Do I need a smartwatch

Smartwatch buying guide: How to choose your smart wristwear

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Watches have been around for hundreds of years, and mostly, theyve served as a way to tell the time. But in the last few years, watches have progressed significantly and are more capable than ever.

Now, many people are shunning traditional analogue watches in favour of new-fangled smartwatches.

These not only tell the time and date, but also allow users to make and receive phone calls, send and read text messages, use applications, track their health and fitness, pay for things on the go, receive phone notifications, and so much more.

While smartwatches offer a wide range of capabilities and benefits, choosing one isnt the most straightforward task when you consider all the different types, makes and models available today.

But to help you, weve put together this guide on everything you need to know when buying a smartwatch.

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You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

Different types of smartwatches

Before choosing a make and model of smartwatch, its important to understand the different types of smartwatch available on the market and to decide which one would best suit your needs. There are three main categories: classic smartwatches, hybrid smartwatches and fitness trackers.

Classic smartwatches

Classic smartwatches link up to a smartphone via its Bluetooth connection to notify you of incoming calls, text messages, emails, social media updates, calendar events, alarms, and other types of notifications. This information is typically displayed on a touchscreen display, which you can also use to navigate a compact interface and use smartwatch-friendly apps.

Many classic smartwatches will also enable you to make and receive phone calls and send and read text messages. In fact, some classic smartwatches can be purchased as part of a contract and have their own mobile connection, allowing you to use online apps, ring people, and send text messages without being connected to a smartphone.

Classic smartwatches often sport fitness and health tracking capabilities too, and of course, they tell the time and will let you change the style of the watch face.

Hybrid smartwatches

Hybrid smartwatches are a combination of classic smartwatches and analogue watches. They look like any standard analogue watch, with mechanical arms instead of a touchscreen display. However, they can be connected to a handset via Bluetooth to provide phone notifications, fitness metrics, and other important information.

Read more: 9 best smartwatches for kids that have games, cameras and trackers

Hybrid smartwatches can differ in how they work, but often, theyll use mechanical watch arms, vibrations or a tiny screen for alerting users to new notifications on their phone.

Compared to classic smartwatches, hybrid smartwatches may be more durable in terms of design and sport a battery life that can last for weeks on end. Hybrid smartwatches are an excellent option for those who want a traditional watch that also offers some of the features provided by classic smartwatches with a touchscreen display.

Fitness trackers

If youre a health and fitness fan, youll no doubt love fitness trackers. These are smartwatches that put health and fitness first. The best fitness trackers not only monitor your steps, calories, heart rate, blood pressure, sleep, breathing, and other metrics, but also offer a wide range of fitness modes and many other features to help you to stay healthy.

Considering theyre a type of smartwatch, fitness trackers provide the time and date. Whats also great about fitness trackers is that they tend to be cheaper than classic smartwatches, although this is often because they have fewer features overall.

Main smartwatch brands

Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of smartwatches out there, youre probably wondering which make and model to choose. Well now discuss the main smartwatch brands and models.

Do you really need a smartwatch?

In these days of constant internet connectivity, we search for more and more convenient ways to stay online. This desire to stay in touch brought us smartwatches, which have been a thing for almost a decade now. They come in different shapes and sizes, with different operating systems, and most importantly with different sets of features.

But the question is: do you really need a smartwatch? Are you the type of person that can take advantage of this gadget, or is it an unnecessary purchase? These are the questions that I will help you answer.

How do smartwatches work?

A smartwatch is a mobile wearable device, an accessory to your phone, containing most of the same ingredients but in another shape and with a different purpose. Smartwatches are an extension of your phone, and they cannot replace it.

Smartwatches work by connecting to your phone, so they always know what's happening. The most common way to connect is via Bluetooth, although some also feature other connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Cellular.

The point of the smartwatch is pretty simple to keep you alert on your notifications without the need to look at your smartphone, while also giving you extra functionalities. This added functionality, as mentioned above, is usually in the form of fitness and health-tracking features.

There are smartwatches that can make calls, and cellular models can even have their own number and sim card. These can be useful with kids because theyre always active and prone to losing their phone. A cellular smartwatch will always be on their wrist, offering the communication and tracking features that every parent needs.

Is a smartwatch worth it?

Some smartwatches are made with specific groups of users in mind, and some try to appeal to the masses. Depending on their target market, different manufacturers design different types of watches.

