We have multiple wearable options than ever before. However, not all of them are ‘smart’ though they are called one.
Most so-called smartwatches on the market are essentially fitness trackers with a watch-like design. They only offer a few basic smart features.
Wearables running on Google’s Wear OS and Apple’s watchOS are probably the only feature-packed smartwatches out there. Though it is easy to track and compare Apple Watches, we cannot say the same for the watches booting Wear OS.
At Google I/O 2021, the search giant announced Wear OS 3.0. The latest version of Wear OS brings much-awaited improvements. But unfortunately, it is only available on a select few products despite being going official more than one and a half years ago.
It is recommended to invest in a smartwatch running Wear OS 3.0. But since it is found on limited models, it is difficult to choose between them. Also, most people are not aware of the new Wear OS and they end up buying the wearables booting the older software.
Thus, we have compiled this buying guide to help you out. We have listed the best Wear OS smartwatches that you can buy right now without any hesitation.
Best Wear OS Smartwatches
Table of Contents
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5: The Wear OS Watches for Everyone
The Galaxy Watch 4 was introduced as the first watch to boot Wear OS 3.0 with One UI skin in 2021. Whereas, its successor, Galaxy Watch 5, was released a few months back.
The two wearables are almost identical with three differences. The latest model houses a larger battery, charges faster, and features a body temperature sensor.
Apart from endurance, they are basically one and the same. Hence, if you cannot afford the Galaxy Watch 5, the last year’s Galaxy Watch 4 is still a good option as it is available at heavy discounts frequently worldwide.
It is worth noting that certain features of Galaxy Watches can be only used on Samsung Galaxy smartphones, especially flagship models. Additionally, features like Samsung Pay, ECG, and blood pressure monitoring are limited to select regions due to regulatory reasons.
Both generations arrive in two sizes (40mm and 44mm) and in a cellular (LTE) variant. The Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 5 officially start at $250 and $280, respectively. But they can be had for at a lower price, especially the older model depending on the availability of deals in your region.
Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition: The Samsung Alternative
For some reason, if you don’t like the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 5, the only other alternative with Wear OS 3.0 at around the same price is the newly released Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition.
The latest Fossil smartwatch is almost the same as the Fossil Gen 6. It just comes with a different casing and Wear OS 3.0. Though the latest version of Wear OS is now available for the older Gen 6, we don’t recommend it as users are reporting multiple issues.
The Fossil watch carries an official price tag of $300, which is more than that of Samsung watches. Despite that, it does not offer features like ECG and blood pressure monitoring.
Interestingly, there’s no support for Google Assistant either. You will have to rely on Amazon Alexa for voice commands.
Feature-wise, the Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition does not seem like a better deal than Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5. But sad to say, it is the only best Samsung alternative in the same price segment.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Endurance and Durability
If you are a power user who prefers endurance and durability, then the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is the one for you. It is more expensive than the regular Galaxy Watch 5 at $450 but it is worth the price for the targeted audience.
The pro model has all the features of the vanilla model and some more. It comes with a titanium casing instead of aluminum. The wearable has a different design with a thicker body and comes in a single 45mm size. It also has a unique magnetic strap.
In addition to the IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro also has a MIL-STD-810H rating for durability. Most importantly, it houses a 590mAh battery, which is almost double the size of the 284mAh battery inside the 40mm version of the non-pro model.
Thanks to its larger battery, Samsung lets you import GPS routes for outdoor activities like cycling and trekking. As per the company, you can squeeze up to 80 hours of battery life (mixed usage).
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