SuperWatches

Super Smartwatches and Wearables

Superwatches

Which Smartwatch to Look Forward to in 2020 (June)

2020 may have gotten off to a dodgy start, but there’s no reason not to treat yourself to a new smartwatch. We’ve dug into what you can look forward to in 2020.

We can’t ignore the Apple Series 6. Will it be all we hope it will? Maybe the new Samsung Galaxy Watch will land this year to compete.

Other releases have been confirmed from the likes of luxury brands Montblanc and Tag Heuer. Budget-friendly devices from Amazfit and Xiaomi are also keen to launch new devices, too.

New smartwatches due for 2020

Oppo Watch

It’s official that the Oppo Watch is coming. This is the brand’s first smartwatch attempt. The actual global release date has been delayed, understandably. For now, at least, you can only get it in China. 

The rumour mill was mostly accurate. The watch has a rounded 326 pixel AMOLED display. It comes in either 1.6 or 1.9 inches (41mm and 46mm respectively). It offers 50m water-resistance and there’s room for a SIM card, offering LTE connectivity. 

From a distance, you’d think it was an Apple Watch. The design is uncanny. The similarities don’t stop at the aesthetics. It also has a heart rate sensor and offers ECG data. 

It’ll cost around $288. Not cheap, but not bad considering.

Amazfit Bip S

We’re big fans of this budget fitness tracker brand. The Bip S is an addition to the budget smartwatch world. It’s simple-looking. Another copy cat of the Apple Watch. Unlike the above, that’s where similarities end. Which is about what you’d expect for around $70.

It’s a total bargain. You’ll find a level of 5M water-resistance, which is nice. It’s adopted the PAI health score. It’s got a great battery life of 40 days. It has built-in GPS and heart rate sensor.

Casio G-Shock GBD-H1000

Casio shocked us all with the announcement of this GPS sports watch. It has an advanced heart rate sensor and smartwatch functions. It’ll be priced around $399 in the States and £379 in the UK respectively. You’ll find it on the market mid-May having fallen victim to a Coronavirus delay.

The H1000 offers 200m water-resistance. This is better than most smartwatches you’ll find (note, we do mean smartwatch – there are sports watches with better resistance). Essentially, you get 50m of safe water depth. It’ll also last for 14 hours in GPS mode. 

It’ll tell you a rough VO2 max by analysing your heart rate and GPS data. The same company that supplies Garmin’s metrics, Firstbeat, have helped develop the H1000. This means advanced information like training effectiveness, recovery and race predictions based on previous performance. 

Timex Ironman R300 GPS

Timex came along and released the R300 GPS this year. It’s perfect for triathletes and, best of all, it doesn’t cost the earth.

We’ve written a full review of this bad boy, which you can read here.

The upshot is that it has an impressive 30m water-resistance, accurate GPS tracking and a reliable heart rate monitor. 

It’ll track running, cycling and swimming. You can race against yourself, setting your personal bests. 

The best experience comes with use of the app, which creates a useful ecosystem.

You’ll find it for around $120.

Withings ScanWatch

This is a sexy hybrid. It offers ECG reading and will pick up on medical conditions like heart arrhythmia or sleep apnea.

The screen is small but will deliver important information like heart rate, steps taken, calories burned, ECG readings and your notifications.

The options are either 38mm or 42mm and either version carries a 30 day battery life.

The fitness tracking on this device is decent. It monitors your heart rate round the clock. Has 30 sports modes and step counting. It doesn’t offer GPS but it will pair with your smartphone and do the job that way.

You’ll get a sleepscore in your app, too.

It’ll come in 42mm and 38mm, which will be $299 and $249 respectively.

What about the rumours?

Apple Watch Series 6

Apple Watches have successfully been updated and released every year since conception in 2015. So it’s likely we’ll see the Series 6 in September.

The smartwatch rumour mill has certainly been very busy.

Features we might expect are a native sleep tracking ability as well as blood oxygen levels. 

Hopefully we can see an improved battery life, which is the main gripe currently. Apple Watch users haven’t seen a need for sleep tracking as that’s when they’ve likely taken it off to charge overnight. 

One particularly interesting rumour is that the Apple Series 6 might be able to predict panic attacks. It’ll be much like how it currently warns of an irregular heart rate. 

TouchID is anticipated to be incorporated into the crown or even the screen itself. 

