Best Smart Watch
The Best Smart Watches of 2023: A Comprehensive Australian Guide
If you’re reading this, it’s highly likely you’re on a quest to find the best smart watch Australia has to offer. In the era of smart technology, watches have evolved far beyond their original function of telling time. Today’s smart watches are minicomputers you can wear on your wrist, offering everything from health tracking to instant notifications and even the ability to make and receive calls.
Australia, like many other parts of the world, has witnessed a surge in the demand for smart watches, with choices ranging from budget-friendly models to luxury editions. So how do you choose the best smart watch for your needs? We’ve done the legwork for you, analysing various factors like design, features, battery life, and overall performance to bring you the definitive list of the best smart watches available in Australia.
Special features
Sleep Monitor, Distance Tracker, Sedentary Reminder, Alarm Clock, Activity Tracker, GPS, Camera, Calorie Tracker, Notifications, Heart Rate Monitor
Special Features
Sleep Monitor, Text Messaging, Notifications, Activity Tracker, Accelerometer, Alarm Clock, Breath Monitor, Calorie Tracker, Custom Activity Tracking, Daily Workout Memory, Distance Tracker, Multisport Tracker, Music Player, Pedometer, Sedentary Reminder, Stress Tracking, Time Display, Voice Control, Oxymeter (SpO2), Phone Call, Heart Rate Monitor
Special Features
Bluetooth 5.3 Call, Alexa Built-in, 100+ Sport Modes, 100+ Watch Dials, IP68 Waterproof, Oxymeter (SpO2), Sleep Monitor, Heart Rate Monitor, Stress Monitor, Text Messaging, Notifications, Activity Tracker, Alarm Clock, Calorie Tracker, Distance Tracker, Music Control, Camera Control, Pedometer, Sedentary Reminder, Time Display
- Advanced Health Monitoring: Improved sensors for health metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen level, sleep quality, and possibly new features such as glucose monitoring.
- Better Performance: Faster processing power for more efficient multitasking and smoother user experience.
- Improved Battery Life: Each new series usually brings improvements in energy efficiency and battery lifespan.
- New Software Features: Typically, a new watch series comes with a new watchOS that includes software enhancements and new apps.
- Design Innovations: While not every new series includes a design overhaul, it is possible that the Series 8 could have design tweaks or new materials that make it more attractive or comfortable to wear.
Reasons to Consider Buying:
- Ecosystem Integration: If you’re already an Apple user, the Apple Watch will seamlessly integrate with your other Apple devices and services.
- Health and Fitness: Apple Watch is known for its strong health and fitness features, including its Activity Rings, workout tracking, sleep tracking, and health monitoring sensors.
- Communication: The ability to take calls, respond to texts, and even use walkie-talkie features with other Apple Watch users can be incredibly convenient.
- Productivity: With reminders, calendar notifications, and a wide range of available productivity apps, an Apple Watch can help keep you organized.
- Safety Features: Features like fall detection and emergency SOS can be crucial for personal safety.
- Quality and Reliability: Apple products are generally known for their build quality and customer service, including regular software updates.
- Customization: From watch faces to complications to a wide array of straps, you can customize the Apple Watch to suit your personal style.
- Accessibility: Apple places a strong emphasis on making their devices accessible to people with a range of abilities, and the Apple Watch is no exception.
Caveats:
- Price: Apple Watches are among the more expensive smartwatches on the market.
- Battery Life: Typically needs to be charged daily or every other day, depending on usage.
- Compatibility: Works best with other Apple products and services. If you’re not already in the Apple ecosystem, you may not get the full range of benefits.
Alexa Built-In, Stable Bluetooth 5.3 Call-answer and Make Calls, IP68 Waterproof, Support multiple languages (such as Spanish), Message Notification, All-day activity tracker, Distance/steps/calories, 100+ Sports Mode, Blood oxygen/Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, Touch Screen, Long Battery Life
How much should I pay for a smart watch?
The price you should pay for a smartwatch depends on a variety of factors including your budget, the features you need, and how you plan to use the device. Here’s a rough breakdown of different price tiers and what you can generally expect from each:
Low Budget: Under $100
- Features: Basic notifications, simple apps, some fitness tracking like step counting
- Battery Life: Variable, from a day to several weeks depending on the device
- Build Quality: Plastic bodies, rubber straps, lower resolution displays
- Examples: Amazfit Bip, Xiaomi Mi Band, Realme Watch
Mid-range: $100-$250
- Features: More extensive fitness tracking, better notification management, and some native apps
- Battery Life: Typically 1-7 days depending on the features and display technology
- Build Quality: May include metal or higher-quality plastic bodies, better display resolution
- Examples: Fitbit Versa, Garmin Forerunner 45, Samsung Galaxy Fit 2, TicWatch E2
High-end: $250-$500
- Features: Comprehensive fitness and health tracking (e.g., GPS, heart rate, sleep, possibly ECG), high-quality displays, more responsive interfaces, often with app stores and extensive customization
- Battery Life: Typically 1-5 days
- Build Quality: Premium materials like stainless steel, sapphire glass, and high-resolution OLED or AMOLED displays
- Examples: Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin Fenix 6, Fossil Gen 5
Luxury: $500 and above
- Features: Similar to high-end smartwatches but may include unique features or designs, possibly including mechanical watch elements
- Battery Life: Similar to high-end models
- Build Quality: Luxury materials like gold, titanium, or even diamond accents
- Examples: TAG Heuer Connected, Garmin MARQ, Apple Watch Hermès
Considerations:
- Compatibility: Make sure your choice is compatible with your smartphone and other tech you own.
