Best smartwatch 2024: Our tried & tested list [Dec 2024 update]
Whether you own several of them already or are stubbornly resisting getting one, a smartwatch can be a good investment in personal style, daily productivity and even your health. Choosing the best smartwatch, though, can be an ordeal because there are just so many options.
In this list of the best smartwatches to buy, I tried and tested a whole range of them, got feedback from veteran users, and did a lot of tapping and swiping on my wrist. I even had an out-loud phone conversation in a public space with my hand held up near my mouth (and will probably never do that again).
Below is an in-depth look at the specs for each model, a run-down of why you may consider it the best smartwatch, and some attractive online deals. As you go down the list, you’ll notice that the best specs don’t automatically make a particular model the best smartwatch— that’s because price is one of our chief considerations in ranking them.
1. Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
Why buy: The best all-round smartwatch with advanced features at a moderate price
The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic (47mm) currently sits on my wrist even after the launch of the very advanced Galaxy Watch7 Ultra (more on that ahead). ‘Classic’ here refers to Samsung’s physical rotating bezel (swapped for a touch-sensitive ring in other models). The haptic click-click-click as you turn it to navigate between different screens or scroll down a list is very satisfying.
I also love the huge 47mm Super AMOLED screen with its precise 480×480 pixels (453 ppi) resolution. With a body that’s 10.9mm thick and tips the scales at 59mm, this is a solid time-teller with masculine appeal. While more physically imposing than almost every other smartwatch on paper, it has a quiet sophistication that belies its size. I mean, just look at it.
One obvious advantage of so much screen space is the amount of information that can be displayed simultaneously. My favourite watch face is the Ultra Info Board (above, right) that gives me day, date, time (with seconds), and 7(!) different complications. By cleverly using the curved edges, it delivers all this visually without overcrowding the watch face. Excellent!
Released: 11 Aug 2023
Display: 1.5 in. Super AMOLED (47mm); 1.3 in. Super AMOLED (43mm)
Resolution: 480 x 480 pixels (~453 ppi) (47mm); 432 x 432 pixels (~453 ppi) (43mm)
Protection: Sapphire crystal
Frame: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm (47mm); 43 x 43 x 10.9 mm (43mm)
Weight: 59 g (47mm); 52 g (43mm)
Resistance: 50m water resistant (IP68)
Memory: 16GB; 2GB RAM
Battery: 425 mAh (47mm); 300 mAh (43mm)
Charging: 10W wireless
Buy now from S$329 on Amazon
2. Galaxy Watch Ultra
Why buy: Can you say “beast”? If you love the outdoors, this is the watch for you.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is a formidable device and Samsung’s most impressive release yet. With a thickness of 12.1 mm, it weighs over 60 grams, despite being made of titanium (which has half the density of steel).
Inside, a powerful 3nm processor ticks effortlessly away in temperatures from -20°C to 55°C, at depths of up to 100 m and altitudes of 9,000 m. For those truly remote adventures, the 590 mAh battery can last up to 100 hours in power-saving mode. Additionally, it features an 86 dB siren that can be heard from 180 m away in a forest.
I love the 3,000-nit display, which is easily readable in almost any lighting condition. Another great feature is the temperature check, which allows you to measure the temperature of both water and solid objects (I know the temperature of everything on my desk now).
In terms of capabilities, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a heavyweight with few flaws. However, I’m not a fan of the design shift towards the Apple Watch’s rectangular profile. It would have made sense if Samsung had extended the screen all the way to the edges. Here, the space between the round display and the straight edges is wasted. You get a Galaxy watch that seems to ape an Apple Ultra but without delivering the extra screen space.
Released: 10 Jul 2024
Display: 1.4 in. Super AMOLED
Resolution: 480 x 480 pixels (~327 ppi)
Protection: Sapphire crystal
Frame: Titanium
Dimensions: 47.4 x 47.4 x 12.1 mm
Weight: 60.5 g
Resistance: 100m water resistant (IP68)
Memory: 32GB; 2GB RAM
Battery: 590 mAh
Charging: 10W wireless
Buy now from S$658 on Amazon
3. Apple Watch Series 10
Why buy: You love the Apple Watch Ultra 2 but want a capable alternative at less than half the price
The Apple Watch Series 10 features a larger and brighter display as well as thinner bezels than its predecessors while reducing the thickness of the frame. It also introduces a tactile side button for better usability.
