As we stride into 2023, the Android ecosystem for smartwatches is brimming with choices and possibilities. The options are now endless for people who want to purchase even the cheapest ones in the market.

Apple Watches are indeed more popular than their Android counterparts, but the latter are more economical, especially in this era. It's important to understand the reason why you need to buy a smartwatch before anything else.

Wear OS 3: Progress and Challenges

The latest smartwatch operating system of Google, WearOS 3 remains a work in progress at the time. You might notice that some features are not yet present on devices supported by this OS.

While WearOS 4 is finally here, you should take into account how the following smartwatches will perform

Google Pixel Watch 2: A New Standard

The $349.99 Google Pixel Watch 2 stands out as a remarkable improvement over its predecessor. Although the Galaxy Watch 6 series offers a polished experience, the Pixel Watch 2 caters to a broader audience, especially Android users not tethered to Samsung smartphones.

One of the Pixel Watch 2's strengths lies in its ecosystem flexibility. Unlike some of its competitors, this smartwatch doesn't discriminate based on your Android phone brand. 

Regardless of your device, you'll enjoy a consistent experience. While a forthcoming call screening feature will require a Tensor-equipped Pixel phone, this smartwatch refrains from withholding essential health features based on your phone model. Furthermore, it guarantees timely updates for Google services like Google Maps, Google Wallet, YouTube Music, and Google Assistant. 

The Pixel Watch 2 has also expanded its app support, welcoming Calendar and Gmail into its fold. As a bonus, purchasing this smartwatch grants you a six-month Fitbit Premium trial and a one-month trial of YouTube Music.

An essential upgrade from the previous model is the battery's reliability, lasting a full day even with the always-on display activated. This endurance owes itself to the more power-efficient Wear OS 4 and the new Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor. 

The introduction of a pin-charging system has also significantly reduced charging times. In just 30 minutes, you can recharge up to 50% of the battery, with a full charge taking only 75 minutes.

Related Article: Best Apple Watch Models to Buy Before the Holidays

Amazfit GTR 4: Affordable Excellence

Amazfit has carved a niche for itself by offering budget-friendly wearables with exceptional capabilities. Priced at $199.99, the GTR 4 is a prime example of this trend. It boasts a classic design, an always-on OLED display, and an astonishing 14 days of battery life. 

Notably, the GTR 4 introduces dual-band GPS, a feature recently adopted by high-end smartwatches from Apple and Garmin. Additionally, it supports 150 sports modes, offers continuous heart rate monitoring, and monitors stress, sleep, and SpO2 levels. 

For added versatility, it features Alexa and a proprietary offline assistant. The GTR 4 seamlessly syncs with Strava and Adidas Running, catering to fitness enthusiasts.

While flagship smartwatches offer more streamlined experiences, the GTR 4's value proposition is unbeatable. It matches their functionality but at a fraction of the cost. For budget-conscious buyers, the GTR 4 delivers impressive features and performance, is equally compatible with Android and iOS devices.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5: The Long-Living Champion

Mobvoi's TicWatch lineup is synonymous with exceptional battery life, and the $249.99 TicWatch Pro 5 upholds this reputation. 

With approximately 80 hours of battery life under typical usage, a secondary ultra-low power display, and a substantial 628mAh battery, it's a reliable choice. It might not compete with top-tier Garmin watches, but it offers a smart solution at a more budget-friendly price.

For fitness enthusiasts who prioritize both smart features and fitness tracking, the Pro 5 is an attractive option. It includes training metrics like VO2 Max and recovery time, stress tracking, all-day blood oxygen monitoring, and detection for atrial fibrillation and irregular heartbeats. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the multiple GNSS systems, barometer, compass app, and quick measurement app offering insights into various metrics.

The TicWatch Pro 5 doesn't stop at fitness and health tracking. It boasts contactless payments, access to the Play Store, notifications, and the ability to take calls. Moreover, it incorporates the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus chip, ensuring future-proofing. However, potential downsides include its 50mm case size, which may not suit smaller wrists, and the absence of a digital assistant.

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