In 2024, the market for smartwatches and fitness trackers has expanded significantly, with various options catering to a range of needs, from sports enthusiasts to those simply looking to monitor their daily activities. This article reviews some of the best devices available this year, ensuring that there's something suitable for everyone.
First on the list is the Apple Watch Series 10, celebrating a decade of evolution in wearable technology. This iteration is both slimmer and lighter than its predecessors, available in two new case sizes—42 mm and 46 mm. The watch features wide-angle OLED screens that enhance visibility, alongside the latest LTP3 technology that introduces a ticking second hand on certain always-on display watch faces.
Among the notable features of the Series 10 is its ability to provide sleep apnea notifications, detecting potential signs of this condition over a 30-day period. It's important to note that this feature is also available on older models like the Series 9 and Ultra 2 with a software update. The battery life remains rated at 18 hours but can extend to a day and a half with lighter use. Fast charging capabilities allow the watch to reach 80% battery in just 30 minutes, making it a highly polished choice primarily for iPhone users.
The Pixel Watch 3 from Google stands out with its stunning and elegant design, operating in 41 or 45 mm sizes, and is exceptionally comfortable to wear. It's equipped with advanced running coaching tools, a new cardio load measurement, and precise heart rate tracking. Essential health features include ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and skin temperature tracking.
A unique aspect of this watch is its loss of pulse detection feature, potentially lifesaving by automatically calling emergency services if it detects a lack of pulse, although it's only available in select countries. However, to access comprehensive sleep metrics, users will need a Fitbit premium subscription, which is an added consideration for prospective buyers.
For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 emerges as an ideal smartwatch option. Alternatively, the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra offers better battery life and additional fitness tools, catering to those with active lifestyles. Both watches feature dual-frequency GPS and a robust set of health capabilities, such as ECG and blood oxygen sensing.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra features an impressive screen with a brightness of 3,000 nits, slightly brighter than the 2,000 nits on the Galaxy Watch 7. It also supports sleep apnea notifications with only two nights of tracking needed for accurate detection. However, to fully utilize the ECG and sleep apnea monitoring, a Galaxy phone is required, although all other fitness functionalities remain compatible with other Android devices.
As a standout in the realm of sport watches, the Garmin Phoenix 8 continues Garmin's legacy of performance. This model is compatible with both Android and iOS and boasts a vibrant screen with built-in speaker and microphone, along with diving tools that rival that of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch Ultra.
The Phoenix 8 comes in three sizes (43, 47, or 51 mm) with a battery life stretching up to 29 days on the largest model. The features are extensive, catering to serious sports enthusiasts, with tools such as topographic maps and training plans. Its starting price of $1,000 is definitely on the higher end of the spectrum but is justified for those who need high-performance capabilities.
For those seeking a robust, budget-friendly option, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 offers remarkable value at just $280. This device is compatible with both iOS and Android and features a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a brightness of 2,000 nits. With a battery life nearing three weeks under regular use, it packs a punch in terms of performance.
The design is rugged, built to withstand extreme temperatures and certified for free diving up to 45 meters. While it does lack some music apps and may be bulky for sleep tracking, these minor drawbacks don’t overshadow the overall excellent value it provides.
For those on a tighter budget, the XI Smart Bat 9 presents a smart mix of features in a slim fitness tracker design for only $60. It offers an AMOLED display, blood oxygen, and sleep tracking, supporting over 150 sports types. The standout feature is its impressive battery life of up to 21 days on a single charge during conservative use, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious consumers.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is designed for Android users, featuring comprehensive sleep tracking tools and convenient phone controls like the ability to take photos with a pinch action. However, its energy score feature is limited to Galaxy phone users, and its heart rate accuracy during workouts may not match that of traditional smartwatches.
On the other hand, the Oura Ring 4 interfaces seamlessly with both Android and iOS, boasting robust activity and sleep tracking capabilities. While the ring’s design is attractive, certain finishes come at a premium price. Users also need a $6 monthly subscription to access most of the ring's benefits, which should be considered when evaluating its overall value.
The lineup for 2024 offers something for everyone, ranging from high-end products like the Apple Watch Series 10 and Garmin Phoenix 8 to budget-friendly options like the XI Smart Bat 9 and the Amazfit T-Rex 3. Each device brings unique features and advantages catering to a variety of user needs.
As technology continues to advance, these wearables not only monitor health metrics but also enhance lifestyles, making them worth considering for your next purchase. Share your thoughts on these devices or mention any favorites I've missed in the comments below!
Part 1/10:
Top Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers of 2024
In 2024, the market for smartwatches and fitness trackers has expanded significantly, with various options catering to a range of needs, from sports enthusiasts to those simply looking to monitor their daily activities. This article reviews some of the best devices available this year, ensuring that there's something suitable for everyone.
