Smartwatches are quickly becoming parts of our daily drivers. With awesome time monitoring to health tracking and other quick utilities, these smart technologies comes to our aide when needed the most.
One obvious feature a great smartwatch must possess is ease of use and comfort. With so much smartwatches out there today, Apple Watch Series 4 is the leader while others powered by Android and OEM native softwares are behind the leader.
While the Apple Watch might be expensive considering the price point, alternatives might be an option to this. And the most important thing is that whatsoever smartwatch you buy delivers as promised.
Deciding on which to buy in the large ocean of smartwatches might be difficult so we make that simple by selecting the few which we have examined and realised to be the best among the best I 2020.
Apple Watch Series 5
Tje first on our list is the super high end Apple Watch Series 5 which was announced back in September 2019. While it looked almost like the older Watch Series 4, its a definite upgrade with more features and more premium build quality with a slight price increase.
It measures 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in)in dimension and weighs just 47.8 g (1.69 oz) while the body is made with Stainless Steel frame as well as an all-ceramic/sapphire crystal back.
The Apple Watch Series 5 uses an eSIM which means you can receive calls on this device if configured. It is also water resistant and can be subermergedw1 under 50M. It also has the ECG certification (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models).
Now comes the interesting part of the Apple Watch 5, the display which is a 1.78-Inches LTPO OLED capacitive touchscreen with 16 million colors. It has a resolution of 448 x 368 pixels and is protected by a Sapphire crustal glass with 3D Touch display, 1000 nits mac brightness with Always on technology.
The Watch Series 5 runs on the Apple WatchOS 6.0, but upgradable to 6.1. Powering up the smartwatch is the Apple S5 chipset while it’s GPU is a PowerVR.
As for the storage, the device has no support for external card slot but comes with an inbuilt 32GB storage.
It also has no support for camera but has loudspeakers but has no support for headphone jack. Apple already ditched that way back.
As for its cinnectivities, it supports WLAN, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE. It also has support for GPS, as well as an A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS.
It also support NFC. It has no support for Radio as well as USB. Its Sensors includes Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, compass Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode).
Let’s talk about the power. It comes packaged with a Non-removable Li-Ion battery that can also be wirelessly charged. Stand-by mode can last you up to 18 h (mixed usage).
The Apple Watch Series 5 comes in 3 different colors which includes Space Black, Silver, Gold. The models of the Watch 5 are A2156, A2157, A2094, A2095 and it’s base price is about $450 USD.
Apple Watch Series 4
It’s amazing the Apple Watch Series 4 made it number two because honestly, the Apple Smartwatches are doing really great no doubt.
The Watch Series 4 was released back in 2018 with a dimension of 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) while weighing just 48 g (1.69 oz).
Built with Stainless Steel frame; and an all-ceramic/sapphire crystal back.
The smartwatch supports eSIM which is totally amazing.
The smartwatch is ECG certified and its water resistant for about 50m depth. So you can literally swim with this device without any fear of it losing its functioning.
The display type is a LTPO OLED capacitive touchscreen, with 16M colors.
The actual size of the watch face is 1.78 inches, 10.0 cm2 (~60.0% screen-to-body ratio) while it’s resolution is about 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density). Protection is a Sapphire crystal glass. It supports 3D Touch display with a 1000 nits max brightness.
The Apple Watch 4 runs on the WatchOS 5.0, and its very upgradable to 6.1. As for the Chipset, its an Apple S4 SoC with a Dual-core CPU. It’s GPU is a PowerVR.
As for storage, there is no support for external card slot but it has a quite massive 16GB of internal storage for the base model.
It has no support for camera unlike most Android powered Smartwatches. But it has support for loudspeaker.
Communication support includes WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and then Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE. GPS Is available on this device, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS. It also supports NFC, but has no radio or USB port.
Sensors includes Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
As for the power, it uses a Non-removable Li-Ion battery which can be wirelessly charged with the standby mode lasting up to 18 hours.
It comes in various colors like the Space Black, Silver, Gold. Models includes A1975, A1976, A2007, A2008.
Comparing the Apple Watch 4 to the more recent watch 5, we can see that the difference isn’t very much. Its more of an OS and polishing upgrade which makes the slightly cheaper Watch 4 still relevant despite being 2 years old.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2
The newest in the Galaxy Active wearable tech line. The Galaxy Active 2 is an upgrade of the original Active launched back in 2018.much like the Apple Watch 4 and 5, the Active 2 is definitely an upgrade of the previous model.
