How to Choose a Smartwatch: 7 Features That Actually Matter

A good smartwatch can help you stay active, sleep better and spend less time pulling out your phone. But with so many options available, how do you pick the right one? Focus on these seven features.

1. Compatibility with your phone

Before anything else, make sure the watch works with your phone’s operating system. Some watches only support one platform or lose features on the other.

2. Battery life

Battery life varies hugely, from one day to over a week. If you want to track your sleep, you need a watch that lasts several days so you are not charging it every night.

3. Display

AMOLED screens are bright, colourful and easy to read outdoors. An always-on display lets you check the time without raising your wrist, though it uses more battery.

4. Health tracking

Most smartwatches now track heart rate, steps and sleep. Many also measure blood oxygen (SpO2). These metrics help you spot trends in your fitness and recovery over time.

5. Built-in GPS

If you run or cycle, built-in GPS lets you track distance and pace accurately without carrying your phone.

6. Water resistance

A rating of 5 ATM (50 m) means the watch can handle swimming in a pool, showering and rain. Anything less and you should avoid getting it wet.

7. Comfort and style

You will wear it all day, so choose a size that suits your wrist and a strap that is comfortable. Swappable straps let you change the look for work, workouts and evenings out.

Our pick

The PulseFit S2 delivers an always-on AMOLED display, built-in GPS, 50 m water resistance and up to 7 days of battery. Check out the PulseFit Smartwatch S2 in our shop.