Smartwatches have evolved from mere novelty items to essential gadgets that integrate seamlessly into our daily lives. Well-known brands like Apple and Samsung dominate the market with their premium offerings, but there are also lesser-known brands that provide smartwatches with very similar features at more affordable prices. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a tech-savvy professional, or someone who wants to stay connected without constantly checking your phone, there’s a smartwatch out there for you.
This buying guide will walk you through what consumers are looking for, the must-have features, and some standout models from both the major players and popular affordable brands like Amazfit, Haylou, and Colmi.
What to look for when purchasing a smart watch?
When it comes to purchasing a smartwatch, consumers generally prioritise the following factors:
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Compatibility: Ensure the smartwatch is compatible with your smartphone's operating system (iOS or Android).
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Battery Life: Long battery life is crucial for continuous use without frequent charging.
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Fitness and Health Tracking: Comprehensive tracking features such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and various workout modes.
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Display Quality: A bright, clear, and responsive screen is essential for readability and interaction.
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Design and Comfort: A stylish, comfortable design that suits your personal style and daily wear.
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Durability: Water and dust resistance, and overall build quality.
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App Ecosystem: A robust selection of apps to extend functionality.
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Price: Value for money, balancing features and affordability.
What are the Must-Have Features in a Smartwatch?
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Heart Rate Monitoring: Continuous heart rate monitoring helps in tracking fitness levels and detecting potential health issues.
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GPS: Built-in GPS for accurate tracking of outdoor activities like walking, running, cycling, and hiking.
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Notifications: Real-time notifications for calls, texts, emails, and apps ensure you stay connected.
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Battery Life: A minimum of 24-48 hours of battery life is ideal, with some models offering up to a week or more.
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Water Resistance: At least 5 ATM or IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing for swimming and showering.
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Fitness Tracking: Step count, calories burned, distance traveled, and specific workout modes.
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Sleep Tracking: Insights into sleep quality and patterns.
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Music Control: Ability to control music playback on your phone or store music directly on the watch.
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Voice Assistant: Integration with voice assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa for hands-free control.
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ECG and SpO2 Sensors: Advanced health monitoring features such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) sensors.
Featured Models
Amazfit
Amazfit, a brand under Huami Technology, has established itself as a leading name in the wearable tech industry. Known for its innovative and feature-rich smart watches, Amazfit strikes a balance between functionality, style, and affordability, making it a popular choice among consumers.
AMAZFIT GTS 4 Mini 1.65" AMOLED Smart Fitness Watch
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Display: 1.65" AMOLED, providing vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
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Battery Life: Up to 14 days on a single charge.
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Fitness Tracking: 24-hour heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, sleep analysis, and over 70 sports modes.
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Water Resistance: 5 ATM, suitable for swimming.
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Additional Features: Built-in GPS, stress monitoring, menstrual cycle tracking, and customizable watch faces.
The Amazfit GTS 4 Mini is a well-rounded option that combines style, functionality, and affordability. It’s perfect for those who want a feature-rich smartwatch without breaking the bank.
Haylou
Haylou is a recognised brand for its budget-friendly smart watches that deliver impressive performance and features. It has gained popularity for providing high-quality wearables that don't compromise on essential functionalities, making advanced technology accessible to a wider audience.
Haylou RS4 Plus
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Display: 1.78" AMOLED display, known for its clear and bright screen.
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Battery Life: Up to 10 days of usage.
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Fitness Tracking: Heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, sleep tracking, and multiple sports modes.
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Water Resistance: IP68, which means it's dustproof and waterproof.
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Additional Features: Bluetooth call support, music control, and various health tracking features.
The Haylou RS4 Plus is ideal for those seeking a cost-effective smartwatch with essential health and fitness features.
Colmi
Colmi is a notable brand in the wearable tech market, celebrated for its affordable smart watches that do not compromise on essential features. Colmi caters to users seeking cost-effective options without sacrificing the core functionalities that enhance daily life and fitness tracking.
COLMI P28 Plus 1.90" HD Display Smart Fitness Watch
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Display: 1.90" HD display, providing a large and clear screen.
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Battery Life: Typically lasts up to 7 days.
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Fitness Tracking: Comprehensive fitness tracking including heart rate, SpO2, sleep monitoring, and multiple sports modes.
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Water Resistance: IP67, meaning it can withstand dust and water splashes.
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Additional Features: Notifications for calls, messages, and apps, customizable watch faces, and music control.
The COLMI P28 Plus stands out for its large display and rich feature set at an extremely affordable price, making it a great entry-level smartwatch.
The smartwatch market in 2024 offers a wide range of options catering to different needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for the high functionality and stylish design of the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini, the budget-friendly and feature-rich Haylou RS4 Plus, or the large display and affordability of the COLMI P28 Plus, there’s something for everyone.
For those seeking a broader selection of affordable smartwatches and accessories, gadgman.co.uk provides an extensive range with free delivery. Whether you’re upgrading your fitness gear or simply exploring new tech, Gadgman ensures you get the best value for your money with convenient shopping and delivery options.
Understanding what you want in a smart watch and matching those needs with the right features and brand is crucial. With the advancements in technology, even budget-friendly models offer impressive capabilities, ensuring there’s a perfect smartwatch for everyone.
