Best smart watch to buy (not Apple)

Lancerx on 02/05/2015 - 22:23
Last edited 02/05/2015 - 22:41

Hi all,

Been looking to buy a smart watch. Initially eyed a charge HR, but decided it might be as robust/durable as the other ones out there.

Problem is there are so many around, just not sure which to buy. Will prefer watch with good battery life, and robust design, preferably something waterproof to shower and some fitness finction.Is pebble steel a good option? Love to hear your suggestions. Cheers!

Sorry guys, budget less than $300 preferably, but can stretch to $400.but always keen for bargain.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • pyramid on 02/05/2015 - 22:25

    Decide your budget and people will be able to help you.

    • Lancerx on 02/05/2015 - 22:43

      forgot to add in, but yes sub 300 would be ideal

  • 18 on 02/05/2015 - 22:28

    Fitbit Charge HR is not a smartwatch, although the fitbit charge is. There are going to be new smartwatches coming in the very near future such as the new Moto 360, the pebble time or the very good looking and new Huawei watch. This would mean the older generation get cheaper which might be a good time to purchase it if your tight on budget.

    • swiggity swag on 03/05/2015 - 12:25

      So the absence of a heart rate sensor makes it a smart watch?

      • 18 on 03/05/2015 - 18:26

        i didn't even say that?

        • swiggity swag on 03/05/2015 - 18:40
          +2

          Fitbit Charge HR is not a smartwatch, although the fitbit charge is.

        • Eddie8 on 04/05/2015 - 14:49
          +3

          @Kados:

          Im pretty sure he means "the Fitbit Surge is".

    • CVonC on 03/05/2015 - 17:35

      Is the Huawei out yet?

  • pax on 02/05/2015 - 22:36

    LG watch Urbane is getting my attention right now, but the Tag Hever if its proposed 40hr battery (http://au.idigitaltimes.com/tag-heuer-launch-smartwatch-40-h…) comes true, it will be a game changer.

    More so if it can be submerged in salt water like the new Garmin smart watch can.

    The next 12 months will be in interesting.

    • Lancerx on 02/05/2015 - 22:48

      Love to wait, but the wait seem pointless cuz the tech just change so much. But with the new business on the horizon, I definitely need more help in reminding myself of daily tasks. Always keen to know what's bargain around the corner though

      • iridiumstem on 03/05/2015 - 13:52
        +3

        To be honest, I think the smartwatch industry is at that stage where it's similar to the early smartphone age. The concept is very young, it has its flaws, but it's very promising and the improvements from in future would probably be large. Not saying you shouldn't get one if you have a purpose for them, but expect a lot of upgrades in the future.

        • Kozhutki on 13/05/2015 - 22:26

          Valid assessment. It's exciting to watch (pun intended), I'm excited for the next line-up of next gen watches this year. I'm hoping the Moto 360 v2 will be much better, have had my eye on it much the same as the HUAWEI watch. Can't say I'm a big fan of the LG Urbane design, looks very plasticy-cheap.

    • Pizdets on 03/05/2015 - 19:25
      +1

      $2K for a tag heuer smart watch? I'll pass.

  • iridiumstem on 02/05/2015 - 22:37

    What do you need it for? Also what's your budget?
    Those two will definitely be something that would help people to give you an advice on what you should get.

    • Lancerx on 02/05/2015 - 22:45

      To remind myself of tasks, alarm, simple fairness function and also the need to have analog needle display for work reason

        • cjmac on 02/05/2015 - 23:25

          Yep. Pebble Time, or the older Pebble, is fairly cheap, can run a whole bunch of apps, battery lasts a week - perfect.

          (And of course you can put an analogue watchface on it).

        • Lancerx on 02/05/2015 - 23:30

          @cjmac:

          Can't see to buy the watch on kickstarter. Maybe need a pc?

        • iridiumstem on 02/05/2015 - 23:57

          @cjmac: I always thought pebble looked alright. Might grab one if the older gen becomes cheap.