A left-field rumour is the addition of a kids mode. Here the watch becomes safe for children to use. Bespoke activity tracking and goals that are simplified so younger users can understand.

A dedicated kids Apple Watch could be in production. This is off the back of patents submitted by Apple for a new plastic and ceramic device.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 3

Samsung has been dragging its heels with regard to a new Galaxy Watch Active. The 3 might be the next device to be released.

There have been some rumours that a new model might be on the way, known at the moment as SMR840. 

Samsung leaks information like a rusty pipe, though. Just because we see some information online doesn’t mean a new release is imminent. The experts are predicting the latter half of the year; particularly considering supply chain delays that a lot of brands are experiencing at the moment. 

Things we do know include a stainless steel case that will come in three colours. There is talk of 8GB on board storage which is twice that of its predecessor. 

That’s about it for now. Keep an ear to the ground around Christmas time.

Fossil Gen 6

Just as Apple and Samsung are committed to consistently launching improved smartwatches, Fossil is right there alongside them. The Fossil Gen 5 was released in the summer of 2019 and there are rumours of the Fossil Gen 6.

What will it be like?

It has a built-in speaker capable of taking calls, more built-in storage, a faster processor and a sleeker, sportier design.

The biggest tell is the apps that came preloaded on the Gen 5. Fossil has shown serious interest in fitness tracking via their heart monitoring functions.

It’s possible we’ll see bigger, better fitness features. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see this in a slimmer model.

There is no confirmed date. It’s all speculation at the moment, so watch this space.

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The Best Smartwatches to Buy in 2020 (updated for May)

Introduction

What constitutes the ‘best’ smartwatches for you is more than whether or not it’ll tell you that you have a WhatsApp message. It’s a device that can do many things; be your personal assistant, your fitness coach and even your banker. Some smartwatches can literally save your life by notifying you when your heart rate is irregular. One step more than that, it can even call an ambulance for you if you were to fall.

Some devices do this better than others. Some cater to great volumes of apps that you’re able to download. Others have accurate GPS. Some heart rate sensors are more sensitive than others. 

Some offer batteries that you need to change every day whereas some will offer you a week, or more. 

Don’t forget how they look. Smartwatches are almost totally bespoke to your style, thanks to the number of customisable options from faces to straps, colour and material options.

How to tell what the best smartwatch is

This article is updated for April 2020 and nothing has changed at the top spot. The best smartwatch you can find is still the Apple Watch Series 5 ($440.36).

You get an Always-On colour display, compass, and more advanced health tracking features than its predecessor, the Series 4. These advanced features include the fall detector we mentioned as well as an electrical HR sensor that will pick up on electrocardiograms. 

It comes with a GPS option so you don’t even need to have your phone with you and you can enjoy the freedom of being without it.

The Apple watch has reigned supreme for some time. It has the best development when it comes to apps and ultimately this means you can do far more with it than any alternatives can offer.

The Series 3 is still worth a punt. Since the release of the 4 and 5, the price is now very accessible, at under $200. It doesn’t offer the ECG, but otherwise, there is very little difference to be noted.

The Apple Watch Series 6 is due for release this September, all being well. There are talks of a design having no crown and sleep monitoring capabilities.

If you’re an Android user and aren’t feeling the love yet, don’t worry. 

The best smartwatch for you, in this early stage of 2020, is the Galaxy Watch Active 2 from Samsung coming in at less than $200.

This sleek design isn’t all that’s noteworthy. It offers built-in GPS and a heart rate sensor with advanced health features as well as water-resistance for swimming and Samsung Pay. 

The battery life can go twice that of an Apple Watch but that’s probably because there are fewer apps to choose from.

Apple Watch Series 5

Still the king of smartwatches

In either a 40mm or 44mm size, water-resistant for swimming, 18 hours of battery life, optional GPS and an advanced heart rate monitor. 

The revelation in the Apple Watch series was the introduction of the Always-On display. It makes a big impact on user experience. You’re able to take a quick glance and immediately be able to see the screen. It knows your conditions via an ambient light sensor and adjusts accordingly. You might think this would cause carnage on your battery, but it doesn’t.

You also get a compass which is built-in. It’s handy for when you’re using a map so you know what direction you’re looking at, every time. 

