Smartwatches notify you of incoming messages, vibrate for calls, and display events from your calendar. They can also track your daily physical activity or provide weather forecasts. Many very different models are available. But your choice will be guided by your priority: watch design, a watch as an extension of your smartphone, or a smartwatch dedicated to sports. Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch, Huawei Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, Polar… We’ve tested many models. Here are the factors to consider when choosing your smartwatch.
What is the purpose of a smartwatch?
Smartwatches, which appeared several years ago, have never achieved widespread success. It must be said that they suffer from a reputation as a useless gadget, which is not entirely unfounded.
Tech enthusiasts will appreciate being notified of alerts from their smartphones (messages, social media, calls, appointments). You can also check your emails, control your music, and launch a podcast. But that’s not all: several models display train tickets and boarding passes, and even allow you to pay at stores.
Smartwatches also incorporate a sports dimension: daily step count, indoor or outdoor running, swimming, and even sometimes skiing or yoga! However, the depth of performance analysis and coaching functions vary depending on the model.
Smartwatch, smart bracelet: what’s the difference?
Smart bracelets
Fitness trackers are designed to monitor daily physical activity and promote well-being. Their main functions include heart rate monitoring, step counting, calorie tracking, and sleep tracking. They don’t always have a screen, but they work in conjunction with a smartphone app (to which the tracker connects via Bluetooth). This app allows users to access settings and view their data. Fitness trackers cost between €50 and €150.
Smartwatches
Smartwatches, also known as connected watches, are designed to be an extension of your smartphone. They offer numerous features related to sports and wellness, display notifications (calls, messages, social media), allow you to answer calls and reply to text messages, install apps (games, banking apps, train or plane tickets, etc.), view photos, check your calendar, and even make payments in stores. Smartwatches are more expensive, ranging from €50 to €1,000!
Watch OS, Wear OS, Tizen OS, multiple operating systems
Smartwatches run on an operating system, like a smartphone. Each one offers its own user interface and app store.
Watch OS
Watch OS is the operating system for Apple Watches, designed to work seamlessly with iOS (the iPhone operating system). The system includes all the applications from the Apple ecosystem (Safari, Maps, Mail, Music, etc.) and integrates its voice assistant, Siri.
Wear OS
Google, for its part, offers Wear OS (formerly known as Android Wear), a version of Android designed for wearables. It also provides access to the entire Google ecosystem (Maps, Play Store, etc.) and integrates its voice assistant, Google Assistant. Google integrates it into its own smartwatches (Pixel Watch, Fitbit), but also offers it to other manufacturers, notably Samsung and Fossil.
Tizen OS
Until 2021, Samsung ran its watches on its own operating system, Tizen OS. This system, compatible with Android applications, still runs on its older models. But since the Galaxy Watch 4 Series, Samsung has also integrated Google’s Wear OS. As a result, recent Samsung models ( Galaxy Watch 6 Classic , Galaxy Watch 7 , Galaxy Watch Ultra ) are no longer compatible with Apple iPhones.
The other OS
Other smartwatch manufacturers, such as Huawei, Garmin or Polar, rely on their own system.
Apple Watches are only compatible with iPhones, but other smartwatches on the market (except those from Samsung) work with both iPhones and Android smartphones . Note that some features may be unavailable (such as replying to text messages or posting on social media).
Apple Watch, the star watch
Major smartphone manufacturers like Asus, LG, Motorola, Samsung, and Sony had already launched smartwatches when Apple finally released its own in April 2015. And this Apple Watch was the first to capture the public’s attention. With its sleek design, color screen, and unique interface, Apple managed to win over some consumers despite the watch’s price of €399 (and up to €1,200 depending on the materials!). Model after model, Apple improved its watch (by enlarging the screen, making it waterproof, and integrating a heart rate monitor, among other features) and established itself as the top seller of smartwatches, ahead of Garmin and Samsung.
To date, Apple has already launched 10 generations of watches (the latest being the Apple Watch Series 10). Currently, Apple sells several models:
- Apple Watch SE (starting at €249)
- Apple Watch Series 10 (starting at €449)
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 (starting at €899)
Apple is releasing cellular (mobile network) versions of its watches: they include a virtual eSIM that allows you to make calls and be connected to the Internet even when your smartphone is not nearby (only Orange and SFR currently offer this option).
Apple Watches include the Apple Pay function, which allows you to pay for purchases without taking out your bank card .
| Apple Watch Series 10 | Apple Watch SE | Apple Watch Ultra 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 42 or 46 mm | 40 or 44 mm | 49 mm |
| GPS/Compass | Yes yes | Yes yes | Yes yes |
| Fall detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproofing | 50 m | 50 m | 100 m |
| Blood oxygen | Yes | No | Yes |
| Heart rate | Yes | No | Yes |
| Mobile network connectivity | Yes, as an option. | Yes, as an option. | Yes |
| Minimum price | €449 | €249 | €899 |
Samsung Galaxy Watch, the challenger
Since its first smartwatch, the Galaxy Gear, launched in 2013 , Samsung has released numerous models. The manufacturer improved the aesthetics, moving from a stark rectangular metal design to a more conventional circular screen, and refined its models: Gear Sport , Gear S2 , and then Gear S3 . Samsung subsequently dropped the “Gear” name and organized its smartwatch range into three families:
- Galaxy Watch (available in 42mm or 46mm )
- Galaxy Watch Active or Classic (available in 40mm or 44mm)
- Galaxy Watch FE
For its new generation of watches, the manufacturer offers the Galaxy Watch 7 and the Galaxy Watch Ultra .
