Scott Anfield

Sleep Tracker Watches

October 15, 2019 By Scott Anfield Leave a Comment

Woman in led in hammock wearing a smartwatch and listening to music on her phone

A personal sleep tracker can give you lots of interesting insights into how you sleep. After all, we spend a third of our lives asleep. So it makes sense to want to know more about this important function. While a sleep tracker isn’t going to give you such an accurate and thorough result as a professional medical assessment. It will certainly tell you what you need to know about your sleep quality so you can take the necessary steps to make improvements. Some personal sleep trackers are also smartwatches and activity trackers, and it is these devices that we are looking at here.

The Fitbit Versa

Of all the wearable sleep tracker watches available today, the Fitbit Versa is certainly one of the best. Reliable, accurate and easy to wear, it gives you all the information you need about how long you’re sleeping for, how often you wake and what time.

This watch also offers a number of other benefits too. Its fitness tracking is also pretty reliable and, while it doesn’t have as many functions as other fitness tracking smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series, it does have a good step counter, a pulse sensor and an automatic movement tracker. As this device is also water resistant to 50m, you can use it while swimming and it even has sufficient storage for as many as 300 songs which you can listen to through Bluetooth.

The Fitbit Versa also has contactless payments enabled, allows you to receive notifications on the go, and there are an increasing number of apps available for download. In addition, the stylish appearance, the long battery life and the light and comfortable feel, it all adds up to one appealing device.

The Advantages:

Accurate and automatic sleep tracking
Fitness tracking functions including specific exercise tracking
50m water resistance
Robust glass touchscreen with 1000 nits brightness
Long battery life of 4 days

The Disadvantages:

Syncing is sometimes slow
No built-in GPS

Fitbit Alta HR

If you want a slim and unobtrusive sleep tracker with some fitness tracking features, the Fitbit Alta HR may fit the bill. Its design is thin, sleek and minimal, so you won’t notice you’re wearing it in bed. It doesn’t have so many apps and tracking features, but it does have an incredibly long battery life of seven days.

The Alta HR has pretty accurate sleep tracking, and its app breaks down your sleep patterns so you can see at a glance how you spent your night. There is even a vibration reminder to encourage you to get to bed on time so you can enjoy a healthy sleep regime.

The Advantages

Accurate and automatic sleep tracking
Heart rate monitor
An excellent app with sleep breakdown patterns at a glance
Vibrating alerts and reminders
Step, distance, calorie and active minutes tracking
Customisable display
Calendar, text and call alerts

The Disadvantages:

Few features
No inbuilt GPS
No waterproofing

Polar Vantage M

The Polar Vantage M is certainly one of the best sports watches with sleep tracking around. It links to the Polar Flow site to show you all of the details of your time in bed, for example a graph which depicts the quality of your sleep and any interruptions you experienced.

The watch is also a good all-round sports tracker with integrated GPS and a multisport mode, which allows you to get all the vital statistics you need to maintain fitness and good health. The battery life is pretty impressive too – 30 hours when in training mode – and the heartrate tracker is accurate and convenient.

The Advantages

Accurate sleep tracking functionality
Integrated Heart rate monitor
An excellent website with sleep breakdown patterns at a glance
Multisport mode
Step, distance, calorie and active minutes tracking
Integrated GPS

The Disadvantages:

Shorter battery life than some of its rivals

How Do We Test Smartwatches?

We take pride in the amount of time and effort that we put into testing and reviewing smartwatches. You’re relying on us to give you the key information that you need to decide whether a certain model is right for your needs, and that’s why we put each and every one through its paces with a rigorous approach to testing.

We examine the design of each watch to see whether it’s stylish and appealing while also remaining highly functional and easy to use. Is it comfortable to wear? Does it look good on wrists of all sizes? Does it offer customisation options or interchangeable straps and faces? We examine all of these elements.

