10 tips for choosing smartwatches for adults

The screen is the most energy-intensive element of the device. Its type and resolution determine the autonomy of the smart watch. Today on sale there are gadgets with various screens:

AMOLED. Their key advantage is energy efficiency, they need to be charged less often. However, they are installed only in mid-range or premium models due to their high cost (for example, in LG Watch Style, Huawei Watch). A feature of the AMOLED screen is the illumination of working pixels and a black background. This means that you can use the smartwatch without restrictions even in bright sunlight.

IPS, TFT and other similar screens. They are distinguished by high brightness and color contrast. Such a screen is fully backlit, which makes it difficult to use it in the sun. The advantages of such panels: relatively low price and acceptable quality. The e-ink screen belongs to this group.Keep in mind that it displays only textual and graphical information, i.e. it is not possible to view color images and videos with it.

As for the resolution, the best option is 192x192 pixels with a diagonal of no more than 3 inches. When buying a smartwatch with a round panel, keep in mind that the resolution for them is indicated as for a square shape. Therefore, the actual number of pixels and power consumption will be lower than in the description.

Their durability, resistance to mechanical damage and appearance depend on the case of a smart watch. Manufacturers use plastic or metal in the manufacture of the device. The materials practically do not differ in strength characteristics, they are great for everyday use, so the choice depends more on your personal preferences.

Note! When buying, keep in mind that the metal case gets very hot when used on hot summer days, so it can cause discomfort.

Various types of glass are used to make the dial:

• plastic. Cheap, but unstable to scratches and other mechanical damage. Usually built into sports watches;
• Mineral. Loses in strength to plastic dials, but has excellent resistance to damage;
• Sapphire. Main features: high transparency, scratch resistance, durability. They are rare because they are expensive.

The range of some manufacturers includes dials with backlight. They will be the right choice if you plan to work with your watch at night.

One of the key parameters of smart watches is protection against moisture and dust. It is especially important if you plan to use the device in extreme conditions (for example, when traveling by sea, climbing mountains, etc.)

This parameter is certified according to the IP standard. For example, the protection index is IP68 (another value may be specified instead of 68). The first digit means dust and the second moisture protection. When choosing a watch, you may come across the X marking, which means that the gadget is 100% protected from dust.

We recommend choosing the following models:

• IP66. They are able to withstand a fall into the dust, and only a slight soak (for example, when washing hands);
• IP67. The dust protection index is the same as IP66, but the device can withstand more significant wetness (for example, when taking a shower);
• IP68. The level of protection against dust is preserved, however, the performance of the watch is maintained even when immersed in water, but only for a short time;
• IPX7, IPX8. Resistant to immersion in dust/sand, and also able to withstand significant wetting.

Keep in mind that many Chinese firms deliberately inflate these figures. If you do not need to use a smart watch, we recommend that you remove it before swimming or swimming.

For both men and women, round smartwatches are the best choice. They look presentable and look great with both business and casual attire. The exception is the square models of the Apple Watch, but here the brand plays a decisive role. On a round watch, the analog dial looks stylish (with arrows, as in a classic watch).

When buying a gadget, pay attention to the strap.Various materials are used for its production:

• rubber (silicone),
• Genuine Leather,
• synthetic leather,
• the cloth.

An ideal choice for adults and the elderly is leather straps. They are the most comfortable to wear, do not cause discomfort or friction, but they are distinguished by high cost and a minimum of stylistic solutions.

Equally reliable materials are rubber and silicone. Keep in mind that they are not always pleasant to the touch, so it is better to try them on before buying. We do not recommend opting for artificial leather or fabric straps, as they quickly lose their attractive appearance.

Most smartwatch models are equipped with an interchangeable strap. This means that it can be subsequently replaced by any other. However, 2 conditions must be met: the presence of standard fasteners and the absence of functional parts (cameras, sensors, etc.) on the original strap.

Most smartwatches are designed to be paired with a mobile phone, so device compatibility is essential to making the right choice. Some models work only with smartphones based on Android, others on the iPhone. Less common are universal smart watches that synchronize simultaneously with various operating systems (for example, Samsung Gear S3).

Not only the base, but the level of its update matters when choosing. For example, the latest generation of Huawei watches are only compatible with Android 4.3 and above.If you neglect this option when choosing, the device will not work or its functionality will be incomplete (for example, the Wi-Fi connection option will not work).

The smart watch is controlled through a sensor or classic buttons. Many users note that the touch interface makes it difficult to operate the device, since it is inconvenient to click on the on-screen icons on a small screen.

To make it more comfortable for men and women, most manufacturers have combined both types of control in their smartwatches. The Apple Watch, for example, has a touch screen as well as a digital crown on the right side of the device. It is used for menu navigation, calling and other options.

Samsung offers another, no less convenient solution - a bezel rotating around the touch screen. With it, you can quickly scroll through the smartwatch menu and select the function that you need.

Each manufacturer tries to add 2-3 unique features to smart watches in order to distinguish their devices from the mass of similar models. Naturally, it is impossible to list all the functions of these gadgets, but we will give those that men and women will need for everyday use and convenient work:

• display of the current time,
• alarm,
• calendar,
• timer,
• weather,
• receiving/sending messages and calls,
• fitness statistics (running, heart rate, steps, calories, etc.),
• camera,
• microphone,
• speaker,
• music and video player,
• navigator.

Judging by user reviews, the most convenient and important feature that significantly increases the ergonomics of the device is the Wi-Fi module. It is not provided in all smart watches and will only work after successful synchronization with a mobile phone.

In fact, these devices replace the smartphone. Their display shows all the messages that come to you from social publics or come from the mobile network. You can read, write and reply to SMS, receive incoming calls and make calls yourself, set and turn off alarms, download and play games and much more.

The operating time of smart watches without additional charging depends on autonomy. Due to the compact size of the devices and the use of modern technologies in their production, an overly capacious battery is not required.

The average operating time of smart watches is from 48 to 64 hours, subject to their active use. Of course, the wider the functionality of the gadget, the faster the battery “sits down” and additional charging is required.

To recharge the watch, a standard micro-USB connector is used. Less commonly, manufacturers include a special magnetic charger or other specialized device for charging the battery with the device.

A smart watch equipped with a SIM card slot is becoming a full-fledged alternative to a mobile phone.

Types:

mini (25x15 mm)	micro (15x12 mm)	nano (12.3x8.8 mm)
An excellent choice for installing a classic SIM card	A more compact version of the connector used in modern smartphones	The smallest connector used in the latest generation of devices

Firms Bravis, IconBit, MyKronoz, Fit bit, Prestigio, GoClever, AirOn and some others offer cheap smat watches with a plastic case and a silicone strap. Their cost is only from 750 to 2,000 rubles.

When buying cheap models, be prepared to face some disadvantages. For example, long response during control, slow operation, reflection of incoming messages and calls with a long delay.

Such smartwatches have a limited set of functions, they are not guaranteed, synchronization is possible with only one device. There are more or less successful models, but to find them, you will need to look at real user reviews.

High-quality mid-range smart watches are offered by manufacturers ASUS, Jawbone, Sony, Huawei, Xiaomi, Garmin, Cogito, Samsung. The devices of this group meet all standards: fast operation, wide functionality, stylish design and even user support.

The most expensive and popular watches are offered by Apple. They are intended for fans of the brand, since they do not have special features or a new interface. The cost of such models is from 25,000 rubles and more.