There’s certainly no shortage of Android smartwatches on the market at the moment. These wearables have really hit the mainstream and are proving popular with buyers. However, if you’re planning on purchasing one this year you’re going to need to know which are the best smartwatches for Android in 2022.
Not everyone has the same needs when it comes to choosing which are the best smartwatches for Android. If you’re a serious athlete, you’ll have very different requirements from someone who simply wants to track their sleep and receive notifications. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at the best Android watches for 2022 so you can make a well-informed purchasing decision. There’s sure to be one that’s right for you.
Is The Garmin Venu 2 Plus Best For Athletes On The Go?
Adding a microphone to the Garmin Venu 2 wristwatch, one of the best in its class released in 2021, allows you to make and receive phone calls right from your wrist, as well as use your phone’s voice assistant.
It’s a clever innovation that really enhances the utility of an all-purpose smartwatch, whether or not you’re working out. Other than that, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus is an amazing sportswatch with the same features as previously, however, there is only one case size this time. Although the lack of wireless charging is a slight annoyance, overall, we think the Venu 2 Plus is a great smartwatch to wear around the clock (pun intended) if your budget allows it.
Pros:
- Can be used to answer phone calls
- Accesses the phone’s voice assistant
- Battery life of 10 days when used normally
- AMOLED’s bright, clear display
Cons:
- Wireless charging is not available.
- Only one option is available.
Is The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 The Best Android Smartwatch?
Firstly, of all the Android smartwatches on the market, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is arguably the best. Optimized for use with Samsung smartphones, it runs equally well on all other Android devices too and boasts all the fitness features you could possibly want. Lightweight and compact, it offers an impressively long battery life and ensures a great all-around wearable experience.
The touch display is vivid and sharp while also being fun to use and simple to navigate. This device uses the Tizen operating system and, while there isn’t an enormous range of apps to choose from, you’ll find all of the most popular ones like Strava and Spotify.
When it comes to activity tracking, the Active 2 won’t disappoint. It has inbuilt GPS as well as automatic workout tracking, sleep tracking, caffeine, food and water consumption tracking and an improved Running Coach feature.
If you’re only really wearing a smartwatch to receive notifications, the Active 2 still delivers thanks to its outstanding support for the Android notification system. Furthermore, you can reply using the inbuilt keyboard, with a quick response or by using your voice.
Pros:
- Well-designed and compact
- Long 3-day battery life
- Water resistance to 5 ATM
- Automated fitness tracking
- Inbuilt NFC and GPS
Cons:
- The support for third party apps is limited
- The Tizen operating system takes some time to understand
How About The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4?
The most notable new feature of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is a redesigned operating system that combines the appearance and feel of Tizen with the functionality of Wear OS. Fitness features are excellent, the battery lasts a long time, and it’s comfy to wear. The Galaxy Watch 4 is an innovative update of Samsung’s most popular wristwatch concept, despite some compatibility difficulties.
Pros:
- An outstanding performance.
- A new piece of software that seems intriguing
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- Restrictions on useability
- There is no rotating bezel
- There are no new and noteworthy fitness advancements to report at this time
The Mobvoi TicWatch E3 – Best Value Watch For The Money
If you’re looking for an Android smartwatch that won’t break the bank, but which can compete with the major contenders, the Mobvoi Ticwatch E3 is a great choice. With its large 1.3-inch display with dazzling 360×360 resolution, and stylish good looks, this device offers a 3-day long battery life, excellent touch response, an inbuilt heart rate monitor, automated workout detection and waterproofing, consequently it’s a serious player in the Android wearables field. This device runs on the Wear OS which offers notification support as well as Google Assistant. In addition, the TicMotion layer automatically detects your workouts, even monitoring your swimming performance and providing stroke analysis.
Pros:
- Robust construction
- Waterproofed
- Automated workout detection
- Outstanding notification support
- Inbuilt GPS
Cons:
- Bulky design
Skagen Falster 6 – A Super-Stylish Watch Design
If you want a smartwatch that looks just like a regular watch but with great functionality built-in, the Skagen Falster Gen 6 is the one for you. Its simple design is paired with a high-quality strap while the 3-button layout and rotating crown make scrolling through the Wear OS a breeze with no need for a touch screen. The body is made from stainless steel while there’s a choice of straps in silicone, metal or leather in a choice of colours. It’s also water-resistant and comes with an inbuilt NFC, heart rate monitor and GPS.
Pros:
- Classic, attractive design
- Easy to use the digital crown
- Inbuilt heart rate tracker, NFC and GPS
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Short battery life
How Does The Fossil Gen 6 Touchscreen Smartwatch Weigh Up?
The Fossil Gen 6 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a timepiece that strikes the ideal balance between functionality and aesthetics.
The latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100+ chipset is found in the Fossil Gen 6 for the first time. This means that in addition to being fashionable, you can also expect superior performance from this wristwatch. This time around, you’ll be able to pick between two distinct sizes. There are still plenty of health and fitness tracking features, too.
Pros:
- Stylish, eye-catching design
- Two sizes are available.
- Improved monitoring of one’s health
- High-quality presentation
- Fast-charging technology
Cons:
- It’s quite expensive
What About Very Sporty People? There’s The Suunto 7
If you’re a fan of Wear OS and looking for a smartwatch to track your workouts, the Suunto 7 is an excellent choice. A newcomer to the market, this wearable could be fantastic for athletes who are serious about tracking their performance in great detail. Over 70 sport modes are included in addition to GPS and full-colour, precise mapping software. You’ll be able to access parameters like training load, training recovery, and more with Suunto’s apps than you can with Google Fit.
Suunto 7 has a lot to offer, thus it should be a perfect fit with Wear OS. However, this all depends on what you’re looking for. If you don’t mind a two-day battery life in smartwatch mode and the possibility of stuttering performance owing to Wear OS still being a work in progress, it’s a good option for dedicated athletes who require the most comprehensive tracking possible.
I’m sure you’ve noticed, but this thing is massive. The 50 mm juggernaut is a bonus for some people, but those with delicate wrists may avoid it. As a result, if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to pass on this costly wristwatch. Keep in mind that it isn’t compatible with Wear OS 3.
Pros:
- Offline outdoor maps with built-in GPS
- Sporty and attractive design
- Several colour choices
- Tracking is excellent
- 5ATM rating
Cons:
- Bigger than most watches
- Low-to-moderate battery life
- Exorbitantly high-priced
The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music – A Great Watch For Runners
If you’re a serious athlete who needs excellent fitness tracking, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is certainly what you need. It might not be the top performing smartwatch on the market, but it can certainly track your swims, bike rides and runs with great accuracy and it’ll even receive phone notifications.
The battery life is impressive while the screen can easily be seen even in direct sunlight so it’s great for outdoor wear. As an added bonus, it offers music storage as well as the ability to stream from Deezer or Spotify, and its sleep tracking, heartrate monitoring, VO2 max estimation, recovery advisor and advanced workout capture certainly make this a popular choice among athletes.
Pros:
- Inbuilt workout guidance and tracking
- Long battery life
- Easy to read transflective display
- Comfortable to wear
- Music streaming functionality
Cons:
- Limited smartwatch features
The Fitbit Versa 3 – Top Watch For Casual Athletes
Fitbit is no longer only about fitness tracking. For example, The Versa 3 comes with a host of smartwatch functions including useful apps and long battery life to ensure great value for money combined with excellent functionality. The design is modern and sleek while the speedy processor ensures smooth performance. Furthermore, Android users are able to dictate their replies to notifications through the inbuilt microphone and the Alexa inbuilt support gives you quick answers to your queries. The Fitbit syncs seamlessly with Android phones while the Fitbit social network makes it easy to get active thanks to weekly challenges and pre-made adventures.
Pros:
- Attractive design
- Long battery life
- Good smartwatch features
- Choice of colours
- Inbuilt Alexa support
Cons:
- Limited choice of apps
Smartwatches for Android Buyer’s Guide
On the Wear OS side, there are plenty of options for smartwatch wearers in 2022. If that’s not quite what you’re looking for, you can also check out prominent firms like Samsung, Fitbit, and Garmin for additional great possibilities.
For the vast majority of consumers, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is an excellent purchase and has been awarded our most coveted top overall recommendation. It’s the first watch to run Wear OS 3, which is an amazing development in and of itself. Other features include optional LTE connectivity and built-in GPS as well as built-in sensors to measure your exercise and sleep patterns as well as smartphone notifications and payment options like as Samsung Pay, Google Pay, etc. It’s impossible to find a finer place than this. It’s a great value for the money, especially when you consider all the new features and enhancements.
Of course, everyone has their own personal favourites. If Wear OS 3 or Samsung Health aren’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other options available. Fitbit, Garmin, Mobvoi, and a slew of other manufacturers’ wearables are just some of the options available to you.
Many considerations must be considered while purchasing a smartwatch. Even if this is your first wearable, you’ll want to narrow down a few crucial elements before making a choice. The following are the most important things to consider:
Preferences in terms of size and design
To begin, and this is possibly the most critical step, decide on the watch size you desire. Some watches may be too large or small for your wrist, causing the herd to thin down rapidly if you buy a smaller one instead of a larger one. The Suunto 7 is an excellent example of this.
Aesthetics are also important, of course. After all, you’re still in the market for a watch, and it should match your personal style! A trendy alternative is always an option. In terms of smartwatches for women, the Fitbit Versa 3 and Garmin Vivomove Sport are two of the best options.