- Durability: If you’re into outdoor activities, consider a rugged smartwatch or one with good water resistance.
- Battery Life: Consider how often you are willing to charge your watch.
- Usage: If you’re buying it mainly for fitness tracking, you don’t necessarily need a high-end smartwatch with all the bells and whistles.
Based on these factors, you can determine how much you should be willing to pay for a smartwatch. Keep in mind that prices can also vary based on location, availability, and ongoing sales or promotions.
Owning a smartwatch can come with a variety of benefits as well as drawbacks. Here are some of the most commonly cited pros and cons:
Pros:
- Convenience: Having a smartwatch on your wrist allows you to check notifications, control music, and access other smartphone features without having to pull your phone out of your pocket.
- Fitness Tracking: Many smartwatches have built-in fitness features such as heart rate monitoring, GPS tracking, sleep analysis, and step counters. This can encourage a healthier lifestyle.
- Navigation: Some smartwatches offer GPS capabilities that can help with directions. This is particularly helpful for activities like hiking or if you’re in a new city.
- Safety Features: Some models have emergency features like fall detection or an SOS button, which can be beneficial in a variety of circumstances.
- Customization: Smartwatches often allow for customization, ranging from changing the watch face to selecting which notifications you want to see.
- Battery Life: Many smartwatches have a longer battery life compared to smartphones, requiring less frequent charging.
- Quick Replies: You can send quick texts or preset messages directly from many smartwatches, which is more discreet and convenient than doing so from your phone.
- Tether-Free Operation: Some advanced smartwatches have cellular capabilities that allow you to make calls, send texts, and use data without being connected to a smartphone.
- Specialized Apps: There are countless apps designed specifically for smartwatches that can add a range of functions, from productivity tools to games.
- Style: Modern smartwatches come in a variety of styles and materials, making it easier to find one that matches your personal aesthetic.
Cons:
- Cost: High-quality smartwatches can be expensive, and even budget options are still an added expense on top of owning a smartphone.
- Battery Life Concerns: While generally better than smartphones, the battery life can still be a concern, especially for watches with a lot of features or high-resolution screens.
- Limited Screen Size: The small screen can make interaction more difficult and limit what you can see and do compared to a smartphone or computer.
- Dependency on Smartphone: Many smartwatches require a connection to a smartphone for full functionality, meaning you’ll likely need to carry both devices much of the time.
- Obsolescence: Like other tech gadgets, smartwatches can become outdated quickly as newer models are released.
- Distractions: The convenience of having notifications on your wrist can turn into a downside if it becomes a distraction or source of stress.
- Learning Curve: Some people find smartwatches and their interfaces unintuitive, requiring a period of adjustment.
- Compatibility: Not all smartwatches are compatible with all smartphones, and even those that are may not support all features.
- Durability: Smartwatches are generally less durable than traditional watches, particularly when it comes to water resistance and shock absorption.
- Privacy Concerns: With features like GPS and health data collection, there may be concerns about how this data is stored and who has access to it.
Depending on your needs and lifestyle, the pros may outweigh the cons or vice versa. Overall, it’s important to consider what you want to get out of a smartwatch before making a purchase.
Why Do You Need a Smart Watch?
Before diving into our top picks, let’s explore why you might need a smart watch in the first place.
- Health and Fitness Tracking: From counting steps to monitoring your heart rate and sleep patterns, smart watches are like personal health assistants.
- Convenience: Get notifications, set reminders, or even pay for your coffee—all without taking your phone out of your pocket.
- Style and Personalisation: Modern smart watches offer interchangeable bands and customizable watch faces, allowing you to match your watch to your style.
What to Consider When Buying a Smart Watch
- Compatibility: Ensure the smart watch is compatible with your smartphone’s operating system.
- Battery Life: Look for a watch that can last at least a day on a single charge.
- Features: Think about the functionalities that are most important to you—whether it’s GPS, a heart-rate monitor, or third-party apps.
- Budget: Prices range from under $100 to several hundred dollars. Choose one that gives you the best value for your money.
Conclusion
Finding the best smart watch in Australia can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options available. Whether you’re an iPhone user, a fitness enthusiast, or someone looking for a budget-friendly option, there’s a smart watch out there for you. Be sure to consider what features are most important to you and how they fit into your daily life.
From the latest Apple Watch Series 7 to the budget-friendly Fitbit Versa 3, we hope this guide helps you make an informed decision. Choose wisely, and may you find the perfect smart watch to suit your lifestyle and needs.