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of most of the activity-tracking functions of a smartwatch. Nowadays, these wearables can track your heart rate, teach you exercises, count your steps and calculate how many calories you have burned or how much you ran today.

Companies like Fitbit and Garmin make good fitness focused smartwatches. The

Fitbit Versa 2

is a perfect example of such a device, with its excellent battery life and vast tracking capabilities. Garmin offers the

Vivoactive 4

, also a great example of a sport-centric smartwatch.

But there are other types of people in need of this gadget. These are the users that want to stay connected, even when they're busy. Smartwatches provide a way for you to interact with your notifications without pulling out your smartphone from your pocket.

The

Apple Watch Series 6

and the

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

try to do it all. They're some of the smartest watches on the market and offer exceptional balance between design and functions.

Of course, others will prefer luxury smartwatches.These are made to be more of a fashion statement than a gadget and often sacrifice functionality for better looks and build quality. Theyre often expensive and made by or in collaboration with renowned luxury brands.

Such smartwatches are the

TAG Heuer Connected Modular

series and the Apple Watch Series 6 Hermes Edition. The TAG Heuer smartwatches are a perfect example of functionality sacrificed in the name of fashion. The Hermes edition Apple Watch doesnt sacrifice any functionality, but it doesnt add any extra stuff either, choosing to differentiate itself with premium materials and a higher price.

So is it worth it? It all depends on your needs. If while reading this you've spotted some smartwatch features that youve been looking, but your phone never quite delivered them the way you wanted, then you probably need a smartwatch.

Smartwatch vs fitness band

You should remember one thing when it comes to these two categories of wearable gadgets: one tries to do it all; the other is purely focused on sports. A fitness band does what its name suggests - it measures your heart rate, tracks your steps, calculates your burned calories, acknowledges if you are running or climbing stairs and counts that too.

Fitness bands also have limited notification features, which are mostly to vibrate and show you what type of notification you just received on your phone, but you usually cant read what it says. If youre only interested in a smartwatch because of its exercising features, you are probably better off with a fitness band.

Smartwatches give you what a fitness band cant. They'll let you read and interact with your notifications, answer or hang up calls, give you information about the weather, the news and navigate you across the streets. Most of them have GPS connectivity for better tracking and navigation too, which is something that fitness bands dont. If you want the wearable that is smarter, you should definitely buy a smartwatch.

What smartwatch should I get?

Best overall - Apple Watch Series 6

This watch is the best in terms of software and performance. It is undoubtedly the smoothest smartwatch on the market and one of the best in terms of features. The Apple Watch Series 6 has an always on display and runs watchOS 7. The battery lasts around a day, depending on how active you are. The Series 6 smartwatch is waterproof and has cellular variants, which allow it to be used independently from your smartphone.

The Apple Watch 6 is a high-end smartwatch offered in different versions, depending on the materials used. The price varies from $399 for the entry level version up to $1499 for its Hermes special edition version. A Nike version of the Apple Watch 6 is also available. You can also read our

review of the Apple Watch Series 6

.

There is also a smaller version of the watch called Garmin Vivoactive 4s. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 and Vivoactive 4s cost $349 and come in a variety of colors to choose from.

Best value for money smartwatch - Apple Watch SE

This watch is basically the last generation Series 5 Apple Watch, minus the always on display, and the new processor and stainless steel body found in the Series 6. It is still a great watch, especially considering its starting price of $280. You still get most of the features you find on the much more expensive Watch Series 6, including a waterproof design and a variant with cellular connectivity.

The Apple Watch SE also has the same operating system and modern design as the Series 6. The body of the Apple Watch SE is made out of aluminium and there are a variety of wristband options to choose from. You can also read our

review of the Apple Watch SE

.

Do Smartwatches Need WiFi? (The Facts You Need To Know)

Smartwatches are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason.

Not only are they fashionable, but they also offer a range of useful features.

But, do smartwatches need WiFi in order to work? To answer this question, we must consider the types of smartwatches, what WiFi is, and the features that require WiFi.

In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of WiFi-enabled smartwatches and help you decide whether you should choose a WiFi-enabled or non-WiFi-enabled device.

So, if youre looking to invest in a smartwatch, read on to learn all the facts you need to know.

Short Answer

Smartwatches generally do not require wifi in order to operate.

