Android Wear OS
Wear OS is a version of Google's Android operating system. It is designed for smartwatches and other wearables. It is also known as Wear OS by Google, and it is previously known as Android Wear. Wear OS supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G, and LTE connectivity, and ranges of applications.
The smartwatches face includes round, square, and rectangle. The Wear OS manufacturing partners include HTC, Asus, LG, Intel, Broadcam, Motorola, Qualcomm, Huawei, Samsung, Polar, Mobvoi, and TAG Heuer.
History of Wear OS
The Wear OS platform was announced on March 18, 2014, along with its developer preview. At the same time, companies like Samsung, Motorola, HTC, Asus, and LG were announced as Wear OS partners. Samsung Gear Live and LG G Watch were launched on June 25, 2014, at Google I/O. The LG G Watch was the first Android Wear smartwatch to be released and shipped.
Best Wear OS watches
Wear OS watches work with both iPhone and Android, but you need to check the capability before you buy because each watch will only work with certain devices.
1. Fossil Sport
Fossil Sport is a good combination of value and features in a lightweight. It is comfortable to wear in day-to-day or when you are working out. The battery life goes up to two days, and it can access all of the latest Wear OS apps too.
Specification
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.2-inch 390 x 390 AMOLED |
| Processor | Quad-core 1.2GHz |
| Band size | 22mm straps |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | Two days |
| Charging method | Proprietary |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth |
Pros
- Powerful watch
- Lightweight design
Cons
- GPS can be slow
- Lacks high-end features
2. TicWatch E2
This smartwatch comes in waterproof so you can take this watch into the swimming pool. The battery life lasted for over two days with regular usage. It has a GPS that tracks your location, and there are lots of other features here too.
Specification
| Compatibility | iOS 8+, Android 4.3+ |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.39" 400 x 400 LED |
| Processor | Snapdragon Wear 2100 |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | Around 48 hours |
| Charging method | Magnetic connecting pin |
| IP rating | IP67 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 |
Pros
- Affordable price
- Easily two-day battery life
Cons
- Bland design
- No NFC for payments
3. TicWatch Pro
It has a transparent LCD display on the top of a full-color OLED. When it conserve the battery, the watch shift to the LCD screen, which shows your time, your step count, and many more. The TicWatch Pro has a premium design, a heart rate sensor, NFC for Google Pay, great GPS tracking, and much more.
Specification
| Compatibility | iOS 8+, Android 4.3+ |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.4" 400 x 400 OLED paired with LCD screen |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | Up to 48 hours, 5 extra days in Essential mode |
| Charging method | Magnetic connecting pin |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 |
Pros
- Innovative screen tech
- Premium design
Cons
- Limited app
- No LTE
4. TicWatch S2
The TicWatch S2 is much similar to TicWatch E2. Most of the features are the same here, the company released in two different designs. TicWatch S2 stands for "Sport" so it has a more durable design than the E2. It is suitable for adventures as well as runners.
It has a two-day battery life, a waterproof design, GPS, and all other benefits.
Specification
| Compatibility | iOS 8+, Android 4.3+ |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.39" 400 x 400 OLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon Wear 2100 |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | Around 48 hour |
| Charging method | Magnetic connecting pin |
| IP rating | IP67 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Buletooth 4.1 |
Pros
- Waterproof design
- Affordable
Cons
- Lack NFC
- No LTE variant
5. Misfit Vapor 2
Misfit Vapour 2 Wear OS watch solves a lot of issues of its first generation. It has GPS so you can track your runs, there's NFC for Google Pay. Its design is simple, and its display comes in two different sizes either in 1.2-inch or 1.4-inch.
It has a low price point and the best smartwatch for exercising.
Specification
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.2-inch or 1.4-inch display, 360 x 360 AMOLED |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.0GHz |
| Band sizes | 20mm straps |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | 1 day |
| Charging method | Proprietary |
| IP rating | N/A |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth |
Pros
- Affordable price
- NCF for Google Play
Cons
- No LTE option
- Kind of flimsy
6. TicWatch C2
This is one of the most affordable smartwatches that comes with Google Pay and GPS support in the same package.
Specification
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.3-inch 360 x 360 AMOLED |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.0Ghz |
| Band sizes | 20mm or 18mm straps |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | 1 day |
| Charging method | Propritary |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth |
Pros
- Low price
- Google Pay and GPS
Cons
- Limited straps
- Outdated internals
7. Fossil Gen 5
The Fossil Gen 5 comes with smaller Julianna or larger Carlyle, and both have the same premium features like GPS, a heart rate sensor, bright vibrant display, 1GB RAM, and the Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset. It comes with battery saver mode, and it has water resistance up to 30minutes. It is more expensive than other Wear OS.
Specification
| Compatibility | iOS 10+, Android 6.0+ |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.28" 416 x 416 AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon Wear 3100 |
| Onboard storage | 8GB |
| Battery duration | 24 hour+ |
| Charging method | Conductive USB charger |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Pros
- Fast processor
- Battery saving modes
Cons
- Weak speaker
- More expensive than rivals
8. Huawei Watch 2
It has built-in GPS and NFC on the watch and option to 4G model. Its screen is a little small as compared to others.
Specification
| Compatibility | IOS 9+, Android 4.3+ |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.2" 390 x 390 |
| Processor | Snapdragon Wear 2100 |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | Up to 48 hours |
| Charging method | Conductive USB-C charger |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, 3G + 4G LTE, Bluetooth |
Pros
- Built-in GPS and NFC
- Optional 4G model
Cons
- Performance can be sluggish
- Screen too small
