11 Smartwatch Features You Should Know Before Buying

Importance of Selecting Specific Features in a Smartwatch

Selecting the right smartwatch involves more than just picking a trendy wearable. It’s about finding a device that complements your lifestyle, aids your health and fitness goals, and enhances your overall convenience. Here’s why considering specific smart watch features before buying is essential.

1. Alarm Clock

Feature: An alarm clock function allows you to set alarms and receive alerts at specific times.
Component: The smartwatch’s internal clock and software manage this feature.
Measurement: The smartwatch uses its internal clock to keep track of time and set alarms based on the user’s input.
Benefits: This feature helps users manage their time, wake up on time, and stay organized by reminding them of important events or activities.
How to Use: To set an alarm, access the watch’s settings, select the alarm function, and input the desired time. The watch will then sound an alert at the specified time.

2. Altimeter

Feature: The altimeter measures the altitude or height above a reference point, usually sea level.
Component: Altimeter sensors, often barometric or GPS-based, are used to measure changes in air pressure.
Measurement: The sensor detects changes in atmospheric pressure as you move vertically, providing an estimate of your altitude.
Benefits: Altimeters are useful for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts, helping them track their elevation and monitor changes in altitude.
How to Use: To use the altimeter, access the altimeter function on the watch. The watch will use its sensors to estimate your altitude based on changes in air pressure.

3. Backlight Display

Feature: A backlight illuminates the display, making it readable in low-light conditions.
Component: The display itself is equipped with a light source that can be activated when needed.
Measurement: The backlight’s intensity and duration can be adjusted based on user preferences or ambient lighting conditions.
Benefits: This feature enhances visibility in dark environments, making it easier to read the display and interact with the smartwatch.
How to Use: In dimly lit environments, the watch’s backlight can be activated manually or set to automatically turn on when the watch is tilted or a button is pressed.

4. Calendar

Feature: A calendar function displays dates, events, and appointments.
Component: The smartwatch’s software integrates with a digital calendar application.
Measurement: The calendar function syncs with the user’s calendar app, displaying scheduled events and appointments.
Benefits: Users can stay organized by having their upcoming events and appointments readily accessible on their smartwatch.
How to Use: Sync the watch with your smartphone’s calendar app. The watch will display your scheduled events and remind you of upcoming appointments.

5. Call Function

Feature: The ability to make and receive phone calls directly from the smartwatch.
Component: Integrated microphone, speaker, and cellular connectivity.
Measurement: The smartwatch connects to the user’s smartphone via Bluetooth or cellular network, allowing for call handling.
Benefits: Users can take calls without needing to reach for their phone, providing convenience and the ability to stay connected on the go.
How to Use: When a call comes in, the watch will display the caller’s information. Answer or decline the call using the watch’s touchscreen or physical buttons.

6. Calorie Count

Feature: Measures and displays an estimate of calories burned based on activity and physiological data.
Component: Heart rate monitor, motion sensors, and specialized algorithms.
Measurement: The smartwatch tracks physical activity, heart rate, and other factors to estimate calorie expenditure.
Benefits: Helps users monitor their fitness and health goals by providing insights into their energy expenditure during various activities.
How to Use: Keep the watch on throughout the day, and it will use its sensors to track your movement and heart rate, estimating the calories burned during different activities.

7. Compass

Feature: A compass function displays the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west).
Component: Magnetic sensor or GPS module.
Measurement: The sensor detects the Earth’s magnetic field to determine the orientation of the watch relative to the cardinal directions.
Benefits: Useful for navigation and outdoor activities, providing users with directional information.
How to Use: Open the compass app on the watch, and it will display the current cardinal directions based on the watch’s orientation.

8. GPS

Feature: Global Positioning System enables accurate location tracking and navigation.
Component: Built-in GPS receiver.
Measurement: The watch receives signals from GPS satellites to determine its precise location on Earth.
Benefits: Allows users to track their routes during activities like running or cycling, provides navigation assistance, and enhances location-based apps.
How to Use: Use the watch’s GPS to track your location during outdoor activities. The watch will display your current position and track your route on a map.