The device was announced back in September 2019 the same month Apple Watch 5 was released. But its selling on its own lane and if you don’t want to use an Apple device, then this is a great alternative.
Dimensions of the GALAXY Active 2 is 44 x 44 x 10.9 mm (1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 in)
while it weighs just 42 g (1.48 oz).
Built with a premium Front glass as well as Stainless Steel 316L frame.
It also support eSIM, Samsung Pay and MIL-STD-810G.
Its 50m water resistant (IP68 certified). The GALAXY Active strap can be swapped as its compatible with standard 20mm straps. It’s also ECG certified while it has Touch-sensitive bezel.
The display type of the Galaxy Active 2 is a 1.4-inches Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, with 16M colors.
Size is 6.3 cm2 (~32.7% screen-to-body ratio). Resolution is 360 x 360 pixels, with a 1:1 aspect ratio (~364 ppi density)
Protection is a Corning Gorilla Glass DX+. It also feature an Always-on display
It runs on Samsung’s own OS Tizen-based wearable OS 4.0.
The Chipset is also Samsung’s Exynos 9110 (10 nm). While it’s is a CPU Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53 and the GPU Mali-T720.
It surprisingly doesn’t support any memory card slot but it’s internal storage is a 4GB with a 1.5GB RAM.
It doesn’t have support for cameras and headphone jack but has a loudspeaker.
Communication includes WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and also it supports Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE. GPS supports A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS. Other means of connectivity includes support for NFC. But it has no support for Radio or USB.
As for the sensors, it features Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer. It has Natural language commands and dictation which comes handy when commanding Bixby or Google.
As for the power, it has a Non-removable Li-Ion 340 mAh battery. Charging can be done wirelessly.
Colors includes Black, Silver and Gold.
Models are SM-R825F, SM-R835F, SM-R825U, SM-R835U
As you can see with loads of features, the Galaxy Active 2 is a truly premium smartwatch and it has what it takes to be an alternative to the Apple Watch Series 5 just I case you want to move farther away from Apple.
Fitbit Versa 2
Despite being sold to Google for $2 Billion USD, Fitbit is known for making really awesome smartwatches that interests everyone. The FitBit Versa 2 was announced back in September 2019 as a successor of the normal Fitbit Versa and its very ideal for both sexes.
Talking about the specifications, the FitBit Versa 2 features a 1.4-Inch AMOLED display with multitouch capacity as well as high color density. The curved rectangular shaped design measures 40 x 40 x 11 mm in dimension. Its watch is made of aluminium while the straps are made of silicone and leather materials.
(special edition)Bezel Material–Band size140-180 mm
(small size)
180-220 mm
(big size)
The FitBit Versa 2 is water resistant and its screen is protected by the Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Colors includes Smoke Woven/Mist Grey(special edition), Carbon/black, Bordeaux/copper rose, Navy/copper rose, Petal/copper rose, Stone/mist grey.
Elsewhere, the storage space of the Versa 2 isnt. Wey big as it can only take up to about 390 music tracks although the actual number isn’t specific yet it doesn’t support memory card slot.
Connectivities include support for Bluetooth v4.0, Wi-Fi, NFC, and also GPS/GLONASS
Doesn’t support sim cards and won’t be very ideal for making phone calls unlike others. But you will receive notifications such as Email, SMS, calls, event reminders, weather forecast and even third party alerts on the FitBit Versa 2.
Other technologies built into the device includes sleep tracking, heart rate monitor, distance covered, steps, calories and sedentary monitor. It’s an ideal health and fitness device anyone who wants to keep check on their health should have.
And as for media support, it includes Audio MP3/MP4, audio Bluetooth connection, but has no radio or loudspeaker but has microphone. Also no camera is present on the Versa 2.
As for the power of the device, it runs in FitBit own software and chipsets. It’s battery can last for 5 days upon mixed usage but high usage might require connecting it to electricity. It takes about 2 hours to complete its charging circle while it’s standby usage can be about 10 days.
The Fitbit Versa 2 is compatible with both Android and IOS.
Amazfit GTR Watch
The Amazfit GTR is the next on our list of the best smartwatches for the new year 2020. The smartwatch comes with a 1.39-inch ANOLED display. It weighs just 36 grams and has great features such as waterproof fitness tracking as well as a big 410 mAh battery capacity to take you through the circle.
