This year’s smartwatches are mostly thin, and large ones are huge.
Unlike previous years, the latest Apple Watch, Google Pixel Watch, and Samsung Galaxy Watch models all sport new looks in their own unique ways. There are also some exciting new health monitoring features.
The new Apple Watch doesn’t need a fancy wristband to differentiate it from last year’s model. I’m sure I’ve never said anything like that before.
Keep in mind that the changes in Apple Watch Series 10 (iOS, starting at $399 for 42mm, $529 as tested 46mm aluminum with LTE) aren’t that big. These are different enough to differentiate at a glance from the Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9, which are virtually indistinguishable.
Of course, Apple isn’t the only electronics manufacturer that maintains a consistent style aesthetic year after year, even as innovations under the hood provide an opportunity to spotlight cutting-edge technology. Google and Samsung probably haven’t changed the look and feel of their watches as much as Apple this year, as they provide bread-and-butter watches.
At the same time, Google and Samsung both added new models to their watch lineups this year. Google has finally added a second larger size with the Google Pixel Watch 3 (Android, starting at $349.99 for 41mm and $399.99 for 45mm, starting at $449.99 and $499.99 when tested at 41mm/45mm with LTE) . It’s what many of us expected. The beginning.
In addition to the familiar-looking Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Android, starting at $299.99, tested with 44mm Wi-Fi only, $329.99), the electronics giant is introducing the Galaxy Watch Ultra (Android, starting at $649.99, tested with 47mm Titanium) Added $649.99). LTE) is an oversized model aimed at adventure enthusiasts, similar to what Apple has done with its Ultra series.
I’ve evaluated all five new devices, two from Google and Samsung, and one from Apple, to one degree or another since their respective launches. That means I spend far more time with my Pixel and Galaxy watches than I do with my Apple Watch Series 10.
One thing to note up front is that it’s not like in the past, when most watch apps supported both iOS and Android. Google Pixel Watch only works on Android phones, but it’s even better on Pixel phones. Similarly, Samsung Galaxy watches are compatible with Android and more features are available on Samsung Galaxy phones. Apple Watch Series 10, like previous versions, only works with iPhone. Therefore, not all of these watches are available to you if you are not willing to change the platform of your smartphone.
That said, all three are very good smartwatches. The Google Pixel Watch 3 feels a little more basic than devices from Apple and Samsung. Apple and Samsung devices come with more attractive watch face options and more attention-grabbing notifications. However, the PW3’s health features are accessible through the familiar Fitbit app, which is an advantage. (Google acquired Fitbit in January 2021.)
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Features
Peak brightness is 2000 nits, bright enough to see in the sun. The Galaxy Watch Ultra, like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 released last year, boasts a peak brightness of 3000 nits.
None of them have long battery life, but the PW3 is noticeably better than the previous generation. The rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra has a much larger battery that lasts 1.5 to 2 times longer than others and features a power-saving mode that extends up to 100 hours between charges. .
All three include full-featured health monitoring. Monitor your sleep, test your EKG, and track your workouts. This year, both Apple and Samsung watches added sleep apnea detection, but the Pixel Watch 3 doesn’t. Google and Samsung both report blood oxygen levels. The Apple Watch has the feature, but due to litigation, models sold after December 31, 2023 will not offer this feature.
apple watch series 10
Apple Watch Series 10 is a little larger, a little lighter, and a little thinner than the S9. If you’re keeping score at home, the digital crown controls on the side are also a bit smaller. And thanks to new display technology, the always-on clock display is even brighter when viewed from the side. Therefore, it is easy to take a quick look at the situation at the time.
pixel watch 3
The Pixel Watch 3’s always-on display is easier to see in sunlight than last year’s. And the larger 45mm watch actually looks like it would fit my wider wrist. Fitbit’s “physical response” alerts flash when it detects stress or excitement. It kicks in quickly, like when you’re having an uncomfortable face-to-face conversation. Almost too fast.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra
Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra both feature the latest biometric sensor complexes, as well as significantly improved accuracy. The new sensor, called the BioActive sensor, also includes a new colored LED that helps identify long-term blood sugar trends in the body, similar to what an A1C blood test reveals. Rather than testing your blood, it monitors your skin for sugar byproducts called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). From what I know about my own a1c results, the AGE index provides a reasonable estimate.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra has some cool new features that will appeal to divers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. But this premium has a lot to offer that will appeal to less adventurous lifestyles as well.
Is it time to buy a new smartwatch?
If you purchased recently, there may not be enough new features here to prompt you to upgrade. There are two exceptions. If you’re a Pixel Watch fan with a large wrist and aren’t used to the smaller model yet. Or, if you’re a fan of the Samsung Galaxy Watch and don’t mind spending the extra money, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a first-of-its-kind watch that lasts a long time and offers new features for sportsmen not found in mainstream watches. A true premium class model.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for your first smartwatch, now is the perfect time to buy one. These are the best watches each company has released in an already stable market. That way, you’ll have a great watch that will last for years to come.
But before choosing a watch, decide whether you like your smartphone or not. Because it will help you a lot in choosing the right smartwatch.
USA TODAY columnist Mike Faybus is president and principal analyst at Faybus Tech, a market research and consulting firm in Scottsdale, Arizona. Please contact mikef@feibustech.com. Follow him on Twitter @MikeFeibus.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
