Better
Alternatives to Apple Watch for Android
Android Central
2020
For some, the Apple Watch is considered the gold standard of connected watches, but whether or not it makes no difference to Android users who couldn’t use it even if they wanted to. . Smart watches for Android users abound, and the one that stands out from the pack is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 due to its balanced functionality and stylish design that caters to a wider subset of users .
Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
It may be a little strange that the best Android smartwatch works on an operating system that is not developed by Google, but that is where we are. Samsung has fixed a key feature missing from the previous model by inserting a touch screen to emulate the physical rotation that was a staple in previous designs of the business. This makes a significant difference in navigating the interface, offering an alternative to simply tapping on the screen.
It is available in sizes 40mm and 44mm, making it an attractive option for men and women. It’s the most elegant construction Samsung has ever imagined to date, and the color combinations with available straps add an extra touch of personalization. With an improved battery life that can last up to two days with heavy use, the watch also has the stamina to follow an active lifestyle. GPS tracking, unfortunately, will not match the accuracy of bringing your phone, which is crucial if you are a follower of the race.
The integration of the application boosts the operation of Spotify. It’s a really effective integration that lets you play music exclusively on the watch. However, as good as Tizen, it is sometimes hampered by the developers’ lack of interest in its ecosystem of applications. Samsung continues to wage an uphill battle with more support, which is always a warning for using a Tizen-based watch, but until Wear OS reaches a brisk pace, it’s also good that it happens here.
Ultimately, what makes it the best right now is the combination of hardware with a nice screen, as well as a user-friendly interface that covers much of what you expect when it comes to tracking activities.
Benefits:
- Great hardware design with capacitive scope
- Magnificent screen
- Strong activity tracking features
- Comes in two sizes
- Better application integration than previous models
The inconvenients:
- Support for third-party applications remains a struggle
- GPS race / bike tracking is not as accurate as the phone
Best value: Fitbit Versa 2
Google may now own Fitbit, but the Versa 2 has no record of Google. It doesn’t really matter when it comes to how FitbitOS works and what it offers. Although this watch is not the cheapest of the lot, it offers very good value for money and is one of the easiest smart watches to accessorize. The roughly five days of battery life doesn’t hurt either.
Since this is a Fitbit smart watch, health and fitness features are already carried over from the company’s activity trackers. This includes Fitbit Premium as a subscription service, but also basic shortcuts to the exercises you enjoy doing the most. Health tracking is excellent and probably the best you can find in any smartwatch, although you do need to bring a phone for GPS tracking. Fitbit Pay is handy for quick payments, and there is also an app you can download to load loyalty cards. Given the limitation of the application ecosystem, this is a kind of consolation.
The Versa 2 is not a spectacular advance compared to the Versa or the Versa Lite, but it benefits from a beautiful AMOLED screen and a built-in microphone which allows access to Alexa. There’s no speaker, so you won’t hear Alexa say anything in return, but it’s a way to control compatible smart home devices. The physical buttons are gone, which changes the overall way you interact with the watch, but it’s not necessarily a bad omission.
Benefits:
- Beautiful AMOLED screen
- Alexa and Fitbit Pay integration
- Excellent battery life
The inconvenients:
- No integrated GPS
- Lack of application availability
- Limited onboard storage
Best style: Michael Kors Access Bradshaw 2
First and foremost, this smart watch is available in sizes and styles for men and women, and initially stands out so that it doesn’t look like a typical smart watch. The sleek look is available in a variety of colors, and even a few additional design tweaks to add a touch to its overall appearance. It is an objectively pleasant watch in all its variants and straddling the line between dressy and casual.
The 1.7 inch AMOLED screen is what sets it apart most from a standard watch with a similar design. Running on Wear OS, it comes with the attributes of this system, including access to Google Assistant and Google Pay. It is not necessarily the best thing to wear for rigorous training or racing, simply because of its weight and the fact that the silicone bands absorb perspiration better. But as a daily activity tracker, it gets the job done. It even has a good level of waterproofing, allowing you to swim in the pool.
Dedicated watch faces complement the customizable ones that are available. This is the kind of watch where you may want to activate the permanent display to add to its look. The battery life is not exceptional, and the always active display saps even faster, reducing it to 24 hours per charge.
