Smartwatch suggestions

[andysbetting1187]

Hi all

Looking for some help/recommendations on the best smart watch to get - currently use a Lige (and really like it) but had it two years and want to upgrade to something different

Really tempted by a new garmin as I like the GPS feature, but also like the Samsung smart watches - has anyone used/own either of them (or can suggest something else to look at). I'm not massively concerned about heart rate/blood pressure etc - more interested in anything that is suitable for hiking/counts steps accurately

 

[SYPlayer95]

Hi all

Looking for some help/recommendations on the best smart watch to get - currently use a Lige (and really like it) but had it two years and want to upgrade to something different

Really tempted by a new garmin as I like the GPS feature, but also like the Samsung smart watches - has anyone used/own either of them (or can suggest something else to look at). I'm not massively concerned about heart rate/blood pressure etc - more interested in anything that is suitable for hiking/counts steps accurately

I have a Samsung and the battery isnt the best

 

[Webzcas]

I have an Apple Watch Series 9, which I find great, but then I am Mr Apple and it fits in with the Apple EcoSystem brilliantly.

I DO use it for its health and fitness benefits. As I go to the gym regularly it helps me track my performance on the cardio equipment, specifically the bike.

The battery life started out being fine, ie lasted all day and would only need a 30 min charge in the morning. But if you have particularly active days and you use the workout apps on it for long periods, it can and does drain the battery, that 2 plus years in, it is touch and go whether it lasts all day. However, in the main it does.

I have Apple Care on it and like with what I did with my iPhone 13, when the battery life drops below 80% of as new capacity, I will get Apple to replace it free of charge under my Apple Care plan.

I am holding out for a watch that manages to provide continuous glucose monitoring ( I am a Type 2 Diabetic ), but Apple are several years away from bringing a non invasive CGM watch to market.

That all said, the next watch I will get will likely be the latest of the Apple Ultra Watches whatever version that will be, when I do decide to upgrade. But, for me it makes sense to stick with Apple, because all the tech I use is Apple.

 

[Webzcas]

Oh another good feature of the apple watch is the ECG. It is incredibly accurate and warned my Brother in Law he has an atrial fibrillation. Which turned out yes he does.

Potential life saver, seriously!

I am not up to speed with what the other smart watches can do health wise. But I expect like with phones, they all perform similar tasks.

 

[andysbetting1187]

I have a Samsung and the battery isnt the best

Cheers mate - my alige lasts about a week between charges- I'm a big samsung fan but might swerve the smartwatch and go with garmin

 

[andysbetting1187]

Oh another good feature of the apple watch is the ECG. It is incredibly accurate and warned my Brother in Law he has an atrial fibrillation. Which turned out yes he does.

Potential life saver, seriously!

I am not up to speed with what the other smart watches can do health wise. But I expect like with phones, they all perform similar tasks.

That's really impressive mate - i just can't bring myself to move to apple - everything in my house is samsung - tv/fridge/phones etc.

As soon as they release their first functioning female robot I've told the Mrs she will have to sit another interview as highly likely she will be getting replaced

 

[Webzcas]

That's really impressive mate - i just can't bring myself to move to apple - everything in my house is samsung - tv/fridge/phones etc.

I hear you and completely agree with you on this. Stick with what you know if you like it. That's what I do. As for Samsung they are a stellar brand, our main TV is a Samsung.

 

[andysbetting1187]

I hear you and completely agree with you on this. Stick with what you know if you like it. That's what I do. As for Samsung they are a stellar brand, our main TV is a Samsung.

I think that's always what has put me off mac books etc as I'm just used to windows

Apple slightly different as always had samsungs for phones - when work gave me an iPhone I had to change it i just couldn't get used to it for some reason

 

[Webzcas]

I think that's always what has put me off mac books etc as I'm just used to windows

Apple slightly different as always had samsungs for phones - when work gave me an iPhone I had to change it i just couldn't get used to it for some reason

I was the same when I tried an Android Phone to replace my first iPhone which was a 3GS. I just could not get on with Android.

But I completely appreciate why people love Samsung phones. Technically and from a hardware perspective they are absolutely brilliant!!

 

[andysbetting1187]

I was the same when I tried an Android Phone to replace my first iPhone which was a 3GS. I just could not get on with Android.

But I completely appreciate why people love Samsung phones. Technically and from a hardware perspective they are absolutely brilliant!!

It's weird with me as I'm not an expert when it comes to the tech side etc - I just know my android takes decent photos and I can listen to audio books on it (all I need it for really)

 

[Webzcas]

This is a good appraisal of the Apple Watch Ultra 4. Also mentions other manufacturer smart watches at the end

 

[Webzcas]

@andysbetting1187 did you decide on what to get yet? I am currently in the process of getting my Series 9 replaced thanks to Apple Care, due to my dog having put a big long scratch on the display several months back.

I was going to wait until the battery fell below 80% of its original life, but I am quite taken on the Ultra 4 which has just come out.