        • Bokoshi on 03/05/2015 - 06:09

          @skyl:
          Can only signup to be notified when pebble time is available for preorder at the moment. RRP is apprently $299 (USD I assume)
          https://getpebble.com/pebble_time

        • cjmac on 04/05/2015 - 12:06
          +1

          @skyl: Yeah, the kickstarter's over, you'll need to wait til they start shipping. You can pick up an existing Pebble still, though, e.g. DSE have it for $149 (but often cheaper, don't buy it at that price!), or you might find a good deal on eBay from existing owners once the Time starts shipping.

        • PurchaseAnxiety on 04/05/2015 - 21:25

          @Bokoshi: Pebble Time RRP is $199USD, Time Steel is $299USD I think.

      • plmko on 03/05/2015 - 00:13
        +1

        The old Sony SW2 fits the bill too, if you want something more fancy. Easy to find on Ebay for $100-$150.

        Water resistant, apps on Google play store and user custom watch faces.

  • rbrb on 03/05/2015 - 07:44
    +1

    Pebble time for sure. I've been using the original pebble for a couple of years now and it's great. I backed the pebble time as well and expect it to arrive this month.

  • Waldo000000 on 03/05/2015 - 08:45

    At the risk of hijacking this thread a little bit, has anyone found a mildly useful smartwatch for under $50, stretching to under $100?

    • iridiumstem on 03/05/2015 - 12:59

      The older pebble goes down to under $100 a lot?

    • ausmechkeyboards on 03/05/2015 - 13:23

      Does it have to be a watch? or can it be a fitness tracker? if so, check out the Xiaomi Mi Band.

      • Lancerx on 03/05/2015 - 18:51

        Has to be a watch, with definite possibility for analog watch face. Fitness function would be nice, but not essential

  • mrmachine on 03/05/2015 - 09:18
    +1

    Garmin Fenix 3 has all the fitness tracking you will ever need plus smart watch features and reminders to stay active. I think 6 weeks battery life or 50 hours with the gps active. Colour always on screen and app store for new watch faces and activities. Looks most like a normal watch in their activity watch range. Bit pricey though, but amazing.

  • Woodyg22 on 03/05/2015 - 12:45

    Moto 360 is great IMO and has heart rate and steps etc but not waterproof

    Sony smartwatches are better designed for sport watches but weirdly don't have heart rate…??? (Maybe the new ones do)

  • Davros on 03/05/2015 - 13:19

    The one thats on my $40 smart phone.
    Haven't worn a watch on my wrist since the 90's

  • Pinchy on 03/05/2015 - 13:43

    Bought a pebble Watch from DickSmith a couple weeks ago for $99. Works great - lasts almost a week without charging. Sends all my notifications (that I choose) and weather to the watch, can control my music as well.

    • Lancerx on 03/05/2015 - 18:53

      Does the old Pebble has fitness function? And also analog watch face?

      • miguelala on 04/05/2015 - 12:04

        Yes. I use misfit app on pebble steel to track steps and sleep.
        It then syncs to their iPhone app. I think there is an android one too.
        Lots of analogue watch faces are available.

  • Hotpotcorn on 03/05/2015 - 16:32
    -2

    buy a fake apple watch and show it off to the public.

    • iridiumstem on 03/05/2015 - 17:43
      +2

      What is so amazing about owning electronic devices that allow you to show off?
      During middle school, I think some kids showed off their portable game consoles like DS or PSP. Is it that sort of mentality?

    • Lancerx on 03/05/2015 - 18:53
      +4

      Buying apple watch is money not well spent in my eyes for their function and spec, plus I only have android phones

    • No ONE on 04/05/2015 - 12:44
      -3

      Why Apple crap

  • neonlight on 03/05/2015 - 17:55
    +1

    Get a non smart watch.