Benefits:
- Stylish and elegant design
- Michael Kors custom watch faces
- Integrated GPS and NFC
The inconvenients:
- Not ideal for sweaty workouts
- May be too large for some wrists
- Battery life is not exceptional
Ideal for runners: Garmin Vivoactive 4
For starters, it’s important to note that the Vivoactive 4, which is a large size of 45mm, is also available in a smaller size of 40mm, although it’s called a slightly different nickname in the Vivoactive 4S. They are almost identical in what they offer, except for a larger battery in the larger model and a rose gold variant in the smaller.
There is a built-in GPS and a water resistance of 5 ATM, which makes it as good for swimming as for running. In the latter case, the watch can follow a route without a phone, but it is also necessary to go further to glean a preview. The new feature is the Pulse Ox sensor to monitor oxygen saturation levels in the blood and breathing to track breaths taken per minute. This is in addition to altitude acclimatization for running at higher altitudes.
It is not exclusively a running watch like the Forerunner models from Garmin, but it is strongly aimed at runners without skimping on other fitness features. There are several different workouts, and the Pulse Ox sensor can be helpful in getting better sleep. Next, there is the body’s battery energy monitor to track energy and stress levels throughout the day.
The battery life is reasonable everywhere, especially when the GPS is off. You can go up to four or five days with standard use, but GPS takes its toll and can be the main factor in lifespan per charge.
Benefits:
- Solid racing features
- Integrated GPS
- Water resistance 5 ATM
- Ox Pulse Sensor
- Solid battery life
The inconvenients:
- 45mm has limited color options
- Garmin Pay must grow
- Expensive
Ideal for occasional use: Skagen Falster 3
It is difficult to put the Falster 3 in a specific box because it does not really focus on a particular function or focus. It is an elegant watch of 42 mm in its own right, but sufficiently equipped to handle a few functions. Wear OS has its limits, and the brand can’t do anything about it, but despite that, it’s a good option for casual use.
The AMOLED screen is nice and bright, while the internal components add to the package. Built-in GPS means the watch can manage route tracking during a race, Google Assistant adds efficient voice support, and NFC makes payments as simple as touching your wrist. Tracking activities can largely depend on the app you’re using, but in any case, the watch is enough for those who use it to keep an eye on your average day.
The battery life is average, lasting around a day, which is a perfect match for a casual smartwatch, as power users would likely find this to be an issue here. The design and style are unique and unobtrusive at the same time, perfect for most occasions. It is expensive for something that is not great in an overall function, but it ticks enough boxes to appeal to most people.
Benefits:
- Excellent design
- Integrated GPS and NFC
- Space to store music
The inconvenients:
- Battery life is not robust
- Expensive
Best on a budget: AmazFit Beep
Do not confuse this with an Apple Watch clone, although a resemblance at first glance is not out of the question. The 1.28-inch square screen is not of the highest quality, which is understandable for a smartwatch under $ 100. Essentially, it’s about making compromises, especially when it comes to the overall user experience involved. It won’t work Wear OS, Tizen, Fitbit OS or any other known platform. So, no application that you can integrate to extend its feature set.
What you’ll get is a decent collection of features you’ve come to expect from any smart watch, like GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, step counting and more. It’s the battery life that really sets it apart, which can last up to 30 days with regular use, or up to 45 days with limited notifications. For a smart watch with a tight budget and reasonable expectations, the AmazFit Bip covers the basics.
Benefits:
- Looks a lot like the Apple Watch
- GPS and heart rate monitor
- Exceptional battery life
The inconvenients:
- No app store
- No way to respond to notifications
- Limited strap options
Conclusion
Finding a smartwatch is not difficult. They are numerous and available. Finding the one that suits you best on your wrist and in your lifestyle is the most elusive. The Apple Watch has a reputation as an example to follow, but it’s also a matter of taste and personal preference. That is what this list is for. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 offers the best in integration, user experience and durability currently available as an alternative.
It works with any Android phone (or iOS, for that matter) and is well suited to offer something for everyone. He fixed the errors of the old Samsung smartwatches, and that’s a big reason why he’s at the top.
Credits – The team that worked on this guide
Ted Kritsonis loves taking photos when the opportunity arises, whether on a camera or smartphone. Beyond sport and world history, you can find it tinkering with gadgets or enjoying a cigar.
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