Best smartwatches (December 2016)

Smartwatches are still a very new thing to a lot of people, and for good reason. You don't absolutely need one to get through the day, and some of the best smartwatches are much too expensive for many folks out there. With that said, they are good for a lot of things. They can provide you with an easy way to get information, allow you to dismiss or reply to new messages without having to pull out your phone, and much more.

• Best Android phones
• Best Android Wear watches

Now, we've already rounded up some of the best Android Wear watches and fitness trackers you can buy, but what about the other wearables that are worth considering? With so many smartwatches on the market, we understand choosing the right one can be a bit daunting. We're here to help!

Here are the best smartwatches you can buy right now.

Editor's note: We'll be updating this list regularly as new devices launch.

Update, December 2016: This month we removed the Samsung Gear S2 to make room for the Gear S3.

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Samsung Gear S3

Samsung's Gear S2 smartwatch from 2015 was a very impressive offering, and now the company is back with yet another pair of Tizen-powered smartwatches, the Gear S3 Classic and Gear S3 Frontier! Featuring the same great rotating bezel, an all-new design and many more enhancements, these new wearables are definitely a step in the right direction.

Whether you're looking for a more classy or sporty look, the Gear S3 line probably has something for you. The Classic model is geared towards folks who want to wear their watch to work or out on the town. It should be noted that the Classic version does not come with LTE connectivity, though, so you'll need to be paired with a smartphone if you want to receive notifications on your wrist. If you're looking for something a bit more rugged that features LTE connectivity, the Frontier version is the watch for you. Both models also come with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, as well as big 380mAh batteries and 1.3-inch Super AMOLED displays.

Specs

Samsung Gear S3 Classic

• 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display with 360 x 360 resolution, 278ppi
• 1.0GHz dual-core Samsung Exynos 7270
• 768MB of RAM
• 4GB of on-board storage
• 380mAh battery
• Tizen
• 49 x 46 x 12.9mm, 59g
• IP68 dust and water resistance rating

Samsung Gear S3 Frontier (LTE)

• 1.3-inch Super AMOLED display with 360 x 360 resolution, 278ppi
• 1.0GHz dual-core Samsung Exynos 7270
• 768MB of RAM
• 4GB of on-board storage
• 380mAh battery
• Tizen
• 49 x 46 x 12.9mm, 63g
• IP68 dust and water resistance rating

Read more

• Samsung Gear S3 review
• Samsung Gear S3 officially announced: specs, price, release date and more
• Samsung Gear S3 hands-on and first impressions
• Samsung Gear S3 vs Gear S2 comparison

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Pebble Time

As of right now, the smartwatch landscape is packed with devices that feature touchscreen displays, 1-day battery life and over-$200 price tags. The Pebble Time might not have the best screen or the most powerful processor, but it's the overall experience that made us choose this device as our top pick.

For starters, it has a color e-paper display that's easy to read in all lighting conditions. And because the e-paper display is so great with battery life, the Pebble Time can easily last more than 5 days on a single charge. You just won't get that with other Android Wear or Apple watches. Plus, Pebble's new Timeline interface is quirky, intuitive and quite useful when you're trying to plan your day. It's compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, too, so you don't need to pass this one up if you don't have the right phone.

It's also worth noting that the Pebble Time largely undercuts the competition in the pricing department. You can purchase the Pebble Time in a variety of different color options for under $100. For those looking for something a little more classy, the Pebble Time Steel is also available on Amazon for around $120.

Specs

• 1.25-inch LCD display with 144 x 168 resolution, 177ppi
• ARM Cortex-M4 processor
• 256KB of RAM
• 16MB of on-board storage
• 150mAh battery
• PebbleOS
• 40.5 x 37.5 x 9.5mm, 42.5g
• 30m water resistance, ISO22810 rating

Read more

• Pebble Time review
• Pebble Time unboxing and first impressions

Buy the Pebble Time from Amazon Buy the Pebble Time Steel from Amazon

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Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Generation)

The original Moto 360 was one of the best Android Wear watches around for quite some time, and now its successor is also at the top of the list.

The Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) has a bigger battery than its predecessor, a Snapdragon 400 processor and comes in two different sizes to fit more users' wrists. You'll even be able to customize it with Moto Maker. Overall, the biggest advantages the new Moto 360 brings to the table are the refreshed processing package, a customizable design and the addition of lugs that will make it much easier to swap out watch bands.

We should also note that if you're more of a fitness-oriented person, the Moto 360 Sport is also a great option. It's cheaper than the standard Moto 360, and comes with a large array of fitness tracking features.

Specs

42mm variant:

• 1.37-inch IPS LCD display with 360 x 325 resolution, 233ppi
• 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
• 512MB of RAM
• 4GB of on-board storage
• 300mAh battery
• Android Wear
• 42.0 x 42.0 x 11.4mm
• IP67 dust and water resistance rating

46mm variant:

• 1.56-inch IPS LCD display with 360 x 330 resolution, 263ppi
• 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
• 512MB of RAM
• 4GB of on-board storage
• 400mAh battery
• 46.0 x 46.0 x 11.4mm
• IP67 dust and water resistance rating

Read more

• Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) review
• Motorola Moto 360 (2nd Gen.) unboxing and initial setup

Buy now from Amazon Buy now from Motorola

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Huawei Watch

The Huawei Watch was first unveiled towards the beginning of 2015 at MWC, though it didn't actually make its way to retail until the tail-end of the summer. Offering a design that is much more "watch-like" then many of its competitors, the Huawei Watch is certainly one of the more attractive Android Wear watches on the market and benefits from easily replaceable watch straps and a long-lasting battery.

For those that aren't a fan of the flat-tire look we've seen with Motorola's circular watches, you'll be happy to know that this isn't the case here. As for the rest of the specs? Everything is pretty standard fare, as most of the newer Android Wear watches feature roughly the same internals. That said, the AMOLED display on the Huawei Watch is one of the best displays available in the Android Wear market right now.

As far as pricing is concerned, starting at $350, the Huawei Watch isn't at the very top of the pricing totem, but it is certainly not the lowest priced either.

Specs

• 1.4-inch AMOLED display with 400 x 400 resolution, 286ppi
• 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor
• 512MB of RAM
• 4GB of on-board storage
• 300mAh battery
• Android Wear
• 42.0 x 42.0 x 11.3mm
• IP67 dust and water resistance rating

Read more

• Huawei Watch review
• Huawei Watch unboxing and initial impressions
• A closer look at the sleek and sexy Huawei Watch (IFA 2015)

Buy now from Amazon

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Apple Watch Series 2

I know, I know. This is an Apple product. And we only like Android products here, right?

Wrong-o.

The Apple Watch Series 2 is a really nice smartwatch that does exactly what it should. It'll give you quick access to notifications, allow you to pay with your wrist, give you turn-by-turn directions, and it's a decent fitness tracker. And in terms of design, it doesn't feel like Apple cut too many corners with the overall look and feel of the device. Even the Sport model (the cheapest one of the bunch) feels like a well-built piece of hardware.

There are a few downsides to the Watch, though. Battery life isn't stellar, and oftentimes the interface can get really confusing. It's a solid second attempt at a smartwatch, sure, but Apple still has a lot of work to do.

The Apple Watch Series 2 is on the pricier side of the smartwatch landscape at around $369, but you might be lucky enough to find a refurbished model for less than that on Amazon or eBay.

Specs

42mm variant (aluminum):

• 1.5-inch OLED Retina display with 390 x 312 resolution, 390ppi
• Apple S2 processor
• watchOS
• 42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4mm, 34.2g (case only)
• 50m water resistance, ISO22810 rating

38mm variant (aluminum):

• 1.3-inch OLED Retina display with 340 x 272 resolution, 340ppi
• Apple S2 processor
• watchOS
• 38.6 x 33.3 x 11.4mm, 28.2g (case only)
• 50m water resistance, ISO22810 rating

Read more

• Apple Watch Series 2 review
• Apple Watch Series 2 vs the competition

Buy now from Apple

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So there you have it, our list of the best smartwatches on the market! Do you have any suggestions for us? What do you think is the best smartwatch out there? Be sure to sound off in the comments!

