Smart watch buying guide: what actually matters
Display, battery, sensors, compatibility and water resistance explained in plain language, with the red flags to avoid.
Smart watches on AliExpress range from simple fitness bands to feature-packed models that imitate famous brands. Prices are low, so it pays to know which specifications matter and which are marketing.
Display
AMOLED screens give deeper blacks and better contrast and are easier to read, but they usually draw more power when bright. LCD screens cost less and can be perfectly adequate indoors. Check the brightness in reviews if you will use the watch outdoors, and see whether the screen can stay always-on.
Battery life
Listed battery life is measured under light use. Calls, GPS, an always-on display and frequent notifications shorten it a lot. Read reviews for real-world numbers. Also look at the charger: many cheap watches use a small proprietary magnetic cradle, and if you lose it a replacement can be hard to find.
Health sensors: useful, but not medical devices
Heart rate, sleep and step tracking can show trends over time, but accuracy varies and consumer watches are not diagnostic tools. Be especially sceptical of cheap watches that claim to measure blood glucose, blood pressure or an ECG: health authorities have warned that non-invasive blood glucose readings from smart watches are not reliable. Use any health data as a rough guide and speak to a doctor about real concerns.
Phone compatibility and the app
Check that the watch works with your phone (Android, iPhone or both) and that its companion app is available in your language and your app store. It is worth reading the app's reviews and the permissions it asks for.
Water resistance
'Waterproof' in a title is not a rating. Look for IP67 or IP68, or a rating such as 5 ATM. Even then, avoid hot showers, saunas and soap, which can damage seals. Rain and hand washing are normally fine on rated models.
Straps and fit
Models with standard 20 mm or 22 mm strap fittings let you swap straps cheaply. Check the case size against your wrist: a watch that is too large is uncomfortable for sleep tracking.
Red flags
- Specifications that match a premium watch at a fraction of the price
- Medical claims such as blood glucose or blood pressure from a basic sensor
- No clear information about the app or supported phones
- Very few reviews with photos
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