2019 can be considered a good year for smartwatches. Not only did we see the upgraded versions of various smartwatches from well known brands, but also a shift in the focus from fitness bands to their timepiece counterparts.
Following six smartwatches, in no order, are the best ones this year.
Apple Watch Series 5
Apple went with a minor upgrade to the last year's product with the introduction of Watch Series 5. Series 4 and Series 3 were kept on sale at reduced prices. The noteworthy change in Series 5 is the presence of an always-on display, which the Android counterparts were already featuring. Other features included new ceramic and titanium casing options, and an improved software interface. An optional LTE model is also a plus.
Fitbit Versa 2
Fitbit has made quite a dent in the fitness wearables market due to its light-weight, good-looking devices with a neat interface. Versa 2 leads that charge with an improved battery and display, and Amazon Alexa support. There is no dedicated LTE or GPS yet.
Now that Google has taken over Fitbit, one expected change in Versa 3 (or will it be Pixel Watch?) will be the presence of Google Assistant instead of Amazon Alexa.
Fossil Gen 5
If you are not stuck into the Apple ecosystem, Fossil is the go-to brand since it is one of the biggest manufacturers to use Google Wear OS on its smartwatches. Being a veteran watch maker, they know how to design a good watch, and the added smart features make the product irresistible. When compared to Gen 4, the latest model supports customizable battery settings. Other features include dedicated GPS, heart rate tracking, and sleep tracking. Access to Google Assistant is a bonus.
Garmin Fenix 6
Garmin is known to produce smartwatches targeting the adventure enthusiasts, and their latest model, the Fenix 6, does the same. When compared with Fenix 5, there are no noteworthy upgrades except easier battery management and improved tracking technologies. Some models in the Fenix 6 series also come in a bigger size than their predecessors.
Huawei Watch GT 2
The major upgrade Huawei has brought in the latest model of its smartwatch is the support for Bluetooth calling via an in-built speaker and microphone. While its predecessor could only notify about an incoming call, the GT 2 lets you take it in hands-free mode. It runs on the in-house Kirin A1 chipset and allows music storage on the watch itself. Underwater heart rate monitoring is also possible. With two sizes and colored bands, the Watch GT 2 is a worthy upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
The standout feature on Samsung 's Galaxy Watch Active2 is the touch-sensitive bezel that allows for easier navigation. Add to it an LTE option and a variety of colors and cases, and you've got yourself a worthy smartwatch. It runs on the proprietary One UI, having ditched the Wear OS some time ago.
Which one do you own?
Ankit writes code for a living. He reviews gadgets and books in his free time, and believes in the magical power of a strong cup of coffee.
