With their array of advanced functionalities including voice assistants, crash detection, call and text support, and extended battery lives, modern smartwatches transcend mere accessories. Equipped with powerful sensors and comprehensive app suites, they’ve emerged as sought-after health and fitness trackers.
Having extensively tested the leading smartwatches, we’ve scrutinized their battery life, durability, features, and beyond. Additionally, we’ve consulted athletes, fitness experts, and medical professionals to glean insights into their favorite smartwatch features, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the top health and fitness tracking capabilities available.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Galaxy Watch 5 Pro tech specs: Display: 1.4 inch, 450 x 450 pixels Super AMOLED, Battery life: Two to three days, Dimensions: 45.5 x 45.5 x 15.0mm, Weight: 46.5 grams (without strap), Water resistance: 5 ATM+IP68, LTE cellular option: Yes
While Apple advances the Apple Watch, Samsung remains competitive with its Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Despite not being the latest Samsung wearable, it boasts advanced health tracking features like blood oxygen monitoring, ECG, and sleep tracking, surpassing the Apple Watch in battery life. Offering body composition measurements, a skin temperature sensor, and premium materials, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro rivals high-end GPS sports watches at a fraction of the cost. Having extensively tested the device for weeks, it continues to impress a year later. Running Samsung’s Google Wear OS 3, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro seamlessly integrates with Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Wallet, the Google Play Store, and other Google apps, enhancing its functionality and versatility. As Samsung pushes boundaries in wearable technology, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro remains a formidable competitor in the smartwatch market.
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 tech specs: Display: 396 x 484 pixels OLED, Battery life: 18 hours, Dimensions: 45 x 38 x 10.7mm, Weight: 38.8 g (Al), Water/Dust resistance: 50m with IP6X, LTE cellular option: Yes
In 2023, Apple introduced the Series 9 model, further advancing the capabilities of the Apple Watch. Like the Ultra 2, the Series 9 supports a convenient double-tap gesture for seamless phone control with a simple touch of your index finger and thumb. This intuitive feature allows users to manage calls, alarms, media playback, timers, and more effortlessly. With the Series 9, Siri functionality no longer requires an active connection, enhancing accessibility and convenience for users on the go. Additionally, the watch introduces Crash Detection, automatically alerting emergency services in the event of a car accident. Ideal for daily wear and fitness enthusiasts alike, the Series 9 offers a comprehensive suite of features. Former track athlete Emma Clark praises its integration with essential phone functions, noting its practicality for individuals leading active lifestyles beyond competitive sports. Whether tracking workouts or staying organized, the Series 9 continues to redefine smartwatch technology for users like Clark.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic tech specs: Display: 1.5-inch 480×480 Super AMOLED (47mm) and 1.3-inch 432×432 (43mm), Battery life: Up to 40 hours, Dimensions: 46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm (47mm) 42.5 x 42.5 x 10.9 mm (43mm), Weight: 59g (47mm) and 52g (43mm)| Water/Dust resistance: 5ATM/IP68/MIL-STD-810H, LTE cellular option: Yes
Samsung’s latest addition to its smartwatch lineup, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, debuted alongside the Galaxy Watch 6 at the 2023 Unpacked event last summer. Both watches in the 6 Series introduce the One UI 5 software update, prioritizing enhancements in sleep tracking, fitness features, and safety functionalities. Setting itself apart, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic boasts the largest display in Samsung’s smartwatch range, featuring a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED screen and reintroducing the beloved rotating bezel characteristic of Samsung devices. Upon testing the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, ZDNET reviews editor Kerry Wan praises the intuitive design of the rotating bezel, highlighting its seamless functionality in navigating settings and timers. Wan also lauds the watch’s extended battery life and new sleep-friendly features, affirming its appeal. Available in both 43mm and 47mm sizes, with the latter being Samsung’s largest smartwatch option yet, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic emerges as a compelling choice for consumers seeking enhanced functionality and usability in a stylish package.
Google Pixel Watch 2
Google Pixel Watch 2 tech specs: Display: 320ppi AMOLED, Battery life: 24 hours with AOD, Dimensions: 41 x 41 x 12.3mm, Weight: 31 g (without band), Water/Dust resistance: 5 ATM, LTE cellular option: Yes
Google’s Pixel Watch 2 excels in battery life compared to its predecessor, attributed to a larger capacity battery and an upgraded Qualcomm processor. Fitbit integration introduces enhanced stress tracking, utilizing cEDA measurements, stress management scores, and a skin temperature sensor. New features include pace and heart rate zone alerts for pre-exercise preparation. The Pixel Watch 2 review highlights its superiority in safety features, surpassing even the Apple Watch. While the Apple Watch allows sharing location passively through the Find My app, Pixel Watch 2 emphasizes proactive safety with active alerts. Additionally, its focus on mental health with mood logging and mindfulness sessions adds value, promoting self-awareness and emotional well-being throughout the day. The Pixel Watch 2 stands out as a comprehensive smartwatch offering, prioritizing both physical and mental health for users’ overall well-being.
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 2 tech specs: Display: 49mm, 410 x 502 pixels OLED sapphire glass, Battery life: 36 hours, Dimensions: 49 x 44 x 14.4mm, Weight: 61.3 g, Water/Dust resistance: 100m with IP6X, LTE cellular option: Yes
In 2022, Apple revolutionized its flagship product with the release of the Apple Watch Ultra, designed for outdoor adventurers. The Ultra 2 builds upon its predecessor, featuring a new processor, a significantly brighter display, double the storage capacity, and recycled titanium materials. But how does it compare to the Watch Ultra? The Apple Watch Ultra 2 emerges as the most rugged and capable model yet, boasting a flat 49mm display made of scratch-resistant sapphire glass and 3000 nits maximum brightness. Despite its larger size, the titanium case keeps weight down, making it lighter than competing sports watches. With WatchOS 10’s custom workout APIs, third-party applications like TrainingPeaks enhance advanced training functionality, challenging dedicated GPS sports watches. Whether upgrading or diving into the Apple Watch ecosystem, the Ultra 2 promises unmatched performance for fitness enthusiasts.