Best Smartwatch for Walking

Smartwatches have been increasingly popular in recent years, progressing from basic step-trackers to potent fitness help. A wristwatch can be a game-changer for tracking and improving your walking experience, regardless of whether you’re fitness enthusiast who wants to reach daily step targets or someone who prefers taking leisurely walks. But how can you choose the best smartwatch for walking when there are so many options?

Beyond simple step-counting, the best smartwatch for walkers should have heart rate monitoring, GPS for accurate route planning, full fitness tracking, and ideally functions like elevation gain and calorie tracking. With the help of these tools, you can monitor your progress over time and gain a better understanding of the physical strain of your walks. Furthermore, some smartwatches come with sophisticated health functions like ECG and oxygen level monitoring which might be helpful for the folks who wish to understand their general health.

Another important factor to think about is battery life, particularly if you enjoy taking lengthy hikes or walks. A watch that dies in the middle of your excursion is not what you want. Additionally, comfort and style are crucial; your smartwatch should be small, light, and comfortable enough to wear every day. It should also look excellent whether you’re going for a brisk walk, working out, or just going about your day.

We’ll examine the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the top smartwatches for walking in this piece, as well as what makes each one special for walkers. There is something for everyone, ranging from high-tech versions loaded with the newest fitness and health technology to more affordable ones that nevertheless provide great performance. Read on to choose the smartwatch that will best assist your walking goals and blend in with your lifestyle, regardless of how many miles you walk each day or how infrequent you are.

1. Amazfit GTR 4 Smart Watch – Buy on Amazon

The Amazfit GTR 4 is an extravagant smartwatch that successfully blends elegant design with reliable performance. It is made to appeal to both tech-savvy users and fitness fanatics with its robust specifications and variety of fitness-focused functions.

With a 45.9 x 45.9 x 11 mm stainless steel frame that gives it a sleek and durable appearance, the Amazfit GTR 4 is unquestionably beautiful. With a weight of only 45 grams, the glass front and plastic back continue to feel lightweight, ensuring comfort even after extended use. It is versatile enough to fit a range of personal styles and is available in three colors – Black, Steel, and Gold.

With a pixel density of 326 PPI and a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, the 1.43-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen is a standout feature that provides clear and colorful images. Even in direct light, the responsive display’s enormous colors and deep blacks make it simple to see maps, fitness data, and notifications.

Operating smoothly for daily chores, the Amazfit GTR 4 is powered by a proprietary operating system. A user-friendly UI and well-integrated fitness tracking capabilities fill up for the OS’s lack of the software ecosystem found on more well-known platforms like Wear OS or watchOS. The watch has 32GB of storage and 2GB of RAM which is more than enough to hold important apps, music, and exercise data.

Numerous health parameters are covered by the GTR 4 that has sensors such as accelerometer, gyro, heart rate monitor, barometer, compass, SpO2, and VO2max. In addition to nice measurements like blood oxygen levels and cardiovascular health, it offers comprehensive information into sports like swimming, cycling, and running. Its attractiveness to serious athletes is further enhanced by the addition of VO2max.

Accurate position monitoring during outdoor workouts is ensured by the built-in GPS with GLONASS and GALILEO. Reliable connectivity to smartphones and wireless headphones is ensured via Bluetooth 5.1 with LE and EDR, which improves the user experience whether playing music or receiving call notifications. With normal use, the non-removable Li-ion battery’s 455 mAh capacity can last up to two weeks between charges. Convenience is increased by wireless charging capabilities which makes it simpler to maintain the watch’s power without using cords.

The Amazfit GTR 4 has some drawbacks in spite of its advantages. Despite being effective, the proprietary OS lacks the third-party software compatibility and adaptability of rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch. Furthermore, even though the stainless steel frame is extraordinary, the plastic back might eventually seem less sturdy.

Pros

• Comfy, light, and sleek design.
• Bright AMOLED display with excellent colors and high resolution.
• Complete fitness tracking including heart rate monitoring, SpO2, VO2max, and more.
• Compatible with several satellite systems.
• Enough storage for data and music.

Cons

• The availability of third-party apps is restricted by proprietary OS.
• Dependent on smartphone connectivity; doesn’t support LTE.

For consumers looking for a distinguished wristwatch that emphasizes health and fitness features without sacrificing style, the Amazfit GTR 4 is an appealing option. Its strong tracking capabilities, gorgeous AMOLED display, and exceptional battery life make it a standout choice for both casual users and fitness experts even though it wouldn’t match other competitors’ versatility in terms of app support.

2. Google Pixel Watch 3 – Buy on Amazon

Google Pixel Watch 3 is a significant boost to the smartwatch market, appealing to both fitness fanatics and ordinary tech-savvy customers. This smartwatch excels at providing a balanced blend of beauty and utility due to its elegant design and variety of capabilities. Let’s get into the specifics to see how it performs.

The Pixel Watch 3 is surprisingly light, weighing only 37 grams, making it suitable for extended wear. Its 45 x 45 x 12.3 mm proportions ensure that it fits comfortably on the wrist without feeling cumbersome. Gorilla Glass 5-protected display and metal frame provide premium build quality. The watch is available in Matte Black, Polished Silver, Champagne Gold, and Matte Hazel, and has a polished appearance ideal for any occasion. Furthermore, the IP68 rating and 50m water resistance ensure durability for swimming or accidental splashing.

The 1.4-inch LTPO AMOLED display is particularly stunning with a peak brightness of 2000 nits. It makes it exceedingly easy to see in bright sunlight. Resolution of 456 x 456 pixels offers clean pictures and the 320 PPI density enhances the clarity. An always-on display option is also available that improves usability while preserving aesthetics.

Google Pixel Watch 3 runs on Android Wear OS 5, ensuring a seamless experience with up to three major Android upgrades. It is powered by the Qualcomm SW5100 chipset, which, while not the most advanced, allows for smooth processing, especially with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage for apps and music. However, the lack of a card slot reduces expandability.

Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and complete GPS compatibility including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, make the watch an excellent connectivity choice. It provides strong performance for calls and notifications, owing to its LTE compatibility via an eSIM, allowing you to use your smartphone untethered.

The Pixel Watch 3 is packed with sensors and takes health tracking seriously. Features such as heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, ECG certification, and even a skin temperature thermometer promote overall wellness. Additionally, the altimeter and compass are useful for outdoor enthusiasts. Its skin conductance sensor which allows for stress monitoring, sets it apart even more.

420 mAh battery is sufficient, providing a full day of use on a single charge with mixed usage. However, excessive GPS or always-on display usage would necessitate a recharge before the day’s end. While the battery life is adequate, it’s not exceptional when compared to others smart watches on the market.

Despite its many capabilities, the Pixel Watch 3 lacks a camera, which, while not required for a wristwatch, might be a concern for certain consumers. The lack of a card slot for expanded storage is another small flaw.

Moreover, Google Pixel Watch 3 offers an ideal combination between appearance, functionality, and health tracking functions. While the battery life and absence of a camera would deter some users, the lightweight design, brilliant display, and complete health suite make it an appealing option for the majority. At its pricing range, it is a strong competitor in the smartwatch industry, particularly among Android users seeking seamless connectivity with their devices.

Pros

• Premium materials combine to create a lightweight and attractive design.
• Bright LTPO AMOLED display with 2000 nits brightness.
• Health tracking includes ECG, SpO2, and stress monitoring.
• Reliable communication via LTE, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.3.
• Water resistant up to 50m and IP68 rated.

Cons

• Average battery life as compared to competitors.
• No card slot for expandable storage.