for a swim, is simple lines, stainless steel, a round touch screen, and a silicone strap.

The cost of the device is from $150.

Advantages:

The presence of a slot for a SIM card, as a result, the ability to make autonomous calls;
Good water resistance;
Decent speed for completing any task.

Flaws:

Low battery capacity, as a result, the need for daily recharging;
The small number of functions of a smartwatch is much greater than those that can characterize the device as a wrist smartphone.

Sony Smartwatch 3

This smartwatch model features good performance and a simple, not rude design. Like other smartwatch models, they help you monitor your physical activity. In addition, it has a battery life of two days, which is very good for a smartwatch with support for many functions. Equipped with Sony SmartWatch 3 accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, light sensor, stopwatch, timer. You can view the weather, mail, social networks. Sony SmartWatch 3 costs from $150.

Advantages:

good performance;
relatively low price.

Flaws:

lack of replaceable straps;
plastic case.

Full video review of the watch:

Previous Asus model Zenwatch had a very attractive price, but that's where its advantages ended. In the third model, the developers decided to find the perfect balance between style and price. Naturally, the third model turned out to be much more expensive, but the watch also became more beautiful and more functional.

Asus Zenwatch 3 has approximately the same hardware as other similar models, but differs significantly from its analogues in the small thickness of the case and good screen quality. The user can install additional widgets that will simplify working with the watch. With the help of such widgets you can quickly respond to text messages, easier to view mail, etc. The developers also assure that you can take the watch with you even to the pool, since it is protected from water. True, diving with them deeper than 1 meter is not recommended. The only downside is that there is a small selection of replacement straps.

The average price for this gadget is $250.

Advantages:

high-quality display;
attractive appearance;
protection against water ingress.

Flaws:

low productivity;
Doesn't hold much charge.

Video description of the smart watch:

Alcatel OneTouch Watch Go

The creators of Alcatel OneTouch Watch Go did not strive to make something similar to other smartwatches. When everyone else is making the gadget thinner and flatter every time, Alcatel went the other way and made their smartwatches bulky and with a protruding display bezel. This is primarily due to the fact that watches are focused more on durability and functionality rather than stylish design. Alcatel OneTouch Watch Go – watch for active people who are constantly on the move and want to monitor their physical performance.

This smartwatch is protected from moisture, dirt and is not afraid of falls. With them you can measure your heart rate and monitor your steps, as well as receive notifications and control music. What sets Alcatel OneTouch Watch Go apart from other models is its ability to predict the user's emotions. These emotions can be sent to your friends via social networks. The price of these smartwatches is significantly lower than their analogues - from $100, but the functionality has not been affected. Operating time in active mode is up to 5 days.

Advantages:

unique function: predicting user emotions;
low price;
5 days of work in active mode.

Flaws:

design, although for some this is an advantage.

Video review of watches from Alcatel:

The best smartwatches over $300

LG Watch Sport on Android platform

LG Watch Sport, as the name suggests, is designed primarily for sports. They are powerful in appearance and have a wide list of features. With this smart watch you can measure your heart rate and monitor your sports activities thanks to special applications. The device is equipped with speakers and a microphone, which makes it possible to make calls.

You can install a number of additional applications from the Play Store on it and even make payments with a bank card. The watch has good performance, which is due to a 4-core processor with a frequency of 1.1 GHz. There is also 4 GB of memory and about 16 hours of battery life.

Advantages:

the ability to control your sports activities;
many additional applications from the Play Store;
good performance.

Flaws:

bulky design;
short battery life.

The cost of such a gadget is from $349.

Review of smart watches - in the video:

This smartwatch was released as the first watch to support mobile internet. That is, LG Urbane 2 supports 3G and 4G Internet, you can insert a SIM card into them. With this smart watch you can receive phone calls, send messages, and access the Internet. This gadget practically eliminates the use of a smartphone. But high functionality influenced their appearance. The watch looks quite massive and is more suitable for men than for women. The watch has a good battery, but given the functionality of the watch, this battery can allow the user to work for a maximum of a day.

