A Complete Guide to Buying an Apple Watch

Your Guide to buying the best apple watch

Overview

The Apple Watch is an incredibly versatile and powerful device that can help you stay connected and organized while on-the-go. With a variety of models, features, and bands to choose from, the Apple Watch can be a great companion for any lifestyle. This buying guide will help you make the most informed decision when purchasing an Apple Watch, by providing an overview of the different models, features, and bands available, as well as tips for choosing the right Apple Watch for your lifestyle.

Key features

  1. Price - Apple Watches range in price from the entry-level Series 3 to the high-end Series 5, with several models in between, so shoppers should consider their budget when making a purchase.
  2. Size - Apple Watches come in two sizes, 38mm or 42mm, so shoppers should consider their wrist size when choosing a model.
  3. Materials - Apple Watches are available in a variety of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, and ceramic, so shoppers should consider which material best suits their needs.
  4. Features - Apple Watches offer a variety of features such as activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, cellular connectivity, and more, so shoppers should consider the features that are most important to them.
  5. Compatibility - Apple Watches are compatible with iPhones, so shoppers should make sure their iPhone is compatible with the Apple Watch they are considering.

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Important considerations

Pros

  • Activity Tracking & Health Monitoring - Apple Watch can track your activity like steps, distance and calories burned. It also includes several health-related features, such as heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking and fall detection.
  • Connectivity - Apple Watch connects to your iPhone so you can take calls, send and receive messages, check notifications, and access apps from your wrist.
  • Integration with iPhone - Apple Watch is designed to work seamlessly with your iPhone, allowing you to access the features and apps you need right from your wrist.
  • Customization - Apple Watch has a variety of styles, bands and colors, so you can customize it to fit your style.
  • Siri Integration - Apple Watch can be used to access Siri, the voice assistant on your iPhone, so you can quickly and easily access information and get answers to your questions.
  • Apple Pay - Apple Watch supports Apple Pay, so you can use your watch to make contactless payments right from your wrist.

Cons

  • Price: The Apple Watch can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $400 to over $1,000 depending on the model and features selected.
  • Battery Life: The battery life of the Apple Watch is limited, lasting only about a day and a half with normal use.
  • Compatibility: The Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhones, so Android or Windows users may not be able to use it.
  • Compatibility: The Apple Watch is limited in the number of apps available, compared to the options available on the iPhone or other smartwatches.
  • Durability: The Apple Watch is not waterproof and is not designed to be used for activities such as swimming or heavy exercise.

Best alternatives

  1. Fitbit Versa 2 - A lightweight smartwatch with extended battery life, a variety of health and fitness tracking capabilities, and access to Amazon Alexa.
  2. Garmin Vivoactive 3 - A GPS-enabled fitness tracker with a built-in heart rate monitor, activity tracking, and notifications.
  3. Samsung Gear S3 - A stylish and rugged smartwatch with built-in GPS, activity tracking, and notification alerts.
  4. Ticwatch Pro 4G/LTE - A hybrid smartwatch with access to the Google Play Store, a built-in heart rate monitor, and 4G/LTE connectivity.
  5. Huawei Watch 2 - A sleek and stylish smartwatch with a long battery life, activity tracking, and access to Google Assistant.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Smartphone - A compatible iPhone to pair with the Apple Watch.
  • Charger - A magnetic charging cable and power adapter.
  • Screen protector - A tempered glass or film to protect the watch face.
  • Data transfer cable - A USB to Lightning cable for transferring information.
  • Bands - Changeable straps for different looks.
  • Cases - Protective cases to keep the watch safe.
  • Dock - A charging station or stand to keep the watch in place.

Common questions

  1. What features are available on the Apple Watch?
    Apple Watch offers a suite of features, including phone and message notifications, activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, ECG (electrocardiogram) readings, fall detection, blood oxygen monitoring, Apple Pay, and more.
  2. What models of Apple Watch are available?
    Apple Watch is available in a variety of models, including the Series 6, SE, Series 3, and the original Apple Watch.
  3. How do I choose the right size of Apple Watch?
    Apple Watch is available in two sizes, 40 and 44 mm. When choosing the right size for you, consider the size of your wrist and how you want the watch to fit.
  4. What type of bands are available for Apple Watch?
    Apple Watch is available with a variety of bands, including sport, nylon, leather, stainless steel, and ceramic.
  5. What type of display does the Apple Watch have?
    The Apple Watch display is a Retina OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display with Force Touch technology.
  6. What type of processor does the Apple Watch have?
    The Apple Watch is powered by a dual-core S5 processor.
  7. What type of battery life does the Apple Watch have?
    The Apple Watch has an estimated 18-hour battery life with mixed use.
  8. Can I use Apple Pay with the Apple Watch?
    Yes, Apple Pay is available on all Apple Watch models.

Trivia

A funny fact about the Apple Watch is that it can be used to detect an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation. This is a potentially serious condition that can be identified by using the Apple Watch's built-in heart rate monitor. In fact, in 2018, the Apple Watch was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in monitoring for atrial fibrillation. It was the first device of its kind to be granted this approval. Source: CNET

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.