As I returned back to the gym at the end of August, I am using the watch more and more. I mean, the Series 9 can do everything I need, but the Ultra 4 is lovely. So may trade in my pristine Series 9 and get it...

 

[andysbetting1187]

@andysbetting1187 did you decide on what to get yet? I am currently in the process of getting my Series 9 replaced thanks to Apple Care, due to my dog having put a big long scratch on the display several months back.

I was going to wait until the battery fell below 80% of its original life, but I am quite taken on the Ultra 4 which has just come out.

As I returned back to the gym at the end of August, I am using the watch more and more. I mean, the Series 9 can do everything I need, but the Ultra 4 is lovely. So may trade in my pristine Series 9 and get it...

No not yet mate - I looked when I was at Orlando airport yesterday but they didn't have anything I liked - I really like the lige that I currently have as it only cost me £100 and the battery (in standby mode) lasts for around 2 weeks. I might just get another one of those or will probably end up with a garmin fenix as it has the gps and the solar charging so will be great for hiking

 

[Webzcas]

So my shiny as new express replacement Series 9 watch was duly delivered by UPS early this afternoon, courtesy of Apple Care

Will let you know if I subsequently trade it in and upgrade to the Ultra 4. But I think I will keep it...

 

[andysbetting1187]

So my shiny as new express replacement Series 9 watch was duly delivered by UPS early this afternoon, courtesy of Apple Care

Will let you know if I subsequently trade it in and upgrade to the Ultra 4. But I think I will keep it...

I need a new one - i just don't like change its really annoying

 

[Webzcas]

@andysbetting1187 you are responsible for me spending money in the newly refurbished and re-opened Apple Store in Bath on Saturday!

I've only gone and bought the Apple Ultra 4 Watch on Saturday

 

[andysbetting1187]

you can't blame me for that @Webzcas - i don't even like apple hahahaha

To be fair it does look pretty smart

 

[Webzcas]

It is different class

 

[Webzcas]

Ok so have tested this out in the gym twice now, since I bought it on Saturday. No difference than my Series 9, but I am loving the bigger watch face and the rugged looks. The battery life is also over twice as long as my Series 9, plus I can add more complications to the watch face than the Series 9.

Oh also it is cellular as well, so no need to have my phone with it. Although my phone is always with me

As a type 2 diabetic, the past month I have been wearing a CGM ( Continuous Glucose Monitoring ) Sensor, which updates the app on my phone via bluetooth every minute. I have this displayed on my watch as the central chart. This is invaluable

 

[andysbetting1187]

Ok so have tested this out in the gym twice now, since I bought it on Saturday. No difference than my Series 9, but I am loving the bigger watch face and the rugged looks. The battery life is also over twice as long as my Series 9, plus I can add more complications to the watch face than the Series 9.

Oh also it is cellular as well, so no need to have my phone with it. Although my phone is always with me

As a type 2 diabetic, the past month I have been wearing a CGM ( Continuous Glucose Monitoring ) Sensor, which updates the app on my phone via bluetooth every minute. I have this displayed on my watch as the central chart. This is invaluable

View attachment 228551

Thats really impressive that mate - I really need to sit down and look at all the features on my one - ive had it three years and all I use it for is the step counter and i like the led torch on the side

Looking at the garmin fenix at the moment - might get the mrs to get me one for christmas

 

[Webzcas]

So update on the battery life of the Ultra 4. Last fully charged to 100% at 7:30am Monday morning. This morning at 7:30am a full 48hours later, it had 23% battery left.

I have also used the watch on the visits to the gym ( Bike ) - as well as recording outdoor walks when taking the dog out.

Well happy

 

[MatejN]

Hey guys!

I've been following the story of these two Czech guys who flew to Bali and then walked all the way back home. The whole journey took them four years, which is pretty crazy when you think about it!

I noticed they were using Garmin Fenix watches, I think the Fenix 8, which they got from sponsors. They seemed really happy with them, and considering they spent days without electricity along the way, the battery life must be pretty impressive too + lots of other functions.

Based on all this, I'd definitely consider them myself!

 

[Webzcas]

The battery life on those Garmin Watches can be insane! I'd definitely would have looked at them if I wasn't so deep into the Apple ecosystem.

 

[johnnymcc1966]

Here is my smartwatch. It's so smart it tells me the actual time!

 

[Webzcas]

Now rocking a new black strap

 

[andysbetting1187]

Now rocking a new black strap

View attachment 228687

I think the black one looks better mate.

Still not picked mine new one up as still undecided but leaning towards the garmin fenix 8

 

[Webzcas]

I am going to put the Ultra 4 through its paces tomorrow. The weather for the Brecon Beacons is clear with no rain forecast for tomorrow. So I am going to hike up Pen y Fan and Corn Du from Storey Arms.

Will be interesting to see how I do compared to when I did so in 2021 when I was not a member of a gym.

Snowdon in August last year was interesting. Did the round trip up and down in just over 5 hours, with my son. If went at my son's pace would have been way under 5 hours! But then he did the Ten Tors with his school team when in Year 10. Plus over 30 years younger than me