The LG Urbane 2 smart watch has a heart rate monitor, barometer, Bluetooth, GPS. The case is waterproof.

Advantages:

the ability to insert a SIM card and make calls directly;
availability of mobile Internet.

Flaws:

short time of active work;
high price.

The cost of such watches is one of the highest – from $450.

Video review of the gadget:

Moto 360 second generation

The second generation Moto 360 was released back in 2016, but this watch remains one of the most stylish. They are minimalistic and made in a round shape. The watch helps you monitor your own activity throughout the day and is convenient to use for navigation. The ability to install additional applications can significantly expand their already wide functionality. You can connect Bluetooth headphones to the watch and listen to music. In them good memory and relatively high productivity. There is an easy replacement of straps, the choice of which is huge. Everything is fine, except for one thing - a very short operating time in active mode, only 12 hours. You can buy such smart watches from $350 and above.

Advantages:

easy to use for map navigation;
stylish design;
ability to connect Bluetooth headphones and listen to music.

Flaws:

only 12 hours of active work;
high price.

Apple Watch Series 4

The new product from the leader of the smart industry has received several improvements, which affected the new electrical sensor of cardiac activity (receiving an audio signal about low heart rate), the implementation of a tactile response of the wheel Digital Crown and display enlargement. Speaking about the latter, I would like to note that the dimensions of the device, which have become familiar, have practically not changed, it is the working area that has grown, plus the energy efficiency has increased. The Infograph watch face allows you to place up to 8 extensions, including UV Index, Air Quality Index, Weather, World Clock, Solar, Earth, Sunrise/Sunset, Moon. .

New types of training have been introduced (yoga and hiking). Can be used during water training. Read more about the functionality of the device in a separate section.

The Apple S4 processor and 16 GB of built-in memory are responsible for performance.

The cost of the device depends on various parameters and starts from 19,000 rubles.

Apple Watch Series 4

Advantages:

Functional display;
A large number of built-in sensors;
NFC support;
Screen interface selection;
Full communication with a smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, display of call and message data;
Audio can be played.

Flaws:

Positioned as an advantage, the device's autonomy for 18 hours is actually inferior to some competitors, which can work up to 2 days without recharging.

Video review of smart watches:

Samsung Galaxy Watch

Available in several variations, differing in thickness. Tizen OS watches are compatible with mobile phones on Android 5.0+, iOS 8+ platforms. Equipped with a dust and moisture protection system (IP68), the watch can be left in the pool or shower. All data about the owner’s activity will be displayed on a screen with a diagonal of 1.3 (or 1.18) inches, depending on the model, Super AMOLED type, with a resolution of 360x360.

The phone informs the owner about calls and messages, makes it possible to listen to music, work with navigation GPS systems, GLONASS.

The performance of the device is ensured by the Exynos 9110 processor, 1150 MHz (2 cores), memory: 768 MB of RAM and 4 GB built-in. Battery capacity – 472 mAh or 270 mAh

Useful fitness and other sensors include: sleep monitor, calorie counter, physical activity sensor, accelerometer, altimeter, gyroscope, heart rate monitor, light indicator. Of course, there is a timer and stopwatch.

Cost: minimum 22,000 rubles (for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 42 mm model).

Samsung Galaxy Watch

Advantages:

Resistance to mechanical damage, moisture and dust;
Good battery life (up to 48 or 96 hours in active mode in various models);
NFC Samsung Pay support;
Bright screen.

Flaws:

Small selection of original straps.

Video review of the watch:

Results

The selection of smartwatches is truly amazing. Of course, market leaders offer high-quality and functional devices, however, Chinese manufacturers are also trying to keep up with them. As a result, the user has the opportunity to purchase a wrist accessory that will not only satisfy in terms of functionality, but also will not break the bank in terms of price.

What smartwatch do you use?

Today we will talk about what “happy people don’t watch” - about watches, or more precisely, about smart watches. As you know, these gadgets are still far from perfect: most smart chronometers do not have a very outstanding operating time, and many of their owners cannot find any real use for them at all. And if you still have to put up with the first problem, then the second one is quite easy to cope with. So what useful features do smartwatches have? In this material we will discuss the most remarkable of them.