Next:

Best fitness trackers

18 hours ago

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Google launches Project Fi referral program, offers users $20 credit for sign-ups

Google has introduced a referral program for Project Fi that offers new and existing users $20 in credit when using the program, according to a report from 9to5 Google.

The "Refer A Friend" option, found within the Account tab of the Fi app, provides users with a code which they can send to their contacts; any person who signs up for Project Fi using the code will bag themselves and the referrer $20 credit on their next bill.

To qualify, the newly registered user must be signed up to Project Fi for thirty days and can't have signed up previously. Additionally, the new user must have paid for two months of the service, and the existing customer's account must be in good standing.

See also:

Google's Project Fi introduces family plans, discounts on Nexus 6P and 5X

October 11, 2016

The number of referrals is limited to 10 and they do not apply to additional sign ups for the recently introduced Project Fi family plan. Note that contacts using the program will have access to the others name, contact info, and account activation status.

The referral program is running from now until the end of January 11, 2017, so if you want to save yourself some bucks, get sending those referrals.

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How Android evolved: 2014 to 2016 edition

Google's Android operating system has come a long way since its unveiling almost a decade ago, and it was probably tough to originally foresee that the OS would go on to claim the largest install base of any consumer operating system. In that time, Android has undergone a number of user interface overhauls and has introduced a huge selection of key features, from the first CDMA network support with Android Donut to mobile payments and fingerprint scanning technologies in today's flagships. The OS has even expanded into the automotive and wearables markets.

Today, Google's latest Android 7.0 and 7.1 Nougat versions are making every day tasks more convenient with a new split-screen mode, redesigned notifications and quick replies, customizable quick settings, and multi-language support. At the same time, Android is pushing the boundaries with support for more powerful and more efficient hardware components, and even stepping into the realms of virtual reality.

Just some of the key features and milestones passed by Android in the past four OS generations.

While all of these features are very welcome, they're only any good if consumers can actually make use of them. To build up a bigger picture about where Android is at right now, we've trawled back through years of Google's OS distribution data. This allows us to see how the mobile ecosystem has changed over the years and how the launch of Nougat is getting on compared with previous OS version.

Android OS since 2014

It's going to take a while for Android Nougat to catch up with the pack, and in the meantime it's 5.0 Lollipop that retains the crown as the most popular version of Android installed at the moment. The version sits at a 34% share, followed by 6.0 Marshmallow on 26.3%, and KitKat on 24%. Importantly, December finally saw Marshmallow overtake KitKat, a process that has taken just over a year to complete. Lollipop also overtook the 2 generation old KitKat at around the same time back at the end of 2015.

Top 3 OS shares in Dec 2016: 5.0 Lollipop - 34%, 6.0 Marshmallow - 26.3%, KitKat - 24%

It's a little disappointing to see that version 5.0 is still a fair bit more common that last year's 6.0 release. Although the data reveals that it has historically taken around 18 months for the latest version of Android to become the most widespread. Fragmentation, which we'll take a closer look at in a minute, remains an issue. Lollipop's share appears to have peaked at 35.8%, just shy of KitKat's peak at 41.4%, and miles behind Jelly Bean's 62% high back in 2014.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow appears to be on the same track as Lollipop and KitKat before it, with an approximately 2.5% share growth rate each month. Although the OS is behind its predecessors for share at the end of the year. Lollipop reached 29.5% by December 2015, while KitKat grabbed a 33.9% share in the same month of 2014. This doesn't mean that adoption is slower as such, as there are many more phones on the market now than in previous years. But it does suggest that consumer are either keeping hold of older handsets, or that manufacturers haven't been updating their older models for as long.

While Marshmallow and Nougat are the only two OS numbers showing growth anymore, the rate of decline for existing versions appears quite slow. Interestingly, Jelly Bean's rate of decline has decreased from roughly -1.8% per month in 2015 to -1.2% per month in 2016.

