What Do Fitness Smart Watches Offer?
Basic features and functions of fitness smart watches
Fitness smart watches with most of the basic features usually include the following:
- Time display.
- Stopwatch.
- Activity monitor (number of steps, distance covered, calories burned).
- GPS sensor.
Advanced features and functions of fitness smart watches
Fitness smart watches with an activity tracker with advanced features range in their price. Therefore, consider well which features you need or could use in the future.
- IP Certification – increased resistance to dust, water or mechanical damage.
- Integrated heart rate sensor – heart rate is monitored from the wrist when in contact with the skin.
- Intelligent activity recognition – the sensors of the fitness tracker, for example, recognize whether you are currently walking or cycling.
- Sensors such as altimeter, barometer, compass or thermometer – suitable for all sports activities, especially in mountains.
- Smartphone connectivity and notifications display – for more expensive models, sports watches inform you about incoming messages, calls or calendar events.
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Music control.
- In a Bluetooth fitness tracker, music is played from the phone and the watch serves only as a remote control.
- In addition, some models allow you to store music in internal storage. The advantage is that you don't need to carry your phone while listening, which is especially useful when running.
- Sleep monitoring – runs through built-in sensors and displays your sleep statistics.
- VO2 Maximum Calculation – indicates your body's maximum oxygen consumption during sporting activities.
How to Choose Fitness Smart Watches
Purpose of Using a Fitness Tracker for Sports
Before choosing a fitness smart watch, you need to decide whether you want the watch primarily for sport or whether you want to take it out in public. If you're looking for a watch for a specific sporting activity - running, for example - or if you need it even for more social occasions, we'll help you choose one in the paragraphs below.
Fitness Smart Watches - Smartphone Connectivity
More expensive fitness smart watches usually can connect to a smartphone and also act as full-fledged sports testers. They display notifications of incoming messages, calls, calendar events and can be linked to a variety of fitness apps. When choosing one, you need to be aware of your phone's platform - if you have an Apple iPhone, for example, your fitness tracker must feature iOS support.
In case you don't use smartphone connectivity, focus on the storage size. For instance, you can store your music in it.
Fitness Smart Watches - Water, Dust and Mechanical Resistance
If you play sports in all kinds of weather or need a fitness smart watch for swimming or triathlon, make sure it has the appropriate IP certification. You can read more about IP ratings in our glossary.
For outdoor activities, it's important that the fitness tracker display is more resistant to mechanical damage and scratches - sapphire crystal or Gorilla Glass will ensure this.
Fitness Smart Watches - Heart Rate Measurement Options
- Integrated sensor – this is a stylish and compact option, which is especially sufficient for recreational athletes. However, the sensor is usually not as accurate compared to a chest belt and cannot be used in cold weather when wearing long sleeves - if the fitness tracker is not in contact with the skin, the heart rate measurement won't work.
- Chest belt – although it is an extra feature and requires occasional battery changes and support from the watch, the chest belt offers the most accurate measurement and can be worn at any time.
Fitness Smart Watches - Battery Life
Most fitness smart watches that connect to your smartphone can last one to two days on a full charge with active use. Longer battery life is of course a nice bonus.
The battery life of activity trackers that do not allow connection to the phone is around 5 days.
Choose a Fitness Smart Watch Based on the Type of Athlete You Are
The type of sport determines the final price of a fitness smart watch.
Fitness Smart Watches for Runners
For running, even a fitness smart watch with a simple GPS watch will be fine. Most models have a stopwatch, time display, speed, pace, interval function and so on. Water resistance also comes in handy.
Fitness Smart Watches for Cyclists
Fitness smart watches for cyclists require a significantly higher battery life and we strongly recommend models with water resistance.
Fitness Smart Watches for Versatile Athletes
If you enjoy various activities, such as going for a run, riding a bike or hiking, we recommend the same fitness smart watch as for runners. If you only hike, a fitness tracker with GPS and an activity monitor (pedometer, calories burned, distance measurement) will be sufficient. Longer battery life is an advantage, as is increased scratch (Gorilla Glass or sapphire crystal) and water resistance.
Fitness Smart Watches for Triathletes
A fitness smart watch for a triathlete needs a long battery life, sufficient IP protection (dust, waterproof, mechanical resistance), but most importantly, you should choose an activity tracker model that can measure swimming.
Want a Fitness Smart Watch for Both Work and Play?
If you want a fitness smart watch with a chic look, you will usually have to compromise on something or pay a higher price. It all depends on what you expect from the watch and what sport you will use it for. In general, we can recommend Withings or Garmin models.
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