1. Complications: instant access to information

To get information on a smartphone, you need to go through a whole ritual: take the device out of your pocket or bag, unlock it, launch the application... By the way, latest versions iOS partly eliminates this routine, because here you can view widgets without unlocking the device. And yet, smart watches are more convenient in the sense that they are always at hand - more precisely, on it. Thanks to so-called complications, we can obtain certain information simply by looking at the watch screen.

Remember the sensational mobile game Monument Valley? So, its developer, ustwo, has created many interesting watch faces for Android Wear watches. They are all in the store Google applications Play. Take Bits Watch Face, for example. You can fit up to seven complications on one screen. This means that by simply raising your wrist, you will see not only the time and date, but also the weather, the number of steps taken, stocks, calendar events, and so on. Of course, there is the possibility of customization. A sleeker, but less functional option is ustwo Smart Watch Faces.
As for the Apple Watch, many complications have also been created for them, but they are taken exclusively from applications - the watch faces themselves cannot be downloaded. A good example is the iTranslate app. Right on the watch face, it shows you the most common phrases in the language zone where you are. For example, if you fly into Berlin, the watch will start displaying common phrases in German with translations into your language.

Moreover, the phrases change depending on the time: at lunchtime they show how the phrase “Bon appetit” is translated, and towards the end of the day they remind you how to properly say good night. You can “rewind” a phrase using the Digital Crown as part of the Time Travel function. By the way, “rewind” immediately affects all complications that you have activated. And yes - you understood everything correctly: on Apple screen Watch can accommodate several complications from different applications at once, and this is a definite advantage compared to competitors.

2. Smart alarm clock

Many modern wearable devices can be used as a smart alarm clock, and smart watches are no exception. What kind of function is this? A separate application or an option built into the watch uses an accelerometer to monitor your activity during sleep, determining by your movements which phase of sleep you are in. A smart alarm clock will wake you up exactly in the phase in which you are most likely to wake up refreshed - in the REM sleep phase. By the way, the phases of slow and fast sleep replace each other several times a night. An example of how an alarm clock works: you set it, for example, at 7 am, and the clock wakes you up at 6.30, because it is at this time that it detects the transition to the REM sleep phase. As a result, you may not get enough sleep for half an hour, but wake up more alert than at 7 o’clock. In the words of Steve Jobs, it works like magic.

By the way, about Apple. If you have an Apple Watch, then you are hardly out of luck with the smart alarm function: the company wants your watch to be charged at night in the so-called “Night Mode” (appeared in watchOS 2). And not to be confused with smart alarm clock applications such as Sleep++: they only record sleep phases, but cannot wake you up. The problem with the lack of alarms is most likely temporary. It's all about a weak battery: you simply won't have time to charge your Apple Watch if you wear it during the day and sleep at night. Anyway, on Android Wear smart There are alarm clocks - you can set, for example, Wake Up Well.

If you plan to use your smartwatch solely as a smart alarm clock, you'll want to take a closer look at the Withings Activité Pop. Firstly, they already have this option built in (synchronizes with an application on a smartphone; wakes up with vibration), and secondly, the battery lasts up to 8 (!) months of operation.

The Pebble watch is also a very good smart alarm clock, because you can download the advanced sleep tracker Morpheuz on it. It is compatible with all Pebbles models, so no one will be offended. You also don’t have to worry about operating time: even the very first Pebble works for up to a week without recharging, and under intense load - including if you constantly use the aforementioned alarm clock - they will last 3-4 days, which is also not bad. But Pebble Time Round only works for two days - however, Morpheuz was also released for them.

3. Fitness tracker

Of course, it’s hard to ignore this currently popular function. Unlike wearables designed specifically for fitness, smartwatches offer a wide range of apps that can also use a variety of sensors.