The watch face is circular and has a flat dial design. Much like other smartwatches on the list the Amazfit GTR isn’t super spectacular. For example, it only has 64MB internal storage and doesn’t support loads of media input/output and offer no support for external storage devices. But as for elegance, this is your best bet as it feature everything that makes a smartwatch interesting.
Aside those flaws, the Amazfit GTR still looks cool on the hand and very durable in every sense. The watch is made out if aluminium while the straps are made both of rubber and leather materials. The size of the band is about 22mm and it comes in various colors such as Black, gray (47mm), Cherry, black, white and red (42mm)
Huawei Watch GT2
Not so many companies makes an awesome and groundbreaking smartwatch aside Apple which is why the company’s smartwatch leads in the industry meanwhile other competitors like Huawei also offer their own better smartwatch. We’ll examine the Huawei Watch GT2 as another option to consider on our list of best smartwatches in 2020.
The wearable device measures 45.9 x 45.9 x 10.7 mm and weighs 41 grams. Built with stainless steel frame while it’s back is ceramics. The Huawei WATCH GT2 doesn’t support SIM card but it’s water resistant. The display is a 1.39 inch OLED capacitive touch screen with 16 million colors.
Its measurement is about 12.5 CM2 (~59.4% screen-to-body ratio) its resolution is 454 x 454 pixels, with a 1:1 ratio (~326 ppi density). Runs on the Huawei wearable operating system. The next version could run the Harmony OS if it ever gets passed being a mere cyber speculation.
It does have a large 4GB internal storage which makes it far better than the Amazfit GTR. But also doesn’t support memory card slot probably to keep the device waterproof. It also doesn’t have a camera as well as loudspeaker.
It has support for Bluetooth 5.1 while other connectivity includes LE, EDR and GPS, with GLONASS, Galileo, NFC (China only). It doesn’t have support for radio, USB. Sensor includes accelerometer, gyro, heart rate monitor, barometer, compass. It has a 45t mAh battery that lasts really long upon rugged and calm usage
Honor MagicWatch 2
There is virtually little differences between devices made by Huawei and its sister company, Honor. The Honor MagicWatch 2 is therefore as closely related as possible to the Huawei Watch GT2 in many aspects ranging from its specs though the designs and branding are different. But that doesn’t mean the late 2019 release shouldn’t make the list.
Measuring about 45.9 x 45.9 x 10.7 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.42 in), the MagicWatch 2 weighs 41 g (1.45 oz). Built with Stainless Steel frame as well as ceramic back just like the Watch GT2.
It has no support for SIM cards so it’s not your wearable smartwatch/smartphone.
It is 50m water resistant so it is great for swimmers or just any recreation that’ll involve water somehow. And speaking about specifications, the display type is an OLED capacitive touchscreen, with16M colors. It’s size is about 1.39 inches, measuring 12.5 cm2 (~59.4% screen-to-body ratio).
Résolution equals 454 x 454 pixels, 1:1 ratio (~326 ppi density) and runs on the Huawei wearable operating system built for the devices.
Internal is similar to the Watch GT2 which is a whooping 4GB storage space. It doesn’t support loudspeaker as well as headphone jack. Also it has no camera or Bluetooth or WLAN.
Supports bluetooth 5.1, LE, EDR, GPS, with GLONASS, Galileo but has no Radio or USB. Sensors includes Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass.
Colors variation includes Charcoal Black, Flax Brown, Agate Black, Sarkura Gold. Models specificality are HEB-B19, MNS-B19.
And as for the battery, its a non-removable Li-Ion 455 mAh battery. Price is About 180 EUR
Apple Watch 3
Another Apple Watch on the list. This is to show the credibility of the Apple Watch series. Though the Watch 3 was launched as far back as 2017, its still far better than most smartwatches today in the year 2020. Parts of what makes it amazing is its quality and features.
The Watch 2 measures just 42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm (1.67 x 1.43 x 0.45 in) in its total dimension while it weighs 52.8 g (1.87 oz). Built with Stainless Steel with Ceramic back which is now common in other smartwatches just as we saw with the Galaxy Active 2.
The Apple Watch 3 also supports eSIM which is another amazing thing if you consider how independent Apple tried to make this device. Its water resistant and can get into a depth of 50M of water.
As for the display, it’s a 1.65-inches OLED capacitive touch panel with 16M colors. It’s display measures 8.6 cm2 (~55.4% screen-to-body ratio). Resolution is 390 x 312 pixels (~303 ppi density). Protecting the screen is a Sapphire crystal glass 3D with features such as Touch display, 1000 nits max brightness.
