Which Smartwatch Should I Buy?

MJ101 on 15/11/2017 - 12:05
Last edited 15/11/2017 - 12:23

Hi Ozbarginers,

I am planning to buy a smartwatch in the next few weeks and there are a lot of options to choose from. I need your help to choose.

I will use the watch all day so the look is important when I am at work. Also, I will use it for fitness (running, gym…etc.)

I have a Sony XZ Android phone but I have the option to upgrade my phone plan and choose iPhone (although I rather not).

I mostly like the round shape but I am open to suggestions. I am happy to spend around $500.

Can anyone suggest one?

Many thanks.

Poll Options

  • 11
    Samsung Gear S3
  • 5
    Other
  • 4
    Apple Watch Series 3
  • 1
    Huawei Watch 2
  • 1
    Asus ZenWatch 3
  • 0
    LG Watch Style
  • 0
    Garmin Vivoactive 3
Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • pennypincher98 on 15/11/2017 - 12:17

    have the option to upgrade to an iPhone

    Sorry come again?

    Smartwatch

    Also, it depends on what you are after. Don't forget the 2 models of the S3 though - frontier and classic. Although in a sense there is only one as the frontier is so much better.

    I have the frontier and love it, just one annoying bone to pick with it. Whenever you go to call someone, you are holding the phone up to your ear hearing it dialling until you pick up and then it goes to your watch. Not hard to switch back, but enough to make me disable Bluetooth while calling; especially if calling the bank etc.

    What do you actually want to use it for? Just gym? If so, why bother about getting the rest of the features/

    • MJ101 on 15/11/2017 - 12:22

      I mean upgrade my phone plan… haha. But I really don't want to as I have been using Android forever.

      I like to use it more for work. Notifications are important as I am in meetings almost all day and like to have something coming through my watch rather than the phone. Easier to check I guess.

      I think exercise is one aspect that I want to use it for as well. I go to gym but not as often as I would like so it won't be my main use.

      And thanks for your input.

      • pennypincher98 on 15/11/2017 - 12:27

        important as I am in meetings almost all day

        Ah, not stereotyping but you might appreciate the classic better. It's buttons stick out a bit more and in my opinion are more suited to business people, those in meetings etc
        Awesome advantage is you can have it vibrate on your wrist before the notification shows, so you just have to look down (and it still looks like you are paying attention) - also with the S3 it turns off when it detects your eyes aren't on it anymore, or when you move/roll your wrist.

        Your welcome, here is some more input for you :)

        BTW - don't move to iPhone if you already are on android..

        • MJ101 on 15/11/2017 - 12:31

          I never considered the classic as the frontier looked cooler and closer to what I am wearing now… but this is a great suggestion.

          I like the vibration you mentioned above which will be very useful.

        • pennypincher98 on 15/11/2017 - 12:41

          @MJ101: Frontier definitely looked cooler to me. Got it day after release - that 1 hour drive just for a HN that has stock :D
          Such an improvement over the S2 from what I'm hearing. Plus (you'll know what I mean if you get it) clicking and spinning that rotating wheel is so damn satisfying…

        • MJ101 on 15/11/2017 - 12:44

          @pennypincher98: The rotating wheel is a very nice feature.

          Do you have a Samsung phone? Does the watch lose any features if you are using anything other than Samsung?

        • pennypincher98 on 15/11/2017 - 12:46

          @MJ101: Nah I don't have Samsung I have a HTC so I don't know if there's any features I'm missing out on..
          Takes a while to connect at first but then its all good - just have to install two Samsung apps.
          Still, make sure your phone is compatible before buying.

        • MJ101 on 15/11/2017 - 12:52

          @pennypincher98: Good point on the compatibility. I check the list here http://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/gear-s3/device-compatib…

          My phone isn't listed… So either the list if outdated or my phone won't do.

        • pennypincher98 on 15/11/2017 - 13:48

          @MJ101: The list is definitely outdated. Is that the new(ish) Sony phone - the XZ? If so, it should be fine. My phone is quite a bit older than the XZ

        • MJ101 on 16/11/2017 - 11:05
          +1

          @pennypincher98: It is the new one so I think it should be fine too.

      • whooah1979 on 15/11/2017 - 14:42

        have been using Android forever.

