Best smartwatches 2024 – These are the best right now

Smartwatches have gained incredible popularity in recent years, just think of the Apple Watch models, the wilder Garmin sports watches, Samsung's emerging ecosystem, but Xiaomi's Wear OS-based smart watch products are also rocketing forward. However, it doesn't matter whether the gadgets worn on the hands have the knowledge of an activity meter, a sports watch or a real smart watch, sometimes it is especially difficult to navigate between the terms. As in the functionality of individual devices: can they really measure blood pressure? And blood sugar? Can you navigate with them? Do they help solve sleep problems? There are so many possible answers to countless questions, we will try to clarify them in our article.

The RendeljKínait team has been testing sports and smart watches for almost 10 years, we have tried dozens of models and done sports with the gadgets for thousands of kilometers. We will share with you the practical experience gained during use, regardless of brand, price and functionality.

contents

• These are the best smartwatches (2024)
• Activity meter, sports watch, smart bracelet or smart watch?
• Functions of smart watches
• Advantages and disadvantages of smart watches
• How to choose a smart watch for yourself?
• Frequently Asked Questions

These are the best smartwatches (2024)

We selected the smartwatches on our list based on the following criteria:

• many years of own experience
• by testing the ecosystems belonging to the given sport and smart watch
• based on the experiences of our partners
• based on individual research, which is based on domestic and international customer opinions
• based on opinions read in various forums and special groups

If you don't want to overthink the smartwatch story, you're not a true athlete, but your lifestyle is sporty and you're looking for the cheapest but still usable activity monitor, then the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Active is your device. This is the simplest, but not to be underestimated, device on the market, which is proven better by the more than 120 million units that have been sold in total from the 8 generations.

READ THE DETAILED TEST OF THE XIAOMI SMART BAND 8 ACTIVE!

Who we recommend it to

The Xiaomi Smart Band series is the world's best-selling activity monitor. Beginners start with this "smart watch", and it is also perfectly suited for this. This allows you to get to know what an activity meter can do, and then when you get the hang of it, you can move on to more serious solutions. It's true, even this stuff is good for a lot of things, and lasts for a hundred years on a single charge, so it's a really lovable product. Active is the best choice for those looking for the cheapest activity monitor.

You know that

The activity meter display of the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Active has grown quite a lot since the previous 7 generations. It is true that "only" a 1,47-inch LCD panel could fit into this price range, it shows the data, its operating time is 1 week with average use, its dials can be varied, as can its straps, and it promises all kinds of extra functions. Blood oxygen level measurement, sleep monitoring, stress level measurement, smart alarm and heart rate measurement, and this is not even the whole list.

That makes it cool

Whether it's running, cycling, fitness, floorball, golf, walking, snowboarding, tennis or hiking, the activity meter can monitor it all. In addition, it is quite large, deceptively similar to more serious devices, and its appearance perfectly hides its cheapness. It has inherited some sensors from more expensive smartwatches, such as heart rate measurement or step counting, but it doesn't burden anyone with a ton of data that simple users don't even need.

The gold standard of activity meters, the starting point for all wrist-worn smart devices. It is the most popular and trendy device, but in terms of its appearance, it does not represent the sporty line as much as its brother named Active, and it is technologically ahead in many respects.

READ THE 8 DETAILED TESTS OF THE XIAOMI SMART BAND!

Who we recommend it to

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is a good choice for those who don't want to spend too much on the topic of smart watches and can do with a little more than the minimum. The 1,62-inch AMOLED display has a very nice image, refreshes at 60 Hz and the image diagonal is larger than in the case of the Active. A real all-rounder, for both young and old.

You know that

As with all activity trackers, this one also gets the basics right. Blood oxygen level measurement, sleep monitoring, stress level measurement, smart alarm, heart rate measurement, so pretty much everything that is sufficient for an average person. Its operating time is 2 weeks, so you won't stress much about charging. It supports 150 sports modes, which is such an incredibly high number that almost everyone will find one they like.

That makes it cool

The activity meter supports Pebble mode, which means that you can not only hang it on your wrist, but you can also attach it to your shoes with a speco accessory. This will come in handy for runners, as the device also monitors which part of your hooves hits the ground. Among the 200 different clock faces, there are also some that have hidden simple games, which you can use to pass the time.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is nothing but the previous two models on steroids. Here, everything is a little bigger, the display has grown, there are more sensors, the look is more mature, and the smart accessory that dances on the border between smartwatches and activity meters is a little better in everything.

READ THE DETAILED TEST OF THE XIAOMI SMART BAND 8 PRO!

Who we recommend it to

If you don't want to carry your phone with you, but want satellite route tracking on a 336×480 pixel, 1,74-inch AMOLED display, you'll love this activity tracker. You won't get lost in the complicated details, but you still get quite a lot of extras from a relatively serious device created by the cooperation of Amazfit and Xiaomi.

You know that

Satellite route tracking is the gateway to more serious devices, of which this activity meter supports 5 systems. It can also monitor tons of sports, i.e. 150, it is water resistant up to 5 ATM and it also lasts for 14 days on a single charge, if you don't strain it too much. For playing sports, this display is already quite clear, with a brightness of 600 nits, so it remains clearly visible even in sunlight.

That makes it cool

It looks much more serious than the cheaper devices, practically you get a watch with a rectangular face with rounded corners, in excellent quality. It can be enhanced with all kinds of metal straps, so you can have a really grown-up activity monitor that looks like a smart watch. If you are looking for the best activity monitor, this is the product for you.

Moving further up the imaginary ladder, beyond smart watches and activity meters, there is the latest representative of Xiaomi's sub-brand, the Redmi Watch 4. It already shines with pure sports watch virtues, with an excellent price/value ratio.