Today, many agree that the ideal fitness watch out of the box is the Apple Watch. The device not only acts as a heart rate monitor, but also constantly monitors physical activity, determining whether you are walking, climbing stairs, or just sitting at your desk. In the latter case, the watch can remind you every hour to get up and stretch your muscles. The “Activity” and “Training” applications act as an integrated fitness solution. Three "Activity" rings show - including on the complication - how many times you've stretched during the day, how many calories you've burned moving around, and how many minutes you've been actively exercising. Moreover, Apple allowed developers to fill these rings with data from third party applications, of which there are already a lot in the App Store.

It is worth noting popular app Runtastic Pro, in which you can control workout settings directly from the watch, switch music in the built-in player and view statistics (distance covered, calories burned, workout duration).
The Android Wear operating system does not lag behind watchOS in terms of fitness capabilities, and definitely wins in terms of device selection. Well suited for all lovers of a healthy lifestyle, for example, Sony SmartWatch 3. Of course, the gadget did not appear on the market yesterday, but it can work autonomously: you can go for a run without a smartphone, listening to music directly from the watch, while they They will also read your activity. The undeniable advantages of SmartWatch 3 are reasonable price and built-in GPS module, which is often used by fitness applications.

The Google Fit solution is an analogue of the applications built into the Apple Watch in Android Wear. It also monitors all activity, from walking to cycling; We didn’t forget about measuring the pulse. The advantage of Google Fit is that it also has a web interface, that is, all information about activity can be viewed through a web browser. To do this, just log in through your account.

There are also fitness apps on Pebble smartwatches, but the company’s own solution has recently appeared. Together with researchers from Stanford University, Pebble developed the Pebble Health platform for the Time line. It constantly monitors your steps and sleep quality, and also integrates with Google Fit and Apple HealthKit. Information appears unobtrusively in your Timeline news feed, the same place you see notifications and data from other apps.
The new Samsung Gear S2 also has good fitness functionality, but third party software there's not much there. Built-in S Health keeps a 24/7 activity log, and also lets you measure your heart rate and track how much water and caffeine you consume.

4. Control panel

A smart watch is an ideal gadget for controlling everything and anything - from the player on your phone to the TV and smart home. Car manufacturers also couldn’t ignore this “theme”, and they especially liked the platform from Apple. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Hyundai, Volvo and others have their own applications for watchOS. A good example of a minimalist but functional application for watches - Volkswagen Car-Net. With its help, you can find your VW in a parking lot, lock and unlock doors, check the fuel level or battery charge on an electric vehicle, adjust the temperature in the cabin, and so on. Naturally, not all models are supported, but the functionality inspires respect.

The developer Rego Apps has loudly announced itself by releasing an application for controlling Tesla cars - Remote S for Tesla. Thanks to it, Apple Watch owners can start their Tesla directly from their wrist, as well as control the climate control, open the panoramic roof, honk the horn, turn on the headlights and perform many other actions.
As noted earlier, smart watches can control a wide variety of programs and devices. And this also applies to simple Pebble, which do not have a touch screen.

For example, the Pebble appstore has an official program for working with GoPro cameras. And if, say, you have Philips Hue light bulbs at home, with Pebble you can not only turn them on and off, but also adjust the brightness and even the color palette. There is a program for this Huebble, although there are alternatives: watchNlights, SIMBBLE HUE and others. Moreover, even the aforementioned Morpheuz alarm clock works with Philips light bulbs, which turns on the light bulb and gradually increases its brightness when you wake up. To do this, you need to enter the IP address, username and bulb number directly into the Morpheuz settings.

5. Hands-free

Smart watches can serve you well, for example, in busy places or when driving in a car when you can’t use your phone. As you know, using Siri on Apple Watch, you can easily make calls, send messages (both voice and text), set reminders, and do many other things without taking your eyes off the road.

It’s the same with Android Wear: using the voice command “okay, Google”, you can not only quickly translate phrases from one language to another or, say, find out stock prices, but also send messages - even through third-party instant messengers. That is, for example, the phrase: “Send a message to Vanya on Telegram: I’ll be there in half an hour,” the watch will understand and process it. Of course, if you have internet on your paired smartphone. And Telegram.

