Everything You Need To Know Before Buying A Smartwatch in 2025

Define Your Use Case

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Before diving into features it’s important to understand why you want a smartwatch. The best watch for you will depend on how you plan to use it day to day. Here are four common use cases:

Fitness and Health Tracking

If you’re focused on your health and wellness, choose a watch with:

• Advanced heart rate monitoring
• Sleep and stress tracking
• Workout and sports modes (running, swimming, cycling, etc.)
• Built-in GPS and waterproofing
• SpO2, ECG, or skin temperature sensors (for higher-end health tracking)

Notifications & Productivity

Need help managing a busy schedule or staying connected? Look for:

• Smart notifications (calls, messages, app alerts)
• Voice assistant (Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa)
• Calendar, reminders, and quick replies
• Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Wallet)
• LTE options if you want to leave your phone behind

Style & Everyday Wear

Want a watch that looks good and fits your personal style? Prioritise:

• Sleek design and premium materials (stainless steel, leather straps)
• Multiple size options for better wrist fit
• Customisable watch faces and interchangeable bands
• Slim profile for all-day comfort

Adventure & Outdoor Use

If you’re into hiking, trail running, or off-grid adventures, go rugged:

• Long battery life (up to 2–3 weeks)
• Durable, water- and shock-resistant build
• Offline maps, barometer, compass, altimeter
• Solar charging or extreme weather resistance

Best picks: Garmin Fenix 7, Apple Watch Ultra 2, COROS Vertix 2, Amazfit T-Rex Ultra

Platform Compatibility

Not all smartwatches work equally well with all phones. Some features only unlock when paired with a matching ecosystem — so it’s important to know what’s compatible before you buy.

Here’s how the major platforms stack up:

Apple Watch (watchOS)

• Works with iPhones only
• Not compatible with Android at all.
• Features: iMessage, Siri, Apple Pay
• Limitations: Must be set up with an iPhone — cannot use standalone.

Best for: iPhone users who want a fully integrated Apple experience.

Samsung Galaxy Watch (Wear OS + One UI Watch)

• Works best with: Android especially Samsung phones
• Partially works with: iPhone (older models only, limited support)
• Features: Google services (Maps, Assistant, Play Store) + Samsung features (Samsung Pay, Bixby, Health)
• Limitations: Full functionality – like ECG and blood pressure tracking – may be Samsung only. iPhone compatibility is mostly phased out in recent models.

  Best for: Android users, especially those already using Samsung phones or apps.

  WearOS by Google

• Works with Android and iPhone
• Best experience on Android
• Features: Google Assistant, Maps, Gmail, Calendar, Play Store apps
• Limitations: On iPhones, syncing is slower, and you’ll miss out on features like quick replies or app installations.

Best for: Android users who want Google services on their wrist.

Fitbit 0S (Sense, Versa)

• Works with Android and iPhone
• Features: Health and sleep tracking, stress metrics, voice assistant, long battery life.
• Limitations: Limited apps, fewer smart features; syncing sometimes less reliable on iOS.

Best for: Health-first users who want simple, long-lasting devices.

Garmin OS (Fenix, Forerunner, Venu)

• Works with Android and iPhone
• Features: Advanced fitness and GPS features, long battery life, rugged design
• Limitations: Few smart features; basic notification support only.

Best for: Athletes and adventurers — less ideal for general productivity use.

iPhone user? Stick with Apple Watch for full functionality.

• Samsung phone? Galaxy Watches give you extra perks (like ECG and Samsung Pay).
• Android user (non-Samsung)? Go with Wear OS or Fitbit for broader compatibility.
• Need something simple? Fitbit, Garmin, or Amazfit work well across both platforms

Key Features To Understand

Display Types & Sizes

• AMOLED/Retina: Bright, vibrant colours and deep blacks — ideal for readability and style.
• LCD: Usually found in budget watches; less sharp, but more battery-efficient.
• Always-On Display (AOD): Keeps the screen visible at all times without waking the watch.
• Size matters: Smaller wrists may prefer 40–42mm; larger wrists may suit 44–49mm. Try before buying if possible.

• Heart rate monitor: Standard on most models — tracks resting, active, and recovery heart rates.
• SpO₂ (Blood Oxygen): Useful for general wellness and sleep monitoring.
• ECG (Electrocardiogram): Detects irregular heart rhythms — available on select models like Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, and Fitbit Sense.
• Skin Temperature & Stress Tracking: Found in newer models for added health insights.
• Sleep Tracking: Varies in accuracy — Fitbit, Garmin, and Apple generally lead in this area.

• Built in GPS: Essential for runners, cyclists, and hikers — tracks your route without needing your phone.
• Connected GPS: Uses your phone’s GPS instead — fine for casual users.
• Workout modes: The more, the better — look for auto-detection, HIIT, swimming, yoga, strength training, etc.
• VO2 Max & Recovery Metrics: Common in fitness-first brands like Garmin and Polar.

