After an Alternative Smartwatch? Here are 6 Non-Apple Choices – Gizmodo Australia

The Apple Watch is a really fine smartwatch, but its not for everyone, especially if you dont happen to have an iPhone in your pocket. Luckily theres a wide ecosystem of alternative smartwatch choices to choose from.
Contrary to popular belief, Apple didnt invent the concept of the smartwatch it actually all started with the Pebble. But the Apple Watch is still the go-to choice if youre an iPhone user. However, if youre not, you best start shopping around: the Apple Watch works with an iPhone and nothing else.
That also means that if you want to make the jump from iOS to Android, youve got to leave the Apple Watch behind. But its not as though youre abandoning wearable computing devices theres a wide range of price points, features and brands to pick from in the alternative smartwatch space.
When you think FitBit you probably think fitness tracker, and while its smartwatch offerings do indeed include plenty of exercise tracking options, the Versa 2 is more than just a simple step counter. It features a 2.23inch AMOLED display, a range of colour choices and its also water resistant to 50m for all those swimmers out there. Itll take voice control via Amazons Alexa and can store music or control your Spotify play lists with ease. If fitness is a key part of your smartwatch ambitions, it would be a good alternative smartwatch choice.
You can read Gizmodos full review of the Fitbit Versa 2 here.
Samsungs been in the smartwatch game longer than Apple, but it doesnt limit its smartwatches to only its own-brand phones, with broad compatibility across all of its watches to date. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 integrates LTE into the mix so you can use it standalone or paired with a handset of your choice. It features Samsungs newer digital bezel for extra control, and Samsungs long history in the smartwatch space means that there are a wide array of apps that you can install to it and an even wider array of watch faces too.
Check out Gizmodos review of the Galaxy Watch Active 2 here.
If you like to keep your Android devices well within the Google umbrella, then Mobvois TicWatch C2 is a good option; its running Googles own WearOS on a 1.3 inch AMOLED display, with integrated GPS and support for Google Pay on board as well. As with most of Mobvois smartwatches, the other appeal point is that its at a much more affordable price point, although that does mean its not awash with multiple fancy features.
Huaweis blocked from accessing full Google features on its phones, but its smartwatches retain compatibility due to the core apps existing before the US restrictions came in. Huaweis approach to smartwatches has largely been focused on a core set of features, so theyre not overly stacked with apps, but what they do offer is exemplary battery life. Huaweis claim is for two weeks of battery life for the Watch GT Active, which is way ahead of anything youll see on competing smart time pieces.
Fossils smartwatches combine the flexibility of Googles WearOS with actual watch style, which isnt always a given when youre talking about wearable computing. The Gen 5 models are water resistant, with support for NFC payments and inbuilt GPS, as well as the expected heart rate tracking and fitness monitoring features. If youre after a smartwatch that doesnt make it apparent youre wearing anything but a classic watch, its a solid option.
Lots of people want smartwatches for even more nuanced fitness tracking, and thats precisely the market that Garmin chases with the Fenix range. The Fenix 6 features a 1.3 inch circular always-on display, multisport tracking and enhanced heart rate and onboard oxygen saturation detection, as well as sleep tracking features.
Editors note: Descriptions and features are as taken from manufacturer/seller claims on Amazon.
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