Design-wise, there’s zero development from the Series 4. You do get the option of a ceramic or titanium finish, though. You also get the same health features.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

A dream for Android users

Again, this comes in 40mm and 44mm respectively. The battery life is better, at 24 to 60 hours. It’s swim-proof and has a GPS option. It offers a heart rate monitor and Samsung Pay. It does work with iOS phones but works best of all with Android, particularly Galaxy models.

We know the Apple Watch is great. But give the Galaxy Watch 2 a chance. Firstly, it works with iOS and Android, so it’s already more generous.

The rounded aesthetic is really pleasing. You can use the display for apps like Samsung Pay or Spotify, for which it can give you on-board music. It offers some health features, but it’s not a patch on Apple’s ECG (but watch this space, they’re working on it).

The main reasons this is a great option is the value for money and battery life.

Fitbit Versa 2 ($195.00)

Your best option for sleep tracking

The Versa 2 is marginally smaller at 39mm but packs a whopping 4 day battery life. It can offer you GPS, but it needs to be connected to your smartphone. It’s water-resistant and so you’re able to swim in it. It has a decent HRM and offers Fitbit Pay. It’s compatible with both iOS and Android users.

The Versa 2 from Fitbit is an evolved version of the pioneering Versa. It offers Alexa capabilities and much better sleep tracking. 

Fitbit has developed an update that allows users to track blood oxygen saturation which is useful if you suffer from sleep apnea. 

The 4 day battery life means this is a strong contender for a fitness watch, but ultimately the don of sleep tracking.

It’s friendly with iOS and Android users alike. There’s a new-ish Spotify app so you can control your music on your wrist. 

There’s no built-in GPS, but at under $200, you wouldn’t expect it.

Garmin Vivoactive 4 ($334.41)

The best fitness tracking smartwatch

Now we get a little bigger, coming in at either 40mm or 45mm respectively. Here you get a monster battery life of 7 days if you’re using a 4S or 8 days for the 4. It’s got built-in GPS, is water-resistant, has a HRM, built-in storage for your music, Garmin Pay and is compatible with both Android and iOS.

What Garmin did here is keep the best bits about the Vivoactive 3 and made it better. It can even offer you yoga and pilates on your display!

There’s an improved pulse oxygen sensor that means it can monitor what your blood oxygens levels are saying. It’ll offer you a decent insight into your sleep, too. 

The battery life means this is perfect for people who like to keep going.

Amazfit Bip ($63.75)

The best starter smartwatch 

This only comes in one size, but does boast a 1.28 inch display. The battery life is anything up to 45 days. It’s not water-resistant, nor does it offer mobile payments but it does have both GPS and HRM. It’s compatible with iOs and Android.

Looks-wise, you can tell it draws, well, everything, from the Apple Watch. If you’re looking for a budget or starter smartwatch, you’ll love this. 

The fitness tracking capabilities are decent and they don’t drain the battery, which, you read right, can last 45 days. 

Of course, this is a budget watch so there are limited features and functions. You can still choose between 5 faces, which isn’t bad. You can see your notifications, but not respond via the watch. 

The price-accessible option costs well under $100 but still offers GPS and a heart rate monitor. 

Summary 

Hopefully, you’ve been given some direction toward your next smartwatch! If like many, you’re denying that 2020 is happening, you can still read our article on the best looking smartwatches of 2019.

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Timex Ironman R300 GPS

Timex is internationally renowned for their traditional timepieces, and finally they have released their first smartwatch for fitness fiends all over the world. If you want a watch that can track every move you make and offer GPS, then this may just be the smartwatch you’ve been dreaming of.

We’ve certainly got the low down of this new smartwatch and have to say that we are impressed that Timex has avoided the pull to replicate the big-name smartwatch brands. Instead, you can look forward to a retro-looking smartwatch that will not break the bank. Check out our guide to help you decide if this is the smartwatch for you!

Who Was the Timex Ironman R300 GPS Designed for?

Firstly, this watch was made with avid sportspeople in mind. It offers a huge range of tracking capabilities to fit a range of interests and will feed all the data back into the companion app ready for you to analyse at a later date. It also offers GPS so that you can be certain that you have accurately tracked your movements and find out the length of each fitness session you take part in.

It’s also a great choice for anyone that likes the idea of getting a watch from a stalwart of the timekeeping family. Timex has gone to great lengths to produce a smartwatch that looks different from its competitors and offers reliable tracking to suit a range of lifestyles and interests. They have also worked hard to keep their costs at an absolute minimum, allowing their customers to get a great watch at an amazing price.

