Time is on their side
While it’s still viewed as a luxurious accessory by many rather than a must-have piece of tech, the Apple Watch goes from strength to strength, and has just notched up its 9th version: the Series 7, which runs watchOS 8. Yes, the numbers are a tad confusing so let’s forget about them for a second.
All you need to know is that this is the company’s most advanced smartwatch yet, although it’s widely seen as a modest, evolutionary upgrade to the Series 6 model released in 2020. For the legions of Apple Watch fans that will probably be enough. For years, the Apple Watch has dominated the smartwatch market, leveraging its association with the iPhone.
While there’s no shortage of competition from companies like Samsung, Huawei, and Fitbit, no rival products are as identifiable or as popular as Apple’s line. That may change in the future, especially since Google now owns Fitbit and has rekindled software ties with Samsung. Time will tell, and then some.
What is it? Apple Watch Series 7
How much? From $599
Pros: While the Series 7’s selling points might be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, they’re certainly attractive upgrades, including a much larger display and faster charging, in tandem with its predecessor’s high-end health monitoring features (blood oxygen and ECG).
Cons: Pricey, but cheaper alternatives are available. Consider refurbished Series 6 models at a discount, or the more affordable Apple Watch SE, or the Series 3 (which starts at half the Series 7’s price tag). apple.com/au
What is it? Samsung Galaxy Watch4
How much? From $399
Pros: Samsung’s been making smartwatches longer than just about anybody else, and the just-released Galaxy Watch4 offers the company’s most robust answer yet to the Apple Watch juggernaut. Now powered by Android’s Wear OS, the sleek, circular display evokes a traditional wristwatch design, but under the hood there’s a tonne of smart features, including body composition measurements, health and fitness tracking, and so much more.
Cons: Works with Android devices but requires a Samsung smartphone for some features. samsung.com/au
What is it? Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 6
How much? $69.95 Pros: What if you don’t want to spend hundreds on a smartwatch, but you still want something a little bit smart, with some health and fitness tracking, and some handy smartphone integrations on the side? Look no further than the nifty, affordably positioned Mi Smart Band 6.
Cons: Definitely more limited than high-end smartwatches, but it’s staggering how much this budget wearable does for the money. Shop around for best price – earlier models are good value, too. mi.com