Most of the basic functions of a smartwatch, such as tracking steps, monitoring heart rate, and playing music, can be done without an internet connection.

However, some more advanced features, such as receiving notifications and using certain apps, will require a wifi connection.

Additionally, any data collected by the watch will need to be synced with an app or device in order to be accessed, which requires wifi.

Types of Smartwatches

When it comes to smartwatches, there are a variety of types available on the market.

The most basic type are analog smartwatches, which only display the time and do not require a wifi connection.

These watches are typically powered by a battery and are the most affordable option.

Digital smartwatches are the next step up, offering a variety of features such as notifications, voice assistance, and fitness tracking.

These watches are typically powered by a rechargeable battery and can come with or without wifi connectivity.

Finally, there are hybrid smartwatches, which are a combination of analog and digital features.

Hybrid watches are powered by a rechargeable battery and typically offer more features than their analog counterparts.

When it comes to wifi connectivity, digital and hybrid smartwatches typically offer the option of connecting to a wifi network.

This allows users to access advanced features such as downloading apps and syncing data with the cloud.

On the other hand, analog smartwatches do not offer this option, as they cannot connect to a wifi network.

It is important to note that some of the more advanced features of a smartwatch can only be accessed when connected to a wifi network, so it is important to consider this when selecting a watch.

What is WiFi?

WiFi is a type of wireless communication technology that allows devices to connect to the internet without the need for a physical connection.

This is achieved by transmitting data over radio waves.

WiFi is used by many devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smartwatches.

It is a convenient and cost-effective way of connecting to the internet, as it eliminates the need for cables and other physical connections.

WiFi is also commonly used in public places, such as cafes and airports, allowing people to access the internet without needing to plug in a device.

WiFi networks are usually password-protected, ensuring that only authorized devices can connect.

When it comes to smartwatches, WiFi is not always necessary.

Most of the basic functions of a smartwatch, such as fitness tracking and notifications, can be accessed without an internet connection.

However, more advanced features, such as downloading apps or syncing data with the cloud, do require a wifi connection.

Additionally, if the user wants to access their smartwatch remotely or connect to other devices, such as a smartphone, then WiFi will also be necessary.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to get a WiFi-enabled smartwatch or not should be based on the users individual needs and preferences.

If they are only interested in the basic features of a smartwatch, then a device without WiFi will likely be sufficient.

However, if they are looking for more advanced features, such as remote access and app downloads, then a WiFi-enabled smartwatch may be the better choice.

Do Smartwatches Need WiFi?

When it comes to smartwatches, the question of whether they need WiFi or not is an important one.

In general, the answer is no - most smartwatches are designed to operate without the need for an internet connection.

This is because their primary purpose is to provide users with basic features such as fitness tracking, notifications, and voice assistance.

As such, a WiFi connection is not necessary for these basic functions.

However, some of the more advanced features of smartwatches do require a WiFi connection in order to work properly.

For example, downloading apps or syncing data with the cloud is not possible without a WiFi connection.

Similarly, using features such as GPS location tracking, or streaming music and videos, will require a WiFi connection in order to work.

Ultimately, the decision about whether to get a WiFi-enabled smartwatch or not should be based on the users individual needs and preferences.

If the user is looking for a basic smartwatch with the primary purpose of fitness tracking and notifications, then a WiFi connection is not necessary.

However, if the user is looking to take advantage of more advanced features such as app downloads, streaming music and videos, or GPS tracking, then a WiFi-enabled smartwatch may be the best option.

In conclusion, while most smartwatches do not require a WiFi connection to function, some of their more advanced features will require a WiFi connection in order to work properly.

Therefore, it is important for users to consider their individual needs and preferences when deciding whether to get a WiFi-enabled smartwatch or not.

What Features Require WiFi?

When it comes to smartwatches, it is important to understand the features that require a WiFi connection and those that do not.

Generally speaking, the basic functions of a smartwatch - such as tracking steps and monitoring sleep - can be used without being connected to WiFi.

However, more advanced features such as downloading apps, streaming music, or syncing data with the cloud will require a WiFi connection.

For example, if you want to use a smartwatch for fitness tracking, you wont need a WiFi connection.

However, if you want to receive notifications from your phone or use voice assistance, you will need to be connected to the internet.

In addition to downloading apps and streaming music, a WiFi connection is also needed for some of the other features of a smartwatch.