We look closely at integrated features and fitness tracking capabilities. Is there GPS? Are there LTE capabilities? Can you make contactless payments? Is there storage for songs and podcasts? Sleep tracking and activity tracking for different sports? We test these elements and look at the effect that each have on the power, processing capacity, memory and battery life of each device.

Then we bring all this information together in an informative review so that you can make the best choice about whether the smartwatch that we’re reviewing is really the best one for your requirements.

In Summary

Firstly, all of the sleep trackers that we’ve showcased here have a lot to offer. If you’re looking primarily for a sports tracker with sleep tracking capabilities thrown in, we’d recommend the Polar Vantage M. However, if you’re looking for something easy to wear all night long with basic fitness tracking, the Fitbit Alta HR is hard to beat. However, we think that the Fitbit Versa represents the best value for money thanks to its accurate sleep tracking paired with its good looks, its smartwatch capabilities and its long battery life.

Apple Watch Options For Men

October 11, 2019 By Scott Anfield Leave a Comment

Man's hand and wrist showing the Apple Watch Series 4

The Apple Watch remains the original and best smartwatch. Now in its fifth incarnation, the Apple Watch comes in a host of styles and boasts plenty of features, albeit with a high price tag. For men who are keen to benefit from great functionality and stylish good looks, the Apple Watch is a great choice.

The Background

Having released the original Apple Watch to great acclaim, the brand has gone from strength to strength, releasing newer and more updated models year on year which offer even more in the way of functionality, features and style. The most recent is the Series 5, but for those who are happy to opt for an older model, there is plenty to enjoy at a good price.

The Apple Watch Series 4

Although the Series 4 isn’t the newest model from this iconic brand, in many ways it rivals its younger sibling the Series 5. With its attractive, large display, thin bezel and more rounded corners, this is a very wearable device which has a slimmer and rounder chassis and a ceramic redesigned back.

This smartwatch is powered by an S4 64 bi dual core processor, which ensures that it can provide double the performance of its predecessor, the Series 3. It also has some excellent features which weren’t found on earlier versions of the Apple Watch, including an ECG system which can detect any cardiac abnormalities and an inbuilt fall detection alert which contacts the emergency services automatically should you fall. The Series 4 also boasts a louder speaker, ideal for receiving calls on the go. It also has plenty of storage capacity which is essential for anyone who wants to listen to music or podcasts on the go.

There are two sizes of Series 4 available – 40mm or 44mm – so you should be able to find one to suit your wrist size. There is also a GPS-only model and a GPS + Cellular model, which is more expensive but means you can leave your phone behind when going for a jog.

What Are The Main Advantages?

Water resistant
ECG system
Inbuilt fall alert
Contactless payments are enabled
GPS (with a cellular GPS model available)
2 sizes to choose from

What Are The Main Disadvantages?

Expensive

Apple Watch Series 3

This model represents excellent value for money and although its functions and abilities are a little dated, it still offers a great user experience.

The display area is a little smaller than that of the Series 4, and the internals are older. This makes it slightly harder to see, and a little slower in terms of processing speed. Nevertheless, it’s still packed with excellent features including water-resistance to 50 meters, a battery which lasts as long as 18 hours before needing to be recharged, a barometric altimeter and an onboard heart sensor.

Again, there are two size variants to choose from – one measuring 38mm and one measuring 40mm – and there is also a GPS only and a GPS + Cellular model and a choice of colours.

What Are The Main Advantages?

Water resistant to 50m
Inbuilt heart sensor
Barometric altimeter
Choice of colors
GPS (with a cellular GPS model available)
2 sizes to choose from
Great value for money

What Are The Main Disadvantages?

No ECG system
No fall alert

Apple Watch Series 5

The Series 5 comes with a high price tag and, with only a handful of additional features to set it apart from the Series 4, it may not be worth the extra unless you’re desperate to have the latest device.

