With the recent launch of Apple's iPhone 14, the Apple Watch Series 8 and Ultra, it's clear that smart technology is continuously changing and evolving, making it hard to keep up. As smart tech becomes even more prevalent in everyday life, there are changes in price and quality when new smart devices become available, especially smartphones and smartwatches.
As smartwatches evolve, it's become harder to decipher which option is best for different consumers and their price range. However, there are a few great smartwatches available for those who wish to splurge and those who are on a budget.
Amazon Halo View
Price: $79.99
One of the lowest-priced watches on the list, the Amazon Halo View is a smartwatch catered to consumers focused on their fitness. The watch is equipped with a sensor capsule that allows for the tracking of heart rate, sleep cycle, and blood oxygen levels. The device is Alexa-enabled to give updates on users' health and activity, and more.
At $79.00, the consumer gets a product with up to seven days of battery life and charging in under two hours. The watch is water-resistant and has Bluetooth, which allows for compatibility with almost all Android and iPhone devices. Although a paid Halo subscription is needed for the device, upon buying, the subscription is included.
Garmin Lily Sports Edition
Price: $149.99
The Garmin Lily Sports Edition is a smartwatch with basic smartwatch functions and its own OS. With this being the case, the consumer will not get a wide variety of available apps for the watch, however, they will be able to connect to an Android and iPhone through an app.
It is able to track and give out health stats, sleep patterns, and heart and oxygen monitoring. Buyers will also be able to view any texts, calls, and calendar reminders on through the watch, however, the watch does lack full-color display. Users will receive up to five days of battery life on a watch that's good for both day and night use.
Fitbit Versa 3
Price: $157.50
The Fitbit Versa 3 is a health and fitness smartwatch that aims to keep consumers safe and healthy. It has a battery duration of up to six days and is water-resistant. The fitness smartwatch is compatible with both Android and iOS, has built-in GPS, and contains a multitude of fitness features. Although it has limited options for apps, the watch is best for Android and iPhone users who are fitness-focused.
The watch is currently priced at $157.50, making it the best price range for consumers who are just looking for a smartwatch to keep track of their health and fitness journey. The smartwatch is lightweight and holds an element of high-quality design, without the pricey price tag.
TickTalk 4
Price: $199.99
The perfect watch for kids, the TickTalk 4 is a 4G smartwatch packed with GPS tracking and locating. The smartwatch is equipped with secure messaging, video, voice, and Wi-Fi. Kids are able to take photos, text, and talk with parental controls built-in for parents to protect their kids from unwanted content.
Just under $200, the smartwatch does require a monthly subscription of $10/month and is available to use with almost all major U.S. cellular providers. For safety, the watch has a built-in SOS button with a direct line to the 911, adding a sense of security for the parent and child. This smartwatch is the perfect tech product that teens and tweens will love.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
Price: $220.43
Available to use on Android and iPhone devices, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is a smartwatch that combines amazing tech with a classic rotating bevel design. The watch has built-in fitness tracking, with a bigger display, blood pressure tracking, talk, text, and voice. With low usage, the average user can get up to 151 hours of battery life or over 56 hours of battery life with regular usage.
This watch is perfect for Android users who are looking for high quality but still want to stay on the budget side of options. The cheapest of Samsung Galaxy smartwatches, this watch is also one of the best watches from the brand at the moment because of its price and quality.
Apple Watch SE (Second Generation)
Price: $269.98
One the best decisions for consumers looking for quality while also on a budget, the Apple Watch SE 2nd generation is the perfect smartwatch to buy. The watch has a battery life of up to 18 hours for the average user with a built-in rechargeable ion battery. It is water-resistant, but only for shallow water activities like pool swimming and not deep sea diving. With the inclusion of GPS and cellular compatibility, consumers are able to make calls, talk, and text on their smartwatch.
The lowest of prices in regard to other Apple smartwatches, the Apple Watch SE second generation does not include temperature sensing, the ECG app, or dust resistance, as seen in the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Series 8.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Price: $279.99
Samsung Galaxy Watches, like Apple smartwatches, are usually released alongside the release of every Samsung Galaxy phone. The 5 smartwatch is equipped with up to 40 hours of battery life for the user. A less expensive alternative to the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, this smartwatch comes in three colors and features health and fitness tracking features and the ability to handle calls and text through Bluetooth.
Unlike its expensive counterpart, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, the Galaxy Watch 5 does not come with the rotating bevel design. However, the consumer is able to customize the watch through a vast selection of apps. This watch could be the best option for Android users on a budget, who are still looking for features like health monitoring and multiple app options.
Apple Watch Series 8
Price: $429.00
As with every IPhone release by Apple, there is a smartwatch release along with it. The Apple Watch Series 8 release was announced alongside the iPhone 14, with new features and a higher price tag. The watch is now equipped with crash detection that alerts emergency services, temperature sensors for health, and is crack and water-resistant. Users are still able to use talk, text, and voice with their compatible iPhone, but it doesn't include a water temperature sensor like the Apple Watch Ultra.
This option is for consumers looking for health tracking along with some upgraded phone features and it has an always-on retina and a battery life of 18 hours that can be extended to 36 hours on low power mode.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Price: $445.00
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is available for any Android user but has strong compatibility with Samsung Galaxy smartphones. The watch is water and dust-resistant with double protection on the display, keeping it safe from cracks and scratches. The watch's redesigned BioActive sensor accurately tracks heart rate and sleep patterns, as well as fall detection.
Jointly developed by Samsung and Google and with a battery life of up to 21 hours, the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro does have a limit on some apps if not paired with Samsung phones, however, there are features that make up for this limitation.
Apple Watch Ultra
Price: $799.99
The newest addition to the Apple smartwatch family, the Apple Watch Ultra is equipped with a 100m water-resistance that allows for recreational swimming, as well as deep sea diving. Unlike its previous counterparts, this watch is dust resistant and comes with a blood oxygen and ECG app, as well as tracking for ovulation and menstruation.
With its advanced and new features, the watch is the most expensive of smartwatches from Apple at the moment. As the newest release, this watch is sure to provide features that previous versions lack, however, there are cheaper options Apple available for smartwatch users who don't need all the bells and whistles.
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