2016 was the year when the whole wearable market just exploded, not just in India but also worldwide. Within the wearable section, smart watches and fitness bands take up the biggest pie of the market. By some estimates, there are currently more than 100 models of smartwatches available in India. Various reasons can be attributed to the rise of this crowded industry for smart watches:
- The barrier of entries in terms of hardware manufacturing reduced overtime due to technological advancements.
- Legacy watch manufacturers jumped in the foray fearing an invasion in their market
- Smart watch itself had a lot of buzz around it given some of the biggest names in industry like Apple and Samsung were launching their gadgets
- Startups were the 3rd segment that jumped into it sensing an opportunity (the kickstarter passout Pebble just closed shop)
Also, there’s a bit of perplexity in the industry on how we differentiate a smart watch with a fitness bands. Apparently, there are many smart watches available that are no more than a fitness tracker with a watch screen as interface. Yet, our assessment calls out a smart watch as one with atleast the basic feature of showing phone notification on watch screen.
So we decided to put some meaning in the chaos and bring out the best smart watches that are available in India. Here’s our pick:
Apple Watch
Announced by Apple CEO Tim Cook in September 2014, the device was released in April 2015. The Apple Watch quickly became the best-selling wearable device with the supply of 4.2 million smartwatches in the second quarter of the 2015 fiscal year. The second generation of Apple Watch released in September 2016 includes two tiers: Apple Watch Series 2 and Apple Watch Series 1.
It incorporates fitness tracking and health-oriented capabilities with integration with iOS and other Apple products and services. The original generation of the device is available in four variants: Apple Watch Sport, Apple Watch, Apple Watch Hermès, and Apple Watch Edition, distinguished by different combinations of cases and first or third party interchangeable bands.
Apple Watch relies on a wirelessly connected iPhone to perform many of its default functions such as calling and texting.
Price: Rs 20,900 – Rs 64,900
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ASUS Zenwatch 2
Asus ZenWatch first launched in 2015 and it fascinated many with its Apple Watch-esque design – even before the Apple watch was out. Asus ZenWatch 2 launched this year and maintained its affordable price. Its available in 2 sizes with the display of the smaller ZenWatch 2 is a two-finger-touch AMOLED screen, made of curved Corning Gorilla Glass 3 that measures in at 1.45 inches on the diagonal.
Price: Rs 16,900
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Fitbit Surge
Fitbit Surge is the smartwatch from the stable of Fitbit, the leader in Fitness tracker bands. The Fitbit Surge is its top-of-the-line smartwatch cum fitness tracker that comes with all fitness tracking features along with some smartwatch features like text and call notifications, and music control, among others.
Price: Rs 19,992
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Fossil Q Wander
Fossil’s slimmest smartwatch to date: Q Wander is the newest digital display watch that connects seamlessly to your phone. Strapped in stainless steel, the tech-savvy dial with touchscreen functionality includes customizable faces.
Powered by Android Wear™, this touchscreen smartwatch tracks activity, connects to your favorite apps, receives display notifications, and has customizable faces to fit your style. Fossil Q Wander is compatible with phones running Android™ 4.4+ or iPhone 5/iOS 8.2+.
Price: Rs 22,995
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Garmin Fenix 3
fēnix® 3 training watch is designed to meet the expectations of demanding athletes who expose their equipment to harsh environments on a daily basis. The result is the ultimate expression of Garmin function and technology combined with uncompromising style and finish.
All fēnix® 3 models are equipped with EXO™ antenna, fully integrated into the protective metal bezel. The large, high-resolution color display, featuring Garmin Chroma Display™ technology, keeps both classic analog and custom watch faces sharp.
Price: Rs 52,990
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Huawei Watch
In the Huawei Smart Watch, there is a union of classic Swiss design with smart technology, which has carved out an enduring timepiece. The full circle display is reminiscent of traditional swiss design. For superior convenience, it also comes with an ergonomic 2’0 Clock button and an always-on screen. It’s stylish, comes with an AMOLED always-on screen, and is compatible with Android and iOS phones. It works seamlessly with any Android phone and is also one of the first Android Wear™ powered to work with iPhone.
Price: Rs 19,999
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Michael Kors Access
Michael Kors has entered the smartwatch market in August this year, with Michael Kors Access. There are two watches within Access: Bradshaw and Dylan. The smartwatch is powered by Android Wear and have many watch faces designed by the company. The luxury segment smart watch also have interchangeable metal, leather and silicone straps.
Price: Rs 29,495
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Motorola Moto 360
With a stainless steel strap and a neat black dial, this Motorola watch looks stylish and smart, whether you pair it with an ethnic salwar, jeans or a formal shirt. You can now check your gmail messages in style, without having to use your phone. This makes it easier while traveling. The smartwatch also includes interesting apps so you can enjoy your music, keep a check on your health and make tasks like checking your flight details smoother.
Price: Rs 21,999
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SAMSUNG Gear S2 Classic
You can choose the Samsung Gear 2 Classic smartwatch that you think suits your style better. Or you can have both. The sleek strap of the watch is designed to look very attractive on your wrist. The watch has bezel that you can rotate to choose the different features. You can now play songs, reply to texts and track your health the easier way with your Samsung smartwatch.
Price: Rs 22,900
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Titan Juxt Pro
Titan launched the updated version of its Juxt series with Juxt Pro in September this year. Juxt Pro is all digital, with a circular, 1.3-inch touchscreen and custom interface. The Juxt Pro is 48mm wide, over 15mm thick and 50mm tall and is available as all-black or black-silver with a leather strap.
Price: Rs 22,995