Let's summarize. This article was intended to refute the common belief that smart watches are just a newfangled toy. It all depends on the scenarios for their use: for some, a smart chronometer is a simple “notification”, while others get the most out of the available applications. By the way, about their number: over 15,000 applications have already been written for watchOS, more than 8,000 for Pebble, and in the case of Android Wear, the number of titles, according to last year’s data from Google itself, exceeded 4,000. The new Samsung Gear S2 cannot boast of such numbers, however many major developers have released a lot good apps and under them. So, dear readers, there is definitely plenty to choose from.

The wide range of products and noticeable differences in functionality in this category makes choosing the right option not so simple - some need models with SMS and call functions, others want more sports functions, and for others it is important to install additional software.

It’s unlikely that one gadget can satisfy all these requirements, but most of the watches on the list of the best ones can easily complement and even replace.

Comparison of model characteristics

Table 1. Comparative parameters best models smart watch.

Name	Screen	Memory	Functions	Battery, mAh	Price, thousand. rub.
LG Watch Style W270	1.2"	0.5/4 GB	communication on social networks, pedometer, SMS	240	11
Garmin Forerunner 35	0.93"	–	route, stopwatch, heart rate, calories, notifications, GPS	120	11
Polar M600	1.3"	0.5/4 GB	music, navigation, messenger, SMS, call notifications, training results	500	17
Garmin Vivoactive HR	1.38"	–	training intervals, music, notifications, calories, sleep monitoring	200	14
Samsung Gear S3	1.3"	0.75/4 GB	music, pedometer, camera control, calories, heart rate monitor, notifications, receiving and making calls	380	18
Garmin Phoenix 5	1.2"	64 MB	sports modes, training, GPS, calories	300	36
Huawei Watch 2 Sport	1.2"	0.75/4 GB	heart rate, notifications, music, pedometer, calories, calls	420	18
Sony SmartWatch 3 SWR50	1.8"	0.5/4 G	notifications, workouts, physical activity, pedometer, smartphone music control	420	8
Apple Watch Series 3	1.65"	0,75/16	training, pedometer, step counting, sleep monitoring, music	279	20
FitBit Ionic	1.42"	–/2,5	sleep monitoring, weather, sleep monitoring, training, listening to music	200	18

LG Watch Style W270 – Best Accuracy

The LG Watch Style W270 smart watch is distinguished by the presence of several design options, high-quality sensors and high level reliability.

The model is capable of diving under water to a depth of 10 m, and the charge lasts for more than a day even in active mode and turned on.

Another important feature is the imitation of a real clock mechanism on the screen, thanks to which the model does not differ in appearance from a real watch.

good functionality;
high accuracy of determination of measured parameters;
convenient control - using gestures, buttons or touch screen;
durable body.

short operating time – with active use, the gadget needs to be charged every 2 days. In addition, the watch does not have a heart rate sensor and GPS navigation, which are typical for such devices.

Mikhail M.: On the one hand, the model attracts with its design and high-quality screen, on the other hand, it is a little disappointing with its battery charge. And you can only charge it from branded charger. The watch looks beautiful, but the button is very inconvenient. Because of this, Google Assistant turns on all the time.

Garmin Forerunner 35 - the best set of programs

Thanks enough powerful battery, the device works for at least a week in normal mode.

And the software of smart watches allows you to synchronize them with phones on and.

For the gadget to work properly, you just need to download and configure the proprietary Garmin application.

good battery;
optimal price-functionality ratio;
screen clarity and brightness.

minor bugs in the software.
There is no touch screen - you will have to control the watch only using buttons. On the other hand, many Garmin Forerunner 35 owners will find this control even more convenient.

Alexey N.: A truly sports gadget, easy to use and functional. GPS finds quickly, works for at least 10 hours in active mode. True, it looks a little unusual and does not always receive messages from the phone - but this is not the main reason I bought it.

Polar M600 – great fitness software

Polar smart watch M600 received a high degree of water resistance and durability from the manufacturer.

Due to its ability to withstand mechanical damage, even professional athletes can use the gadget.