Who we recommend it to

The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 is a closed-system smartwatch that not only looks like it, but also is. Aluminum housing, plastic strap, physical button control next to the 2-inch touch-sensitive display. It's crazy, and it looks like it.

You know that

The 2-inch display is not only good for this reason, because it is informative and has a lot of data - e.g. the messages – it fits on it, but a huge battery can also be hidden behind such a large panel. Its display is always active, but dynamically changes between 5 and 60 Hz image refresh for energy saving reasons. Tons of sensors already help here - GPS, light meter, accelerometer, gyroscope - in the accurate measurement of activity and sports data.

That makes it cool

Microphone-speaker combo, cool enough? With this smart watch you can already make phone calls, in Knight Rider form. Water resistant up to 5 ATM, swimming is a breeze. It also measures heart rate and blood oxygen level, but the altimeter and barometer, the thermometer, the accelerometer, the compass and the hardware supporting the 5-satellite system were not left out.

Amazfit is in the strange situation of producing devices for Xiaomi as well, and under its own brand name, but even among these, the legendary GTR/GTS series stands out. Here we are talking about two smart watches, the first one is round, the second one is square format.

Who we recommend it to

This smartwatch is a true Swiss army knife. It is not only good for measuring sports activities, but also for playing music, as it has a built-in storage and a WiFi connection. This is the first real alternative on our list for those who don't want to take their mobile with them to sports.

You know that

Indispensable functions at this level are the microphone and the speaker, through which you can also make phone calls. Most of the countless dials are interactive, meaning you can activate speed dials by pressing the widgets, which returns more detailed information. And on the sensor front, you get roughly the same - heart rate, blood oxygen level, light measurement, barometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, GPS, and so on - as in the case of similarly priced devices. The tour is not a problem either, it also handles route files with GPX extension, so it shows where you have been.

That makes it cool

The Amazfit GTS 4 is a sporty smartwatch whose shape is inspired by the Apple Watch, fortunately without its price tag. I think the square GTS is better than the GTR version, because the dial makes much better use of the user interface, the messages are also displayed better and you can reply to them. The Amazfit menu is also entirely in Hungarian, as is the app. On the smartwatch, you can also set whether you wear it on your right or left hand.

Xiaomi also launched a smart watch of its own development, called Xiaomi Watch, which was equipped with all kinds of rough extras. It's a true mid-range device, which in our opinion is one of the no-compromise products due to Wear OS that you don't have to pay a fortune for.

Who we recommend it to

If you need a genuine Xiaomi smart watch that excels in everything, that supports a lot of sports, plays music, can pay with NFC, and is Wi-Fi, then you are looking for this product. Not incidentally, it even looks hot, which is not incidental for a smart device that can also be used as jewelry.

You know that

The Xiaomi Watch 2 is a smart watch that simulates a traditional watch shape and has an AMOLED display. The list of functions is quite brutal, in addition to all kinds of sports, you can also make phone calls with the watch, and you can even request an eSIM for the Watch 2 Pro version, so you practically don't need a phone for this.

That makes it cool

The watch runs Wear OS, a system open to apps available in Google Play, which means it's a full-fledged smart watch. You can install applications on it, add functions to the menus and remove them, that is, the interface can be brutally customized. In addition, the Mi Fitness account can be connected to Strava, Google Fit, Suunto account, so you can freely share your data on the platforms. If you are looking for a versatile smart watch, take home the Xiaomi Watch 2 from the Xiaomi smart watch range.

The 4th series of the Huawei Watch is a true design fashion, sports and smart watch, if such a concept exists. The attractive design and several variants - 41 and 46 mm - cater to the tastes of both sexes, and at this price you can flash serious things.

READ THE DETAILED TEST OF THE HUAWEI WATCH GT 4!

Who we recommend it to

For those who don't mind that the Huawei Watch GT 4 system is closed, so we have to give up on expanding the functions, in return you get a stable, very fast and basically smartly selected dump of options from the manufacturer. The look is enhanced not only with the smaller and larger watch body, the countless straps and the 25! can be varied with different dials.

You know that

Huawei's smart watch is on par with its competitors: GPS, phone calls, back-up storage for music and files, 100 different training modes, including water sports, quite detailed notification management, but it can even make the water vibrate.

That makes it cool

They didn't skimp on the sensors in this smart watch either, GPS, pulse and blood oxygen level measurement, but it even displays air pressure if needed. The data measured by the sensors can be used for many things, for example, whether you are in an aerobic or anaerobic state. It measures your stress level, monitors your sleep and records them in the Huawei Health application. Although Huawei's range of smart watches is very wide, you can't go wrong with the Watch GT 4.

We have been drooling over the Garmin Vívoactive series for a long time, with which the manufacturer was able to combine its traditional sports watch with smart watch functions. It is also an excellent tool for everyday life, in which you can find everything important.

Who we recommend it to

For those who are very important to sports and approach smartwatches from this direction, but still need a ton of comfort functions and appreciate Garmin's decades of experience, with which k9zel has polished their devices to perfection.

You know that

The Garmin Vívoactive 5 is no longer a sports smart watch with a transflective MIP display like the previous models of the series, as the manufacturer switched to an AMOLED display for this model. Much nicer colors, AOD function, hardcore fans and a bunch of other smart watches remain in the company's offer. The GPS accuracy of the Garmins is better than average, as are the data transfer options. It also has Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, ANT, which means you can pay with it, and you can also connect different sensors to it, such as a heart rate strap.

That makes it cool

True to the company's philosophy, this is a rather sporty smartwatch, but since it supports the playback of music from its own storage and you can also pay with NFC, the mobile phone can stay at home. If you need a üdcsi from the store, you can also arrange it with him, but the more serious training tracking is not left out, as well as the sharing of data. Of course, it displays the measured data in countless forms, and since it supports a lot of sports, you can do without analyzing the data for a while, which is also helped by Garmin Coach.

