The Apple Watch should (finally) be hitting the shops right about now, which means the smartwatch wars are well and truly underway. But which one is right for you?
By Laith Abou-Ragheb
Apple Watch
www.apple.com
Apple’s first, much-hyped attempt at producing a smartwatch features everything you would expect in terms of specs and features (but no GPS tracking, oddly). There are three different versions to choose from. Prices start from $350 for the entry-level Watch Sport, all the way up to $15,000 for the Rolex-bothering Watch Edition that’s crafted from 18-karat yellow gold.
The Bottom Line: There’s little doubt Apple will shift a few million of these on release day, but will it be enough to create a whole new tech category like the iPhone managed to do?
Price: From $350
Pebble Watch
www.pebble.com
Here’s proof you don’t need to take out a small bank loan to afford a feature-packed smartwatch. The Pebble Watch delivers all your call, text, and email notifications to its refreshingly fuss-free black and white screen. It boasts a huge range of Android and iOS compatible apps, up to seven days of battery life, a fitness tracking feature, and is water resistant up to 50 meters.
The Bottom Line: The Pebble Watch’s bargain price and long feature list more than make up for its slightly drab plastic design.
Price: $90
LG Watch Urbane
www.lg.com
As with Apple, LG seems to be betting that some people will always prefer to wear a classic high-end timepiece on their wrist rather than a clunky, geeky looking smartwatch. So with its luxury Urbane range, LG is trying to combine the best of both worlds. Crafted from stainless steel with a gold or silver finish, this smartwatch runs on the Android Wear OS and sports a fairly stunning 1.3-inch P-OLED display.
The Bottom Line: With the Urbane, LG have successfully combined the classic and the contemporary.
Price: $TBA
Alcatel OneTouch
www.alcatel.com
Alcatel is a new entrant to the smartwatch game. The OneTouch can be paired with either iOS or Android devices, and comes fitted with an altimeter, heart-rate monitor, and other smart sensors. Unlike many other smartwatches, the OneTouch can be powered up via a USB charger integrated into the strap, which itself is available in four different eye catching designs.
The Bottom Line: Loads of features, natty design, and an attractive asking price all add up to an impressive package from Alcatel.
Price: $150
