Smartwatches are quickly becoming an essential item for navigating the modern world. They offer unparalleled convenience, making them a perfect match for our fast-paced lives. Wearing a smartwatch is like having an assistant on your wrist that helps you stay on top of your schedule, monitors health and fitness, and keeps you connected with instant notifications.
It’s incredible what we’ve managed to pack into a tiny screen, huh? From the behemoth ENIAC in 1945 that took up an entire room just to do calculations, to today's sleek smart watches that effortlessly perform complex tasks, technology has advanced leaps and bounds. These compact devices not only handle calculations but also track your daily activities, manage health monitoring, and some even act as independent phones.
Our curated list of top smartwatches for 2024 will help you select the perfect companion for your lifestyle. And for those focusing more on fitness, don't miss our rundown of the Top Fitness Trackers in New Zealand too. Before we dive into our top picks, let's discuss some key considerations to keep in mind when weighing up your options.
How to Choose a Smart Watch
When choosing a smartwatch, there are a few factors you want to consider. These include:
Compatibility: Your smartwatch will need to communicate with your smartphone to function, so this one is important. Ensure the smartwatch is compatible with your smartphone's operating system. For example, an Apple Watch is only compatible with an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy is only compatible with Android, and there are some that are compatible with both!
Features: The first thing to consider is the primary use of your smartwatch, such as fitness tracking, communication, or productivity. From there, you can identify what type of features will be important to you! If fitness is a priority, you'll want to keep an eye out for a watch that has ample fitness features; on the other hand, if productivity is a priority, you'll want to ensure the smartwatch has built-in features to support this or that it allows third-party apps.
Price: Price can vary greatly from smartwatch to smartwatch. A pricier smartwatch will often have enhanced features, better build quality, and generally more to offer. However, choosing the best of the best isn't always the most practical option, especially if you won't be using all of the extra features. Price is something to keep in mind, but ultimately, should be weighed up alongside other factors.
Communication: All smartwatches have Bluetooth connectivity, allowing them to connect to your phone to send/receive messages, take phone calls, stream music, and so on. If you want the ability to do this without your phone on you, look out for a smartwatch that offers 4G/cellular connectivity.
Design: Beyond functionality, the design is something else to consider when choosing a smartwatch. Things to consider include shape, material, colour, and most importantly, size. If you don't like the chunky look or have small wrists, you'll want to ensure you don't pick a smartwatch that's oversized. Some smartwatches are naturally more slim and sleek, others are naturally chunkier, and some offer different watch face options so you can choose one that fits you and your style best!
1. Apple Watch Series 10
Best for iPhone
Display: 1.6/1.8" OLED | Battery Life: 18 Hours | IP Rating: IP6X | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS
Whether or not you’re an Apple fan, there’s no denying that the Apple Watch series is one of the best options when it comes to smartwatches, and the Apple Watch 10 is definitely the best one yet! The Apple Watch is known for its excellent performance, fantastic app selection, and ample health and tracking features; and Series 10 is more powerful than ever, thanks to the new S10 SIP which increases performance and capabilities. The newer Series 10 comes in a 46mm or 42mm size, compared to the Series 9 which came in 45mm or 41mm. Apple has also introduced a depth gauge (to 6m), and a water temperature sensor, among other new features.
The area the Apple Watch falls behind the rest of the pack is with its battery life. Apple promises 18 hours, though you could probably stretch this a bit if you’re using it lightly (battery life is 36 hours in low-power mode). If you plan to use your smartwatch for sleep tracking, you’ll either have to stick to charging your watch during the day, or you might want to consider another watch on this list. If this isn’t a deal-breaker though and price isn’t a concern, the Apple Watch Series 10 is a great choice! If you're an Apple fan who is after a more affordable option, check out the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen). While the build isn't as premium and it has fewer features, for many users, it offers all of the necessary features you would need for half the price of the Watch 10.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch7
Best for Android
Display: 1.47" Super AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 30 Hours (AOD on) | IP Rating: IP68 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
Samsung’s flagship - the Galaxy Watch7 - is one of the best smartwatches money can buy for Android users. With a big feature list, an excellent OS, and an attractive design, it’s easy to see why. It combines smartphone-level productivity with leading health technology, all in one premium and sleek device. The Watch7 is available in a 40mm and 44mm case size, sporting a classic circular screen. It has a floating glass design complete with that satisfying mechanical click, and the overall size has shrunk since previous generations making it slimmer, lighter, and overall more comfortable.