The Almás company launched the Apple Watch SE series in order to have an entry-level smart watch in its ecosystem. It is one of the cheapest models in the company's lineup, but its knowledge is still brutal, only a few functions have been omitted compared to its more expensive brothers.

Who we recommend it to

If you don't want to buy the Apple Watch 9 or Ultra, but your phone is connected to the Apple ecosystem, the Watch SE is the ideal choice. The aluminum-cased product is available in two sizes – 40 and 44 mm – and has a digital crown for easier control. The design is clean, as befits the products of the Cupertino company.

You know that

The Apple Watch SE is the not-so-sporty line - that's where the Ultra is - that is, the smartwatch intended for everyday use has been upgraded with sporty functions. A sea of ​​sensors awaits you, heart rate measurement, NFC for payment using Apple Pay, WiFi and Bluetooth connection, waterproof up to 5 ATM, you can play music on it and I could list more. Unfortunately, the EKG, temperature meter, and pulse oximeter are typical of the larger models, but this is an acceptable loss in exchange for the much lower price.

That makes it cool

It would be enough to say that this is an Apple product, the performance of which is never a problem, the S8 processor moves the system perfectly, the user experience is excellent. The display is called Retina OLED LTPO with 1000 nits, which is visible in all conditions. If you have an iPhone and don't want to spend on larger models, take this smartwatch home.

The South Korean manufacturer has been competing for the title of the best smartwatch for a long time, and it also launches quite premium devices on the market. These really fit into Samsung's ecosystem, and some of their models also hold their own against the current coolness of the Apple Watch.

Who we recommend it to

If you have a Samsung phone, you're looking in the right place, because similar to Apple, Samsung is keeping the reins around its own ecosystem ever tighter. However, please note that their products can only be used with Android phones. The series consists of the 40-44 mm Watch 6 and the 43-47 mm Classic - this one has a rotating bezel - so the models can be easily adjusted to hand size and style, and they are also water resistant up to 5 ATM.

You know that

One particularly useful function is wireless charging, you no longer need to fiddle with individual cables. ECG and blood pressure measurement are also state-of-the-art technology with Samsung phones, and you can customize the clock face, which greatly influences the appearance of the Super AMOLED display, and put shortcuts on them. Music playback and electronic payments are basic, and thanks to the muscular Exynos chip, the performance is flawless.

That makes it cool

The Galaxy Watch 6 is available in two versions, both of which have a microphone and a speaker, but you can request an eSIM in the LTE version, so you can make calls with it, even without a mobile phone. Measuring body composition is also a pretty cool thing, for which you otherwise need either expensive tests or a precise smart scale. Those who need all of this should take home the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 from Samsung's smart watch range.

Garmin's Forerunner is perhaps the most legendary series, the top model of which is the 965, a favorite of running fanatics, but of course a watch with such a price can do almost everything there is to do with sports and other conveniences.

Who we recommend it to

Primarily sports lovers, but of course nowadays a top sports and smart watch not only has to serve such needs, but you can also have the functions for everyday life "on board". We also recommend it to those who are not averse to sporty colors and materials, for example the lemon yellow version has become quite wild.

You know that

A full-blooded Garmin smartwatch that knows almost everything when it comes to running, but unlike the Fenix ​​series, instead of a transflective display, the Forerunner 965 has an AMOLED panel, which as usual is complemented by tons of sensors. Of course, you can pay electronically with it, you can listen to music, it manages all the accessories in the world, runs color maps, shows altitude and this is only the tip of the iceberg, the official website lists hundreds of options.

That makes it cool

Garmin is very open about two things: the accuracy of sensors and the operating time of sports watches. Two-channel GPS support so that you never lose track, it measures training readiness, load, you can choose triathlon and multisport profiles, all of which are assisted by 5 programmable buttons, on which you can put quick start functions. In some modes, the smart watch lasts up to 23 days on a single charge, but it can also monitor a Kinizsi hundred with its 31-hour GPS operating time. In addition, Garmin has always been a world champion in data post-processing.

FIND OUR OTHER SMARTWATCH TESTS ON THIS LINK

Activity meter, sports watch, smart bracelet or smart watch?

Most people use the above concepts as synonyms, even though there was a significant difference between the individual categories in the beginning. Of course, today the functionality has partially blurred the sets and because of this we simply match everything with a smart watch indicator. Nevertheless, we think it is worth distinguishing between them, if only because they are very different in terms of price and operating principle.

What is an activity meter?

The activity meter is a device with reduced functionality that can be worn on the wrist, shoes or other places, with which activities related to daily activity can be monitored. Typically, this means the number of steps, heart rate, simpler sports activities, sleep data, and in the case of ladies, tracking the menstrual cycle. Activity trackers are synonymous with smart bracelets and fitness bracelets, they all mean the same thing. Their set of sensors is limited, they usually include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, possibly a temperature gauge, and sometimes GPS.

Of course, most activity meters are also equipped with additional functions, such as message reception, flashlight, calculator, music control, and more. One outstanding feature of activity meters is their extremely long operating time, and another is their low price. Since their display is relatively small, they can operate very economically, which is why they can be used for weeks on a single charge. The iconic representative of the segment is the Xiaomi Smart band, which is currently in its 8th generation and has sold tens of millions of units. The products of the Galaxy Fit, Honor Band and Fitbit Charge series are also popular.

What is a sports watch?