    • muncan on 04/05/2015 - 19:43

      Automatic watch FTW
      (no batteries, lifetime-of-the-wearer charge)

  • robotdad on 03/05/2015 - 18:07

    I recon one of the most impressive smart watches which can cope with water and cover sporting activities would have to be the Garmin vivoactive. Battery life is impressive too -up to a week depending on use. Best in depth review here: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2015/04/garmin-vivoactive-in-dept…

    • Lancerx on 03/05/2015 - 18:50

      It's a shame though Garvin only got 10 hours battery life. I think I'm leaning towards urbane or GWR now. At least it's trendy looking. Honestly I hardly do any exercise, except weekend soccer occasionally,but like to see my daily steps etc..

    • miguelala on 04/05/2015 - 13:03

      Original Pebble & Pebble Steel are waterproof to 50m too.
      The Pebble Time & Pebble Time Steel is suppose to be waterproof to 30m. (needs to be confirmed) This is probably due to the inclusion of a microphone.

      The following explains why the new watches have a lower rating due to a new ISO standard:
      https://www.reddit.com/r/pebble/comments/30h1k1/clarificatio…

  • fruit on 03/05/2015 - 21:39

    Are the Pebble Times shipping yet?

    • Lancerx on 04/05/2015 - 00:52

      Not yet, guess we'll never know when unless you sign up to their pre-order release email notification…Those kickastarters will get them first, shame I didn't know about it before then ..

      • cjmac on 04/05/2015 - 12:09
        +1

        I'm a Pebble Time backer, and according to the email I got, the Time will ship this month, July for the Time Steel. For the Kickstarters, anyway, not sure how long for the general public.

  • lplau on 04/05/2015 - 10:20

    Also keep in mind that a smart watch isn't that smart.
    Pretty much all smart watches (not fitness watch… e.g. fitbit charge hr), cannot do best in every category.

    They can never do as good as a dedicated fitness tracker, never read sms as good as your phone… etc.

    Most of the time, the hardware is perfect however the software is nowhere as good as the dedicated fitness apps.

  • malbrothers on 04/05/2015 - 11:31

    The Garmin Vivoactive is pretty awesome. Waterproof, notification alerts and all sorts of fitness tracking means that it fits the bill in a lot of areas. Doesn't look too bulky either..

    • Lancerx on 04/05/2015 - 13:21

      only 10 hours battery though..meh..

      • macca on 04/05/2015 - 18:54

        10 hours while using the GPS for sports tracking which drains the battery a lot faster than normal smartwatch use.

      • macca on 04/05/2015 - 18:56

        From : https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/health-fitness/v…
        "Battery charge lasts through all your activities with up to 3 weeks in watch/activity tracking mode or up to 10 hours using GPS"

        3 weeks is right up there when you're looking at smartwatch battery life

        • Lancerx on 04/05/2015 - 19:01

          Oh my bad..does it have analog watch face. Just happen to need it time thing at work.

  • MasterNoob on 04/05/2015 - 11:56
    -4

    Wait for Samsung to make a cheap Apple watch knockoff.

    • cjmac on 04/05/2015 - 12:10
      +3

      Pity they haven't started working on watches yet…

    • iridiumstem on 04/05/2015 - 12:10
      +1

      I find it slightly ironic how Samsung started before Apple did.
      You should say Sony if you really wanna bring the copycat thing, just saying.

      • AlexD on 04/05/2015 - 19:35
        -2

        Apple Watch rumours were around long before the Galaxy Gear came out - plus it ran Tizen OS and was rushed to market.

        • iridiumstem on 04/05/2015 - 21:15
          +2

          If you want me to be anal, technically speaking, the concept of smart watches has been around since late 1990s.

          Samsung did have watch phone way before the rumours as well. Tizen OS has been around for awhile (also Tizen technically is not just Samsung's, I think it was done with many other companies), though Tizen OS as a OS for wearable electronics is fairly young (Tizen is used in many other places, smart cameras etc etc).