Apple Watch Series 10
Part 2/10:
First on the list is the Apple Watch Series 10, celebrating a decade of evolution in wearable technology. This iteration is both slimmer and lighter than its predecessors, available in two new case sizes—42 mm and 46 mm. The watch features wide-angle OLED screens that enhance visibility, alongside the latest LTP3 technology that introduces a ticking second hand on certain always-on display watch faces.
Part 3/10:
Among the notable features of the Series 10 is its ability to provide sleep apnea notifications, detecting potential signs of this condition over a 30-day period. It's important to note that this feature is also available on older models like the Series 9 and Ultra 2 with a software update. The battery life remains rated at 18 hours but can extend to a day and a half with lighter use. Fast charging capabilities allow the watch to reach 80% battery in just 30 minutes, making it a highly polished choice primarily for iPhone users.
Google Pixel Watch 3
Part 4/10:
The Pixel Watch 3 from Google stands out with its stunning and elegant design, operating in 41 or 45 mm sizes, and is exceptionally comfortable to wear. It's equipped with advanced running coaching tools, a new cardio load measurement, and precise heart rate tracking. Essential health features include ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and skin temperature tracking.
A unique aspect of this watch is its loss of pulse detection feature, potentially lifesaving by automatically calling emergency services if it detects a lack of pulse, although it's only available in select countries. However, to access comprehensive sleep metrics, users will need a Fitbit premium subscription, which is an added consideration for prospective buyers.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra
Part 5/10:
For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 emerges as an ideal smartwatch option. Alternatively, the rugged Galaxy Watch Ultra offers better battery life and additional fitness tools, catering to those with active lifestyles. Both watches feature dual-frequency GPS and a robust set of health capabilities, such as ECG and blood oxygen sensing.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra features an impressive screen with a brightness of 3,000 nits, slightly brighter than the 2,000 nits on the Galaxy Watch 7. It also supports sleep apnea notifications with only two nights of tracking needed for accurate detection. However, to fully utilize the ECG and sleep apnea monitoring, a Galaxy phone is required, although all other fitness functionalities remain compatible with other Android devices.
Part 6/10:
Garmin Phoenix 8
As a standout in the realm of sport watches, the Garmin Phoenix 8 continues Garmin's legacy of performance. This model is compatible with both Android and iOS and boasts a vibrant screen with built-in speaker and microphone, along with diving tools that rival that of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch Ultra.
The Phoenix 8 comes in three sizes (43, 47, or 51 mm) with a battery life stretching up to 29 days on the largest model. The features are extensive, catering to serious sports enthusiasts, with tools such as topographic maps and training plans. Its starting price of $1,000 is definitely on the higher end of the spectrum but is justified for those who need high-performance capabilities.
Amazfit T-Rex 3
Part 7/10:
For those seeking a robust, budget-friendly option, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 offers remarkable value at just $280. This device is compatible with both iOS and Android and features a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a brightness of 2,000 nits. With a battery life nearing three weeks under regular use, it packs a punch in terms of performance.
The design is rugged, built to withstand extreme temperatures and certified for free diving up to 45 meters. While it does lack some music apps and may be bulky for sleep tracking, these minor drawbacks don’t overshadow the overall excellent value it provides.
XI Smart Bat 9
Part 8/10:
For those on a tighter budget, the XI Smart Bat 9 presents a smart mix of features in a slim fitness tracker design for only $60. It offers an AMOLED display, blood oxygen, and sleep tracking, supporting over 150 sports types. The standout feature is its impressive battery life of up to 21 days on a single charge during conservative use, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Smart Rings: Samsung Galaxy Ring and Oura Ring 4
Part 9/10:
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is designed for Android users, featuring comprehensive sleep tracking tools and convenient phone controls like the ability to take photos with a pinch action. However, its energy score feature is limited to Galaxy phone users, and its heart rate accuracy during workouts may not match that of traditional smartwatches.
On the other hand, the Oura Ring 4 interfaces seamlessly with both Android and iOS, boasting robust activity and sleep tracking capabilities. While the ring’s design is attractive, certain finishes come at a premium price. Users also need a $6 monthly subscription to access most of the ring's benefits, which should be considered when evaluating its overall value.
Conclusion
Part 10/10:
The lineup for 2024 offers something for everyone, ranging from high-end products like the Apple Watch Series 10 and Garmin Phoenix 8 to budget-friendly options like the XI Smart Bat 9 and the Amazfit T-Rex 3. Each device brings unique features and advantages catering to a variety of user needs.
As technology continues to advance, these wearables not only monitor health metrics but also enhance lifestyles, making them worth considering for your next purchase. Share your thoughts on these devices or mention any favorites I've missed in the comments below!