The sports watch, as you can guess from its name, is a watch that was basically invented to support sports. In general, activity meters and sports watches are separated by the presence of satellite navigation and extended functionality. In recent years, sports watches have split into two large groups: "all-round" fashion devices that support general sports activities and target devices for certain sports, the best-known representatives of the latter being Garmin products.

A sports watch usually supports countless sports, has an expanded set of sensors for activity meters - light sensor, altitude and air pressure, possibly temperature meter - is capable of satellite navigation, handles map files - e.g. GPX - and the measured sports data can be loaded into data processing software offered by 3rd parties, such as Strava or TrainingPeaks. They are also capable of countless other functions: NFC-based payment, music playback from your own backup storage, and we could go on and on. The operating time of sports watches is usually measured in GPS time.

What is a smart watch?

Smartwatches are mostly devices that run an Android-based or other versatile operating system specially optimized for the device. Their essence is that applications can be installed on them in the same way as on a telephone, so their functionality can be expanded freely. Their disadvantages include the fact that it is quite resource-intensive to run the apps, so their operating time is usually no longer than 1-2 days, and the clock display is not the most perfect interface for managing all programs.

Despite the above, since people use the word smart watch as a colloquial term and apply it to virtually all devices indiscriminately, we will also refer to the products as such.

Functions of smart watches

Smartwatches have countless functions that you would not even think of, or that do not work as the name suggests. There are also many misconceptions, for example, can such smart devices measure blood sugar or not? What is their actual operating time, twenty-eight hours or a few dozen days? The lines below will answer all of these.

Can the appearance of smart watches be varied?

Smartwatches are not only sophisticated measuring devices and gadgets that support sports activities, but also fashionable accessories, and some of them can even be considered jewelry, which is why their appearance is not unimportant. In order to suit representatives of all genders, they are usually produced in several sizes - 40, 42, 46, 48 mm in circumference - and with casings of various shapes and straps. The straps can be varied freely, most are 16 or 20 mm wide and are connected to the watch body with a quick release, which can be released with one movement, but there are also special versions. In general, it can be said that:

• watch cases with a diameter of 40-42 mm or smaller are usually for women, those larger than this are for men's wrists
• the leather strap is elegant, but it gets old and dirty, a set lasts 1-1,5 years and should not be taken to a wet environment
• the silicone strap is sporty, but the skin under it can burn and cause redness or scarring, but it withstands sweat and water well
• the fabric belt conveys a more relaxed style and is also breathable but absorbs moisture
• the metal strap also creates an elegant, jewel-like effect, and such watches are typically more expensive. It can pull the hair, and the skin can become red or scarred

In addition to the accessories that change the physical design, there are also software dials, usually every smart watch has hundreds of them, they can be freely changed, and newer ones can be downloaded. In the case of many smart watches, quick buttons can be placed on the dial, behind which functions can be assigned.

Accessories that can be connected to the smart watch

Smart watches are usually prepared to communicate with external devices. For this, either Bluetooth or ANT+ connection is used, through which data is transferred. It is surprising how many things are covered, but I will list a few without claiming to be complete:

• earphones and headphones: smartwatches that can store music can connect to such devices
• chest strap: heart rate is also measured, but not by plethysmography, but by ECG, the latter being more accurate
• power meter: it is also called a power meter in English, a feature of more expensive watches, it mainly measures the power delivered during cycling

Can a smartwatch only be worn on the wrist?

Basically, yes, but some models can be unclipped from their straps and can be attached to your pike with the help of a holder that can be attached to a shoelace.

How accurate is step counting?

Almost all smartwatches measure a little inaccurately. Basically, the number of steps is also calculated from the movement of the wrists, that is, it is assumed that your hands are moving because you have just taken a step. If you didn't try to beat them - for example by waving your wrist - you usually hit the step count within a 10% deviation range.

Heart rate monitoring of smart watches

Smart watches determine your heart rate using the PPG, or plethysmography, method. This means nothing more than that they illuminate the capillaries in your skin with one or more optical LED and photodiode sensors and determine your pulse based on the light reflections and absorptions resulting from the dynamics of the blood flowing in your veins. The incoming data is processed by an algorithm and the heart rate is deduced from the pulsation of the blood. Newer sensors are quite accurate, with a deviation of around 5% at rest. Under load, the standard deviation can be larger, and according to our experience, they slowly follow the change in heart rate.

It enables more accurate and faster tracking if you connect a chest strap to your smartwatch. Such an accessory detects the electrical impulses associated with the heartbeat, but for this the sensor must be moistened so that there is a conductive surface between the skin and the device. It is often said that such devices are as accurate as an EKG, or electrocardiograph.

Why do you need to measure your heart rate?

Because the heart rate is the basis for the load and sports performance in the case of many sports, this is usually called HZT, or heart rate-based training. Running is typically like this, where the heart rate determines whether you are in an aerobic or anaerobic range.

ECG function for smart watches

The ECG is nothing but the abbreviation of the electrocardiograph – the electrocardiogram is the curve recorded by such devices – that is, smart watches with the ECG function are able to follow the heart rhythm and draw a curve from it, as well as display the pulse. In contrast to blood pressure and blood sugar measurement discussed below, the ECG function has been available for years in the services of major manufacturers - such as Samsung and Apple - and these in the USA official authorization procedure also went through.

Blood oxygen level measurement with a smart watch

Also known as measuring VO2 Max. In the case of blood oxygen measurement, watches do nothing more than check how high the level of oxygen is in the blood. The technology is very similar to what the devices available in the pharmacy, which cost a few thousand forints and can be clipped to the end of the finger, can do. It is important to note that smartwatches are not medical diagnostic devices, they only provide informative information about this type of body data.

Blood pressure smart watches - Do they exist?