Of course, you’d expect the Series 5 to have stylish good looks, and you won’t be disappointed. Its big selling point is an always-on display , combined with a host of case materials including stainless steel, titanium, ceramic and aluminium. Each option comes in several different finishes so there’s a lot of versatility.

While there is an upgraded processor, there isn’t a lot of difference in terms of performance or speed. There is, however 32G of storage so you can save songs and podcasts to your heart’s content. There are also a couple of new health and fitness apps including a noise detection app as well as the inbuilt fall alert and the ability to detect heart abnormalities.

What Are The Main Advantages?

Inbuilt heart sensor and fall alert
Barometric altimeter
Huge range of finishes and materials
GPS (with a cellular GPS model available)
32G of storage
Always on display

What Are The Main Disadvantages?

Not much better than the Series 4 for the price

How Do We Test Smartwatches?

We take the time to test every smartwatch that we review here, looking at the various aspects of each model. We test out the fitness and health functions as well as the apps that come inbuilt into the device and even download and use some third party apps when the models allow this. Next, we look at its design and ease of use, and how well its battery life lives up to expectations. Once we’ve looked at all of the elements that go into each watch thoroughly, we’ll bring you the information you need to make a well informed purchasing decision.

In Summary

When you want a highly functional smartwatch from an iconic brand, you’ll be hard-pressed to beat an Apple Watch. There are several different models out there, but these three are the best. Overall, we think the Apple Watch Series 4 represents the best overall value thanks to the functionality and good looks that it offers, but if you’re looking for a lower price, the Series 3 won’t disappoint. On the other hand, if you haven’t upgraded your smartwatch for a while and want the latest model, the Series 5 is a top contender.

Garmin Vivofit Jr

October 9, 2019 By Scott Anfield Leave a Comment

The Garmin brand has certainly become known for its high-quality smartwatches with impressive outdoor activity tracking functionality. Now, this iconic brand brings its benefits to the youth market with the Garmin Vivofit Jr. Aimed squarely at the youth audience, this innovative smartwatch is as visually appealing as it is functional, and is the perfect first activity tracker for your son or daughter.

The Background

Garmin has already introduced a number of smartwatches and activity trackers aimed at the serious adult market, however finally, the brand has recognized the need for young people to also benefit from the advantages that this kind of device can bring. Enter the Vivofit Jr.

This stylish smartwatch has been designed specifically to appeal to children with attractive and relevant theming paired with excellent functionality that makes this watch a perfect purchase for any young person who needs to get more active.

The Features

This smartwatch boasts features which have been specifically designed with the needs and interests of kids in mind. The In-App Adventures features allows children to have fun and get adventurous with niche games which are strategically developed so that kids need to personalise a specific activity in order to complete each level.

There is also sleep monitoring functionality – something which isn’t always found even on adult smartwatches. Capable of tracking light and deep sleep as well as awake time, this function even makes detailed in-app reports to parents who can then check the metrics do determine how well their child is sleeping.

This device also has an integrated sedentary reminder with a Move Bar that calculates periods of inactivity and suggests moving around to reset the counter. Meanwhile, the clock alarm, stopwatch and timer will prove to be indispensable, especially to children who are learning how to tell the time.

One of the best features of this device is its in-app rewards system which allows parents to make deals with their child, while the Chores function allows parents to set up regular chores for their child to accomplish which their device will then alert their son or daughter to carry out.

The Design

The Vivofit Jr has a small but colourful MIP display. Weighing just 17.5g, this lightweight device has an 88 x 88 pixel display and so is easy to see, even in direct sunlight.

Furthermore, as you’d expect for an activity tracker aimed at the youth market, this device is durable and robust enough to be worn in a wide range of situations. It even has a 5ATM waterproof rating, so it can be used for swimming in depths of up to 50 meters.

There are two band styles to choose from. One is stretchy and aimed at children aged between 4 and 7 years. The other strap is more traditional with a buckle and is aimed at children aged 6 or over. Both straps are made from silicone for extra comfort.

