This change has been monumental and more visible, especially in the past two decades. Among other things, the way people use their watches has changed significantly. What was once a simple gizmo to check time has now evolved into a gadget that not only displays date and time, but can also track your health, your location, and can be used for calling and messaging people and even playing games. To put it simply, wrist watches have gone from being a simple tool to one of the smartest pieces of tech you own.
This multi-faceted nature of smartwatches has made them extremely popular among buyers. It has also raised an important question among buyers: are smartwatches actually replacing classic watches? The answer isn’t as simple as it seems. It largely depends on how you plan to use your watch or smartwatch.
Why are smartwatches gaining popularity?
Smartwatches are gaining popularity among masses as they offer a slew of features that are not restricted to displaying date and time. Today, smartwatches can track your fitness, your heart rate, your water intake, and your step count. They can tell if you have been working non-stop without taking breaks. They can even take calls and let you check messages without ever touching your smartphones. What’s more? These features don’t cost a lot and can be easily accessed in smartwatches under ₹5,000.
Top 3 reasons to buy a smartwatch
- Health tracking features: Smartwatches offers a slew of health-tracking features to the users. They can not only be used for tracking your heart rate and blood-oxygen levels, but they can also track your sleep, stress levels and menstrual health. Some smartwatches can also record your ECG that has been proven to help in diagnosing critical diseases. Additionally, they can also track your workouts and help you take your medicines on time.
- Safety and emergency features: Modern smartwatches some with safety features such as Emergency SOS that can be used for calling emergency services, and Fall Detection, which sends a designated contact an alert if the user takes a fall and requires help. Then there are smartwatches that let you use satellite services for calling emergency services if there is no mobile network available.
- Productivity features: Smartwatches also come with a bouquet of productivity features that let users make and answer calls, set alarms and reminders, check their calendar, check and answer messages and emails, get weather updates, and even find their lost smartphones.
Top 5 factors to consider while buying smartwatch
- Battery life: Battery life is one of the most important factors to consider while buying a smartwatch. The general thumb rule is - the bigger the battery, the less charging it needs. But this will vary depending on your usage and connectivity options. Some premium watches require daily charging. On the other hand, a lot of budget smartwatches can last for days on a single charge.
- Display: Smartwatches are available in both LCD and AMOLED display variants. Look for AMOLED displays as they are brighter and easy to read under direct sunlight.
- Size and durability: Size will determine if the watch fits your wrist comfortably. Most smartwatch brands offer different variants for men and women. Durability will ensure that it can withstand water and everyday wear and tear without breaking and bending. Look for IP rating or water resistance such as IP68 or 5 ATM).
- Health tracking features: Health tracking is one of the most important use cases of smartwatches. For tracking your health parameters, look for sensors like – heart rate monitor, SpO2 (blood oxygen) sensor, and GPS, and features like sleep tracking, stress monitoring and ECG.
- Connectivity features: All smartwatches come with Bluetooth connectivity. But if that’s not enough for you or if you want to use it independently of your smartphone, look for features like eSIM support.
Are classic watches still relevant?
Yes, classic wrist watches are still relevant and they aren’t going anywhere. While the smartwatch market is growing globally, classic watches continue to dominate the market where technology isn’t a priority. So what do they offer that smartwatches don’t? There are many such features. To start with, classic watches aren’t just timepieces, but they represent craftsmanship and legacy that doesn’t fade away with a software update. Beyond this, they offer a long battery life running into years. They are also a symbol of luxury and some of them can also be used as investment options.
Despite this value, many classic watch companies have ventured into the smartwatch space to diversify their user base in the recent past. Here are a few options for you:
Classic watch vs smartwatch: Quick comparison
FEATURES | SMARTWATCHES | CLASSIC WATCHES |
| Purpose | Time keeping, fitness tracking, productivity | Timekeeping |
| Battery Life | 1–7 days | Years |
| User Interface | Touchscreen + digital UI | Analog hands |
| Health Tracking | Heart rate, SpO2, sleep, ECG, stress | None |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, eSIM | None |
| Maintenance | Software updates and charging | Occasional servicing |
| Longevity | 3 - 5 years | 10 - 50+ years |
| Customization | Watch faces, apps, straps | Straps and dial variants |
| Price Value | Depreciates quickly | Can retain or increase value |
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- Which are the popular brands that offer budget smartwatches in India?
Top brands in this category include Boat, Fire-Boltt, Noise and Redmi.
- Which are the popular brands that offer premium smartwatches in India?
Top brands in this category include Samsung, Apple, Garmin and Fossil.
- What connectivity options do smartwatches offer?
Smartwatches offer Bluetooth, NFC and eSIM for connectivity.
- How much battery life do smartwatches offer?
Smartwatches offer battery life ranging between 1 day to 10 days.
- Are men's smartwatches different than women's smartwatches?
Yes, men's smartwatches are different than women's smartwatches. Some brands also offer unisex designs.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
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