If you’re looking for something that’s both attractive and comfy, you may want to look elsewhere. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, for example, has a clean design that runners will appreciate. The Fossil Gen 6 is a great option if you like the notion of a simple design yet prefer something a little more appealing.
Think about the features you specifically require
Among other things, you’ll need to consider features like GPS, exercise and sleep tracking and cellular connectivity. The good news is that finding a watch that does it all isn’t difficult nowadays. However, if you’re looking for a watch with cellular connectivity, your selections will be far more limited. There are only three models on this list with that feature, so the options are slim. This isn’t going to be a deal-breaker for most consumers because not everyone buys a smartwatch to have LTE connectivity.
GPS, exercise tracking, and heart rate monitoring is some of the most prominent functions of today’s smartwatches. You’ll have to decide how important it is to you whether or not your phone has a built-in GPS. There are numerous smartwatches and fitness trackers that have GPS. Using your smartphone as a connected GPS device is possible, but it’s far from ideal.
Trackers have a higher rate of this problem than smartwatches. Fitness trackers that don’t have a built-in GPS are some of the best. On the bright side, most of the Android smartwatches on this list offer built-in GPS functionality.
NFC for mobile payments is another feature we’re seeing more and more of. Most of the wearables featured on this list include it. For example, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music does not have this feature. The reason for this is that the models in question are targeted at a distinct demographic of computer users than the others.
What is your favourite operating system?
When it comes to operating systems, it might be difficult, especially when you have to consider Wear OS 3. When it comes to smartwatches, you may not have a strong opinion on the topic if you’ve never used one before, but it’s something to consider. Your smartphone’s compatibility with your smartwatch is a common worry.
Are Android smartwatches easier and more fluid to use when coupled with Android smartphones? Absolutely. Is that the only element that should be taken into account? That is not always the case. Some Android smartwatches may be used with an iPhone, but be prepared for a few hitches. There may also be certain restrictions, such as not being able to react to a text message from your watch using the quick reply option.
Samsung watch owners have long complained that the Tizen OS doesn’t always do a good job of displaying their notifications on their wrists. As a result, there is a limited number of ways in which they can appear. So, scrolling through alerts on a Wear OS smartwatch may be a little bit easier now. The new Wear OS 3 platform ensures that this won’t be an issue with the Galaxy Watch 4.
Garmin and Fitbit are two of the other smartwatch brands that employ their own operating systems. In some circumstances, there may be a learning curve, but it may be worth it in the long run. Garmin, for example, is a great option if you’re an avid runner who routinely monitors your workouts and other information. FitbitOS, on the other hand, may be more user-friendly and easier to manage for casual athletes.
Is a hybrid smartwatch smart enough?
As a first-time user of hybrid smartwatches, you may question just how intelligent they are. It’s a great combination of a classic wristwatch and some smartwatch features. Avoid purchasing one of these wearables with the expectation of getting high-end functionality. As a result, you won’t find many innovative features in these timepieces.
As an example, the Garmin Vivomove Sport is equipped with several conventional capabilities, such as heart rate monitoring, a basic activity tracker, music controls, and notifications for your smartphone, among others. AMOLED displays, voice assistants, or inbuilt GPS will not be available. It’s a fantastic starting point for those who want a taste of the smartwatch world but don’t want to make a big commitment.
How long will the battery last?
Some people don’t like having to remove their watch every 24 hours to recharge it. Fortunately, this list has a number of multi-day battery life options. The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS, for example, has a dual-layer display that helps increase the battery life.
Battery-saving options are available on certain other models, however, this isn’t always the best option. Instead, a watch like the Fossil Gen 6 may not be as time-consuming to charge when it includes a rapid-charging capability. In the morning while you get ready for the day, simply set your watch to charge and it will have a full charge by the time you’re ready to go out.
Those looking for a watch that will last for at least a week or more need go no further than Garmin or Fitbit. For example, the Garmin Venu 2 Plus has a battery life of nine days, whereas the Fitbit Versa 3 has a battery life of six days.
Which Smartwatch Is For Me In 2022?
The type of Android smartwatch you should buy will be clear once you’ve worked out these important details. It doesn’t matter whatever choice you choose, you’ll be able to track your health and fitness as well as accessorise your outfits with a fun accessory.
To sum up, if you’re looking for the perfect smartwatch for you in 2022, any of the models on this list could be a great choice. Whether you’re looking for excellent fitness tracking functionality, plenty of modern styles or great all-around capabilities, one of these devices is sure to be perfect for you.
Lastly, if you’re an Android smartphone user, you’re going to benefit from choosing an Android smartwatch to pair with it. With these models from the top manufacturers and brands in the industry, you’re certainly assured of excellent fitness tracking, notification support and plenty of other fantastic features that help you to get more done.
Last Updated on March 10, 2022
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