Looking for a way to improve your exercise regime? Want the convenience of having access to your data right away?
Owning a smartwatch is a sign that you’re keeping up with the latest trends while improving your health. Depending on the model you choose, it can double as your watch and smartphone, so you can save time by accessing everything on your wrist. That means no more hunting for the phone among seat cushions and messy desks.
But like any device, it may not suit your lifestyle. We’ll help you to answer the burning question, “Are smartwatches worth it?” by providing the pros and cons, so you decide if it’s a product you need.
What is a Smartwatch?
An analog watch keeps track of the time. A digital watch also keeps track of the time, but has a few additional features, including setting alarms and timing activities.
A smartwatch is more advanced. It can tell the time, and it contains a sophisticated computer. A smartwatch has a touchscreen watch face with many app icons. The generic apps available on the smartwatch include:
- Weather
- Clock
- Calendar
- Text messages
- Phone
- Maps
While you can receive emails and social media notifications, it’s a device that supports exercise and health since it runs heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and fitness tracking apps. The smartwatch is sometimes called a sports watch or an exercise smartwatch.
The battery life of a smartwatch depends on the brand name and the programs the user utilizes on the watch. Battery life can last from several hours to over a month. Be prepared to see a longer battery life reflected in the price.
Types of Watches
You will find many models on the market with different features at their core, including:
- Bluetooth connection and smartphone compatibility
- WiFi and/or internet
- Cellular functionality
- Fitness tracking
The differences between the models will be explained in the following section.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Smartwatch?
Buying a new smartwatch the first time isn’t quite as simple as you may think. While the watch technology was limited when it first came out, companies and consumers have since identified essential features that are desirable in a smartwatch. Today, there are many models to choose from as a result.
AdvantagesSmartwatches with WiFi and internet offer the convenience and all of the capabilities found on a laptop, tablet, and phone. You can play music, watch videos, and more while on the go.
If your smartwatch is a standalone and has cellular functionality (i.e. it doesn’t need a smartphone to function and uses micro SIM cards), then you can text and call using your watch, provided that you insert the SIM card beforehand.
Because this type of smartwatch can do almost everything a smartphone is able to do, it lets you perform tasks with free hands. No more having to hold your phone in your hand as you wait for the bus. And you’re much less likely to forget your watch in a public place since it’s attached to you.
Fitness Models
Some models are designed to be fitness trackers to provide athletes with crucial information through:
- Step counting
- Distance covered
- Calories burned
- Heart rate
- Pulse rate
- Sleep
Using a smartwatch as your fitness tracker saves you from having to buy a second device that performs only that function.
If fitness tracking features are what you want in a smartwatch, make sure you choose a model that is waterproof. Waterproof watches are the mainstream now, so you won’t have to leave your expensive device unprotected since you can swim or take a shower while wearing it. Remember, “water-resistant” does not mean that water won’t damage the device.
Disadvantages
Smartwatches with WiFi aren’t perfect. Some buildings may be made with materials that block WiFi signals or other WiFi signals may interfere with your tasks, which means you’ll have to wait to send messages or receive smart notifications.
Models with Smartphone Compatibility
Many smartwatches are categorized as accessories for smartphones. This means that you need a smartphone if you want to buy a certain model of smartwatch. And if you buy a smartwatch, it needs to be compatible with the version of phone you have. Purchasing requires research to find the right watch and possibly spending more money to ensure compatibility.
When buying a smartwatch with smartphone compatibility, the data is inputted into the phone and then sent over a Bluetooth connection to the watch. This function requires the watch to be within the phone’s range. So, while you may dictate or write emails on your smartwatch, the messages won’t send unless the watch is connected to your smartphone.
All of these watches require support from the company if you experience technical difficulties. But smartwatches are like computers with evolving technology, meaning companies will stop providing support at some point and release newer versions.
Wearables are the Future
Did you know that the number of smart homes in the world is expected to reach 482,8 million by 2025? Virtual assistants, such as Siri and Alexa, help people with everyday tasks from cooking to finding out about the weather forecast. With more and more technology being introduced on the market, the future is looking like a Philip K. Dick novel with smartwatches, smart glasses, and other wearables being created.
Are smartwatches worth buying? There are so many models that answer the needs of different individuals, so it’s definitely something tech-savvy individuals should consider.
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