The latest segment of technology where Google has made a mark is a wearable tech. A segment that started with simple fitness trackers, has now evolved into full-fledged smartwatches, which are now at a point where they can automate most smartphone functions.
Like other smart devices, the first requirement for these smart watch devices is an operating system. In the case of Android-powered smartwatches, this is nothing but WearOS. Based heavily on their Android smartphone platform, WearOS combines simplicity and attention to detail in a beautiful cohesive package that allows you to enjoy the complexity of a watch with the fluidity of Android.
When it comes to choosing an Android Wear smartwatch, there are a considerable number of choices from various brands. But in this article, we will tell you the best smartwatches that support Wear OS.
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Number 1. Fossil Gen 5
Fossil was one of the first luxury watch brands to embrace the shift to WearOS. Their portfolio now boasts 5 successful generations of smartwatches, each a significant improvement over its predecessor. What we like the most about the Fossil Gen 5 Lineup is that combines the expert craftsmanship of Fossil for the hardware and the expertise of Google for the software. The display component is fluid and the battery backup is now significantly higher than it was before, clocking in at around a full working day.
The UI elements are great blend of WearOS and Fossil’s own designs, and we absolutely love that. There are proprietary Fossil designed watch faces to choose from, as well as a slew of third-party watch faces that you can use to customize your smartwatch experience.
The Fossil Gen 5 smartwatch features 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. Now bear in mind that smartwatches do not need monumental amounts of RAM or onboard storage to function, so these numbers are more than adequate.
All in all, Fossil has utilised its experience in the smartwatch game to produce one of the best iterations of a WearOS smartwatch in the market.
Number 2. Suunto 7
Suunto is the latest entry to the Android Wear lineup. While most brands have taken their own time perfecting their smartwatch offerings, Suunto seems to hit one right out of the park here. Sure, it does have its clinks, but the overall package is good enough to find a spot in our top 3.
The brand has been synonymous with fitness trackers and peripherals, and they have brought their expertise in the fitness arena to their new smartwatch. The whole slew of Suunto fitness apps are on offer out of the box in the case of the Suunto 7, but what we didn’t really like is the fact that the stats you need to see are split between the Suunto app and the Google Fit app. It’s a hassle to read them at times but its something you can live with.
Suunto has claimed almost 2 days worth of battery life on the Suunto 7 smartwatch, which is truly something of the next level. In reality, the 48-hour figure may or may not match depending on the extent of your usage, but rest assured you can enjoy the Suunto 7 uninterrupted for at least one whole day and then some more.
Number 3. Skagen Falster 3
The third entry is the Skagen Falster 3. Skagen is yet anouther luxury watch brand that has made the transition to smartwatches. Skagen is known for some really iconic designs when it comes to their conventional models, and just like Fossil, they have taken the tried and tested approach of using their experitse in watch design and the software expertise of Google, to create a stunning piece of technology.
The Skagen Falster 3 features a very simplistic design, but what stands out is the way the hardware just matches the watch faces and the end result is a beautiful piece of tech on your wrist.
As far as the specifications are concerned, you will see that the pattern repeats itself in the Skagen Falster 3 as well. A full day’s worth of battery life, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of onboard storage form the base on which the Skagen Falster 3 operates.
Now, what you will see in all the aforementioned models is that they cost around $300, which may seem a bit pricey, but what you get is a truly premium piece of tech, which works perfectly with your Android or iOS smartphone.
So, if you are in the market for an Android Wear-powered smartwatch, you should consider one of these.