Smart watches basically measure blood pressure using two methods. One of them is PPG, also discussed in the heart rate tracking section of smart watches. The other is oscillometry, which measures the vibrations created by blood flowing through the arteries on the smartwatch.

However, smart watches are not medical devices, and these technologies cannot be used for authentic measurements, and regulatory organizations, including the American FDA, have not accredited such functions. It's no coincidence that the function has been promised for years in the hundreds of thousands of HUF Apple Watches, but it hasn't been implemented, so the segment of blood pressure smartwatches is a quagmire, to put it mildly.

Measuring blood sugar level with smart watches - Is it possible?

In the case of traditional devices, blood sugar measurement is an invasive procedure, that is, a needle is inserted into a part of the body - usually the fingertip - and then the person's blood sugar level is determined from the drop of blood that comes out.

Some watch manufacturers claim that their smartwatches can detect blood sugar levels non-invasively. In 2023, Huawei announced in connection with the Watch 4 series of smart watches that it will have some kind of hyperglycemia - this is the official name for high blood sugar - testing function, and Apple has a proof-of-concept, i.e. a model proving feasibility, on the subject, and they also filed patents, but even they did not launch a product with such a service on the market.

Non-invasive blood glucose measurement would make the lives of millions easier if there really were a smart watch that could reliably prove that their measured values ​​are real. However, so far, to the best of our knowledge, no such feature has been introduced in any major manufacturer's repertoire, and we've never come across a device where it actually worked. We are also not aware of any authorities that have accredited such technology. Measuring blood sugar levels is even more difficult for smart watches than measuring blood pressure.

Stress level measurement with a smart watch

The stress reaction typically has physical symptoms. Faster heartbeat, sweating, tremors, poorer sleep quality and more. In theory, smartwatches may even be able to measure these, but their accuracy is very difficult to test. It's a nice additional piece of information, but it shouldn't be given too much importance.

Tracking your sleep cycle with a smart watch

Activity meters and smart watches have been able to track the sleep cycle for years. This is typically based on how much we move in our sleep, what our heart rate is, what time of day it is, and whether we get up in the middle of the night. Smartwatches have all kinds of sensors available for measurement, as they have a PPG sensor, an accelerometer, and an algorithm that processes the data.

According to our experience, smart watches can already accurately show when we are awake and when we are not, but to provide sufficiently accurate data, medical diagnostic devices are required. The smart watch is not like this and cannot replace them, so anyone who has sleep disorders or other sleep disorders should consult a doctor about these!

Distance measurement with satellite systems

The common name for satellite systems is GPS, which is actually the name of the American positioning system. A more serious smartwatch typically has multiple positioning systems – GLONASS, BEIDOU, Galileo, etc. - can also join. Such devices measure the distance significantly more accurately than devices that "guess" the distance traveled based on the number of steps. The latter is typical for activity meters. Satellite positioning can be done through several channels, in which sports and smart watches are considered more accurate, but they are more expensive.

Bluetooth and WiFi connection of smart watches

All smartwatches have Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity, or both. The BT module is even in the activity meters, the data is communicated through it, and the additional devices also communicate through it. The WiFi modem is typically the property of the more expensive models, it enables much faster, large amounts of data transmission, and the use of more advanced functions also requires greater bandwidth.

Smart watches with backup storage

The more modern and more expensive smart watch models have dedicated backup storage. This means that if you connect their charger to a PC, the hard drive will appear in the menu of the operating system, and you can copy or download files there. Many watches also support a BT or WiFi-based connection, in which case there is no need to physically connect the watch to the computer. What good is the dedicated backup of smart watches, without claiming to be complete:

• a prerequisite for playing music
• you can upload the navigation files here
• for general data storage
• real smartwatches install their apps here
• they store training data, which can be transferred to the app for later data processing

Map-based navigation with a smart watch

Some smartwatches that have storage can handle map files, usually in GPX format. In this case, the route plan of the map file appears on the smart watch's display, typically supplemented with the marking of the north direction. You can also assign different alarms to the trail map of the hiking route, for example, if you deviate from it, the smart watch will alert you with vibration and sound.

Music control or music playback?

In the case of smartwatches, the two concepts are often mixed up, so it is worth clarifying which one means what. Music control is a software function - like camera control - and does nothing but make certain functions of your mobile phone's music player applications - for example, forward and backward - available on your smartwatch. These devices are NOT capable of playing music independently, but they are able to access files on the phone's storage and control playback.

Playing music is a much more complex process. In this case, the smart watch can play the music stored on its own external storage with the help of a software that handles audio files. It does not require a phone, and such devices can always be connected to earphones or headphones. Dedicated storage usually makes smartwatches significantly more expensive.

NFC-based, electronic payment with smart watch

Smart watches that have an NFC chip are capable of contactless payments. For this, they have to store your bank card data on the software side, which requires an electronic payment solution on the side of the device and software manufacturers - Google Pay, Apple Pay, Xiaomi Pay, Garmin Pay, etc. – and also on the website of your bank or financial service provider, who must accept the online transaction.

Display of smart watches

One of the selling points of smart watches is the display. In general, the most important parameters are the following:

• what technology does the display use (AMOLED, LCD, etc.)
• what is the resolution, pixel density and brightness
• what is its shape (round or rectangle)

The display technology of smart watches

Nowadays, the most fashionable displays use AMOLED technology. Infinite contrast ratio, very nice colors, often a phone-like image, and eye candy functions such as Always On Display. AMOLED technology also has its drawbacks, one of which is that the panel is relatively expensive, and the other is that it must have a sufficiently high brightness to be usable even in sunlight, unlike, say, the transflective display mentioned below.