          Companies don't go in with rumours and rumours alone, the argument "Apple Watches were rumoured to be released before the release" is really weird as far as I see since it'd be impossible to produce a product solely based on rumours. I think the rumours came out few months beforehand? I can't remember, but the problem is 1. Samsung did have watch phones way back then 2. Do you really think a company can design, produce, change its plans, etc etc within that short time frame? 3. Companies get patents, which these rumours sometimes stem from, all the time. Doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to be produced. I think Apple had patent on stylus for a while, from my memories, yet there are no devices that uses that stylus. So if you were Samsung, would you invest that much money, in that short amount of time, that consists of tweaking OS, creating new production line for SoC just for smartwatches, etc etc, just based on a rumour?

          I think I've heard so many Apple fans (not saying that you are one of them, since Apple does try to create that image of a company that revolutionises the field) giving credits to Apple where it's not really Apple's original ideas. I think I've said enough nerdy things.

          I was sincerely expecting Apple to do what it did with the iPhones, showing how intuitive the UI can become with the new input system (in iPhone's case, touchscreen) but to be honest, I don't see anything that sets it apart other than, it's made by Apple and it goes along very well with Apple products.

          Source:
          http://www.techradar.com/au/news/wearables/before-iwatch-the…
          http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tizen

        • AlexD on 04/05/2015 - 21:47

          Upvoted almost completely because of referencing.

          I actually really like the idea of Tizen OS in practice - if Samsung fully commits to this, it probably won't follow the same fate that Bada did, either. The problem with the original Samsung watches, though, was the lack of additional app functionality. They worked pretty much as glorified wrist-worn remote controls for a small number of smartphones, and added features that no one really needed, or could make good use of.

          I totally agree with your statement that patents aren't necessarily a sign of what is to be released, though in the case of the Apple Watch, a lot of it came down to the rumours being caught on to by significant publications, and the general population starting to think about it - I had several customers at my work ask me if there was an Apple watch coming out, even from the middle of 2013. I think (and I may be wrong) that it was this that pushed Samsung to release their Galaxy Gear range, and that it was released too early. What it did do, though, was give them the first movers advantage, and allowed other companies to evolve the technologies from there, which has given Android Wear a significant boost.

          In terms of Apple's UI, I really like the dial - it's a pretty clever way to get fat fingers out of the way of a ridiculously tiny touch screen. Also, being able to access applications through touch, while not necessarily the best implementation as it stands, is something that has been missing from Android Wear watches - the best that can be done is communication through Google Now.

          Edit: Decided to procrastinate and write a proper reply.

        • iridiumstem on 04/05/2015 - 21:48

          @AlexD: …I thought Chifley was going through some sort of Space Singularity Crisis?

        • AlexD on 04/05/2015 - 22:30

          I just play the good guy, and hand belongings accidentally left on desks in to reception.

        • iridiumstem on 05/05/2015 - 23:49

          @AlexD: Didn't know that you edited it :S

          My response to this is, I think you are absolutely correct. I have to apologise, since I messed up with my facts a little (Samsung released the first one with Android (not Android Wear), Tizen was used on Gear 2 and later became available for Gear 1). I think Samsung may have rushed it, especially since Android was used instead of proper wearable OS. Though I still think it was highly unlikely for Samsung to have created a smart watch as a response to the rumours, because of what I said before.

          I think what you and I have said are going slightly tangent to each other since I think I've interpreted your sentence wrongly. My point was Apple was not the first one to come up with the idea of "smart watch". I thought you were suggesting that Apple have caused Samsung to produce a smart watch from scratch and rush it just for the sake of being the first, which is clearly different from what you've wrote.

          In terms of the dial and UI, I think I am biased on that, since my personal experience with crowns on watches are not really pleasant one. Though I'd actually want to try it to see what it feels like. The haptic feature looked cool enough. Frankly speaking, I think my responses are slightly hostile (or maybe very hostile) to Apple products, because I do have fair bit of Apple fanboys around me. While I honestly don't care what they use, they can be very assertive with their opinions. I think I got sick and tired of their opinion on these matters and I thought you were implying the same thing.

