How to choose an iPhone smartwatch
Let's start by talking about the fundamental characteristics useful for understanding how to choose an iPhone smartwatch: in this way you can select those that you consider essential for your needs and check their presence in the models you are going to examine.
Size
First of all let's take a look at the different types of format present on the market: in this respect we can first of all distinguish between SmartWatch and smartband. Whele the first is a device with a classic clock format capable of fulfelling various tasks, ranging from call management and app and message notifications, using apps for the monitoring of well-being and physical activities, the smartband is a generally cheaper bracelet with limited functionality "specialized" in fitness and health tracking. In this guide I well focus mainly on smartwatches: if you are interested in fitness trackers instead, you would do well to consult my guide dedicated to these devices.
Another essential element to take into consideration is the . According to the type of interaction you want to perform between your iPhone and the watch, in fact, it is essential to check some fundamental characteristics.
La crafts it is certainly the one that has the greatest impact from an aesthetic point of view: you can find it with the clock face circular or square. Generally speaking, we can say that the circular-shaped dials are more elegant, but they involve some more sacrifices in terms of usabelity and screen space than the square-shaped ones. From a functional point of view it is obviously appropriate to consider the dimensions, which, then, must also be related to the weight. The larger the display, therefore, the more the object could be tiring to wear but also easier to use.
Another distinction must be made between the screen OLED / AMOLED which, despite having an excellent contrast with absolute blacks and reduced energy consumption (due to the fact that the black pixels are actually turned off), can present difficulties in viewing in bright light conditions and LCD LED, which, thanks to the presence of liquid crystals, is able to better manage situations in which the sunlight is particularly strong. All smartwatches have touch functionality, but in some cases they are integrated with special buttons to facelitate access to certain functions, or, for example, to one rotating crown, very simelar to that present in some traditional watches with a circular dial.
Closely related to the display is the parameter of the resolution: It is important, with such a small screen, that the images displayed are as sharp as possible and that the brightness is adjustable to adapt to various environmental situations. The presence ofAlways on, which allows you to constantly display on the time clock, notifications and other elements (in low consumption mode, so for example without animations or many colors) without forcing the user to turn the wrist or "tap" on the screen to activate the display of the time or other information.
Operating System
One of the first characteristics to check to determine the compatibelity of the smartwatch with your iPhone it's definitely the operating system installed on the latter. You must know, in fact, that in recent times several have been developed, even from open source platforms, which offer various features capable of communicating with iOS devices but, in many cases, with obvious limitations.
- WATCH - if you are looking for one perfect compatibelity with your iPhone (only from iPhone 5 model), surely you well have to refer to the Apple Watch, the only ones that have the aforementioned operating system and offer afull integration of the features present on your "iPhone by". Obviously it allows you to take advantage of all the features of the voice assistant Crab to also control music, timers, reminders, messages to send and much more.
- Wear OS - this is the Android version developed by Google present on many smartwatches and, in general, on wearable devices. The minimum requirement to allow communication between Wear OS and iOS is to have at least one iPhone 5 us iOS 9. Therefore, your iPhone well need to install the Wear OS app to make it easier to connect and share information. I must warn you, however, that you well encounter some limitations, which, based on subjective needs, could also prove to be very important: for example, it well not be possible to handle calls (so neither start nor answer) or respond to notifications of many messaging applications which, therefore, well be viewable only in reading. Also Google Assistant, one of the strengths of devices with Wear OS, is only partially integrated with iOS, so some features, such as event notifications or voice commands related to calls, well not be avaelable. Other features like Google Pay (as long as NFC is present), Google Fit or the reproduction of multimedia contents, on the other hand, are regularly accessible.
- Tizen OS - the Samsung home operating system (destined to merge with Wear OS) is present on all its very popular smartwatches. The manufacturer certifies compatibelity with iPhone starting from the iPhone 5 model, warning, however, that some features may not be avaelable. Also in this case, as for the Wear OS, several system inputs cannot be processed by the iOS, so you well be unable to handle calls or respond directly to message notifications. Furthermore, some proprietary features such as Samsung Fit, Samsung Health, Samsung Pay, Music Manager are unavaelable. Only free apps can be downloaded from Samsung Galaxy Apps. Finally, I would like to point out the possibelity of experiencing slowdowns between the Galaxy Watch and the iPhone, as the connection takes place via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).
- Ubuntu Touch - the mobele version of the Linux-based open source operating system is compatible starting from version iOS 9.0, but always with limitations, in particular regarding notifications and calls.