Nougat launch and fragmentation

Android 7.0 Nougat, Google's latest version of the Android OS, arrived in October of this year, and things are off to their typical slow start. Only 0.4% of devices are currently running 7.0, down slightly from Android Marshmallow's 0.5% market penetration by early December. It typically takes around 6 months for Google's latest OS version to arrive as a major force, following the launch of new flagship devices early in the new year and updates hitting mainstream handsets. So we will have to wait until the end of Q1 2017 to see if Nougat adoption accelerates as quickly as previous releases.

Nougat is entering an ecosystem that is more fragmented than ever before. Jelly Bean has simply refused to die.

However, one identifiable trend at this early stage of Nougat's rollout is that it's entering an ecosystem that is more fragmented than ever before. KitKat, Lollipop, and Marshmallow are all similarly dominant versions of Android right now, but even Jelly Bean is managing to hang on to a notable share. This is due to the increasing number of handsets on the market each year and a slowdown in global handset sales growth, combined with the fact that the majority older handsets are not being updated to the latest version of Android.

 

If we compare the top two version numbers shortly after a new release, Marshmallow and Lollipop account for 60.3% of the market just after the latest release, a smaller percentage than ever before. Back with the rollout of Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat accounted for 66.1%, and KitKat and Jelly Bean held a whopping 82.6% combined share back in 2014 and the rollout of Lollipop. At a glance, Android was much more unified back before the launch of Lollipop than it is today, although the numerous versions of Jelly Bean hidden by this data complicates the debate somewhat.

While some level of fragmentation is inevitable as handset support ends and new handsets are purchased, Android's problem with a lack of updates appears to be worsening rather than improving. What's more, 2012's Jelly Bean has simply refused to die. This is rather worrisome when we consider that these older handsets are missing out on important security updates, with the vast majority of handsets never set to enroll in Google's monthly security patch scheme.

Read more:

How Android evolved: version shares from 2013 to 2015

December 5, 2014

Android Gingerbread, KitKat, and Nougat home screens.

Google first unveiled Android to the word in 2007 when it founded the Open Handset Alliance, and it's clear that the OS has come a long way since then, both in terms of features and its importance to the mobile market. There are a few persistent problems with fragmentation that the company has been unable to solve, but with more and more Android core systems and features now updated through the Play Store rather than major system updates, Nougat could finally be the start of an era where fragmentation matters less.

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Engineers create Wi-Fi system that uses 10,000 times less power

US engineers have delivered Wi-Fi transmissions that use 10,000 times less power than regular signals. The new system, which has been named Passive Wi-Fi, was created by a team at the University of Washington and is said to be compatible with current smartphones and routers.

The team achieved download speeds of 11 megabits per second (Mbps) with its Passive Wi-Fi system, which would make it comparable to modern LTE download speeds, but now they're reportedly working to increase the throughput.

See also:

Google Wifi review

6 days ago

"We wanted to see if we could achieve Wi-Fi transmissions using almost no power at all," said Shyam Gollakota, a University of Washington assistant professor of computer science and engineering who worked on the project. "That's basically what Passive Wi-Fi delivers. We can get Wi-Fi for 10,000 times less power than the best thing that's out there."

The technology could prove beneficial to the consumer electronics industry at large and particularly smartphones and tablets, which rely frequently on Wi-Fi access and feature relatively short standby times. Take a look at Passive Wi-Fi in the introduction video below.

The University of Washington said, "The technology could enable entirely new types of communication that haven't been possible because energy demands have outstripped available power supplies."

Passive Wi-Fi has also been named one of the 10 breakthrough technologies of 2016 by the MIT Technology Review, though science publication Science Alert notes that the technology has yet to be peer-reviewed and independently verified, so the current rhetoric should be taken with a pinch of salt.

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Deal: Moto G4 Play on sale for $99 at B&H ($50 off)

The affordable Moto G Play (also known as Moto G4 Play) launched in the US back in September for $149.99. About a month ago, the device went on sale and was available for $129.99 at Amazon and B&H. Now, B&H is taking it up a notch as it's selling the Moto G4 Play for only 99 bucks, which is $50 off its normal retail price.