  • AlexD on 04/05/2015 - 19:38

    I've been using a Pebble for quite a while, and like it so much that I backed the Pebble Time Steel on Kickstarter.

    While the original doesn't have a heart rate monitor, it's quite cheap for what it does, and it works very well as a watch, basic fitness wearable, notification receiver, and more - it's also waterproof with up to ten days of battery life on the Time Steel (or 7 days on all of the others).

    The only issue that I have had are some of the settings occasionally wiping themselves - especially in the Jawbone app. A quick google implied that this was limited predominantly to those paired with iPhones, and Android OS gives you a ton more functionality than I get.

    • Lancerx on 04/05/2015 - 20:09
      +1

      Pebble time steel sound like just the watch I need..Shame I didn't back the Pebble time steel in time on kickstarter…guess I gotta wait then ..

      • timobeee on 05/05/2015 - 17:44

        I've got a matte black pebble steel I'm looking to sell for pretty cheap if you're interested?

  • paloverde88 on 04/05/2015 - 20:21

    I've used my pebble over 2.5 years now with no issues long battery life 5 day no charging, lighted in the night, always on screen, read sms email headings calls alarm water resistant wear it in gym heaps less than AUD$140 and I am waiting for the colour version (slimmer) which should be released sometime this or next month. $US299

  • PurchaseAnxiety on 04/05/2015 - 21:33

    I'm also a fan of the Pebble. I've got an original black, and I really can't fault it. It's a watch first and just great at what it does. I don't want to ramble, so feel free to ask any questions about it and I'll try to answer them.

    If you're looking for something fancier, check out the Pebble Steel. As others have mentioned, you could also wait for the Pebble Time, which will have a colour screen (but still a week of battery) and a built in mic.

    I personally don't find any other smart watch all that practical right now. Though I would like to pick up a Moto 360 on the cheap just to play around with Android Wear.

    • Lancerx on 04/05/2015 - 22:01

      You're right, Pebble seem to tick almost every box right now for me, plus it's so cool to have mic. Gonna wait the pebble time, but if any android wear drops in price, I might get one too

      Anyone wish to sell their Pebble Time when it's out let me know please..

      • AlexD on 04/05/2015 - 22:29

        As much as I don't want to admit to it on OzBargain, I may have bought an Apple Watch, which will make my Pebble Time Steel delivery relatively redundant.
        I'll see how I feel when my Apple Watch (finally) arrives tomorrow morning.

        • iridiumstem on 05/05/2015 - 10:13
          +1

          :) Please let us know what you think of it. I'd like to hear the experience from one of ozbaraginers.

        • AlexD on 05/05/2015 - 17:34

          @AznMitch: So far, so good. The screen is beautiful, it's a lot smaller than my Pebble, it's very light & Siri works brilliantly.

          It's less exciting than I thought it would be, though. It shows notifications, like my Pebble, though I can actually make use of them - replies are much easier. It doesn't make you want to use it the whole time, but if you've used Pebble a fair bit, it feels like a nice upgrade. I guess the point is to be able to access the information you need quickly, without distracting you too much - it definitely does that well. The taptic engine is absolutely beautiful - notifications on my Pebble used to make me jump, and if I put it down on the table so I could type on my laptop, it would vibrate VERY loudly. On the Apple Watch, it feels like a spring is being released with every notification - you feel it, but it's not distracting. It doesn't go off when you're not wearing it, either. I wouldn't necessarily describe it like a tap on the arm, more like someone released a spring perpendicular to a flat piece of metal resting on my arm.

          Still not enough apps, though it's early on. I sort of want to be able to go on reddit in the shower and view gifs properly, though I can't yet. Hopefully soon. It also needs a Facebook app pretty badly - that's where half of my notifications come from, and I just can't reply through the watch itself. Some apps sort of feel useless, too - Evernote has one, for example. Who needs that?!
          Strava finally works with my watch, though! It's hard to explain how exciting this is, coming from a Pebble watch paired with an iPhone.