Galaxy Watch 7 brings Galaxy AI with it, and this means users will get access to a range of new features, like Galaxy AI-powered health insights. The new 3nm processor really packs a punch and promises much better performance, with a side of optimal efficiency. Another feature that has received an upgrade is the BioActive sensor which now tracks things like your heart rate, sleep patterns, and more, with greater precision than ever before. The Galaxy Watch7 is packed with health and fitness-related features and if that's the kind of thing you're after, then it's unlikely that you'll be disappointed.
When it comes to battery life, you’ll get up to 30 hours of battery life (with AOD on). Considering how top-spec this smartwatch is, that’s pretty reasonable; but if you’re after a smartwatch that’ll go longer without a charge, you should consider the Galaxy Watch Ultra which is a more premium option.
3. Xiaomi Watch 2
Display: 1.43" AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 65 Hours | IP Rating: 5ATM Water Resistant | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GNSS, NFC
If you're a fan of the round watch face but don't have the budget for a Galaxy Watch, the Xiaomi Watch 2 offers an excellent alternative that sports a fantastic design and extensive health and sleep tracking, all while being comparatively affordable. Taking it up a notch from their line of fitness trackers, Xiaomi's Watch 2 offers an all-new smart experience, powered by Google’s Wear OS. The Watch 2 sports a 1.43” AMOLED Display with up to 600 nits brightness, and a 326 PPI resolution. Without the strap, the watch weighs 36.8g.
Under the hood, it packs a Snapdragon® W5+ Gen 1 processor, which delivers a great blend of performance and efficiency. You can get up to 65 hours of use time (during typical use) and the watch takes approximately 45 minutes to charge back up to full power. Xiaomi has included a wide range of sensors, including an optical heart rate sensor and a gyroscope sensor. The Snapdragon processor powers a 5-system dual-band GNSS, ensuring you get accurate tracking on your runs. The Watch 2 also supports more than 160 sports modes, meaning you can pretty much do anything for exercise, and have the watch support you as you go. This includes situations where your watch may get wet, with the Watch 2’s 5ATM Water Resistance rating making sure you don’t have to worry, whether you're working out in the rain, or even swimming.
4. Fitbit Sense 2
Best for Health
Display: 1.5" AMOLED | Battery Life: 6+ Days | IP Rating: Up to 50m water resistant | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC
The Fitbit Sense 2 isn't just a regular smart watch. It's a smart watch that's designed to enhance your overall health and well-being by helping you manage stress, sleep better, and live a healthier lifestyle. As Fitbit's most advanced health and fitness smartwatch, it's packed full of health tools and features to help you stay on top of your mind, body, and health. Plus, it has a sleek and slim design that's not only comfortable for all-day wear, but looks good too!
Alongside your usual smart watch features, such as notifications for calls, texts, calendar events and apps, the Sense 2 features fantastic tracking tools that help you steamline your daily routines. This includes a heart health tracker, SpO2 level detector, sleep and stress tracking, built-in GPS, fitnes tracking, and more! Plus, with Fitbit Premium, you can enjoy even more health benefits. Using data about your body, you'll receive personalised insights and recommendations to help you sleep better, reduce stress, and be your best. With an experience this personalised, it's easier to stay motivated and make progress with your health goals. The Fitbit Sense 2 is compatible with both Android and iOS, and is a fantastic option for those who prioritise their health and well-being!
5. Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro/GT 5
Great for an Active Lifestyle
Display: 1.43" AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 2 Weeks | IP Rating: IP69K, 5ATM Water Resistant
Huawei’s new GT 5 Pro and GT 5 are the latest additions to their GT line-up. While these watches may not get you from 0-60 in sub 3 seconds like some of their Porsche namesakes, they are a great companion for active individuals. The GT 5 Pro comes in a 42mm or 46mm size, while the GT 5 is offered in 41mm or 46mm. The GT 5 Pro 46mm is a great premium option, although those who are on a budget should check out some of Huawei’s other new options which come in at a lower price.