        Some android users can't get their head around the one button.

  • myusername on 15/11/2017 - 12:31

    have been using asus watches since the getgo havent had a problem yet.

    still have the first one no issues at all

    the latest one is a little more refined.

    • MJ101 on 15/11/2017 - 12:43

      The look is definitely classy. I will look into a review to see it's features. Thanks.

  • smashed on 15/11/2017 - 12:43

    How big are you? How big do you want the watch to be? What do you want to use the watch for?
    Questions like this can easily shrink your list with some research.
    PS most prefer Huawei watch 1 over 2

    • MJ101 on 15/11/2017 - 12:47
      +1

      I am big, so I like big watches.

      How come you like 1 over 2? Anything I should watch out for?

      Thanks.

      • pennypincher98 on 16/11/2017 - 12:24
        +2

        Anything I should watch out for

        I see what you did there ;)

  • djkelly69 on 15/11/2017 - 13:20

    Not sure if it does enough fitness tracking or other functions for your liking, but I am considering the Garmin Vivomove HR Sport in Black (with a black leather strap from somewhere).

    I think it looks more professional for an office, and has about all the functions I need out of a smartwatch.

    • MJ101 on 16/11/2017 - 11:14

      It looks nice. I like the 24/7 heart rate monitoring. It is more like a watch with smart features rather than a full smartwatch though.

      • djkelly69 on 16/11/2017 - 11:23

        It is more like a watch with smart features rather than a full smartwatch though.

        Agree - as noted, may not be what everyone is after. I have used my Gearfit 2 smartwatch/band as my daily watch for a few months, and don't believe I would use a smartwatch for much other than notifications and tracking, hence looking at the Vivomove. YMMV, but thought I would put it out there.

        • MJ101 on 16/11/2017 - 11:46

          Thank you for your input :)

  • Kangal on 15/11/2017 - 13:24
    +1

    iPhone?
    Apple Watch v3 (don't bother with the early models)

    Android?
    Huawei Watch v1.0 (it's better than the new model)

    Sports-oriented?
    Depends on which sport, there's many options from Garmin in particular. If you reply with a sport in mind, I can help narrow it down.

    Samsung Gear S3 Frontier
    Best aesthetics, and internal hardware. Reasonable price. However, the TizenOS software is quite meh, AndroidWear 2.0 is much better.

    • MJ101 on 16/11/2017 - 11:15

      I am leaning towards the S3 now but as you said the major issue for me that is is not running AndroidWear.

      • Kangal on 16/11/2017 - 12:13
        +1

        No probs.
        I'm in the same boat. The S3 Frontier is simply the best Wearable out there. However, TizenOS kinda sorta sucks.

        If Samsung sold a variant of it with AndroidWear 2.0 I'd be all over that. (And Samsung if you're reading, I also want a Galaxy S8/9 Active variant with stock AndroidOne installed instead.)

        I'm still rocking ye olde LG Watch Urbane, which is still one of the best, but far from perfect (bezels, screen, SoC, GPS, Wireless Charging upgrades needed).

  • Rumbaar on 15/11/2017 - 14:38

    I've had a Samsung Gear 2 (with the camera), a Motorala 360 and now a Samsung Gear S3 and the S3 is the best one without a camera. I'm sure you can use it with any phone, not just Samsung these days. BUt it's Android only.

    • MJ101 on 16/11/2017 - 11:15
      +1

      Thanks mate. Looks like S3 might be the one.

  • evorgevol on 15/11/2017 - 16:18

    I have a Gear S3 and it has its pros and cons. Coming from my Moto360 (Android Wear 1.0) I found the transition a little painful, but I now much prefer the Gear S3. If not just for the battery life. After a full day it's still at 85%. I also like the twist face to go between things/scrolling. I can't comment on Android Wear 2.0 as I've never used it.

    If you get an iPhone then I'd recommend the iWatch (v3). Anything else just won't be able to compare features-wise.

    • MJ101 on 16/11/2017 - 11:16

      Thanks. I think S3 might be the best option for me right now.

    • pennypincher98 on 16/11/2017 - 12:26

      Yeah my gear s3 battery on average lasts 4-5 days. It takes maybe 1-1.5 hrs to charge? It's awesome in that regard.

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