What Fitness Features Does The Timex Ironman R300 GPS Offer?

This smartwatch can track a wide range of activities and is water-resistant up to 30m so that you can even take it when you are swimming laps to help track your progress. Any smartwatch that utilises the word Ironman in its name needs to offer lots of great fitness features to win over athletes that may be interested in it.

In addition to the fitness tracking, you can also enjoy the guided training plans that allows you to work out to a predefined fitness plan that aims to get you in the best shape you’ve ever been in. These plans cover running, triathlon training and even cycling so that whatever your sport of interest is, you can monitor how well you are doing in it.

All your stats are displayed neatly on your wrist so you can check on your progress whenever it suits you. If you have used it before for an activity, the next time you do it, you will be given your previous personal best to compete against, and when you finish training, your watch will tell you by how far you beat or missed it so that you can track your progress accurately.

What Non-Fitness Features Come With the Timex Ironman R300 GPS?

If you are keen to see what this smartwatch offers away from the world of fitness, then you will not be disappointed. You can check and monitor your heart rate, so you know how well you are holding up and can even track this in the app to see how you develop over time.

You can even use this model for an alarm clock on your wrist that will wake you or give you a nudge when you need to be reminded of a task that needs completing. Other features include the ability to take calls from your watch and find out the weather so that you know what to expect when you head out on your next training session.

What Are the Pros and Cons of the Timex Ironman R300 GPS?

This watch comes packed with features, but there are some gaps in what it offers, take a look at our pros and cons to help you decide whether you want to buy one or not.

Pros
  • The price is fantastic, especially when you consider how much it packs in for what you are being asked to pay
  • The information display is clear and easy to see in all weather conditions
  • You can track your PB and get information delivered to your wrist so that you know how well you are performing compared to your last attempt
  • You can enjoy guided fitness plans to help hone your skills along the way
  • Alarms can be set to go off directly on your wrist, so you do not need to have your phone with you at all times
  • Notifications are delivered directly to your wrist so that you know what is happening in the world even when you are mid-workout
  • The GPS tracks accurately every time
Cons
  • The watch display can be distracting when you are trying to concentrate on other things
  • The vibration function does not turn off
  • The software is not as technically brilliant as with its more expensive competitors.
  • Sometimes there is a lag between your exercise and it being shown on the screen, which can be frustrating if you want to see how you are doing during a workout.

Should I Buy a Timex Ironman R300 GPS?

Ultimately, there are so many reasons to get hold of one of these smartwatches that we would be crazy not to recommend it to you. Yes, it may not offer all the supped up features that you expect from the more expensive brands, but it does offer solid tracking and is wholly focused on ensuring your fitness improves over time.

This smartwatch looks great on your wrist and will withstand all you throw at it during your day to day activities. We are certain that you will not look back if you purchase one and suggest that you take the time to read all the instructions before you put it on so that you get the best experience possible from this brilliant device.

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Why Smartwatches are Beneficial

Why have a smartwatch

Have you got friends who’ve upgraded their watch game recently? Have you noticed people looking (and talking!) at their wrists more often? Do you wonder why that is? More than likely some people around you have invested in a smartwatch. So, why are smartwatches beneficial? Now, digital watches have been available for quite some time. Some of them even quite advanced with features such as calculators. However, it wasn’t until about 2010 that technology companies started to release watches that had smartwatch type features. It was in 2013 that the first smartwatch in the guise of what we understand a smartwatch to be today was introduced to the market by a small company called Pebble. The rest as they say is history.

What is a smartwatch?

In order to answer why smartwatches are beneficial it’s important to understand what it is. A smartwatch is a portable device that is meant to be worn on a wrist. A type of wearable, the smartwatch is also seen by many as an extension to a smartphone. It has similar features such as touchscreen and a range of apps and sensors to monitor health and fitness activity. There are two types of smartwatch that occupies the market; the first being the everyday use type, a device that is designed to replace the traditional watch but relies on a smartphone. The second is the speciality range, designed for specific functions and audiences, for example a smartwatch for elderly where the main element is location tracking and safety. The speciality watches can be a cross between a phone dependent wearable device and an independent fitness tracker.