There are no less than six different themed bands to choose from, all of which are appealing to children including popular cartoon and movie themed designs.

The Fitness Tracking

The activity tracking functions are very simple to use with this device, and even though it’s aimed at children, its features are innovative and useful. It can do all of the basics, from counting steps to tracking active time, however the integrated step challenge function is one of the most useful features integrated into the device. Kids can even link two devices together, allowing them to compete against each other.

What Are The Main Advantages?

Water resistant to 5ATM
Appealing themed bands in two varieties to suit different age groups
Gamification to appeal to children
Fun challenge functions
Chores function
Sleep monitoring
Lightweight construction, ideal for children

What Are The Main Disadvantages?

Limited activity tracking functionality
No heartrate monitor

Competition

There are a couple of other competitors aimed at the youth market when it comes to activity trackers. Two of the main child-centric brands in this market are Vtech and LeapFrog. Yet, while these companies specialize in developing kid-related technology, their devices are clunkier and less sophisticated than the Vivofit Jr. While these may be an option for parents on a budget since they are around half the price of this Garmin device, the benefit is that the Vivofit Jr offers more features and has a more mature look and feel.

How Do We Test Smartwatches?

We bring you all the information you require to choose the right smartwatch for you and take pride in testing each device to its limits so you can determine whether you’ve made the right decision. We look at every aspect of the tracker so you can have all the data you need to make a choice. Firstly, we look at the design and whether it’s visually appealing.

We also look at comfort and how easy it is to wear. Next, we check out the activity tracking functions as well as any downloadable apps. We check out how this affects battery life, memory and processing power as well as determining how well these features work overall. Finally, we collate all of these details and present them to you so that you can make your choice.

In Summary

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a feature full and well-designed activity tracker for your child, the Vivofit Jr could be the perfect choice for you. While it isn’t cheap, it does offer more style and a more mature feel than many of its rivals, and it’s also waterproof and robust – something which is essential when worn around a child’s wrist!

The gamification elements of this tracker make it more appealing to children, and while it isn’t the most exciting device on the market, it could be an excellent addition to your existing activity regime for your little ones. The stylish themed bands are certainly the most appealing element of this device, and most children will love to wear this device on a daily basis. Whether it will encourage them to get more active, however, remains to be seen.

Skagen Falster 2

October 6, 2019 By Scott Anfield Leave a Comment

Skagen has earned a good reputation as a manufacturer of minimalist yet stylish watches since the original Skagen Falster was launched on the market. This follow-up to the first design offers excellent comfort paired with good looks, certainly making it a strong competitor in the marketplace.

Background

In 2018, Skagen released the Skagen Falster and it was received positively by buyers and experts alike. Hot on its heels comes the Skagen Falster 2 and, while it isn’t perfect, it’s still a very classy-looking watch that is perfect for fashionistas looking for smartwatch functionality.

Features

Firstly, this smartwatch is powered by a Qualcomm 2100 chipset which is now quite dated and means that the Wear OS runs quite slowly when compared with some rivals.

Google Fit has been pre-installed for extra convenience and you can also access Google Assistant with ease. NFC has been integrated to allow for payments via Google Pay and there is also heartrate tracking as well as GPS functionality. As this watch is waterproof up to 30m, you won’t have any worries about taking it swimming.

Although both Android and iPhone devices are supported by this watch, it definitely functions best with Android smartphones.

Design

The Skagen Falster 2’s Danish-inspired design is minimalist and stylish, small, slim and easy to wear. Its 40mm diameter display is 2mm smaller than its older sibling making it sleeker and slimmer on the wrist. It’s also surprisingly lightweight.

As well as three buttons on the side of the watch, there is also a rotating crown which can scroll through apps, settings and options. Thanks to the universal fittings offered by this watch, you can change to virtually any watch strap you prefer to match every outfit.