The other type is LCD, which is a liquid crystal technology and has two variants: transmissive and transflective. In the first case, the display is illuminated from behind, so that the active segments become visible. The biggest disadvantage of the technology is low brightness, but it is cheap and, surprisingly, even serious manufacturers use it in their older models. In the case of transflective LCD, a partially transparent, light-reflective film is placed behind the glass, which reflects the sun's rays and ambient light. The more the sun shines, the more the content "lights up" on the display, the older Amazfit Stratos smart watches mostly used this technology, but it is also found in the Garmin range.

Resolution and pixel density of smartwatches

The resolution determines how many rows and columns the display of a smart watch consists of. The higher this value, the more detailed the displayed image will be. Pixel density tells you how many pixels have been packed into a given area, usually expressed in pixels per inch.

The shape of smartwatches

The shape of smartwatches is not only a matter of design. There are the round ones imitating a traditional watch, the square with rounded corners and the strip-like displays, the latter of which are mostly typical of activity meters. Rounded pieces are the most traditional, messages usually appear in a square in the middle of them.

On the other hand, square or rectangular ones with rounded corners can accommodate several rows of the same length, which is why they are more suitable for receiving and sending messages, and it is easier to program editable clock faces for them. And the strip-like ones are usually found on the cheaper solutions, where the less user-friendly shape is offset by the price.

Sensor set for smart watches

Smart watches use a sea of ​​sensors to measure different data:

• accelerometer, which is used to monitor hand movements, for example
• gyroscope, which is used to measure the rotation of the wrist
• compass, which is used to determine the north direction
• barometric sensor, which measures air pressure and determines altitude
• thermometer
• light sensor, which automatically controls the brightness of the display
• PPG sensor for measuring heart rate and blood oxygen level
• GPS, which is a positioning system
• if they have a SIM or eSIM card, they can also use the location data of mobile towers and make phone calls with them

What is the real operating time of smart watches and how is this measured?

Manufacturers usually provide several operating hours for their products. Typically, these include standard values ​​adjusted for average and frugal use, such as X number of messages, Y minutes of active screen and Z minutes of sports. Almost every smart watch has an energy-saving mode, which is good for companies to display a poster data, but almost no one uses their smart watch in this way.

In the case of more serious sports watches, the operating time specified by the manufacturer is not usually taken as a basis, but rather the GPS time, i.e. the value until which the sports watch remains operational even with the satellite navigation switched on, this is usually 20-40 hours.

Processing of smart watch data with external software

Countless sports and smart watches can transmit their data to external processing software. Some of them are actually social platforms that bring together athletes - like Strava, the "running Facebook", some of them are training support software like TrainingPeaks, but there are also relatively simple applications that support a healthy lifestyle, like Google Fitness. Of course, every major brand has its own system. Some of the most popular are:

• Strava
• adidas Runtastic
• Asics Runkeeper
• Nike +
• polarbeat
• Sportstracker
• WahooFitness
• training peaks
• Google Fitness

What software does the smartwatch run on?

The two best-known smartwatch operating systems are Apple's WatchOS and Google's Wear OS. All other manufacturers run some kind of unique, closed operating system on their watches, which can usually not be modified or only limited, for example by uploading new watch faces. Of course, this does not mean that they cannot connect to Android phones without any problems - or if they have an iOS application, to that as well - with the help of an application. For example, Xiaomi has been using Mi Fitness - Xiaomi Wear - for years, while Xiaomi's close Amazfit uses Zepp.

What is the smart watch application good for?

Smartwatches can store their data in two places: in their own memory or downloaded to the application on the phone. In the first place, only a few days' worth of data is usually stored, and that is only until you restart the device or synchronize it to your phone, to the application, from where it is actually sent to the cloud with the help of an account. You can almost always review the statistics that can be viewed for several months in the phone application, while real-time data is provided by the smart watch during daily activities or sports.

Another interesting thing is that the monitoring of some sports can be started and parameterized not only from the side of the smart watch, but also from the applications.

Advantages and disadvantages of smart watches

It is not by chance that smart watches enjoy unbroken popularity, as they have countless advantages. However, we must not ignore the disadvantages either, we will now take them one by one.

Advantages of smart watches:

• you can pay electronically with them without a bank card
• you can listen to music with them without a phone
• ideal companions for sports and training
• they can be worn as jewelry or as an accessory with clothes
• they can also be used to receive and send messages
• which has a microphone and speaker, you can use them to make phone calls
• of course, they also show the time and date
• are suitable for navigation
• their appearance can be customized thanks to the watch faces
• smartwatches with AMOLED displays have the Always on Display function, which simulates traditional watches

Disadvantages of smartwatches:

• some sports and smart watch models can be quite expensive
• certain substances can irritate the hands, the skin can become red or sore
• leather straps do not last more than 1-1,5 years
• talking on the phone for hours is not the most convenient
• smartwatches are not certified medical instruments, the measured data must be handled on the spot
• some smartwatch models are tied to an ecosystem (such as Apple Watch)

How to choose a smart watch for yourself?