The device features a 5-inch 720p display, the Snapdragon 410 processor clocked at 1.2 GHz, 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of storage, and an 8 MP camera. Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow is running the show while a 2800 mAh battery keeps the lights on. The device is unlocked and available in either black or white.

See also:

The Moto Z Hasselblad camera mod is used to create SI magazine cover

2 weeks ago

B&H currently does not have the Moto G4 Play in stock, but according to its website, the retailer expects that the device will be available and ready to ship in two to three business days. Despite not being in stock, you are still able to place your order for the Moto G4 Play, which will be charged for at the time of shipment. Unless you pay with PayPal. In this case, the retailer will charge your account immediately after you place the order.

$99 at B&H

We don't know how long this deal will last, so if you want to get it, head over to B&H's website by clicking the button above. And if you decide to buy the device, let us know which color you chose in the comment section.

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US Note 7 return rate at 93%, as US carriers reveal plans for upcoming kill-off

Samsung is trying its best to convince Galaxy Note 7 users around the globe to return their devices for safety reasons. On average, around 90 percent of them have already done so, while the rest have decided to take the risk and keep using the device.

To make sure we don't see or hear about another Galaxy Note 7 fire incident, Samsung has already effectively killed off its phablet in a few countries – New Zealand, Australia, Canada. On Friday, Samsung announced it would follow the same path in the United States. The update will prevent Note 7 units from charging and will eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices.

See also:

Verizon won't be rolling out Samsung Galaxy Note 7 shutdown update

3 days ago

The update will first be released on December 27 by T-Mobile. AT&T will follow soon after and will release it on January 5. Sprint will do the same three days later — January 8. Verizon, the biggest US carrier, has surprisingly decided not to join in and therefore won't push the update to the Note 7 devices on its network.

In the US, more than 93 percent of users, which is above the global average, have already returned their Galaxy Note 7s. If you're one of the remaining 7 percent, we advise you to do the same for safety reasons. You'll be able to get a refund or exchange your Note 7 for a different Samsung device, including the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge.

So, what do you think about the update that will soon hit most of the remaining Galaxy Note 7 devices in the US? Is it the right thing to do? Let us know.

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Curves are beautiful, yes, but what about flat screens?

Samsung's original Galaxy S may have been the subject of much controversy due to its similarities with Apple's iPhone, but since then, the South Korean company has come a long way. It essentially was the first to coin the term "phablet," a large screen phone that we've now become so used to, and almost two years ago, it introduced us to something else that many of us considered ­– and still consider – revolutionary: a dual-curved screen. What started as a slightly more expensive option for the Galaxy S6 has proven itself to be immensely popular, insomuch that Samsung is said to be ditching a flat-screen version of the next Galaxy S altogether. But is that a good idea? Let's have a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks.

You looking bad, you with all those curves

When the Galaxy S6 duo launched back in March 2015, Samsung redefined what its smartphones could and should look like. The duo had an all glass and metal design – a first for Samsung – and the Galaxy S6 Edge boasted an elegant curve on each side of the screen. Of course, Samsung had already shown us a glimpse of this technology with the Galaxy Note Edge, but the S6 Edge was the first widely-available commercial phone with a dual-curved display.

The sixth generation of Samsung's flagship was simply put, gorgeous. And especially the curvier sibling of the two. In fact, it was so popular that even Samsung wasn't apparently prepared enough to meet the demand: the S6 Edge's demand far surpassed the company's expectations, and it was forced to open a third factory for screen production. But why?

From a purely superficial point of view, the explanation is simple: the curves are sexy as hell.

From a purely superficial point of view, the explanation is simple: the curves are sexy as hell. It's a wow factor. It's unique. Although its merits were largely unknown back then, its killer looks were enough to entice consumers, including myself. After years of flat screens, among millions of them, the Galaxy S6 Edge was a chance to stand out, and let me just say that it did the job: I can't count how many times I was asked about the phone's screen.

Boom clap sound of my heart (breaking)

But that's about it when it comes to the pros of having a curved display. I mean, what could be worse than the feeling you get when you drop your phone, and you nervously lift it up only to find an excruciating crack across the screen? Well, that's exactly what happened to my Galaxy S6 Edge. With the Galaxy S7 edge, I've been using a dual-curved smartphone for quite some time now, and this is what I've realized: curved phones are weak.