Whether you spend your weekends running to the local café or diving to the depths of the sea, the GT 5 Pro 46mm and its 13 new watch face themes will be right there with you. It has a wide range of sensors so you can stay on top of your health and offers advanced run-focused features alongside an IP69K rating. Its high IP rating literally means it can withstand intensive cleaning via high-pressure, high-temperature jets. To put it simply, this is a very strong watch that isn’t scared of sharks, with up to 40m diving capabilities. For those who are scared of sharks though, stay dry on land and enjoy the GT 5 Pro’s excellent run tracking. It has a plethora of features that runners will love, such as form analysis monitors which aid you with tips on enhancing form and preventing injury. You won’t get injured running to the charger though, as the GT 5 Pro 46mm has up to 14 days of battery life.
Arguably the best thing about Huawei’s GT 5 Pro line-up is the sleek look. These gorgeous timepieces look just as good as a regular luxury watch, so if you happen to be on one of the more than 15,000 golf courses in its database, you can ensure you stay looking fresh. Huawei does cater to all watch enthusiasts though. The GT 5 is the obvious choice for those wanting to go for something with a lower pricetag. It comes in a 41mm and 46mm size and offers many of the same features, with some exceptions which is to be expected for a more budget-friendly option. For those seeking even more luxury - check out the Huawei Watch Ultimate for a truly premium option. Or try the Huawei Watch D2 if you like that more typical smartwatch look.
6. Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active
Best Value
Display: 2" AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 18 Days | IP Rating: 5ATM Water Resistant | Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS
Xiaomi has recently released its Redmi Watch 5 Active, and if the predecessors are anything to go off of, the Redmi Watch 5 is a total winner for this category! Like almost every Xiaomi product, the Redmi Watch 5 Active delivers incredible value for money, so we just had to add it to this list. The Redmi Watch 5 is an all-rounder that delivers in every area. It has a stylish and fashionable design, featuring a 2" LCD display that’s crisp and bright (even in sunlight) with a metallic finish. The straps are minimalist but look elegant and are designed with comfort in mind.
The Watch 5 Active offers Bluetooth calling, with dual-mic noise reduction for flexible calls on the go. It also has an abundance of health features, like 24-hour heart rate monitoring and all-day blood and stress monitoring. While it does have a 5ATM water resistance, it should be noted the Redmi Watch 5 Active doesn't have recording options for water sports. It does however have 140+ workout modes, so if you're on land and looking for a watch to aid your exercise routine, then you won't have to worry.
Battery life is another area where the Redmi Watch 5 Active totally kicks ass. You’ll get 18 days of battery life on a single charge; this is perfect for those who don’t want the extra hassle of having to charge up your smartwatch regularly. It should be noted that this is also way more usage time than much more premium options. You don't get the same premium options, but if you're not after that, then the battery life on the Watch 5 Active is very impressive. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a solid, no-frills smartwatch at an affordable price, you won’t do much better than the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active.
We hope this list helped you choose out the best smart watch for you. What are you waiting for? Check out our range of smart watches here. If you're looking for a more affordable option, check out our list of the Top Fitness Trackers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a smartwatch worth buying?
Smartwatches can be game-changers for busy lives, offering convenience (notifications, music control), fitness and health tracking (workouts, heart rate, sleep), and organisation (schedules, to-dos) all on your wrist. If these things matter to you, then yes, a smartwatch can definitely help to simplify your life and enhance your daily routine, making them a great investment!
What is the best brand for smartwatches?
There are many great smartwatch brands on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. We've included what we consider to be top brands in NZ in this article.. Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
What smartwatch is the best value for money?
The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 offers incredible value for money! It is at least half the price of other top smartwatches on this list, all while offering a fairly similar feature set. This includes health and fitness tracking features, built-in GPS, Bluetooth connectivity so you can receive calls and notifications, and a whopping 18 days of battery life!
Can I leave my phone at home and use my smartwatch?
It depends on the smartwatch you have and what you want to do with it. Some smartwatches, like the Apple Watch 10 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch7, offer options that include LTE/cellular connectivity, which means you can make and receive calls and texts without your phone. Other smartwatches, however, require a Bluetooth connection to your phone to receive calls and notifications. So if you want to use features like notifications, GPS, or music streaming, you'll need to have your phone with you.
What is the most popular smartwatch?
Based on recent market research, the Apple Watch holds the title of the most common smartwatch. It consistently holds a significant share of the market, particularly due to its popularity among iPhone users.
1 comment
JohnH184
How comfortable are the straps on the Mi? They look like the rubber band-like material I've written for other purposes which would always painfully pull at the hairs on my wrist. I'm hoping that's not the case here
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