The sports and smartwatch market offers an amazingly wide range, and the same is true of the price ranges. From HUF 10 to hundreds of thousands of HUF devices, you can get all kinds of devices, so it really doesn't matter what you choose for yourself. In this regard, we have accumulated quite a lot of experience over the past years, so we would like to share a few rules of thumb with you:

• If this will be your first such product, you should start with a cheap activity meter to test whether you like this world.
• Although the exterior is apparently secondary, if you have the opportunity, borrow one or go to a store and try on the chosen one, especially if it is available in several sizes (then order it online, because it is cheaper and there is a 14-day cancellation period :D).
• Brand name is important, but not everything! If you don't need too many extra functions, you might be better off with a still famous but cheaper product, it's no coincidence that more than 120 million Xiaomi Smart Bands have been sold! piece
• Don't decide based on accessories! Straps and cases are a penny item compared to the price of the smart watch, as are the watch cover plastics, you can change them at any time.
• Always look for a smartwatch for your goals and not your desires. If you want to do sports, then look among the sports watches, but if you don't push anything like that hardcore, then a much simpler designer smart watch made for general use or an activity meter will also do.
• It really doesn't matter what kind of display a smart watch has and how bright it is. If you use it outdoors a lot, choose a model with a high-brightness display.
• Some smart watch brands allow custom firmware to be loaded onto their devices, such as some Amazfit models.
• If you hike a lot, always look at the GPS time when operating, not the values ​​specified for general use.
• If you are a sports fan, NFC-based payment or music playback from the backup will still come in handy.
• If you exchange a lot of messages, look for a watch with which you can not only receive but also reply to them.
• You can only make phone calls with the rather expensive smart watch models, but even with them it is quite impractical, especially on public transport, so it should not be the deciding factor.
• In the case of Apple Watch, think in terms of an ecosystem, if you don't have an Apple phone, it's better to look for another model.
• There may be a difference between the models intended for each region, it is typically worth buying a global version.
• Not all smart watches support the Hungarian language on the device side, if this is important, look for it separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What smartwatch should I buy?

The most frequently asked question. Basically, you have to determine for yourself what activity you are looking for a smartwatch for. It is worth writing down the aspects in a file or on a piece of paper, this helps to crystallize the thoughts and narrow down the tools that can be considered. If you are only looking for a watch to monitor your daily activity, do not buy a special sports watch, because it is completely unnecessary, on the other hand, if you are focused on a single sport, there are specific devices for this purpose. And Apple users are best off with an Apple Watch. It is also a good solution if you determine a fixed amount and buy the model you like best from the amount.

Which is the best smartwatch?

The answer is which to whom. As we discussed in the previous question, who needs what varies. If only functionality is taken into account, more expensive smartwatches almost always know more, so it is likely that one of the top Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Huawei Watch Ultimate, Google-owned Fitbit or one of the sports watch manufacturers - Garmin, Polar, Suunto - will take the throne. his model could sit on the throne.

What is the best smartwatch for women? And the best smartwatch for men?

The women's smartwatch/men's smartwatch topic often comes up as a topic among readers, and not by chance. Although we have not yet come across such statistics as to which types are preferred by representatives of each gender, following common sense, the following can be emphasized during the selection process:

• lighter and smaller watch bodies - 36-42 mm - look better on thinner wrists, larger ones - 42-48 mm - on thicker ones
• there is also a very wide selection of watch bands, representatives of both sexes can choose as they wish
• almost all smart watch manufacturers take care to produce watch bodies of different sizes, materials and looks from the same model
• there are functions specifically for women, such as tracking the menstrual cycle, these are more suitable for women's smartwatches
• certain sports are also played in greater numbers by representatives of each gender, their support can also be a weighty element during selection

What is the best smartwatch for the elderly?

Many concerned relatives want to find the best smartwatch for their elderly loved ones. As they say, when someone becomes a senior, they "enter their second childhood", where some abilities are no longer the same as when they were younger. In light of this, consumers prefer smartwatches that:

• its large, easy-to-read display
• it has a menu in Hungarian
• it has a vibration function if something on the screen is not readable
• its functionality is simplified
• it has some kind of positioning system, and an alarm if the wearer leaves a certain circle
• it can be used to make an emergency call (SOS function).
• indicates if an accident (e.g. fall) occurs
• you can call him
• possibly capable of speed dialing using buttons
• can measure health data - pulse, blood pressure
• indicates with an alarm that the medication has been taken
• the watch can withstand creasing, be waterproof, and do not need to be taken off during various activities (showering, washing dishes, etc.)
• you can share your data with family members through your application

The above parameters can only be fulfilled by special devices designed specifically for this purpose - these are also called senior smart watches - but a significant part of the functions are also fulfilled by smart watches from major manufacturers.

Is a smart watch with a Hungarian menu available on the market?

This is also a frequently asked question, fortunately the answer is yes, there are countless smart watches available with a Hungarian menu. In the case of most devices, the language must be selected when pairing the smart watch with the phone, the more serious manufacturers - Xiaomi, Amazfit, Samsung, Huawei, Honor, Apple, Garmin, etc. - all of its devices can speak Hungarian, just as the application on the phone also supports the Hungarian language, in the vast majority of cases.

Smart watch for kids

Parents usually go in two directions when they want to buy a smart watch for their children: there are devices that specifically monitor the children's situation and those that the children use to monitor their daily activities. In the first case, the "child's smart watch" contains GPS and a SIM card, which can be used to report location or even conduct telephone conversations, so parents can always rest assured that the little one is safe.

If the goal is for the offspring to monitor their own activities, then it is worth moving from the cheaper devices to the more expensive ones, so that you can see whether the lurkers are using the stuff or not, how much they depreciate, and if they are proven, they can be higher step.

Which is the cheapest but still usable device?

The cheapest activity meters can be found for less than HUF 10, however, we do not recommend buying models from "noname" manufacturers. They usually return unreliable data and are full of software bugs. Fortunately, the cheapest model of Xiaomi's current Mi Smart Band series is also so cheap that it is not worth wasting your time on non-existent competitors.

What accessories come with a smart watch?

In the box of smart watches, you usually find a set of watch straps and a special charger with a USB end, but you usually have to buy the case that protects the body of the watch separately.

How to change the strap on the smart watch?

Relatively simple. The width of the straps is usually standard, the thinner ones are 16 mm, the thicker ones are 20 mm, and most of them have a quick release that allows them to be released from the watch body. Of course, there are unique solutions that differ from the previous ones, but fortunately there are countless aftermarket models as well.