Like Apple, Samsung has released the Galaxy Watch in a cellular version (mobile network): it then integrates a virtual eSIM card which allows you to make calls and be connected to the Internet even when the smartphone is not nearby.
Samsung watches also allow you to pay for your purchases with Samsung Pay.
Google Pixel Watch, the new product
After years of rumors, Google finally launched its first smartwatch, the Google Pixel Watch, in March 2023. It runs on Wear OS, Google’s operating system, and also integrates the wellness features of Fitbit, which Google acquired in January 2021. Like Apple and Samsung, Google offers its watch with or without a mobile network connection.
The Google watch range today consists of the Pixel Watch 2 (starting at €279) and the Pixel Watch 3 (starting at €399).
The Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 models have been added to Google’s catalog. Key differences between these models and the Google Pixel Watch:
- They are compatible with iOS (13.3 and later) whereas the Pixel Watch only works with smartphones running Android (8 and later);
- they do not allow you to answer a call;
- They do not include all Google features (notably not Google Wallet for paying with the watch).
A smartwatch compatible with the smartphone
The Apple Watch is designed to be used with an iPhone , the only smartphone with which it is compatible. Watches from other smartphone manufacturers, such as the Huawei Watch Fit 3 , the Amazfit Balance , or the Xiaomi Watch S3 , are compatible with both Android smartphones and iPhones. Note that a minimum configuration is always required. For example, the Apple Watch Series 10 only works with iPhone XS and later models running iOS 18 (and later). The Huawei Watch Fit 3, on the other hand, is compatible with Android smartphones from version 8 onwards and Apple smartphones from iOS 13 onwards. Be sure to check this before choosing a model.
A smartwatch for style
Smartwatch manufacturers are increasingly drawing inspiration from traditional watchmaking, for example by incorporating a side-mounted adjustment dial. Some manufacturers even use physical hands, or attempt hybrid solutions, like MyKronoz (whose ZeTime Premium offered a touchscreen and hands ). This aesthetic sometimes comes at the expense of fitness-related features. The Withings ScanWatch2, for instance, offers poor performance in fitness tracking.
Note: To easily change your watch strap, make sure your smartwatch is designed for standard market widths (18, 20, 22, 24 mm).
A smartwatch for sports
Several manufacturers, such as Garmin and Polar , offer watches specifically designed for sports. These are aimed primarily at serious athletes seeking precise performance statistics and targeted training for running, swimming, cycling, triathlon, and other sports (stride analysis, training load, VO2 max , etc.). Our buying guide dedicated to smart sports watches will provide you with some helpful tips for choosing the right one for you.
Battery life, GPS, 4G… criteria to consider
Autonomy
Smartwatches, like smartphones, run on batteries. Therefore, they need to be recharged regularly. Their battery life depends on the battery capacity, but also on the screen technology. As a result, it varies considerably from one model to another. According to our laboratory tests, they offer a battery life of between 2 and 16 days, depending on the model. This battery life naturally varies depending on how often you use the watch. Our laboratory tests will help you choose a watch that doesn’t require daily charging.
GPS
On a smartwatch, GPS isn’t just for navigation. It’s thanks to this chip that the watch can record your routes during outdoor walking, cycling, or running sessions. Its use drains the battery quickly.
4G
Some watches include a 4G mobile network connection. Thanks to the integrated microphone and speakers, you can make phone calls. You’ll also receive notifications from your smartphone (messages, social media, etc.) even if it’s not nearby. This connection is made possible by a virtual SIM card in the watch, linked to the same subscription as your smartphone. Currently, only Orange offers this option for compatible Apple Watches and Galaxy Watches. Simply subscribe to the multi-SIM option for €5/month after activating the virtual SIM card (this activation costs €10).
Heart rate monitor
It allows you to take your pulse and measure heart activity during and after physical activity (recovery after exertion).
ECG function
Apple introduced this feature on the Series 4, which has since been adopted by Samsung (Galaxy Watch Active 2 and later models) and Withings (Move ECG). An ECG (electrocardiogram) watch can monitor your heart throughout the day and alert you to any abnormalities. However, this feature cannot replace a proper medical examination if needed!
Waterproofing
Most smartwatches are waterproof. But remember to take it off before swimming in the sea: they can withstand pool chlorine, but not salt.
Wireless charging
Many models come with a dedicated charger, but wireless charging, which allows you to recharge the battery simply by placing the watch on a charging pad, is becoming increasingly common. This is good news, as this feature is very convenient.
