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More than a dozen new smartwatches were released in 2021, including updates to existing models like the Apple Watch and entirely new products like the Wyze Watch. Though many smartwatches offer similar features, some are distinguished by new innovations, higher-end versions of common functions, or other notable elements that make them stand out from the competition. The seven smartwatches on this list are all excellent options for consumers looking for their next model, covering a variety of needs ranging from low costs to advanced workout tools, mobile data access, and more.
The Apple Watch Series 7 sports the largest display offered on an Apple smartwatch at 1.9-inches; the Retina LTPO OLED screen has a 484 x 396 resolution, 1,000 nits peak brightness, and includes Ion-X strengthened glass for extra durability.
The display is paired with a 50-percent thicker front crystal, which, Apple says, makes the new model more durable than the Apple Watch Series 6. Despite the thicker front crystal, the touch sensor is embedded in the OLED panel to make it a single integrated component. The overall display thickness and borders are thinner as a result.
While the Apple Watch Series 7 hardware is great, it’s Apple’s watchOS software that makes its smartwatch shine. WatchOS 8 brings a huge number of features to the tiny device, enabling it to perform fairly sophisticated actions (like phone calls) on its own while also integrating with the wider Apple ecosystem. One can, for example, answer a call on their Apple Watch when away from their phone, then transfer the call with a tap to continue it on their iPhone.
Apple covers all the major feature categories with its smartwatch, including messaging, sleep tracking, activity tracking, workout instructions, health monitoring, smart home control, audio playback, mobile payments, Siri access, navigation instructions, ultra-wideband digital key support, and the ability to link with other family members’ watches for direct interactions. One of the most notable features is the Apple Watch’s ECG feature for heart health monitoring.
The Apple Watch’s only potential downside (its $399 starting price aside) is that it is an Apple device and therefore designed to integrate with the company’s own products and services. Consumers who don’t own any other Apple products should instead consider a smartwatch model designed to work well with Android smartphones, including the six great options below.
Though Apple dominates the overall smartwatch market, Samsung continues to rank at the top when it comes to wearables targeting non-Apple users. Samsung’s strength was made clear earlier this year when it teamed with Google to unify Wear OS and its Tizen platform, leading to a huge spike in Wear OS market share. The Galaxy Watch 4 is Samsung’s latest flagship smartwatch, combining a high-quality build with advanced Wear OS features.
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