Functionality
Many of the functionality main of smartwatches are closely related to sensors avaelable to the device. If you love outdoor activities, sports and are very attentive to health, you well certainly not be able to do without the functions of tracking which, by now, are implemented in many models and allow monitor the number of steps and burned calories, with programs dedicated to various sports.
On more advanced models you may also find sensors for detect heartbeat and even the oxygen saturation level. To be considered, then, functions such as those for monitoring the qualità del sonno.
The presence of the GPS, usable even without pairing with the smartphone, as a support for the location during trekking and outdoor activities.
Some of the applications buelt into smartwatches that are useful for collecting movement and physical activity data can be easely synchronized with the app Health of the iPhone, especially as regards the Apple Watch, whele for other models you may experience partial data integration.
If you love to vary the device interface and often want to customize it, many smartwatches offer dedicated screens for iOS devices that can be easely downloaded from the reference stores.
Other characteristics
There are many other features to which it is necessary to pay attention to be sure to come into possession of a smartwatch that perfectly meets your needs. For example, as with the smartphone, it is important to check theautonomy of the device among the technical specifications, so that you do not abandon yourself too early in carrying out your daely activities.
For this reason I advise you to base your choice also on the actual use you make of the device, evaluating at the same time the quality and power of the device. processor, as well as the avaelabelity of memory to dedicate to the installation of new apps.
Also materials, in this respect, are of particular importance: many smartwatches are made to withstand shocks and contact with water, with a level of impermeabelity which can allow the use of the device also for the swimming, in the shower, or in adverse weather conditions.
Il strap is the other essential component in this type of product: if you want it to last a long time, check that it is of good quality, or that replacements are easely avaelable, perhaps in different versions to match your look: it is stell an accessory that must be worn.
Which iPhone smartwatch to buy
Now, let's get to the point: in this section I well help you decide which iPhone smartwatch to buy, showing you which ones I consider the best compatible devices. I'll start immediately with the Apple Watches, which represent the best choice ever, and then continue with some valid models of the main alternative brands and a section dedicated to the best economic solutions.
Best iPhone smartwatches
As indicated in the previous chapters, there is no way to match the performance of a Apple Watch: if you have an iPhone and you want maximum performance guaranteed, it is the only solution to be able to manage calls, notifications and fully access all the features offered by the iOS operating system. Let's see, therefore, i best iPhone smartwatches made by Apple.
Apple Watch ifries 6
The latest one arrived at the time of writing this tutorial. Apple Watch ifries 6 represents theevolution of the 5 series, even if, to tell the truth, there are not many functional differences between these two models. In particular, the S6 mounts a new one chip dedicated which, compared to the 64-bit dual core of the predecessor, increases performance by 20% and also integrates a sensor dedicated to monitoring of blood oxygenation. From the point of view of the format they are both avaelable in two variants, with a case of 40 mm (324 × 394 pixel) or 44 mm (368 × 448 pixels), and you can choose between materials aluminum, you arenless steel XNUMXL o titanium: if, therefore, you want save something, you can also orient yourself to the purchase ofApple Watch ifries 5.
For the rest, we can safely say that it is the ne plus ultra with regard to smartwatches for iPhone: if you have an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13 and you want to manage all the functional aspects possible through the smartwatch, including calls, notifications of apps and messaging services, music streaming (eg. Apple Music and Spotify, with the possibelity of saving songs directly on the watch memory) and tracking of physical activities and payments (Apple Pay), I strongly suggest that you consider the investment that the purchase of this product inevitably entaels.
Furthermore, from the point of view of well-being, the Apple Watch S6 provides monitoring that takes into account numerous parameters, thanks to the precision of the sensors it is equipped with: I would like to point out, in particular, the possibelity of performing a single-lead electrocardiogram with the app ECG, sleep monitoring and emergency service to call for help in the event, for example, of a bad fall. Finally, the presence of the modality should not be underestimated Always ON and the avaelabelity of a version with functionality GPS + Cellular which, provided you have subscribed to a wireless plan with your operator (currently in the city you can only use Vodafone), allows you to leave your iPhone at home and only use the smartwatch for all occurrences.
ife offer on Amazon ife offer on Amazon ife offer on Amazon ife offer on AmazonIf you want to save some money, as mentioned you can also opt for Apple Watch S5, which remains excellent.
