Navigating the vast world of smartwatches is no easy feat. Between promises of record-breaking battery life and sometimes gimmicky features, it's easy to make a misstep. As the head of product selection at Joybuy, my mission is to help you decode the spec sheets to find THE model that meets your needs, without falling for marketing ploys.
Among the most sought-after features is, of course, the ability to make and receive calls directly from your wrist. But be warned: a good Bluetooth calling smartwatch offers more than just this single capability. Here are the pitfalls to avoid and the essential points to check before you head to the checkout.
Many entry-level and mid-range models fall into the same traps, with often-overstated features. Here are three particularly common ones?:
sleep tracking, heart rate monitor enabled), the battery life melts away and rarely exceeds 5 to 7 days.Android smartwatch or an iPhone smartwatch.To avoid these pitfalls, focus on a few objective technical specifications that truly make a difference in a men's and women's smartwatch.
For clear and intelligible calls, the watch must have a decent quality microphone and speaker. More importantly, take a look at the Bluetooth version. A Bluetooth 5.0 or higher chip is highly recommended to ensure a stable connection with your phone, better range (up to 10 metres in an open field), and optimised power consumption, thus preserving the battery of both your watch and your smartphone.
Forget the standby mode figures. Instead, rely on the battery capacity, expressed in milliampere-hours (mAh). A battery of over 300 mAh is a good starting point to expect several days of active use. Product pages that mention a "typical" battery life of 5 to 7 days are generally more honest. Consider your usage?: an activity tracker used as a sports watch with continuous GPS and heart rate monitor will consume far more than a watch used mainly for notifications.
For daily use that includes washing your hands or getting caught in a downpour, an IP67 or IP68 certification is more than enough. If you swim in a pool, it's better to opt for models specifically designed for this activity, which feature a 5 ATM rating, guaranteeing resistance to pressure equivalent to a depth of 50 metres. For most users, IP68 remains an excellent compromise, as long as you keep its limitations in mind.
Instead of a random list, here are user profiles and our recommendations, based on the objective criteria we've just discussed.
Why it's a match: Perfect for those who juggle their professional and personal lives. Its understated design and 1.83-inch touchscreen are suitable for both men and women. It handles calls, notifications, and basic health tracking in a hassle-free way.
The manufacturer claims up to 7 days of battery life in daily use, a realistic estimate that avoids the trap of inflated numbers. The GloryFit app is known for its stability on both Android and iOS.
Over 200 watch faces are available via the app for fine-tuned customisation. It includes more than 100 sports modes, making it a very comprehensive activity tracker for its price.
Why it's a match: Built for active lifestyles and for those who need gear that can take a beating. Its military-inspired design, large 2.02-inch screen, and substantial battery are perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply for the more accident-prone among us.
It tackles the battery life trap head-on with its 410 mAh battery, a capacity well above average that gives it marathon-like endurance. The spec sheet clearly states that the IP68 water resistance excludes saunas and diving.
Its large, high-contrast screen ensures perfect readability, even in direct sunlight. The presence of an AI voice assistant on the watch is a real bonus for launching commands without taking out your phone.
Why it's a match: For anyone who absolutely hates charging their devices. This model focuses on endurance while providing essential features like Bluetooth calls, health tracking, and over 100 sports modes. A smart, hassle-free choice.
Its number one selling point is its XXL battery life, a direct answer to the most common pitfall. Even though the advertised 25 days refer to standby mode, it suggests excellent endurance under normal use.
Endurance is in its DNA. This is the kind of device you forget is on your wrist; it doesn't demand constant attention, yet remains functional for calls and sports tracking.
Discover our complete and up-to-date selection of smartwatches that meet our demanding selection criteria and current safety standards.
Yes, almost all current smartwatches are compatible with both Android and iOS. The connection is made via a dedicated app (e.g., Da Fit, GloryFit) that you download to your smartphone. However, it's always wise to check the minimum required operating system version (e.g., Android 5.0+ or iOS 9.0+) on the product page before finalising your purchase.
No, absolutely no subscription or SIM card is required. The "Bluetooth calling" feature relies on your smartphone's connection. The watch simply acts as a remote hands-free kit: you must stay within Bluetooth range of your phone (about 10 metres) for the feature to remain active. The watch does not have its own cellular (4G/5G) connectivity.
With proper care, the hardware of a smartwatch can function without issues for several years. The main limiting factor is the lithium-ion battery, whose maximum capacity naturally degrades over charge cycles. Therefore, you can expect a noticeable decrease in battery life after 2 to 3 years of daily use.