It’s a significant upgrade, offering advanced health and fitness features. Central to it is the “Vitals” dashboard, which consolidates critical health metrics like heart rate, body temperature, blood oxygen levels and sleep patterns. This feature can alert users if multiple vitals are out of range, acting as an early warning for potential health issues.
It also includes depth and water temperature sensors, making it ideal for water-based activities such as snorkelling and kayaking. The watch also includes a Tide app for tracking tides, which coastal dwellers and beachgoers will find handy.
If you’re upgrading from an older model or looking for a smartwatch with robust health, fitness, and daily use features, the Apple Watch Series 10 stands out as a top contender. You can get S$30 off if you buy it from Switch by 1 Jan 2025.
Released: 20 Sep 2024
Display: 1.96 inches
Resolution: 496 x 416 pixels (~330 ppi)
Protection: Glass
Frame: Titanium; ceramic/sapphire crystal back
Dimensions: 46 x 39 x 9.7 mm
Weight: 34.4 g (42mm), 41.7 g (46mm)
Resistance: 50m water resistant
Memory: 64GB, 1GB RAM
Battery: 327 mAh
Charging: Wireless
Buy now from S$566 on Lazada
4. Google Pixel Watch 3
Why buy: Lighter but with a larger battery, Google’s entry still boasts the flawless integration and top-end fitness tracking of the first Pixel Watch.
Released: 13 Aug 2024
Display: 1.4 inches LTPO AMOLED (45mm); 1.2 inches LTPO AMOLED (41mm)
Resolution: 456 x 456 pixels (320 ppi) (45mm); 408 x 408 pixels (320 ppi)(41mm)
Protection: Gorilla Glass 5
Frame: Aluminium
Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 12.3 mm (45mm); 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (45mm)
Weight: 37 g (45mm); 31 g (41mm)
Resistance: 50m water resistant
Memory: 32GB internal storage, 2GB RAM
Battery: 420 mAh (45mm); 307 mAh (41mm)
Charging: Wired
Buy now from S$532 on Amazon
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro
Why buy: Huge discounts make this former flagship model one of your best smartwatch options in terms of value for money
Released: 22 Aug 2022
Display: 1.4 in. Super AMOLED
Resolution: 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi)
Protection: Sapphire crystal
Frame: Titanium
Dimensions: 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm
Weight: 46.5 g
Resistance: 50m water resistant (IP68)
Memory: 16GB; 1.5GB RAM
Battery: 590 mAh
Charging: 10W wireless
You can also customise your watch at Samsung’s Bespoke Studio.