Uptake of the smartwatch had been slow. With people not quite sure why smartwatches are beneficial, what to do with them or classifying them as not being necessary because it did everything a smartphone can do. However recent statistics show that things may be changing on this front. In 2017 sales of smartwatches and fitness trackers was up 16% on 2016. The Smartwatch market then saw an increase of 23% on 2016. With Apple, Google and Samsung continuing to invest development into the sector the popularity of the smartwatch looks set to carry on.

 If you’re not yet one of the converted, lets us take you through reasons for why wearing a smartwatch is a good idea.

It tells the time

Yes, it is obvious that the smartwatch tells the time. However, isn’t it easier to glance at your wrist to check if you’re late for your appointment than to think where you’ve left your phone and look around for it? Sales of traditional watches have been on the decline as smartphones have dominated the market, but the smartwatch reminds us what a key item the watch actually is.

Fashion Accessory

The smartwatch can be confused with the digital watches we’ve mentioned above or even the more recent activity trackers and so you could be forgiven for thinking they are a bit boring, clunky and mechanical looking. On the contrary, the modern smartwatch comes complete with a library of colours, materials and watch faces to suit all types of occasions – whether it’s a work day or fun at the weekend.

Are we there yet?

We’ve become accustomed to using the map function on our phones to assist with navigation. But, did you know it is even easier with a smartwatch? There is an increased risk of missing the next turn if you are too busy reviewing the direction on your handset or worse the smartphone is dropped during the constant put away, take out, put away scenario. A smartwatch makes navigation much easier, with the route available at a glance. The Apple Watch goes further, notifying you which direction to turn with distinctly different vibrations for left and right.  When driving, a flick of the wrist will provide reassurance that you’re on the right route. A smartwatch is ideal for navigation purposes on vehicles where it would not be appropriate to use a handset such as a motorcycle.

Entertainment

The smartwatch makes entertainment even easier to access. Granted the screen size is a factor but it’s ideal for public transport journeys where keeping the phone aloft can prove to be a challenge. It’s also ideal to use the smartwatch when you want to quickly share a funny YouTube video with friends and family. Perhaps the better entertainment factor with a smartwatch is its music capabilities. Listening to music on your smartphone is even more enjoyable with a smartwatch. You can skip tracks, change the volume and play around with your playlist all from the device on your wrist. Newer smartwatches even allow music to be stored directly onto the device so no need to have the smartphone with you as well.

Notifications

Perhaps one of the smartwatches most useful features is its ability to alert you to calls, text messages and social media updates. Rather than having to get the handset out each time it vibrates or pings. Not every notification will be important i.e. requiring an action), a smartwatch makes it easier to manage notifications quickly and easily. It may seem trivial but the potential to save time and simplify situations you’re in is huge. For example a quick glance at your watch in a meeting wouldn’t be considered rude as it would if you were to start rummaging for your phone. Also when out and about running or taking part in other physical activity you may decide to not take your smartphone with you. You can decide when alerts come through on the smartphone so as to keep the process efficient.

Making and answering calls

How this activity is undertaken will vary on the type of smartwatch. Some devices allow the wearer to accept or decline calls through the watch. Others will allow this but also give you the option to answer the call through the watch itself. Both options require your handset to be nearby. There are now cellular versions of the smartwatch available on the market, which means you can use the watch independent to a smartphone including being able to make calls. Although the appearance of voice dictation into a smartwatch can look strange, it is a useful feature allowing you to respond to important messages in a timely manner without compromising what you may be doing at the time i.e. out for a run or busy in the kitchen.

Health and Wellbeing

It can be easy to assume that the smartwatch is only good for tracking yours steps. It does of course track daily steps but it does so much more which can really make a difference to a person’s health. Due to the smartwatch being capable of doing more than just tracking steps, it is more likely to be worn on a daily basis rather than taken off and being forgotten about. A smartwatch is not just a pedometer, it has various built in sensors to monitor and record other activity such as heart rate and blood pressure. The latest edition of the Apple Watch even has the capability to perform an ECG. Other useful health related features include sleep monitoring, calorie counting and a range of apps to support stress management.

