I’ve been using the same Apple Watch since 2021, and while it looks as good as it did on day one, it was time for an upgrade. Whenever I shop for a new electronic device, I make sure it has all the features I need. For a smartwatch, some features are non-negotiable.
When considering purchasing a smartwatch, the features available become the deciding factor in making the decision. With the increasing options available in the market, it has become necessary to determine the specifications that meet my daily needs. I will share the features that I consider essential in any smartwatch, which will determine my choice this year. Check out these are my favorite Apple watches after years of testing and writing reviews about them.
1. Fast battery charging
Wearables should be small and always ready to go. If your smartwatch is too bulky or has poor battery life, it could be holding you back more than you think. The solution to this problem is to support fast battery charging.
Being able to charge your smartwatch battery in an hour or so gives you the perfect window to get ready for your day or give your wrist a break from wearing a watch all day.
The Apple Watch Series 7 was the first smartwatch Apple launched with fast charging support. Despite having the Series 7 since 2021, it still sits on my wrist from morning to late afternoon when I take it off for about an hour, spending time getting ready.
When I switched to the Galaxy Watch 4 for a brief period, its slow charging immediately became a major drag, with each charge taking at least an hour and a half to go from 20% to 100%.
2. Continuous sleep tracking
Tracking sleep throughout the day is an option that some manufacturers have explored from the start. Unfortunately, Apple Watch users had to set up a “Focus on Sleep” schedule to capture sleep data. However, that approach changed when Apple unveiled watchOS 11 and its features at WWDC.
It's a feature I sorely missed when I didn't have it because it's great for monitoring when I've had an unplanned short nap. I'd often check back to see if it was the long hours of work the night before or just a bad night's sleep.
I work best in the same routine, and through general observation and the data my smartwatch provides me, I know that being a night owl isn’t working for me. Value-added like this makes all-day sleep tracking essential. Check out the pros and cons of using dedicated sleep trackers.
3. Always-on display
While many may consider an always-on display a battery drain or unnecessary in a smartwatch, being able to glance at your wrist and see data is vital for someone who wants to track their gym workout and monitor a productive work session.
I try to maximize the impact of my workout by spending more time under pressure during any given workout, so I look at my watch to see how many seconds I’m up for during a set. The lack of an always-on display means I have to look for a watch or monitor to track it. Simple things like this make this a smartwatch essential for me.
4. Automatic exercise detection
Continuing on this path of health and wellness features, the ability to automatically detect exercise is another must-have feature in smartwatches.
There are times when I find myself starting a run while listening to a podcast or a YouTube video. On days when I forget to start and schedule a run, automatic workout detection comes to the rescue. It ensures that I track my run and don’t miss any metrics.
And don't forget, if you're trying to hold yourself accountable, even if it's for a daily walk, auto-detection is a great way to ensure it's tracked and recorded without fail.
5. Interactive notifications
Next on the list are interactive notifications. For many users, a smartwatch acts as an extension of their smartphone. I fall into this category as well.
While I don’t have the widest array of notifications enabled, I like being able to respond to them on my watch with full detail—or at least be able to recognize them. The integrated notification interaction system makes things simpler.
6. Easy to change bracelets
Finally on the list is a system that lets you easily swap out watch bands or straps. A smartwatch should be comfortable to wear, and the easiest way to change how it feels on your wrist is to try a different band — and don’t forget that the right band can also serve as a stylish piece to tie an outfit together. The Apple Watch excels in this area, and it’s hard to give it up when I buy my next smartwatch.
Smartwatches are here to stay, and they get better every year. But if I want to buy a smartwatch today or in the near future, it needs to have all the features I mentioned above; otherwise, it’s a no-brainer because the experience won’t be complete. Now, you can see the key improvements that made me buy the Pixel Watch 3.
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