Apple, Samsung and Huawei They have achieved admirable results by positioning their smart watches (or smartwatches) as the leading models on the market in this competitive field.
But the absolute reality is that these mid- and high-range watches can be quite expensive for many users, who are left with the permanent idea that this type of device has a high price like that of the Apple Watch.
Fortunately, this is not the case, and there is a wide number of smartwatch models that can be found on the market, which have better autonomy than the best-known brands and that integrate a range of functions wide enough to live the experience of these devices.
Migrating from a simple digital or mechanical-analog watch to a smart watch is an important leap and the vast majority of the time the best strategy is actually to start with a basic model, without a large investment, to understand and analyze in its proper magnitude. whether this class of devices is ideal for us or not.
Not all people understand smartwatches. There are features that may feel very intrusive, some others may be perceived as unnecessary, or the specific need for use is limited to very few scenarios. For those cases we have put together this guide.
Cheap smartwatches that are not from any smartphone brand
Strictly speaking, we could start by outlining that smartwatches are electronic devices that are worn on the wrist and that offer various functions, such as notifications, physical activity monitoring, health monitoring, music playback, GPS navigation and much more.
However, not all smartwatches are the same or have the same price. There are some models that have become very popular because they are cheaper and from brands that are not dedicated to manufacturing smartphones.
Although it is necessary to highlight that these “other” smartwatches have some advantages and disadvantages compared to those from better-known brands such as Apple or Samsung. However, that does not mean that they should be avoided at all costs. On the contrary, they are an excellent introductory product to this segment. Here our selection:
SMARTEE DUO
Its great advantage: the battery lasts about 7 days, something similar to what an Apple Watch offers. The bad news: charging takes about a couple of hours. Too much if we are used to current standards with smartphones.
It has IP68 protection, functions for essential physical activities and its screen is quite responsive without presenting the delay common of cheap models. Its price is around US$55. So we don’t have to wait too much longer.
Ticwatch Pro 5
With a price that barely exceeds USD $400 and that can be achieved without so many problems in amazon. One of the best smartwatches in terms of quality-price ratio.
Especially because of the wide repertoire of applications that you can use such as Spotify, Maps and almost any compatible with Android or WearOS.
Pace 3 Choirs
Ideal for those who just want a smartwatch that they can use during their outdoor physical activities, such as mountain bike tours. Its autonomy offers up to 24 days in smart watch mode and up to 38 hours in continuous GPS mode.
It has interesting sports modes such as cycling, running, swimming, hiking, triathlon, skiing, snowboarding and rope jumping. Its price is around USD $266.
Any Polar GPS
Polar is one of the best kept secrets in the industry. A brand focused almost exclusively on athletic activities, such as jogging or marathons, with much more affordable prices than Apple or Samsung.
If we had to recommend only one model in particular it would be the Ignite 3 Series, especially for fitness activities. It has an AMOLED touch screen, day-to-day monitoring, lightweight and with functions outside its usual range such as skin temperature measurement and voice command support via phone. Its price is around USD $491.
Don’t forget Garmin or Fitbit
Among the most well-known but expensive brands we can recommend the Garmin Venu 2. This watch has a color AMOLED display that can be used in always-on mode. It offers a wide variety of sports and health functions, such as sleep, stress, body energy, breathing, menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking.
It also has integrated GPS, heart rate sensor, barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope and accelerometer. You can store up to 500 songs on the watch and control music playback from Spotify, Amazon Music or Deezer. The battery lasts up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and up to 7 hours in GPS mode with music. Its price is around USD $467.
The second recommendation is the Fitbit Versa 3. A watch with a color AMOLED touch screen that adapts to ambient brightness, with interchangeable straps of different colors and materials.
It also has a wide range of sports and health functions, such as monitoring sleep, stress, blood oxygenation, heart rate and heart rhythm. It also has integrated GPS, speaker and microphone to make calls from the watch and voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant.
The Fitbit Versa 3 has a battery life of up to 6 days in smartwatch mode and up to 12 hours in GPS mode. Its approximate price is USD $210 thanks to the fact that the model is on its way out.
Some smartwatch options for around USD $100
There is still a wide range of options for the most limited budget. As the Amazfit Bip 5, he Amazfit GTR 2 2022 or the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini, which, to be honest, fulfill more of the functions of a basic activity monitor.
In all cases, it is a Smart Band with an integrated clock. Which makes it ideal for those looking to get into the use of these devices. Although the price can skyrocket depending on the territory.
So there are frank alternatives for every budget range. The expectation is that these guides have given you a general overview.