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55 active deals251,191 commentsAll Smart Watch discounts and offers overview - May 2024
Smartwatches: Keeping You on Track Day and Night
A smartwatch is a computer worn on the wrist. Not only do they tell you the digital time and the date but when linked to an associated app, they perform a multitude of functions depending on their capability - calculating, translating, game playing, navigating, organising, listening, watching, fitness tracking and communicating. In fact, the choice of smartwatch functions expands year on year.
The first digital watch, manufactured by Pulsar (Seiko), appeared in 1972. Development was slow and ten years later and it wasn't until 2013 that smartwatches were matching smartphones in their capabilities. One of the first of these and maybe the most iconic was the Apple Watch, released in early 2015.
This buyer's guide will take you through everything you need to know about what a smartwatch offers, as well as where to find the best smartwatch deals. So read on to find out more.
Smart Watch Review
Buying a new smartwatch can be a big investment so you'll want to choose wisely according to your day-to-day and fitness needs. Reading a few reviews is a good way of comparing different brands and models. Which is always a reliable comparison site. It takes an in-depth look at dozens of smartwatches comparing their functionality, battery life, appearance and useful features. Always up to date with the latest technology is Tom's Guide. Or, if you prefer your reviews in a 'top ten' format then TechRadar is a good source for everything electronic.
The Best-Selling Smartwatch Brands
Here are some top smartwatch and wearables brands that you should check out if you are looking at getting a new smartwatch:
Apple: Apple launched its first smartwatch in 2015 and sales quickly raced ahead of every other brand. It still outsells the combined output of every Swiss watchmaker put together. Apple smartwatches sit at the pricey end of the market and newer models only work with the more recent iPhones so built-in obsolescence can be an issue. The Apple Watch 5 released in 2020 adds a few tweaks to previous models such as a screen that's on all the time, making it easier to actually tell the time. Apple watches are a comfortable size and weight but a downside is that Apple Maps can't compare with Google Maps (yet).
Samsung: A close contender for Apple in the volume of sales and quality, the Samsung Galaxy Watch is part of a range of wearable devices that includes earbuds, fitness bands and smartwatches. The Galaxy Samsung smartwatch has been around for a while and does a lot for its price although it can be a little too rugged and heavy for some wearers. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is neater, lighter, more elegant looking and comes with a choice of wristbands and faces.
Fossil: Launched in America in 1984, the accessories label Fossil created traditional watches that combined style with affordability. It continued this philosophy when it started creating smartwatches. The Fossil Gen5 smartwatch certainly combines good looks (there's a choice of straps and faces) with loads of technology packed into its slimline case.
Fitbit: The Californian-based brand Fitbit is one of the largest names in the world of fitness tracking. Its first product was launched in 2015 followed by the Fitbit Ionic Smartwatch in 2017 and the Fitbit Versa a year later. The latest Fitbit Versa 2 delivers versatile Amazon Alexa functionality while allowing access to a good choice of third-party apps. It still features all the health and fitness tracking that Fitbit built its name and reputation on. One thing it does lack, however, is GPS.
Huawei: The first Huawei smartwatch was launched in 2015. The design of the Huawei smartwatch has been continuously refined, culminating in the Huawei Watch GT2 which was launched in May 2020. The onboard software of this latest product can track over 100 different sports and exercises while a new feature is oxygen saturation monitoring, useful for serious athletes.
Garmin: Founded as a technology company in 1989, Garmin has more recently been competing in the world of smartwatches adding features to newer models such as Bluetooth music playback and pulse-oximetry. Good all-rounders are the Garmin Forerunner and Fenix ranges. The Fenix 6 was launched in the summer of 2019 and is a rugged multisport watch with a solar charging model available.
What to Look for When Choosing a Smartwatch
The final choice of smartwatch, as with any device, is down to personal preference. Do you simply want a fitness smartwatch or a watch with capabilities that match your smartphone? Whichever it is, there are some main common features to consider when making your choice.
- 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.
