Smart Watch

What to Look for When Choosing a Smartwatch

• Size and Style

  Modern smartwatches come in an endless array of sizes and styles. If you want your smartwatch to take you from work to the gym and out on the town, you'll want either a neutral design or a watch with interchangeable bracelets. Do you like small neat designs or a larger watch with an interface that can be read at a glance? Remember, that larger watches will also be heavier. Will it be comfortable enough to wear around the clock?

• OS Compatibility

  Smartwatches pair up with smartphones so operating systems and compatibility are important. An Apple Watch only works with iPhones while others such as Garmin and Samsung can be either an iOS or Android smartwatch once a companion app has been installed onto your phone. Speaking of apps, the OS of your smartwatch also determines the number and type of apps you can access. While a few apps are seriously useful many aren't, so this consideration shouldn't be so high on your list as basic compatibility.

• Battery Life

  Battery life has always been an issue with smartwatches but things have improved considerably in recent years. The latest Apple watches should deliver two full days of battery life while others should give you five days from one charge depending on the features you have active. Generally, the more features the watch has or that you choose to activate, the more often you'll need to charge it. A full charge usually takes around three to four hours, so it's a good idea to plan it into your daily routine.

• Fitness Tracking

  Many people invest in their first smartwatch as part of a new get-fit programme. At the very least, your smartwatch should be able to count your steps, monitor your calories and keep track of your workouts. Many newer models also have built-in heart rate monitors. GPS is useful for mapping runs, rides and swims while some can also track variations in your heart rate as well as estimate your blood oxygen and, even your stress levels!

• Communication

  Another advantage of smartwatches is being able to communicate without always having to use your phone. At a basic level, you can see who is calling and the start of text messages so you know whether to respond instantly or not. With some smartwatches, you can send short text messages while others let you answer calls directly from your wrist using the watch's internal microphone providing your phone is nearby. Some higher-end and more expensive models let you receive and make calls even if your phone is switched off or nowhere near. Ideal if you like to keep in touch while running or cycling.

• Music

  If you like to jog, cycle or workout to your favourite soundtrack then some smartwatches can store music which you listen to through wireless earbuds. Others, that can't store music onboard, still have music controls so you can switch tracks or turn the volume up and down without needing to get your phone out of your bag.

• NFC

  You're out on your jog or on your way home from work and you suddenly get a coffee craving. If your smartwatch supports NFC (near-field communication), you don't need to get out your wallet or carry cash with you. You add your credit or debit card to your phone wallet and link it to your smartwatch meaning you can use it to make in-store contactless payments. Apple watches use Apple Pay, Samsungs use Samsung Pay while Fitbit and Garmin have their own pay versions. Others link up to Google Pay.