          I only have the 42mm Watch Sport with white sport band, but it feels solid - the crown definitely isn't quite as nice as the one on the steel watch, but it's pretty damn good. The band doesn't feel irritating like the original one on my Pebble, either (though I've been using a stainless steel band for a while now). Another huge plus is that it doesn't scrape on my laptop like every other watchband I've ever had - it doesn't feel like it's in the way at all.

          That's really about it, so far. Is it worth $579? Probably not - but when you compare the price to premium Android watches, it does a lot more. I ended up paying about the same for the watch as I did for my Pebble Time Steel, though that's due to an employee program somewhere. Worth it? I don't know - I like it so far.

        • iridiumstem on 05/05/2015 - 17:41

          @AlexD: I am curious on why you are saying it is better than the premium Android watches (no offence, I simply think both parties fail miserably in many areas including battery life for my liking). I am asking this because I was fairly disappointed in Apple Watch when it got released; I simply couldn't see anything other than "it's made by Apple" that sets it apart from other smart watches (as I've mentioned, it's my impression on it at the moment, a reason why I want to check why you think otherwise).

          If you are using an iPhone, I think you'd be better off sticking with Apple Watch for obvious reasons like Apple made iPhone and therefore it's probably designed for iPhone usage. Though Apple is saying that it was by mistake, there were cases where Pebble related apps were being taken down.

          http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/24/8493483/apple-app-update-p…
          http://forums.getpebble.com/discussion/22081/apple-not-now-r…

        • AlexD on 05/05/2015 - 18:58

          @AznMitch: I didn't say the Apple Watch was better than Android Wear, though I would say that I prefer Apple's interface.

          Android Wear is relatively complicated to use, and tries to do more than it needs to, with either a minimal interface, or what looks like a ported version of Android OS for a tiny screen.

          The reason I personally prefer the Apple Watch is that it works more like a Pebble - it provides notifications, then gives additional options in terms of response. There are remotes for apps on the watch itself, and everything tends to integrate very nicely. Additionally, the watch is designed to work well with the software, rather than with a range of devices, some with round screens, some square, and some working as minimal fitness bands. Some of the hardware is much nicer, too - the pressure sensitive screen is wonderful, and the digital crown is a nice addition, though one that I'm sure will be making its way to Android Wear devices at some point in the future.

          I love Pebble watches for their simplicity, and if they catch on even further, hopefully there will be enhanced direct integration with Android apps. There's no hope for Pebble integration to be as good as that of the Apple Watch with the iPhone, due to security issues - my Pebble used to drop out regularly, or updates would not get pushed until one of the devices was power cycled.

          In saying all of this, I completely agree that both the Apple Watch and Android Wear devices have downsides that are hard to look past - I don't mind charging my watch every night, though, and the screen turning off when looking away is a small issue. Still, in terms of value for money, I would choose the Pebble over either of them.

        • iridiumstem on 05/05/2015 - 19:06

          @AlexD:

          when you compare the price to premium Android watches, it does a lot more.

          I was thinking that you were saying that it does things better than other smartwatches from that since most of the smart watches that are comparable to Apple Watch are less costly than Apple Watch and those that are more expensive usually have 4G support or something that is different to what Apple Watch offers (to my knowledge at least).

          I might get a pebble if it comes down to like $50~$75. I do see a lot of potential in the smart watch industry, shame about the battery life.

  • Dariush78 on 05/05/2015 - 00:51

    I have a sony SmartBand talk. It is simple but I love it.

  • neophytte on 05/05/2015 - 10:59

    Go Pebble!

    • Lancerx on 26/05/2015 - 23:44

      We all know that coventional watch will be more durable…but I like the versatility of smart watch i.e notification etcs…..happy?

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