• Notifications: See texts, calls, calendar alerts, and app messages at a glance.
• Calls & Voice Replies: Available on many mid-to-premium models — often only with Android or iPhone pairing.
• Voice Assistant: Siri (Apple), Google Assistant (Wear OS), Bixby (Samsung).
• Contactless Payments: Apple Pay, Google Wallet, Samsung Pay — depends on model and region.
• Music Playback: On-watch storage (Spotify, Apple Music) or streaming via Bluetooth.

• App stores: Apple Watch and Wear OS support full app stores (maps, calendars, workouts etc)
• Third Party App Support: Varies by platform — Fitbit and Garmin offer fewer apps, but strong native features.
• Ecosystem Syncing: Apple Watch works flawlessly with iPhone. Samsung watches are enhanced by pairing with Galaxy phones. Fitbit integrates well with Google Health now.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery life varies widely around Smartwatches – some last just a day, while others can go a week or more. Daily charging is typical for feature rich models like the Apple Watch or Pixel Watch, especially with always on displays or heavy GPS use. If you prefer less frequent charging, look at options from Garmin, Fitbit, or Amazfit, which can last multiple days even weeks. Many modern watches now support fast charging, giving you a full days power in under an hour. Charging methods also differ: some use magnetic pucks or wireless pads, while others rely on proprietary docks — so be sure to check what’s included in the box.

Design & Comfort

A Smartwatch should look and feel good – especially if you’re wearing it all day. Start it by considering case size (typically 40-49mm) and how it fits your wrist; larger cases suit bigger wrists, while smaller ones are better for comfort and style. Materials also matter: aluminium is lightweight and affordable, stainless steel adds durability and polish and titanium offers strength without extra weight. Most watches come with interchangeable straps so you can swap between silicone for workouts, leather for the office, or metal for a premium look. Lastly, check for water resistance and durability most models are fine for rain or swimming, but rugged watches offer better shock protection and deeper waterproofing for outdoor adventures.

Pricing & Value

Smartwatch pricing varies widely depending on the brand, features and connectivity. Entry level models like the Amazfit Bip or older Fitbit models can start around £40–£80, offering basic fitness tracking and notifications. Mid range options such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch or Fitbit versa typically cost between £120 and £250, with features like GPS, heart rate monitoring and app support. Premium Smartwatches, including the Apple Series 9 or Garmin Fenix models, range from £300 to over £700, offering advanced health tracking, cellular connectivity, and rugged designs. When budgeting, consider your priorities—fitness, style, battery life, or app ecosystem—and don’t forget to factor in potential extras like straps, chargers, or extended warranties.

Best Picks By Category

• Best for iPhone users: Apple Watch Series 9 — seamless integration with iOS, top-tier apps, and health features.
• Best for Android users: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6- excellent compatibility, great design, and robust health tracking.
• Best for Fitness first Smartwatch:Garmin Forerunner 265 — advanced fitness metrics, GPS accuracy, and durability for serious athletes.
• Best all rounder:Fitbit Versa 4 — balanced features, good fitness tracking, and user-friendly interface.
• Best battery life: Amazfit Bip 3 Pro – — up to 14 days of battery, basic smartwatch features, and affordability.
• Best for budget buyers:Huawei Watch Fit 2 — solid features, bright display, and value-for-money price point around £100.

Tips Before You Buy

Here are some essential tips before buying a smartwatch

• Try in store for comfort and size: Make sure the watch feels good on your wrist and the screen size suits you.
• Research software update history: Check how often the brand updates its software to keep your watch running smoothly and securely.
• Read recent customer reviews: Real user feedback can highlight any common issues or standout features.
• Don’t over pay for features you wont use: Focus on what matters most to you – whether its fitness tracking, notifications or battery life – to avoid unnecessary costs.

Future-Proofing Considerations

When investing in a smartwatch, it’s worth thinking beyond the current model. Choose a brand known for long-term software support, like Apple, Samsung, or Google, to ensure your watch stays updated with new features and security patches. Look for models with interchangeable bands and standard strap sizes so you can refresh the style or replace worn parts easily. Consider charging compatibility too — magnetic pucks and USB-C fast chargers are more convenient and widely supported than proprietary cables. Finally, think about ecosystem value: does the watch sync well with your phone, fitness apps, and smart services? A well-integrated smartwatch will stay useful longer and feel more seamless in daily life.

Conclusion

Choosing the right smartwatch comes down to understanding your needs, your phone, and your budget. Whether you want a fitness tracker, a productivity tool, or a stylish everyday companion, there’s a watch out there that fits. Focus on features that match your lifestyle, ensure it’s compatible with your device, and consider long-term value like software support and accessory options. With so many strong choices available — from affordable fitness bands to premium powerhouses — the best smartwatch is the one that fits both your wrist and your routine.