Buy now from S$386 on Amazon
6. Apple Watch SE 2022
Why buy: You want an affordable Apple watch
Released: 16 Sep 2022
Display: 1.78 inches
Resolution: 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi)
Protection: Ion-X strengthened glass
Frame: Aluminium; plastic & sapphire crystal back
Dimensions: 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm
Weight: 33 g
Resistance: 50m water resistant
Memory: 32GB internal storage, 1GB RAM
Battery: 296 mAh
Charging: Wireless
Buy now from S$334 on Lazada Shopee
7. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Why buy: Great build quality and solid all-round performance for a low price
Released: 10 Jul 2024
Display: 1.5 inches Super AMOLED
Resolution: 480 x 480 pixels (~327 ppi)
Protection: Sapphire crystal
Frame: Aluminium
Dimensions: 44.4 x 44.4 x 9.7 mm
Weight: 33.8 g (44mm), 28.8 g (40mm)
Resistance: 50m water resistant (IP68)
Memory: 32GB; 2GB RAM
Battery: 425 mAh
Charging: 10W wireless
Buy now from S$265 on Amazon
Why buy: You are looking for a fitness tracker more than for a pure smartwatch
Released: Oct 2022
Display: 1.58-inch ALOMED
Resolution: 336 x 336 pixels (269 ppi)
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Frame: Aluminium
Dimensions: 40.4 x 40.4 x 11.2 mm
Weight: 40 g
Resistance: 50 m water resistant
Memory: 4GB
Battery: 162 mAh
Charging: Wireless
Buy now from S$370 on Amazon
9. Google Pixel Watch 2
Why buy: Smooth, flawless connectivity and top-end fitness tracking
Released: 4 Oct 2023
Display: 1.2 inches AMOLED
Resolution: 450 x 450 pixels
Protection: Gorilla Glass 5
Frame: Aluminium
Dimensions: 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm
Weight: 31g
Resistance: 50m water resistant
Memory: 32GB internal storage, 2GB RAM
Battery: 306 mAh
Charging: Wireless
Buy now from S$298 on Amazon
10. Apple Watch Ultra
Why buy: You love Apple, amazing specs and burning money on one of last year’s best watches
Released: 23 Sep 2022
Display: 1.92 inches Retina LTPO OLED
Resolution: 502 x 410 pixels (~338 ppi)
Protection: Sapphire crystal
Frame: Titanium; ceramic/sapphire crystal back
Dimensions: 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm
Weight: 61.3 g
Resistance: IP6X, 100m water resistant, 40m swim-proof/diving (EN13319)
Memory: 32GB
Battery: 542 mAh
Charging: Wireless
Buy now from S$999 on Lazada Shopee
11. Apple Watch Ultra 2
Why buy: You love Apple, amazing specs and burning money on one of this year’s best watches
Released: 12 Sep 2023
Display: 1.92 inches Retina LTPO OLED
Resolution: 502 x 410 pixels (~338 ppi)
Protection: Sapphire crystal
Frame: Titanium; ceramic/sapphire crystal back
Dimensions: 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm
Weight: 61.4 g
Resistance: IP6X, 100m water resistant, 40m swim-proof/diving (EN13319)
Memory: 64GB
Battery: 564 mAh
Charging: Wireless
Buy now from S$1,199 on Apple
12. Mobovi TicWatch Pro 5 Ultra
Why buy: You want a 45-day battery and MIL-STD-810G standard toughness in an outdoors smartwatch that has stood the test of time
Released: 13 Oct 2021
Display: 1.43 inches OLED
Resolution: 454 x 454 pixels (326 ppi)
Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass
Frame: Stainless steel, 7000-series aluminium and nylon with fibreglass
Dimensions: 47 x 48 x 12.3 mm
Weight: 41.0 g
Resistance: IP68
Battery: 577 mAh
Memory: 8 GB, 1GB RAM
Charging: Wireless
Buy now from S$467 on Amazon
13. Amazfit T-Rex 3
Why buy: This is a large, rugged, military-style 48mm watch, perfect for displaying maps and even lets you freedive to 45 metres.
Credit – Amazfit
Released: 24 May 2024
Display: 1.5 in AMOLED
Resolution: 480 x 480 pixels (322 ppi)
Protection: Gorilla Glass
Frame: Stainless steel bezel, Polymer middle frame
Dimensions: 48.5 x 48.5 x 13.8 mm
Weight: 68.3 g (without strap)
Resistance: 10 ATM
Battery: 700 mAh
Charging: Wireless
Buy now from S$352 on Amazon
14. Xiaomi Watch S3
Why buy: You want the best smartwatch with a classy design at a very reasonable price.
Released: 28 Oct 2023
Display: 1.43 inches AMOLED
Resolution: 466 x 466 pixels (326 ppi)
Protection: Scratch/drop-proof glass
Frame: Aluminium alloy frame; stainless steel bezel
Dimensions: 46.5 x 46.5 x 11 mm
Weight: 44 g
Resistance: Waterproof (5 ATM)
Memory: 16 GB, 2GB RAM
Battery: 486 mAh
Charging: Wireless
Buy now from S$169 on Amazon
The post Best smartwatch 2024: Our tried & tested list [Dec 2024 update] appeared first on SETHLUI.com.