How long can a smartwatch last on a single charge?

It basically depends on the usage. Manufacturers provide several data for this, but they are calibrated to average usage, which includes a given number of minutes of screen time, a given number of message receptions, and the like. The majority of smart watches can withstand a day's average use without any problems, but sports watches and activity meters can withstand much more than that.

Do you need a mobile phone to use the smartwatch?

In most cases, yes. For example, the first step for the devices of the Xiaomi Smart Band or the Apple Watch series is to connect them to the corresponding applications. However, there are cheaper devices that have limited functionality on their own.

Can I charge a smart watch with a traditional USB mobile charger?

Basically yes. The charger of smart watches always has a standard USB-A/Type-C or similar connector on one end, while on the other side there is either a pad suitable for wireless charging or a special multi-pin connector. That's not why it's worth losing it either, because you can typically only use a charger specially made for the given smart watch.

How well do smartwatches withstand creasing?

It depends on their design. The body of the watch is usually made of some kind of metal or resistant plastic, most of which are scratch-resistant. The glass usually gets Corning Gorilla Glass surface hardening, while the straps are relatively easy to replace if damaged. However, you should be careful not to hit the smartwatch against hard objects.

Can I put a SIM card in the smart watch?

If they have been prepared for this, yes, they usually accept a micro SIM, that is, a nano SIM will also go in, with an adapter. Some watches can also be equipped with an eSIM, which is nothing more than a virtual SIM card profile that can be downloaded to a phone or smart watch, if one is available from your service provider.

Can you make phone calls with a smart watch?

With those smart watch models that have a microphone and a speaker, you can also make calls received by the mobile phone. In order for a smart watch to be able to do this independently, it must accept a SIM card or have an eSIM function.

How does the smart watch calculate the distance data if it does not have GPS?

It is relatively simple, either by guessing based on the number of steps or using the satellite receiver of your mobile phone.

What smartwatch should you buy for sports?

If you are an athlete, almost anything is suitable, most smart watches support dozens of popular sports and recognize quite a few automatically. On the other hand, if you are doing something on a more serious level, then the models of a company that specifically manufactures sports watches - Garmin, Polar, Suunto - will come into question.

What sports watch should I buy for running?

According to public opinion, the Garmin ForeRunner models are the best for this, but I have also run many half marathons and 30 kilometers at large running festivals with Amazfit Stratos. The point is that the sports watch should have a sufficiently long GPS operating time, manage a route, support a heart rate chest strap and be able to load music, which is useful as motivation.

What sports watch should I buy for hiking?

In fact, anything that manages route files, and as an addition, it is good if the smartwatch is equipped with an altitude and temperature sensor.

What smartwatch should I buy for cycling?

Basically, most watches support cycling. Two additional sensors are usually connected to such devices, one is a heart rate chest strap, the other is a power meter.

Are smartwatches waterproof?

Each manufacturer indicates this separately in the description of the smart watch. Usually the IP67/IP68 or 5/10 ATM designation is used. Let's break things down a bit:

• IP67: it can be rained on, water can be poured on it, it can be immersed in water for a few seconds, but you cannot swim with it, nor can it be exposed to hot water (e.g. during a shower), in other words: "drop-proof".
• IP68: this means "waterproof", it can be immersed in water for 30 minutes, to a depth of 1-3 meters.
• 5 ATM: The watch can withstand 5 atmospheres of water pressure, static water column pressure and other unchanged conditions. You can swim during these hours. A static water column approximately 5 meters high generates a pressure of 50 ATM.
• 10 ATM: means the same as 5 ATM, only with higher pressure, i.e. suitable for swimming and water sports, but not for high-level diving.

What smartwatch should I buy for swimming or water sports?

Based on the above, you can swim for longer periods of time in sports or smart watches that can withstand 5 ATM water pressure or more.

What is ANT+ compatibility?

It is a wireless data transmission standard with lower energy requirements than Bluetooth. If the smart watch supports it, there is a good chance that external sensors - such as a heart rate strap - can be connected to it.

Where do I share my sports results?

Perhaps the most well-known platform for this is Strava, which is also called the "running Facebook", but of course all major manufacturers have similar software.

How reliable are body data measured by smart watches?

We must point out that sports and smart watches are not medical devices, nor can they replace them. The measured data are only informative, but they can already measure pulse and blood oxygen level quite accurately, and in the case of some smartwatches, the authority has also accredited an ECG function. At the time of writing, none of the watches can reliably measure blood sugar and blood pressure!

Is it possible to reply to incoming messages with the smart watch?

By default, sports and smart watches only receive incoming messages, and even the simplest activity meters only indicate that a message has arrived, nothing else. In the case of more serious – and at the same time more expensive – watches, you can either reply with predefined messages or write actual messages.

Why does a smartwatch have a touchscreen and buttons?

Most smartwatches for general use have touchscreens. However, this works well when the temperature is ideal, the hands are neither too dry nor too wet, it's not raining and I could go on and on. However, some functions of sports and smartwatches with physical buttons always need to be reached, and with sweaty hands, for example, this would be quite difficult on a touch screen. Therefore, in the case of more serious watches, up to 5 buttons are available for which you can set individual functions.

What do we call a bezel for smart watches?

The bezel is nothing more than a rotatable ring around a display, and this function was inherited from more serious mechanical watches. It can be a physical ring or a haptic feedback one, where you can imitate the rotation with the tips of your fingers, in which case the vibration of the motors creates a feeling as if you are rotating a mechanical structure.

If you couldn't find one of your questions in the FAQ, or if we didn't have a clear answer, then contact us at one of our contact numbers listed on the page or on Facebook. To the best of our knowledge, we try to answer all questions about smartwatches!

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