Watch This Space: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hottest Smartwatches of 2023
May 4, 2023
6 min read
Traditional watches are not equipped to handle the demands of modern-day living. For example, they do not provide access to notifications, music, or fitness tracking. They are also not as customizable as smartwatches. Moreover, finding the right smartwatch can be overwhelming with so many options available in the market.
The latest smartwatches have advanced features like voice assistants, fitness tracking, and health monitoring. In addition, It can also customize according to individual preferences, and some even offer LTE connectivity, allowing people to stay connected without carrying their smartphones.
With new models being released every year, choosing the best smartwatch can keep you up-to-date with the latest technology and provide you with a convenient and safe way to stay connected and track your health and fitness.
The Best Smartwatches of 2023
Apple Watch Series 8
The Apple Watch Series 8 continues to dominate the smartwatch market with its cutting-edge design, advanced health and fitness features, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Key improvements include a brighter, always-on display, extended battery life, and enhanced durability.
Adding advanced health sensors, such as blood glucose monitoring and stress detection, elevates the Series 8 beyond a fitness tracker, making it an essential health companion. With new watch faces and customizable bands, the Apple Watch Series 8 offers a personalized experience that appeals to users of all lifestyles.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 is a strong contender in the smartwatch market, offering a perfect blend of functionality, style, and compatibility. With its improved battery life, vibrant Super AMOLED display, and rotating bezel for effortless navigation, the Galaxy Watch 5 delivers a premium user experience.
Powered by the Wear OS platform, it offers enhanced compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. In addition, health and fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, and stress management features make it a versatile choice for users seeking an all-in-one smartwatch.
Fitbit Sense 3
The Fitbit Sense 3 expands upon its predecessor's success with a refined design and advanced health-tracking features. Its sleek profile and comfortable fit make it ideal for 24/7 wear, while the improved battery life allows for days of continuous use.
Standout features include an ECG sensor, skin temperature tracking, and advanced sleep monitoring, providing a comprehensive overview of the user's well-being. As a result, the Fitbit Sense 3 is an excellent choice for users seeking a dedicated health-focused smartwatch with a strong community and app ecosystem.
Garmin Forerunner 965
The Garmin Forerunner 965 is tailored for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and outdoor adventurers, offering unmatched accuracy and customization. With built-in GPS, advanced heart rate monitoring, and many sports profiles, this smartwatch delivers detailed performance metrics and training insights.
In addition, it's rugged design and water resistance make it suitable for the most demanding environments. While the Forerunner 965 may have a steeper learning curve than some competitors, its precision tracking and in-depth analysis make it a top choice for serious athletes.
Huawei Watch GT 3
The Huawei Watch GT 3 is an elegant and feature-rich smartwatch that excels in battery life, lasting up to two weeks on a single charge. Its sleek design and vibrant AMOLED display make it an attractive option for style-conscious users. Powered by Huawei's HarmonyOS, the Watch GT 3 offers a smooth user experience and a growing app ecosystem.
The smartwatch includes comprehensive health and fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and stress management. The Huawei Watch GT 3 is a well-rounded smartwatch that combines style, performance, and impressive battery life.
Understanding the Features of Smartwatches
1. Display
The display is a critical feature of smartwatches as it is the primary user interface. Smartwatch displays come in various shapes, sizes, and resolutions, with rectangular or circular screens as popular options. Typically, they use OLED or AMOLED technology for vibrant colors, deep blacks, and power efficiency.
In addition, Touchscreen functionality is common, enabling users to interact with the device intuitively. Some smartwatches also offer an always-on display, providing time and important notifications at a glance while conserving battery life by limiting the screen's brightness and refresh rate.
2. Battery Life
Battery life is a significant consideration for smartwatches, as frequent charging can be inconvenient. Most smartwatches last one to three days on a single charge, with battery life depending on the watch's features, display type, and usage patterns.
Some devices have energy-saving modes to extend battery life by limiting functionality. In addition, manufacturers have been improving battery technology, optimizing power consumption, and developing efficient processors to reduce the need for frequent charging.
3. Water Resistance
Water resistance is an essential feature for smartwatches, as users often wear them during workouts or exposure to various weather conditions. As a result, most smartwatches have a water resistance rating, measured in atmospheres (ATM) or meters.
A 5 ATM rating, for example, ensures the watch can withstand water pressure up to 50 meters deep. This feature is crucial for swimming, water sports, or simply wearing the watch while showering, protecting the device from potential damage.
4. Operating System
Smartwatches run on different operating systems (OS), with the most popular being watchOS (Apple), Wear OS (Google), and Tizen (Samsung). The choice of OS impacts the device's compatibility, functionality, and available apps.
For example, WatchOS is exclusive to the Apple Watch, while Wear OS and Tizen can be found on various manufacturers' devices. In addition, each OS offers a unique user experience, with varying levels of customization, integration with smartphone ecosystems, and voice assistant support.
5. Health and Fitness Tracking
Health and fitness tracking are central to many smartwatches, offering a range of sensors to monitor activities and overall well-being. Common features include step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and GPS tracking outdoor activities.
Some smartwatches also incorporate advanced sensors, such as an ECG or SpO2, to measure heart rhythms and blood oxygen levels. These features enable users to track their fitness progress, set goals, and receive personalized insights into their health.
6. Mobile Payments
Smartwatches often support mobile payment systems like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. This feature lets users make contactless payments using their smartwatch by simply holding it near a compatible payment terminal.
In addition, mobile payments offer added convenience, allowing users to leave their wallets at home and pay securely using their smartwatch.
7. Connectivity (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, etc.)
Smartwatches rely on various connectivity options for communication and data transfer. Bluetooth is the most common, enabling the smartwatch to connect to a smartphone for syncing notifications, messages, and calls. Wi-Fi allows the smartwatch to access the internet, download apps, or stream music independently.
NFC (Near Field Communication) is used for mobile payments, while GPS provides location data for mapping and fitness tracking. Some smartwatches also offer cellular connectivity, enabling the device to operate independently from a smartphone.
8. Third-Party App Support
Third-party app support expands a smartwatch's functionality, providing users with a wider range of tools and services. App availability varies depending on the smartwatch's OS, with watchOS and Wear OS generally having a more extensive selection than Tizen. Popular app categories include fitness, productivity, communication, and entertainment.
Downloading and using third-party apps allows users to customize their smartwatch experience, tailoring it to their needs and preferences. Developers continue to create innovative apps for smartwatches, enhancing the device's capabilities and transforming them into versatile tools for everyday life.
Users should consider the app ecosystem when choosing a smartwatch to ensure compatibility with their favorite apps and services.