And for the Polar Flow program, thanks to which they work, there is a separate button on the watch.

good software suitable for training and fitness;
proprietary Polar Flow application, controlled by a separate button;
storage of up to 700 music files up to 3.5–4 MB in size;
large battery capacity.

unpretentious design
high price. Some users are also not satisfied with the inability to answer incoming calls from the gadget - although notifications about them are received.

Sergey M.: Good option for runners and swimmers. Good build, separate button for the Polar Flow program, you can use the watch as an mp3 player. I don’t see any shortcomings - except that the model looks like a cheap Chinese watch, and not like modern gadget for $300.

Garmin Vivoactive HR - optimal price-functionality ratio

The Vivoactive HR model from the famous sports electronics manufacturer Garmin monitors the user’s heart rate 24 hours a day.

In the gadget's software list you can find applications for several sports.

And when the watch receives notifications about calls and SMS.

support for a large number of applications already installed on the watch;
possibility of long-term operation without recharging;
good accuracy in determining indicators.

poor screen quality - it will be difficult to read information from them in the sun.
The gadget does not stand out in terms of design.
The bracelet is not very comfortable to fasten - although the problem can be solved if you wear the watch constantly.

Andrey M.: I’ve been using the watch for more than six months, the only downside I can name is the design, which is not very suitable for a smart watch - it looks more like a fitness bracelet. There are more advantages - a bright screen, fast GPS search, long work without recharging.

Samsung Gear S3 - better battery life

The Gear S3 model attracts, first of all, with its stylish appearance and small size.

The presence of a bezel around the screen allows you to scroll through information, and the ability to install additional software expands functionality.

The touch screen, the image on which can be easily changed, remains on all the time, allowing you to use the gadget like a real watch.

Long operating time without recharging – the battery lasts for 3–4 days.
the ability to use the rotating bezel to scroll through information.
With the help of the watch you can answer the call and even make a call.

Irina I.: Nice watch, no complaints about working with a smartphone on Android - and not only with Samsung. But when synchronizing with the iPhone, problems arose - the ability to talk was lost, notifications did not always arrive, and calls could not be received. After accepting a call on your watch, the conversation on your iPhone automatically starts.
attractive appearance;

monitoring of several sports;

Can be used as a remote control.

low accuracy of the heart rate monitor compared to a number of other models.

sometimes the gadget does not record a temporary increase in heart rate due to high load.

There are also problems with dial settings, the capabilities of which are limited.

Victor N.: The watch is just a bomb, much better than AppleWatch. I like the operating time - in normal mode (heart rate, navigation) you only have to charge it 2 times a month. Excellent functionality, attractive design, reminiscent of an ordinary high-quality chronometer. I haven’t found any cons yet, although I’ve been using it for three months now.

Huawei Watch 2 Sport - best build quality

The Watch 2 Sport smart watch from Huawei received high-quality watches that are protected from moisture and scratches.

The model fits comfortably on the hand and is practically not felt due to its minimal weight.

The purchase of such a device is suitable for professional athletes, while regular users, most likely, will choose a less accurate but more affordable option.

Which smart watch is better to choose: smart watch models. Smart, but not a watch

Material

operating system

Equipment

Autonomous operation

Moisture protection

Top 5 best smartwatches

Xiaomi Huami Amazfit Watch

Samsung Gear S3 Classic

Huawei Watch 2

Xiaomi Amazfit Cor Midong

Casio WSD-F10

Zeblaze VIBE LITE

Asus Vivo Watch BP

Sony Smartwatch 3

Alcatel OneTouch Watch Go

The best smartwatches over $300

LG Watch Sport on Android platform

Moto 360 second generation

Apple Watch Series 4

Samsung Galaxy Watch

Results

Comparison of model characteristics

LG Watch Style W270 – Best Accuracy

Garmin Forerunner 35 - the best set of programs

Polar M600 – great fitness software

Garmin Vivoactive HR - optimal price-functionality ratio

Samsung Gear S3 - better battery life

Huawei Watch 2 Sport - best build quality

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