When it comes to buying a smartwatch, our attention often gravitates towards surface-level features like battery life and screen quality. While these aspects certainly matter, there’s a crucial factor that should take precedence when selecting a smartwatch, and it has nothing to do with the device’s hardware.
The most critical consideration when purchasing a smartwatch is ensuring it runs on Wear OS as its operating system, regardless of whether you lean towards the Apple Watch. The inclusion of Google’s watch software is the key ingredient that unlocks a world of possibilities and ensures an exceptional user experience.
Wear OS: The Ultimate Game Changer
In today’s market, virtually all smartwatches offer essential fitness tracking functions, including heart rate monitoring, stress measurement, and blood oxygen level monitoring. They also provide features such as workout tracking, music control, and even call handling in some cases. The true differentiator, however, lies in the integration of Google’s Wear OS, which elevates the overall quality of the wearable.
You might be wondering why the choice of an operating system is so crucial for your next smartwatch. The answer lies in the ability to tap into the full potential of the device, as Wear OS allows you to download and use apps from the Play Store, just like you would on a smartphone.
The Power of Third-Party Apps
Tech enthusiasts know that smartphones owe much of their functionality to third-party apps available on Google’s app store. The same principle applies to smartwatches running Wear OS. With this operating system, you can install and use apps like WhatsApp or Spotify, each of which is tailored for the smartwatch interface. This means you can respond to messages or send voice messages using WhatsApp or search for your favorite playlists on Spotify, right from your wrist.
Currently, the selection of smartwatches that run Wear OS is somewhat limited, with options like the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Mobvoi’s TicWatch among the prominent choices. However, the list is gradually expanding, with new alternatives emerging. Notably, OPPO recently joined this exclusive club with the OPPO Watch, and Xiaomi has announced its first Wear OS smartwatch, extending its reach beyond China.
The Price of Wear OS Smartwatches
It’s worth noting that smartwatches equipped with Wear OS tend to come with a higher price tag compared to those without it. The price difference can be significant. For instance, you can find watches like the Redmi Watch 3 Active for less than 50 euros, offering features like Bluetooth calls, a large screen, and a 12-day battery life.
In contrast, the entry point for a smartwatch with Wear OS typically starts at around 150 euros, if not higher. While occasional discounts may be available, this price range is generally the norm. Additionally, Wear OS devices tend to have shorter battery life, as the operating system demands more power, resulting in an autonomy of approximately two days. Currently, we highly recommend the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, which is available at a reduced price of just 133 euros. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.