Safety

Smartwatches are equipped with GPS as standard, most will require you to pair the watch with your handset whereas others have stand alone GPS built in. This is key for a number of reasons. Not only does GPS allow you to track sports activities such as running and hiking, measuring speed and distance accurately but it also helps to track your location for safety purposes, particularly useful if on your own or in an unfamiliar environment. For that reason smartwatches are ideal for offering loved ones peace of mind for when elderly relatives are out and about. Some smartwatches also have the ability to detect falls and take action if needed i.e. contact emergency services if no movement is detected. Many smartwatches, especially the specialty types, have SOS/panic buttons which if activated can contact identified individuals through the phone either via message or by making a call.

On the subject of safety, smartwatches are expensive as are smartphones. However you’re more likely to draw attention to yourself using a smartphone than you are your smartwatch, offering the wearer a degree of reassurance.

Losing your smartphone can be disastrous, but with a smartwatch the risk is significantly minimised. Most smartwatches are programmed with the ‘Find Phone’ feature, especially useful if you have a habit of misplacing your phone!

Many modern smartwatches are also waterproof, providing connectivity in all types of weather and activity.

Battery life

Keeping your smartphone charged can prove challenging. Having a smartwatch reduces that urgency – more use of smartwatch equals less use of smartphone, saving valuable phone battery life. Evidence shows that battery life on smartwatches is of a good standard lasting between 18-24 hours for devices such as the Apple Watch and up to a few days and even a week for some of the speciality watches.

So yes, it is true that a smartwatch can do everything a smartphone can, but as we’ve described above it can do that and more. The smartwatch shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for the smartphone – it doesn’t have to be a choice between the two – but as a must-have accessory for today’s tech savvy individual.

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Boxing Day – The Best Fitness Trackers To Buy

Fitness Trackers Boxing Day deals

With all the Boxing Day deals rolling out, it can get overwhelming fast. After all, there are innumerable options and some enticing discounts attached. However, the goal is not to find the most discounted item; instead the focus should remain on getting the most bang for your buck. 

When it comes to fitness trackers, not all provide the same utility and what is best for you, might not be so for others. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the best fitness trackers according to some commonly sought out categories: 

Best All-rounder: Fitbit Versa 2

Fitbit Versa 2

Features

24/7 Heart Rate Tracking Monitors Sleep Displays smartphone notifications Customize with appsIn-built Music controls with Spotify6 Day Battery LifeWater Resistant and Swimming Tracker Bluetooth GPS Personalized RemindersLightweight design FitPay

Having more of a smartwatch look, the Fitbit Versa 2 provides some well-stacked features as a fitness tracker. It can track your heart rate while jogging, swimming, weightlifting, or even as you go about your day. Attending to calls, texts and emails is also an added bonus within a fitness tracker allowing you to extend its use to your life while reducing distractions as you workout. 

There are some limitations, however. While there is built-in Spotify functionality for the music lovers, it is limited in comparison to other trackers on the market. The band is not a full-function GPS smartwatch, however. Its GPS function is only available when connected with your phone through Bluetooth. 

All in all, as an overall multi-purpose smartwatch, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a definite contender for its functionality, design and price. 

Pros 

  • Smartwatch design in a sleek and compact construction
  • Amoled display
  • Long battery life 
  • Alexa functionality available
  • Water resistant 
  • Tracks various physical activities and sleep
  • Comes with Always-On mode

Cons

  • Does not come with in-built GPS
  • Heart rate is not tracked through an ECG
  • Limited Spotify functionality

Best Budget Tracker: Amazfit BIP Smartwatch

Features

30-day battery life with quick chargeOptical Heart Rate Monitoring4-Activity modes and Sleep Tracking Built-in GPSReceive alerts from texts, calls and emailsModern smartwatch designIP68 Water resistance

Among the budget fitness trackers available on the market, the Amazfit BIP smartwatch stands out due to its sheer superiority above the rest. While most fitness trackers boast 2-4 days of battery life, BIP delivers up to 30 days of battery life in a single 2.5 hour charge. This alone provide utility for avid users who are in need of some simple tracking. 

Amazfit provides 4 physical activity modes to choose from–namely outdoor running, treadmill, cycling and walking. It will track your steps, calories and distance while also tracking your heart rate. While you cannot reply or use third-party apps, the basic functionality still allows you to receive alerts from your phone. 