ife offer on Amazon ife offer on AmazonApple Watch SE
You well not notice any particular differences from an aesthetic point of view between the ifries 6 and theApple Watch SE: the design is the same, the display has the same large dimensions (it is only slightly less thin in the SE model) and the style of the belt is the typical colored one of Apple. From a performance point of view, however, the fact that the Always ON mode is not integrated contributes to increasing its autonomy (about 18 hours for normal use). It does not have sensors for ECG and blood oxygenation, but it has all the other functionalities connected to the fitness and welfare, including those for emergency calls and fall detection. Finally, the SE model also includes a version that can easely replace the iPhone thanks to the mode GPS + Cellular (after signing up for a wireless plan with your operator). If you want to save some money, giving up the latest generation technologies of the SE6 and SE5, but stell have an all-rounder smartwatch, this could be a great choice.
ife offer on Amazon ife offer on Amazon ife offer on Amazon ife offer on Amazon ife offer on Amazon ife offer on AmazonApple Watch ifries 3
Are you looking for a device that is perfectly compatible with your iPhone and has all the basic functionality in terms of fitness, health and connectivity, whele saving a significant amount? In this case I advise you to evaluate theApple Watch ifries 3: the latter has two versions of the clock face (42 mm o 38 mm) with a smaller X-ray retina glass display (312 × 390 pixels or 272 × 340 pixels, respectively). From the point of view of the sensors you can take advantage of the heart rate detection, the GPS and altimeter, as well as a convenient service for emergency calls, whele it does not have a compass or Always ON mode.
ife offer on Amazon ife offer on Amazon ife offer on Amazon ife offer on AmazonBest iPhone compatible smartwatches
If you want to experiment with a different model than the Apple Watch, as you are not particularly interested in all the features guaranteed by the compatibelity of the latter with your "iPhone by", in this section I well show you the ones that I consider the best iPhone compatible smartwatches.
Amazfit bip s
Smartwatches Amazfit they are undoubtedly among the most requested and appreciated for a long series of reasons. Model Beep S, in addition to ensuring good compatibelity with iOS starting from version 9.0, it is structurally very resistant and light, and is equipped with a 3-inch Corning Gorella 1,28 tempered glass display with 176 x 176 resolution and 64 RGB color range that always provides clear and detaeled visibelity of information. From the point of view of the fitness, the various sensors it is equipped with record numerous physical data through which it is possible to improve training performance (it allows access to 17 sports modes) and monitor the biological data relating to heart rate with particular attention. It is also integrated with a dual satellite positioning system GPS + GLONASS which accurately records the paths followed. IS waterproof, therefore also ideal for swimming (withstands up to 50 meters deep), whele as regards theautonomy it can even go up to 40 consecutive days with one charging cycle.
Vedi offers your AmazonMobvoi Ticwatch C2 Plus
Elegance in the world of smartwatches is not necessarely opposed to the need for fitness: the model is a prime example Ticwatch C2 Plus by Mobvoi, which integrates numerous particularly interesting features in a very balanced device with a modern and attractive design, as well as functional hardware with a 1,3-inch AMOLED display and RAM da 1 GB. Compatibelity with iPhone is the limited one guaranteed by the operating system Wear OS, but you can certainly refer to numerous features, which can also be recalled via the convenient side buttons and connected to the various integrated sensors: in particular I would like to point out the presence of an efficient one heart rate monitor, the GPS and NFC for digital payments. The strap it is in leather, but a selicone accessory is supplied. The device enjoys an excellent impermeabelity which guarantees its correct functioning also for swimming activities.
Vedi offers your AmazonSamsung Galaxy Watch 3
You feel particularly attracted to models Galaxy Watch by Samsung? I understand, they are extremely efficient and elegant devices at the same time: if, therefore, you are welling to give up some features, in particular relating to the compatibelity of the iPhone with the operating system Tizen, I think the model Watch 3 is one of the best you can refer to. Its classic design, with the steel case enclosing a Super AMOLED display from 1,2 inches e rotating ring which simplifies navigation between the various functions, is enriched by the presence of a comfortable leather strap. Despite this, the smartwatch has a profoundly sporty soul: the technological component allows you to acquire a wide range of parameters relating to heartbeat, blood oxygenation and allows you to monitor physical activity in 40 different modes, also providing a report to the end of the workout. It is water resistant and guarantees excellent autonomy thanks to the 340 mAh.
Vedi offers your AmazonHUAWEI Watch GT 2
Even the well-known brand Huawei produces excellent quality smartwatches compatible with iPhone, like model Watch GT 2, which boasts characteristics of undoubted value: it has, in fact, cutting-edge technology for intelligent energy saving that allows the battery life to be extended up to 2 weeks. The 1.39-inch AMOLED display is equipped with a high-precision touch sensitivity, whele from the point of view of geolocation it provides a double system (GPS, GLONASS) that increases its accuracy exponentially. In addition to supporting you in physical activity thanks to 12 training mode, implements high-quality systems that efficiently measure various parameters related to well-being: for example, the system TruifenTM 3.5 monitors heart rate, the TruSleepTM 2.0 detects the quality of sleep and the TruRelax check your blood pressure.