At a Glance Comparison: Apple Watch 5 vs Huawei Watch GT 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch
Here's a comparison of some of the top smartwatch models currently available:
Apple Watch 5 | Huawei Watch GT2 | Samsung Galaxy Watch | |
OS | Apple WatchOS6 | LiteOS | Tizen OS 3.0 |
Compatibility | iOS | Huawei wearable platform / Android / iOS | Android / iOS |
Processor | Apple S5 64-bit dual-core | Kirin A1 | Exynos 9110 dual core 1.15 GHz |
Display | Touch screen / 1.78" OLED 368 x 448 or 324 x 394 pixels | Touch screen / 1.39" AMOLED 390 x 390 or 454 x 454 pixels | Touch screen / 1.2" or 1.3" Super AMOLED, 360 x 360 pixels |
Onboard Storage | 32GB | 4GB | 4GB |
Battery Life | Up to 36 hours | Up to 24 hours | up to 4 days |
Water Resistance | 50 metres | 50 metres | 50 metres |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE, NFC | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE, NFC |
GPS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Compass | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Dimensions | 34 x 10.74 x 40 cm or 38 x 10.74 x 44 cm | 41.8 x 9.4 x 41.8 cm or 45.9 x 10.7 x 45.9 cm | 41.9 x 12.7 x 45.7 cm or 46 x 13 x 49 cm |
Weight (Without Strap) | 40.6g or 47.8g | 29g or 41g | 41g or 62g |
Colour | White ceramic, gold, silver or space black stainless steel / Gold, silver or space black aluminium | titanium grey and black stainless steel / natural stainless steel | Silver, midnight black, rose gold |
Sensors | Heart rate tracker, accelerometer, barometer, gyro, ECG electrode, ambient light sensor | Heart rate tracker, accelerometer, barometer, gyro | Heart rate tracker, accelerometer, barometer, gyro, ambient light sensor |
How to Connect to a Smart Watch
Instructions for connecting your smartwatch to your phone may vary slightly from model to model and operating device. All new smartwatches come with full instructions. Generally, you need to:
Fully charge your smartwatch and turn it on.
Install the necessary app from the Apple or Google Play Store.
Open the app, select your watch model from the listed options and follow the on-screen instructions.
You may be given a code or word to type in and then asked to click on 'pair' or 'connect'.
You may be asked to agree to terms and conditions.
Continue following the instructions to set the watch's parameters to suit you.
Alternatively, find the smartwatch in your phone's Bluetooth setting and click connect.
Smartwatch Accessories
While you can simply unpack your smartwatch, charge it up and download any apps you want, there are some accessories that help protect it or add extra value to its use.
Screen protectors are ultra-thin slot-on covers that protect the screen of your phone from bumps and scratches. Most brands have screen protectors of their own or buy generic ones from online sites such as Amazon.
Stands such as the Apple Watch Stand keep your watch safe overnight (or during the day) while hiding the charging cable. They can usually be used either vertically or horizontally, letting you access phone features such as FaceTime and Skype while keeping your hands free. You can also get two-in-one stands that hold and charge your tablet as well as your smartwatch.
Watchbands or bracelets come with your watch but you can buy different designs, swapping them around to dress your watch up or down. Some are specifically designed for wearing in the pool while silicon bands have textured backs to give non-slip comfort and airflow while exercising. Most have quick release features for easy changing.
Storage cases are ideal if you travel or lot or have simply built up a watchband collection and want to keep them safely stored together (some have room for 12!). Storage cases come with tough carbon or metal exteriors and soft velvet or foam linings.
FAQs About Smartwatches
Whether a smartwatch is waterproof varies on the brand and watch type and is something you should always check out before buying if this is important to you. If you want a smartwatch to wear while swimming then the Apple 5 and Samsung Galaxy are both good choices.
While the obvious choice here would be the Apple 5, like all Apple products this smartwatch is at the pricier end of the market. Other iPhone compatible smartwatches include the Huawei GT2e, the Fitbit Versa 2, the Samsung Galaxy and the Ticwatch E2.
Unfortunately, no. There's no getting around it if you have an Apple Watch you need an Apple phone.
Linking with Strava is a great way of keeping your hands free and leaving your phone at home while exercising. Most smartwatches can be linked to Strava including Garmin, Fitbit, Samsung and Apple models.
The heart-rate sensor in smartwatches uses PPG or photoplethysmography. Put simply, this projects a green light onto the skin and the light that isn't absorbed by the tissue beneath the skin is reflected back to the sensor. Variations are then measured to calculate the heart rate.
Shopping for your Smartwatch
Smartwatches can be bought on the high street or in shopping centres from the Apple Store, Currys PC World or department stores such as John Lewis while every watch brand has its own online shop. Throughout the year, these stores will have a smart watch sale particularly on Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November. Don't forget, you'll find the best smartwatch deals gathered together in one place at hotukdeals.
No matter what your daily life involves, a smartwatch helps it run smoothly. With a cheap smart watch from hotukdeals you can keep in touch on the move, use its tools for a healthier lifestyle and sport a stylish accessory. On the downside, smartwatches can be expensive and their short battery life can be an issue.
Smartwatch Discounts at hotukdeals
All best smartwatch offers on recent models can be found at hotukdeals, we list every price cut as it’s announced, online or on the high street.