9. Heart Rate Monitor

Feature: Measures the user’s heart rate, usually in beats per minute.
Component: Optical sensors or electrodes on the watch’s underside.
Measurement: The sensors detect changes in blood flow to estimate the heart rate.
Benefits: Monitors the user’s cardiovascular health, tracks exercise intensity, and helps optimize workouts for better fitness results.
How to Use: Wear the watch snugly on your wrist, and the heart rate monitor will continuously track your heart rate. You can check your heart rate on-demand or set the watch to monitor it periodically.

10. Rechargeable Battery

Feature: The smartwatch’s battery can be recharged for continued use.
Component: Lithium-ion or similar rechargeable battery.
Measurement: Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh) and affects the watch’s usage time.
Benefits: Eliminates the need for frequent battery replacements, reducing waste and providing convenient, long-lasting usage.
How to Use: Charge the watch using the included charger. The watch’s battery level can be monitored on the watch itself or through a companion app on your smartphone.

11. Scratch Resistant

Feature: The watch’s display is resistant to scratches and minor abrasions.
Component: Durable materials such as tempered glass or sapphire crystal.
Measurement: Materials are tested for hardness and resistance to scratching.
Benefits: Protects the watch’s display from everyday wear and tear, maintaining its appearance and usability.
How to Use: Simply wear the watch as you normally would. The scratch-resistant display will help prevent scratches from daily activities.

Step Count

Feature: Counts the number of steps taken by the user.
Component: Motion sensors, often accelerometers or gyroscope sensors.
Measurement: Sensors detect motion patterns to count steps accurately.
Benefits: Encourages physical activity by tracking steps, supporting fitness goals, and promoting an active lifestyle.
How to Use: Wear the watch throughout the day, and it will automatically count the steps you take. Check your step count on the watch’s display or in its companion app.

Touchscreen

Feature: The watch’s display can be interacted with by touch.
Component: Touch-sensitive display technology.
Measurement: Touchscreens have varying levels of sensitivity and responsiveness.
Benefits: Provides intuitive navigation and interaction with apps, notifications, and other functions on the smartwatch.
How to Use: Use your finger or a stylus to tap, swipe, and interact with the watch’s interface. Touch gestures can control various functions and apps.

Water Resistant

Feature: The watch is designed to withstand exposure to water to a certain extent.
Component: Seals, gaskets, and water-resistant materials.
Measurement: Water resistance is rated in meters or ATM (atmospheres), indicating the depth to which the watch can be submerged without damage.
Benefits: Allows users to wear the watch during activities involving water, such as swimming or handwashing, without worrying about damage.
How to Use: Wear the watch during water-related activities, but avoid deep submersion beyond the watch’s rated water resistance. Rinse the watch with fresh water after exposure to saltwater or chlorine.

Wi-Fi

Feature: Connects to Wi-Fi networks for internet access.
Component: Wi-Fi module.
Measurement: The watch can connect to Wi-Fi networks with varying signal strengths and security levels.
Benefits: Provides internet connectivity without relying solely on a paired smartphone, enabling app updates, notifications, and other online services.
How to Use: Access the watch’s Wi-Fi settings to connect to available networks. This enables internet access for apps, browsing, and other online functionalities.

Blood Pressure Monitor

Feature: Measures the user’s blood pressure, indicating the force of blood against artery walls.
Component: Optical sensors or inflatable cuffs.
Measurement: Sensors detect changes in blood flow and pressure to estimate systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Benefits: Offers insights into cardiovascular health, helps users monitor blood pressure trends, and may assist in early detection of hypertension.
How to Use: Position the watch’s sensors as directed, and initiate the blood pressure measurement. The watch will inflate the cuff or use optical sensors to measure your blood pressure.

Sleep Monitor

Feature: Tracks the user’s sleep patterns and quality.
Component: Accelerometers, heart rate sensors, and sleep tracking algorithms.
Measurement: Sensors analyze movement, heart rate, and other data to determine sleep stages and patterns.
Benefits: Provides users with information about their sleep habits, helping them improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
How to Use: Wear the watch while sleeping. It will automatically track your sleep duration, stages, and patterns. Check the sleep data on the watch or in its companion app.

Distance Tracker

Feature: Measures the distance traveled by the user.
Component: GPS module or motion sensors.
Measurement: The watch uses GPS or motion data to calculate the distance covered during activities.
Benefits: Useful for tracking workout distances, runs, walks, and hikes, helping users set distance-based fitness goals.
How to Use: Use the watch’s distance tracking feature during outdoor activities. The watch will calculate the distance based on your movement or GPS data and display it on the screen.