With the Galaxy S7 edge, I've been using a dual-curved smartphone for quite some time now, and this is what I've realized: curved phones are weak.

There are several factors at play here: the first is the design. That's the fundamental source of physical vulnerability. Whereas with a flat-screen phone, the corners – often the most susceptible points – are enclosed with metal (or plastic or ceramic or whatever), with a dual-curved phone, the surface is primarily glass. The cushioning role played by the side frames is diminished as the glass curves around onto the sides of the phone. And to make things worse, replacing a curved screen is almost half the price of the original price tag. Take the Galaxy S7 edge: it's $270 to replace a cracked screen. So not only is it easier to break, but you probably have a higher chance to becoming broke.

So why not protect your phone? That's yet another tricky question. From my experience, finding a durable screen protector that stays on isn't exactly an easy task. And if you don't like bulky cases, good luck because the majority of pretty, thin ones out there will bend and come off given the extremely slim sides of any curved device.

Touch my body, know you like my curves

With the screen wrapping around the sides, there's so much to touch. And sometimes, too much. Although personally, I've never had an issue accidentally touching something because of the edges on my S7, sometimes the palm rejection doesn't work quite well enough. Perhaps the flesh around my metacarpal bones under the thumb is too plump, but more often than not, the screen would register my palm and reject my finger.

That's something that with enough bezel, a flat-screen phone could easily avoid. If Samsung does indeed release two Galaxy S8 models both equipped with a curved screen, then I expect them to be darn good at discerning which is my palm and which is the intended touch.

Work, work, work, work, work

Samsung's decision to push the "edge" version of its flagships – the late Galaxy Note 7 wasn't even offered as a flat-screen version – is purely an aesthetic choice, in my opinion. And for a lot of us too who opt for the curved option, it is largely an aesthetic choice. That's because the curved sides don't add any value to "work"; in terms of functionality, the sides might as well not be there.

Samsung as well as some Chinese OEMs provide some ways to "take advantage" of the edges, usually letting you slide a minuscule bar to access app and contact shortcuts as well as useful tools. In reality, however, its existence is often forgotten. I admit that I am quite fond of Samsung's ruler feature, but again, it's extremely limited as anything longer than the S7 edge itself, I will need an actual ruler.

The most puzzling aspect of all this, for me, was the Galaxy Note 7's screen. The Note 7's differentiating feature has always been the S-Pen. It's for light note-taking but also for serious drawing and productivity-related work. That means at least sometimes, you need every pixel of the screen, all the real estate you can get. Even though the Note 7's curves were much more abrupt and therefore affected a smaller area, writing or drawing on those curves was practically impossible. Having a curved screen adds no practical advantage and sometimes even detracts from the phone's functionality.

Even though the Note 7's curves were much more abrupt and therefore affected a smaller area, writing or drawing on those curves was practically impossible.

Haters gonna hate, hate, hate

Quantitatively, it seems like the benefits of a curved smartphone are outweighed by its drawbacks. However, curved smartphones continue to be extremely popular. Obviously, for some, including myself, the aesthetic pleasure it adds is enough to forgive some of its inconveniences. The Galaxy S7 edge not only outsold its flat-screen sibling but became the world's best-selling Android device. Following the success that Samsung saw, companies like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Vivo are following suit with their own offerings, and even the almighty Apple is said to be preparing a curved iPhone for next year's 10^th anniversary of the iPhone.

Whether you like it or not, it seems like manufacturers are convinced of the curved screen's market value.

Whether you like it or not, it seems like manufacturers are convinced of the curved screen's market value. They can charge a bit more for it, and it's still going to sell, at least according to the numbers. What needs to accompany this trend, however, is highly optimized software with an efficient palm rejection technology and a creative way to fully utilize the sides of the screen. And as for the average consumer, as flagships become curvier and curvier, what we need to do is research, research, research, and get the right protection. And pray that the screen doesn't crack.

What are your thoughts on curved screens? Let us know by leaving a comment down below!

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