Pros 

  • Great Price
  • Long Battery Life 
  • Always On Screen 
  • Durable Construction
  • Basic Smartphone Functionality Available
  • In-Built GPS

Cons

  • No Mic or Speaker 
  • Music Integration Not Available
  • Limited Activity Options

Best Activity Tracker: Fitbit Charge 3

fitbit charge 3

Features

Sleek, Non-Intrusive Design Heart Rate Monitoring Fitness and Sleep Tracking 7-Day Battery Life Smartphone Notification Alerts ActivatedWater Resistant for Tracking Swim SessionSimple, Straight Forward UI DesignFitPay Available as an Add OnProvides Reminders to MoveTracks Up To 15 Different Activities

Fitbit designed the Charge Series as their traditional take on a fitness tracker. While it does provide some smartphone integration functionalities, the tracker stands out with the range of activities it can monitor. From running to swimming to yoga, you’ll most likely be covered by the modes available; however, there is the standard heart rate monitoring in case you like to stick with the basics. 

GPS is available through bluetooth connectivity, but it does not have the feature built-in like many others do. The construction is lightweight and durable while the interface is seamless. Therefore if you’re looking for a tracker to monitor your every move, this might be the one for you. 

Pros 

  • Water Resistant (Up to 50M) 
  • Automatic Exercise Recognition and 15 Mode Options
  • Sleep Tracking and Guided Breathing Based on Heart Rate
  • Provides Reminders to Move
  • Discreet, Yet Fashionable Layout
  • Long Lasting Battery Life 

Cons

  • No Built-In GPS
  • Heart Rate Calculator Can Be More Accurate

Best For Tracking Calories Burned: Garmin Vivofit 3 

Garmin vivofit

Features

Automatic Activity Detection with MoveIQ1 Year Battery Life LCD with Backlit DisplayCalculates steps, calories, distances, intensity and sleep qualityProvides Reminders to MoveWaterproof

Garmin Vivofit 3 exemplifies the less is more mantra. As compared to the current line-up, it has no altimeter, GPS or heart rate tracking, however its use lies in the absence of those features. You can connect a separate heart rate monitor to calculate your intensity and calories burned which provides a far more accurate calculation than typical wrist trackers. 

You’ll benefit from the analytics within the Garmin app while the tracker itself possesses a straightforward overview. This band is preferred for individuals with an intermediate fitness level who need accurate data, but are able to perform their own analytics.

Pros 

  • Made for Comfort
  • Tracks basic activities and metrics required 
  • No-frill UI Design 
  • Waterproof
  • Long Battery Life

Cons

  • Design looks cheap
  • LCD provides a dim display
  • Slow to register live-activity
  • Battery will need to be replaced after a year

Best GPS: Samsung Gear Sport

Samsung Gear S2

Features

Physical and Nutrition Goal TrackingHeart Rate MonitorWater Resistant Receive Notifications From Your Phone Through Bluetooth Pairing Samsung Pay EnabledSpotify Compatible Touch and Audio Controls Available Quick View InterfaceDurable BuildIn-Built GPS

Samsung Gear Sport provides many of the features available in other trackers, but it does come with a built-in GPS and bluetooth system. This allows users to drop off their phones at home and go for a run without any distractions. That said, it does considerably drain the battery so you might want to conserve the battery when you’re not using the GPS. Additionally, it might not be suitable for hikers given the limited power. 

While it does not provide much in terms of activity categorization, its waterproof functionality provides a decent incentive for runners and swimmers. Additionally, users can also utilize their Spotify Premium to help them listen to music on the go. Overall, if you need a decent integrated GPS tracker, Samsung Gear Sport has you covered. 

Pros 

  • Clean UI Design 
  • Embedded Bluetooth and GPS functions
  • Water Resistant 
  • Sleep Monitoring Available 
  • Great for Swimmers and Runners
  • Comes With Widgets For Easy Customization 

Cons

  • No Speaker
  • Battery Drains Quickly From GPS Use
  • Limited Activity Tracking

Conclusion

Look past the hype this Boxing Day and choose the tech which delivers what you need. Remember to keep your fitness level, activities and goals in mind when making the decision. For example, if you want to track your blood pressure, any ordinary heart rate tracker will not suffice and you should explore your options. This will ultimately help you snag the right tracker for your lifestyle. 

Xiaomi Mi Band 4

Display of one orange Xiaomi MI Band 4 and one black Xiaomi MI Band 4

Xiaomi might not be the best known activity tracker brand, but it’s becoming more popular as word spreads about its appealing combination of low cost and well-featured functionality. The Mi Band 4 is the one of most recent releases from this budget brand. As of May 2020, the new Mi Band 5 is available to purchase online. Read more about it here.