Fitness Tracking

When it comes to functional fitness tracking, Skagen Falster 2 boasts everything that even the most energetic user could desire. It has a heartrate monitor which automatically tracks your heartrate every twenty minutes. It also measures your heartrate when you touch the button when using the Google Git app.

As there is inbuilt GPS, you’re tracked constantly during your run or workout and you can use it for swimming too thanks to the waterproofing. The silicone strap dries rapidly afterwards.

Most fitness tracking is conducted through Google Fit, although there is the potential to install third party apps to offer even more functionality, especially for iPhone users. The Heart Points and Move Minutes track your performance and you can manually track workouts if you prefer.

What Are The Main Advantages?

A great blend of style and functionality
Suitable for use while swimming thanks to waterproofing up to 30 metres
Customisable straps with a universal fitting
Easy to use buttons or rotating crown
Google Fit is pre-installed
Third party apps can be installed too
Slim, comfortable to wear design
Integrated NFC and GPS

What Are The Main Disadvantages?

Works best with Android devices. iOS users will need to download additional third party apps to track their fitness and will not be able to receive notifications or messages
Qualcomm chipset is a little outdated now and this means slower running than some rival smartwatches

Competition

The Apple Watch 4 is a major rival to this smartwatch. Although it costs more than the Skagen model, it is certainly a better option if you’re an iOS owner. It offers more features and can push notifications for your Apple device – something the Skagen can’t do. You’ll also find the battery life is longer. The Apple Watch isn’t as stylish or lightweight as the Skagen watch.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch has a similar price tag, a four-day battery life as well as a speedier interface. While it’s quite chunky compared to the Skagen and therefore not ideal for those with slim wrists, it’s a strong choice.

The third rival is the Michael Kors Access Runway. If style is your ultimate goal, this watch is hard to beat. It’s looks are incredibly eye-catching, although it lacks the minimalism of the Skagen. If you want to seriously impress with your wrist piece, this is the model for you and it offers most of the same functions as this Skagen.

In Summary

If you’re looking for a minimalist yet stylish watch that also offers fitness tracking functionality, the Skagen Falster 2 will fit right in. It’s comfortable and light to wear and can handle pretty much everything you throw at it. On the other hand, its chipset is aging and that means it’s slower than some of its rivals.

How Do We Test Smartwatches?

1. We gauge its comfort and design. If it isn’t comfortable as well as stylish, it won’t rate too highly.

2. We test its fitness tracking functions. We put every function and sensor through its paces, from GPS tracking to step counts.

3. We install apps then test them out to ensure that the memory and processor power is up to scratch.

4. If there is inbuilt LTE, we’ll test the call quality to ensure that it’ll work perfectly well even if your smartphone isn’t around.

5. We check out the watch’s battery life using a range of everyday scenarios. We test the battery life while using apps, receiving notifications and working out to see how long it lasts before requiring a recharge.

With all that information to hand, we can then give you a clear idea of the pros and cons of each device.

Tag Heuer Connected Modular 41

October 4, 2019 By Scott Anfield

Tag Heuer’s Connected Modular 41 is a smartwatch which blends cutting edge Google technology with all the craftsmanship and design of a luxury watch – and a price tag to match. Let’s take a closer look at this stylish and dynamic Wear OS smartwatch.

Background

The Tag Heuer Connected Modular 41 comes hot on the heels of the brand’s Connected Modular 45. Introduced to the market just a year after its sibling, the Connected Modular 41 brings a number of major improvements.

The pixel density is higher, the RAM is doubled and the onboard storage has been increased by 100%. It’s also 4mm smaller than its big brother making it a great choice for those with slim wrists, but the Modular elements remain the same as the 45 – the lugs and strap are removable and interchangeable to suit your style and mood.

Features

This smartwatch comes with a host of features including NFC for making payments and GPS for finding your way. Unfortunately heart rate monitoring isn’t included – a major drawback for fitness fans looking for a watch that can do it all. This device does have a powerful Intel powered Atom processor, however, rather than the Qualcomm hardware used by most of its rivals.