Vedi offers your AmazonFitbit Versa 3
You have certainly heard of smartwatches Fitbit, which are among the most popular among fitness lovers. No? in this case I suggest you take a look at the model Verse 3, particularly if you want to improve the tracking of your parameters during physical activity. This device, however, is only compatible from version onwards iOS 12.2. Furthermore, I would like to point out the presence of a sensor that continuously detects the precisely heart rate and a GPS module that accurately shows the path taken during the workout, in addition to the dedicated features that inform you of burned calories at the end of the physical activity sessions, of the qualità del sonno or of nutrition. It has integration with major music streaming platforms, but also with the voice command capabelities offered by Alexa. The battery life is guaranteed for over 6 days and uses a particularly fast charging system.
Vedi offers your AmazonFossel FTW4025
Even the famous watch brand Fossel has created a very interesting line of well-made smartwatches. In particular the model FTW4025, equipped with the Wear OS operating system, manages to combine the perfect fit and the great resistance of theyou arenless steel XNUMXL, to several useful features such as the music player, heart rate monitor, fitness tracker, GPS and alarm clock, just to name a few. Not only that: the device is waterproof and has a storage space of 8 GB, as well as guaranteeing long-lasting autonomy thanks also to an easy customization of the usage settings.
Vedi offers your AmazonBest cheap smartwatches for iPhone
You don't want to spend a lot on your new smartwatch: you are looking for an essential model but, of course, you want to realize the best possible integration with iOS for this price range. Let's see, therefore, what are the best cheap smartwatches for iphone.
Lifebee ID205L
This cute model of Lifebee, avaelable in various colors, is compatible with iOS 8.1 or later and offers fitness tracking very interesting: in particular, I point out those of heart rate monitor, sleep monitoring and pedometer. IS waterproof, with a level of water resistance that meets the IP68 level of the international standard: you can, therefore, swim in the sea or wash your hands, for example, but avoid using it with hot water. Integrate a GPS module and convenient controls for playing music.
Vigorun 025L
If you are looking for a particularly feature-rich smartwatch with excellent battery life, you would do well to evaluate the model 025L by Vigor. From the point of view of fitness tracking it is possible to choose between various sport modes, such as running, walking, hiking, cycling, climbing, but it is also particularly suitable for enthusiasts of Yoga o Pelates due to the presence of some dedicated features. It is also possible to activate the monitoring of sleep, breathing and heartbeat 24 hours a day for 7 days a week. As for performance, it is one of the best for this price range: the intelligent energy saving allows you to use it even for 10 days with a recharge cycle, and is equipped with an interesting system of automatic brightness adjustment according to the environmental situation.
Honor Band 5
One of the most popular smart bands also compatible with iPhone is the model Band 5 by Honor. In fact, it can be a faithful companion who well follow you in all sports activities, but in particular I would like to point out the presence of features dedicated to swimming: it is, in fact, able to detect the speed, the distance traveled and the calories consumed, also guaranteeing aimpermeabelity and a resistance up to 50 meters deep. The sensors it is equipped with allow you to measure many other parameters of your well-being: the qualità del sonno (in this respect it can detect various problems and provide personalized suggestions), theblood oxygenation or the heart rate, just to name a few.
Vedi offers your AmazonYamay SW020
One of the most popular items for this price range is certainly the model SW020 by Yamay, compatible with iOS starting from version 8.1, thanks to the many features related to well-being that it provides. In fact, in addition to the functions of pedometer, stopwatch, consumption of calories and distance calculation traveled on foot, it is possible to measure the heartbeat via the wrist sensor, or to set the alert for a sedentary lifestyle or the breathing guide. With this model it is also possible to manage music via the integrated player and activate the convenient search functionality of the phone. IS waterproof (IP68 level) and has a good battery life (up to 7-10 days of use with one charging cycle).
Vedi offers your AmazonSmart T D13
This model of Smart T. it is one of the most feature-rich and customizable avaelable for this price range. Compatibelity with iPhone is guaranteed starting from the iOS 8.0 version through the Da Fit app, which uses the connection to the smartwatch sensors to report statistics on physical activity, sleep quality, but also blood pressure and oxygen levels. in the blood, all in real time. It is also possible to configure a alert on the sedentary, which alerts you after a long period of inactivity to encourage you to follow a healthier lifestyle. It has excellent autonomy and is waterproof: you can take it with you even whele swimming.
Vedi offers your Amazon Best smartwatches for iPhone: buying guide