It runs on the Apple’s WatchOS 4.0 but it’s upgradeable to the latest WatchOS 6.1. Powering it up is an Apple S3 Chipset with a Dual-core CPU. It’s GPU is a Power GPU.
As for storage, the Watch Series 3 doesn’t support external memory card just like other Apple devices but its internal storage is a whopping 16GB with 768MB of RAM.
Other specs of the Apple Watch 3 includes Loudspeaker, Wi-Fi support, Bluetooth 4.2, A-GPS, Accelerometer, Gyro, Heart Rate monitor, Barometer, as well as Natural language commands and dictation via its Talking Mode.
As for ìta power source, the Watch 3 uses a Non-removable Lu-Ion 341 mAh batter that cna be wirelessly charged using the Smartwatch and its standby mode can last up to 18 hours.
Colors includes Space Black, and Silver. Models numbers of the Apple Watch 3 are A1860, A1861, A1889, A1891, A1890, A1892.
Amazfit BIP
Xiaomi owns a couple of companies including Huami which makes the Amazfit smartwatches. They make pretty decent smartwatches that is worth the price and for the fact that their watches aren’t even as expensive as those of Apple makes it really cool to try out.
Now enters the Amazfit BIP which is super simple smartwatch with unique features such as its design which although has a square face like the Apple smartwatches.
The display is a rather smaller 1.28-inches display with a 176 x 176 pixels with transflective color display and a 2.5D glass.
The body of the Amazfit BIP is made entirely of plastic with Gorilla Glass 3 front as well as AF coating just to keep easy scratches away. It’s straps are made of soft rubber materials and measures 20mm around. It then weighs as low as 18 grams for just the body but when the strap is attached it increases to 32 grams.
It runs on Xiaomi proprietary operating system with no third party application support but still compatible with the Android 4.4 as well as iOS 8 and above.
As for the strength of the Amazfit Bip, it derives its energy from a Mediatek chipset and has sensors such as PPG heart rate sensor, triaxial acceleration sensor, geomagnetic sensor and also barometric pressure sensor.
As for connectivity, it supports Bluetooth 4.0 BLE and has GPS plus GLONASS dual mode positioning. It’s battery is a 190mAh non-removable battery that lasts quite a bit if well used.
Fossil Gen 5
The Fossil Gen 5 is another awesome smartwatch on our list today. Round face mimics a real traditional wristwatch which is a great design for some reasons. The device has a large 1.28-inch AMOLED display measuring 416×416 considering the design. It’s resolution is a massive 328 PPI while it weighs 99.79grams.
But not just the specs are great, the device also offer great and premium quality which makes it a truly unique smartwatch for those that do not want to stick with Apple Watch 5.
Powered by the Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear 3100 Chipset with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage which is really interesting for a smartwatch. Maybe because this device is a multimedia powerhouse.
It has powerful features such as Heart Rate Sensor and NFC. 3ATM, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are also present but it lacks LTE connectivity. It has GPS for easy location tracking and maps.
Its power management is where it excels most. It features a three custom battery mode just to save the power of the device to extend it for a longer period. While being a great companion for Android users as it comes bundled with its own native application that helps you track activities on the device.
What Smartwatch should you buy in 2020
That depends on what you want. Different smartwatches are built with different intentions some are built to look aggressive and tough while others are just plain simple looking with nothing much going on for it.
But other important things to coamider includes the battery longevity which is also important since the longer the battery can last, the better it will be for its users.
But that aside, beauty and elegance holds a big place in my heart when choosing the best smartwatch to pick in 2020. While the Apple Watch Series all look simple with their square shape, they offer awesome features that makes them high quality and premium. Also it immerse you more into the Apple’s ecosystem which is great if that’s the route you want to follow.
Unlike the others, like take the Xiaomi Amazfit which has its own proprietary OS made by Xiaomi in-house, the device works super fine and offers high quality features. But if you’re adamant and prefer to stick With your Android environment like me, then you might stick with the Fossil Gen 5 which is truly great.
The next thing is your budget. On the list the Apple Watch Series 5 is the most expensive costing a fortune. While being an interesting smartwatch, not everyone is prepared for the exorbitant price point. Meanwhile, still in the premium arena is the Galaxy Active 2 which is another great option. But performance with battery life and consistency, the Apple Watch 5 is the winner on the list but others are also great in their respective categories.