The RAM and onboard storage are pretty impressive with this model – you get 8GB of memory and 1GB of RAM and that means you have plenty of space for storage on your wrist. You also have the option to connect to your Bluetooth headphones if you want to play music on the go.

Perhaps the top feature of this watch, however, lies in its AMOLED sapphire crystal display that resists scratching while offering excellent resolution for even cleaner visuals. This model has had a brightness boost, making it easier to see the screen even in direct sunlight.

Design

The founding principle of the Apple Watch was its customisation, and this watch has taken that idea and really run with it. T he Modular 41 has a more subtle appearance than larger smartwatches, but it certainly doesn’t compromise on style. You can customise the lugs, bezel and band of this watch, choosing from a variety of accessories so you can alter your watch to suit your mood or outfit. And even though it’s made up of several components, the watch remains solid and with a high-quality finish.

Fitness Tracking

If fitness tracking is your number one reason for investing in a smartwatch, this might not be the one for you. It does boast a number of fitness tracking features, but not as many as some of its rivals.

Google Fit and Fit Workout are pre-installed on this device, so you can quickly track daily step counts and log a wide range of workouts from cycling and running to other more niche activities including meditation. Google Fit is even capable of counting your reps accurately, which could be a bonus for gym bunnies. You’ll also find that there are daily challenges for squats, sit-ups and press-ups with a choice of three difficulty levels. It’s also possible to install other third-party exercise apps.

What Are The Main Advantages?

A Wear OS operating system
A range of faces and straps are available for customisation
Works seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices
Pre-installed fitness apps
Ability to install third-party fitness apps

What Are The Main Disadvantages?

345mAh battery – the short battery life is a major disadvantage for this smartwatch
No heart rate monitoring

Competition

This smartwatch has two major competitors, the biggest being the Apple Watch. Apple has been leading the field in the smartwatch industry for years now, and for those who have iPhones, there simply isn’t any other choice. The ease of linking between the watch and smartphone together with some unique functions means that Apple users can enjoy a seamless and outstanding experience.

The other major competitor is the Garmin Fenix 5 Plus, an extremely solid device designed for those who are serious about sports and an active lifestyle. Its premium finishes make it a rival luxury brand and the sports tracking, battery performance and connectivity can all outstrip this Tag Heuer watch.

In Summary

If you’re looking for a luxury, high-quality watch which is comfortable and stylish to wear, the Tag Heuer Connected Modular 41 is a great choice. The customisability of this device is a major plus point, but its short battery life and lack of heartrate monitor needs to be borne in mind. This is an expensive watch, so if your primary requirement is fitness tracking, a Garmin or Apple watch might be better for you. On the other hand, if you’re keen for a premium device with stunning looks, this Connected Modular 41 is hard to beat.

How Do We Test Smartwatches?

1. We gauge its comfort and design. If it isn’t comfortable as well as stylish, it won’t rate too highly.

2. We test its fitness tracking functions. We put every function and sensor through its paces, from GPS tracking to step counts.

3. We install apps then test them out to ensure that the memory and processor power is up to scratch.

4. If there is inbuilt LTE, we’ll test the call quality to ensure that it’ll work perfectly well even if your smartphone isn’t around.

With all that information to hand, we can then give you a clear idea of the pros and cons of each device.

Huawei GT Smartwatch

October 2, 2019 By Scott Anfield Leave a Comment

The Huawei name is synonymous with cutting-edge technology, and the company’s latest GT smartwatch is feature -packed – but change to the OS is problematic.

The Background

Huawei’s first two smartwatches were extremely successful, not least because of their integrated Android Wear operating system. But its third release, the Huawei GT, has dropped Wear OS in favour of its own platform, LightOS. Other changes include paring back software to boost battery life – so have the new additions and changes made this watch a good investment? Or should things have stayed the way they were?

