There are more wearable alternatives than ever before. However, despite being labeled as “clever,” not all of them are.
The majority of so-called smartwatches on the market are simply fitness trackers with a watch-like appearance. They just provide a few fundamental smart features.
Wearables based on Google’s Wear OS and Apple’s watch OS are likely the only feature-rich smartwatches available. Though Apple Devices are simple to track and compare, the same cannot be said for watches that run Wear OS.
Google introduced Wear OS 3.0 at Google I/O 2021. The latest version of Wear OS includes long-awaited enhancements. However, despite becoming official more than a year and a half ago, it is only accessible on a handful of goods.
It is suggested that you get a smartwatch that runs Wear OS 3.0. However, because it is only found on a few models, it is tough to pick between them. Furthermore, most customers are unaware of the new Wear OS, so they purchase smartwatches that run outdated software.
As a result, we’ve put up this shopping guide to assist you. We have compiled a list of the best Wear OS smartwatches available right now.
Table of Contents
Best Wear OS Smartwatches
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5: The Wear OS Watches for Everyone
In 2021, the Galaxy Watch 4 was introduced as the first watch to boot Wear OS 3.0 with the One UI skin. Its successor, the Galaxy Watch 5, was released a few months ago.
With three exceptions, the two wearables are nearly identical. The most recent model has a bigger battery, quicker charging, and a body temperature sensor.
Except for endurance, they are essentially the same. As a result, if you can’t afford the Galaxy Watch 5, the Galaxy Watch 4 from last year is still a good option because it’s frequently on sale around the world.
It’s worth noting that many Galaxy Watch capabilities are only available on Samsung Galaxy smartphones, particularly flagship versions. Furthermore, owing to regulatory considerations, functionality such as Samsung Pay, ECG, and blood pressure monitoring are restricted to specific locations.
Both generations are available in two sizes (40mm and 44mm) as well as in cellular (LTE) variants. The Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 are priced at $250 and $280, respectively. However, depending on the availability of discounts in your area, they can be purchased for a lesser price, particularly the older model.
Related: Link Bracelet and Milanese Band for Galaxy Watch5 Announced by Samsung
Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition: The Samsung Alternative
If you don’t like the Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 5, the only other Wear OS 3.0 option at approximately the same price is the newly announced Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition.
The latest Fossil smartwatch is very identical to the Fossil Gen 6. It only has a new case and Wear OS 3.0. Though the newest version of Wear OS is now available for the older Gen 6, we do not suggest it due to several difficulties reported by customers.
The official price of the Fossil watch is $300, which is higher than the price of Samsung watches. Despite this, it lacks functions like ECG and blood pressure monitoring.
Surprisingly, there is also no support for Google Assistant. For voice controls, you’ll have to rely on Amazon Alexa.
In terms of features, the Fossil Gen 6 Wellness Edition does not appear to be a better value than the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5. Unfortunately, it is the only best Samsung alternative in the same price range.
Related: Fossil Gen 6 smartwatch with Snapdragon Wear 4100+ Officially Launched
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Endurance and Durability
If you are a power user who values endurance and durability, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is for you. It costs $450 more than the standard Galaxy Watch 5, but it is worth it for the intended clientele.
The pro model has all of the features of the vanilla model plus some more. Instead of aluminum, it has a titanium housing. The wearable is designed differently, with a bigger body and a single 45mm size. It also boasts a one-of-a-kind magnetic strap.
In addition to IP68 dust and water resistance, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro has a MIL-STD-810H durability rating. Most importantly, it has a 590mAh battery, which is nearly double the size of the 284mAh battery found in the non-pro model’s 40mm version.
Samsung’s bigger battery allows you to import GPS itineraries for outdoor activities such as cycling and trekking. According to the firm, you may get up to 80 hours of battery life (mixed usage).