The Background

Year on year, the Xiaomi adds even more features to the Mi Band without hiking up the prices. The Band 4 is the most recent development, boasting even more exercise profiles along with a better display. While the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 was last year’s best value tracker, this new model has improved on its functionality in several ways.

Mi Band 4 - Perfect for boys and girls.
Mi Band 4 – Perfect for boys and girls.

The Features

Although the Mi Band 4 doesn’t compete with high-end smartwatches and activity trackers, it does offer some excellent functionality for the price. Its updated Bluetooth 5.0 support ensures that there are no connectivity issues while the integrated heartrate sensor is another great feature.

The Mi Band 4 is designed for use in China, and when used in its native country, it offers even more functions such as public transport payments, contactless payments and the Xiao AI assistant. Elsewhere, the Mi Band 4 is capable of relaying emails, texts, calls and notifications. While you aren’t able to reply to them, it’s still nice to be able to read messages.

There are also a number of customisation options which come included in the Mi Fit app. These include custom vibration patterns, scheduling for automatic screen wake up, a night mode, a do-not-disturb mode and support for several watch faces.

The mi Band 3 (compared to 4)
Mi band 3 for comparison

The Design

The Mi Band 4 is certainly an improvement over its predecessor and, while the tracker looks quite generic with its unassuming case and black band, its improved display makes it worth the investment.

The Mi Band 4 features a 0.95in RGB AMOLED display with a 120 x 240 pixel density and 400-nit brightness. The display is touchscreen activated and is controlled with swipes and taps. It’s possible to detach the tracker case from the silicone band and switch the bands out with a wide variety of other options to give you even more versatility.

Fitness Tracking

As you’d expect, the Mi Band 4 tracks all your major stats – from steps taken and distance travelled to the number of calories burned, active heart rate and rest time. It also tracks your sleep patterns. There is no inbuilt GPS tracking functionality though, so distance metrics aren’t the most accurate unless you’re prepared to go for a run with your GPS-connected smartphone.

The Mi Band 4 also has several different workout modes and is capable of tracking a wide variety of activities including outdoor running, treadmill, walking, cycling and swimming – it can recognise no less than five swimming styles and record 12 data sets including stroke count and swimming pace. It has a 5ATM water resistance rating.

The Mi Band 4 pairs with a smartphone through the Mi Fit app. This has three separate sections – profile, friends and workout. All are easy to understand. You can connect with other users through the friends section to see their health data and activity levels while the profile area contains your own settings, goals and personal information.

Mi Fit data can be synced with Google Fit or WeRun which gives you even more flexibility.

What Are The Main Advantages?

  • Water resistant to 5ATM
  • Tracks a great range of exercises
  • Interchangeable straps
  • Integrated heart monitor
  • Sleep tracking function
  • Connected GPS functionality
  • Bluetooth 5.0 support for better connectivity
  • Displays notifications

What Are The Main Disadvantages?

  • Cannot respond to notifications
  • No integrated GPS function

Competition

The major competitors to the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 are the Samsung Galaxy Fit and the Fitbit Inspire HR however both of these devices are more costly and offer little more in the way of features and fitness tracking functionality. Nevertheless, if you don’t like the Mi Fit app, you may want to consider the Inspire HR since it uses the Fitbit app which is leading the way in fitness tracking and offers a refined user experience.

How Do We Test Smartwatches?

It’s our mission to help you to choose the best smartwatch or activity tracker for you by supplying you with the key information you need to make an informed decision. To achieve this, we always thoroughly test and review every element of each device, beginning with its appearance and design. We test to see if the watch is visually appealing as well as comfortable to wear, and also test the battery life and functionality.

We test all of the activity tracking functions to make sure that they’re fit for purpose together with the GPS and the data connectivity where applicable. We test processing power and speed, as well as the third-party downloadable apps to make sure that everything lives up to expectations. Finally, we present you with all the facts so you can choose.

In Summary

With each passing year, the Xiaomi brand adds even more features to the Mi Band range without increasing the prices to a hugely inflated level. The Mi Band 4 stands out from the crowd thanks to its improved display and exercise profiles without costing the earth. If you’re looking for one of the best affordable fitness trackers on the market today, you won’t be disappointed if you buy this device.