The Features

The original two Huawei smartwatches used the Android Wear operating system, however the GT uses Huawei’s own proprietary platform. Also, the Qualcomm chipset was used on the first two Huawei devices while this iteration has an unknown chipset. While this may be off-putting, you’ll be pleased to hear that the device runs smoothly, with syncing and connection being almost instant.

Unfortunately, there are downsides. The LightOS software isn’t really up to scratch, being considerably more limited than the most advanced smartwatch operating systems on the market today. For a start, third party apps aren’t supported so what you see on your GT watch is what you’re going to get, and nothing more.

The Design

The GT is light and thin, boasting a full-color display and a comfortable strap. It’s a stylish and slim smartwatch with an appearance very similar to the earlier Huawei Watch 2. Measuring only 10.6mm in thickness, it fits comfortably around the wrist without being too bulky or obtrusive.

The AMOLED display measures 1.39” and is clear and bright. You’ll have no trouble in reading your stats and the touchscreen is intuitive and user-friendly. There are also two buttons which allow the user to navigate the interface without using the touchscreen.

The bezel features numbers around it so it has a similar appearance to a traditional watch although its ceramic construction makes it look and feel a little more sophisticated than some of its rivals. The remainder of the watch’s exterior is metal, with a silver body and brown leather strap or black body and black silicone strap.

The Fitness Tracking

The main fitness tracking app on the GT watch is Workouts. This offers the majority of the tracking functions that you’d expect. As well as heartrate monitoring and step tracking, it also offers several easy-to-set-up modes including Indoor Run, Outdoor Run, Climb, Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Cycle, Trail Run, Indoor Cycle, Open Water Swim, Pool Swim and Other. As this model is also waterproof rated to 5ATM you can easily wear it to track your water activities.

This smartwatch also has integrated GPS which connects quickly and functions well.

What Are The Main Advantages?

Water resistant to 5ATM
Stylish, slim and unobtrusive design
Inbuilt GPS
24/7 heartrate monitoring
Fitness tracking capabilities for a range of activities
User-friendly interface
Bright and clear AMOLED display

What Are The Main Disadvantages?

Only two designs to choose from
Uses proprietary operating system
No third party app compatibility

Competition

If you’re keen to enjoy a better Android-friendly user experience, you might want to eschew the Huawei GT in favor of one of the Wear OS operating system watches on the market at the moment. The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 4, for example, offers a lot more functionality in this respect with even better fitness tracking and compatibility with third party apps. The Samsung Galaxy Watch is another strong contender to rival the Huawei GT with its Tizen operating system, fully functioning fitness tracking and stylish good looks.

In Summary

Unless you’re a big fan of the Huawei brand, there are better smartwatches on the market right now. The switch to the brand’s own proprietary operating system means that access to third party apps is limited – a major downside for many users. While the fitness tracking functionality is good, if you want better value for money you would be advised to consider choosing a Wear OS-equipped smartwatch..

How Do We Test Smartwatches?

We’re here to help you to ensure that you’ve picked the very best smartwatch on the market today to suit your requirements and preferences. We know that everyone is looking for something different from their devices, and that’s why we test all the various elements of each smartwatch and compare them to help you make a well-informed decision.

The very first thing that we check out for you is the style and appearance of the watch. Is it good looking? Is it suitable for casual or formal wear? Is it comfortable around your wrist? Next, we take a look at how functional it really is. Can you read its display with ease? How intuitive are the controls? Is there a steep learning curve or can you simply strap on your watch and go about your usual activities without any hassle?

We check the battery life and the integrated features and functions. We test out the fitness apps, pushing them to their limit to ensure accuracy and performance. We see the effect on the performance of the watch while downloading third party apps, making and receiving calls and notifications, playing music and using the GPS system and then determine how well it stood up to expectations.

Finally, when all of this information is in place, we can put it all together to help you to decide whether or not this is the right watch for you or whether one of the other options out there would be a better alternative for your requirements.