For example, if you want to view your calendar or check the weather, you will need to be connected to a WiFi network.

Some smartwatches also offer the ability to make and receive calls, but this feature is only available if the watch is connected to a WiFi network.

Finally, its important to understand that some of the more advanced features of a smartwatch, such as GPS tracking and video streaming, require a WiFi connection.

Without a connection to the internet, these features will not be available.

Overall, the decision of whether to get a WiFi-enabled smartwatch or not should be based on the users individual needs and preferences.

For those who only plan on using basic features, a WiFi connection may not be necessary.

However, for those who plan on taking advantage of the more advanced features of a smartwatch, a WiFi connection is essential.

Benefits of Wifi-Enabled Smartwatches

When it comes to smartwatches, one of the major benefits of having a wifi-enabled device is the ability to download apps, sync data with the cloud, and access content from any location.

With a wifi-enabled smartwatch, users can easily access the latest news, music, and other content without having to worry about being tied to a particular location.

This is especially useful for travelers or those who are constantly on the go.

Additionally, some smartwatches feature built-in GPS and wifi capabilities, allowing users to take advantage of navigation features and location tracking.

Another great benefit of having a wifi-enabled smartwatch is the ability to receive notifications from your phone without having to constantly check your device.

Wifi-enabled smartwatches make it easy to stay up-to-date with emails, messages, and other important notifications, so you dont miss out on any important information.

Plus, many smartwatches feature voice commands, so you can easily ask questions or control your device with just the sound of your voice.

Finally, wifi-enabled smartwatches provide users with access to a variety of fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, step tracking, and calorie counting.

With these features, users can easily track their progress and make adjustments to their exercise routine as needed.

Additionally, many of these features can be synced with the cloud, so users can view their data from any location.

Overall, wifi-enabled smartwatches offer a wide range of benefits, from being able to access content from any location to taking advantage of fitness tracking features.

If youre looking for a device that allows you to stay connected and keep track of your progress, then a wifi-enabled smartwatch may be the perfect choice for you.

Drawbacks of Wifi-Enabled Smartwatches

When it comes to smartwatches, having a wifi connection can be both a blessing and a curse.

On one hand, it allows users to access more features and apps than would be available without an internet connection.

On the other hand, having wifi enabled can also lead to increased battery drain and security concerns.

One of the biggest drawbacks of wifi-enabled smartwatches is the increased battery drain.

As a result of having to constantly search for a connection, wifi-enabled smartwatches can quickly drain their battery.

This can be especially problematic for those who are out and about, as they may not have access to a charger when their battery runs out.

Additionally, having wifi enabled can also cause the smartwatch to slow down, as it is constantly searching for a connection.

Another issue with wifi-enabled smartwatches is security.

As with any device that is connected to the internet, smartwatches are vulnerable to hacking and other malicious activity.

This can lead to sensitive data, such as banking information or passwords, being exposed, which could potentially lead to identity theft.

Ultimately, the decision to get a wifi-enabled smartwatch or not should be based on the users individual needs and preferences.

Those who need access to more features and apps may benefit from having a wifi-enabled smartwatch, while those who need a longer battery life or are concerned about security may be better off with a non-wifi enabled model.

Making the Decision

When it comes to smartwatches, the decision of whether to get a wifi-enabled model or not comes down to the users individual needs and preferences.

For instance, if the user wants access to apps and other features that require an internet connection, then a wifi-enabled model is a must.

On the other hand, if the user simply wants to use basic features such as tracking their fitness, then a wifi-enabled model is unnecessary.

In addition to personal preference, the user should also consider their budget.

Wifi-enabled smartwatches are typically more expensive than those without wifi, so if money is a factor, then getting a model without wifi may be the better choice.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to get a wifi-enabled smartwatch or not is a personal one, and should be based on the users individual needs and preferences.

By taking the time to consider the pros and cons of each option, the user can make an informed decision that is right for them.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the decision to get a wifi-enabled smartwatch or not should be based on the users individual needs and preferences.

If you are looking for more advanced features such as downloading apps or syncing data with the cloud, then a wifi-enabled smartwatch is the way to go.

On the other hand, if you dont need those features, then a non-wifi-enabled smartwatch may be the better choice.

By understanding the facts of whether smartwatches need wifi or not, you will be able to make the best decision for your own personal needs.