The Apple Watch Series 9 is stylish and super practical
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Ive enjoyed using the Apple Watch Series 9 the most out of the many smartwatches Ive tried.
Photo:Apple
Its stylish and has plenty of genuinely useful features.
Otherwise, most of the updates are in the software, and available on older watches.
The most significant difference is that the watch band doesn’t have a buckle–it just slips on.
PHOTO: Lifewire / Molly McLaughlin
To charge it, you have to turn it inside out.
However, you might use older watch bands with the Series 10.
It starts at $399 for Wi-Fi only and $499 to add Cellular.
Apple Watch Series 10 (bottom) and Apple Watch Series 9.Lifewire / Molly McLaughlin
(I have the Apple Watch Series 10 GPS + Cellular 46mm.)
It does get a chip upgrade, sporting the Apple S10.
(The Series 9 has the S9 chip.)
Lifewire / Molly McLaughlin
It’s incredibly convenient as you’ve got the option to easily swipe one-handed.
(To make purchases, you still need to unlock it, so it’s still secure.
Ive been using Apple Watches since they first launched in 2015.
PHOTO: Lifewire / Jennifer Allen
Its straightforward to use.
The only downside is that its an iPhone-only equipment.
You cant pair it with an Android phone.
PHOTO: Lifewire / Jennifer Allen
If thats not an issue, though, it simply works.
There are many different watch straps and watch faces you’re free to choose from.
I favor a Peanuts-themed one with Snoopy, but there are professional and stylish options too.
It always looks pretty new, as its always-on display has scratch- and crack-resistant glass.
Its pretty robust while looking delicate.
I very rarely remove this watch.
Its body composition tool is a particular highlight.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 looks and feels lovely to use.
Its circular watch face feels more natural than the angular edges of the Apple Watch.
The AMOLED screen lights up nicely but in a warm and inviting way rather than harsh.
One of my favorite things about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is its health tracking tools.
It provides you with a sleep animal like Fitbit does.
It also has a body composition tool that determines your body fat and other measurements.
It isnt as accurate as a set of smart scales, but it provides good insight from your wrist.
Its a simple choice: If you own an Android phone, get this model.
Looking past those quibbles, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is excellent for most purposes.
It looks good on your wrist and feels comfortable without being too hefty or cumbersome.
The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is an affordable option that wont look too out of place while out to impress.
It gave me a morning report, which told me how well I slept and my Body Battery score.
The former is your guide to how far you’ve got the option to push it today.
If its low, dont go for that run.
PHOTO: Amazon
If its high, this is your chance to do more.
Its an excellent guide that feels entirely accurate based on how Im feeling at the time.
Garmin uses stress levels and how well you slept to ascertain what you should aim for.
PHOTO: Lifewire / Jennifer Allen
Lifewire / Jennifer Allen
Its also a durable watch, which is handy for clumsy folk like me.
It tracks things like blood oxygen saturation and heart rate.
It even offers about a weeks battery life, theoretically higher depending on how you use it.
Its not as comfy as the Apple and Samsung watches, but far cheaper.
The respective companies loaned me the Amazfit Balance and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.
I used all the devices for several weeks, with some smartwatches used for months.
I wore them daily while working, exercising, relaxing, and asleep.
What to Look For
Buying a smartwatch involves finding the right balance between looks and practicality.
Also, think about the battery life you need and what phone you gotta be compatible with.
Depending on your intentions, dont forget to consider sleep or exercise tracking.
Read oursmartwatch buying guide.
TheAmazfit Balancefeels cheap on your wrist and unrefined in places.
However, for a budget smartwatch, its a good entry point.
PHOTO: Lifewire / Jennifer Allen
Lifewire / Jennifer Allen
