While the Apple Watch is a favorite among iPhone users, you can still appreciate and use most of the features from the Apple Watch lineup, without owning an iPhone.
That begs the question: which Apple Watch is best? Despite the Apple Watch Series 7 being the best, the older generations haven’t lost their charm. In fact, the Series 3 can be just as valuable if you want smart features at an affordable cost.
Here are the best Apple Watch models available today.
Q: Will Apple Watches Work With Android?
Unfortunately, no. Even now with the latest Series 7 model, Apple Watches will not work with Android devices. If you attempt to connect the two via Bluetooth, they refuse to connect with one another.
Along with thinner bezels, the full QWERTY keyboard is more user-friendly than ever before. It’s also fitted with crack-resistant front crystal and IPX6 dust resistance for added durability. Under the hood, the Apple Watch Series 7 is using the S7 chip. Apps and functions are now snappier and more responsive than the S6 chip from the last generation, so if you want the most powerful Apple Watch, the Series 7 is the way forward.
For those that are health-conscious, the Apple Watch Series 7 boasts ECG functionality and the ability to measure blood oxygen levels. If you’re asthmatic and feeling symptoms of low blood oxygen, running a test on the spot is invaluable as is seeking medical attention immediately. An ECG can sense irregularities in your heart’s rhythm—a possible sign of atrial fibrillation. In both cases, the Apple Watch Series 7 provides notifications if anything appears out of place.
It’s still a great chip though and runs apps efficiently enough to provide 18 hours of battery life. This is despite having an always-on display. The Series 6 has slightly thicker bezels than the Series 7 and smaller overall size. It has two options: 40mm and 44mm, sufficient for most users who are keen to spend less money but still get the premium feel from Apple’s smartwatch lineup.
The Apple Watch Series 6 provides the most value for those with health conditions. It can monitor fitness metrics during the day, in addition to a SpO2 sensor. If you suffer from COPD or congenital heart defects, knowing your blood oxygen levels is invaluable. However, if your budget doesn’t stretch as far as the Series 6, you may find the Apple Watch SE a better fit, sporting many of the same features at a lower cost.
What it doesn’t sacrifice is style. The Apple Watch SE still looks stylish and modern. There are six different colors to choose from, though all are painted over an aluminum case material. However, it comes with four different band types: solo loop, braided solo loop, sports band, and sports loop. Unlike the colors, there are over a dozen band designs you can switch out to best match your style day-to-day.
As for features, the Apple Watch SE still runs watchOS software. This means you will still gain access to Apple’s ecosystem of apps, fitness or otherwise. You can still count steps, track your sleep and exercise routine, and access communication features like emergency SOS. While the SE doesn’t feature an always-on display, it does offer excellent battery life at an affordable cost.
For those keen on exercise and health, it keeps track of health-related metrics and detects the workout you’re doing. It’s tough enough to withstand water at 50 meters, allowing you to add swimming to your workout regime. And, if you happen to fall, the watch’s fall detection can activate and, in the worst-case scenario, initiate an emergency SOS call.
For your health, the ECG comes in handy whether you experience any heart conditions or not. It can get a read on your heart’s rhythm and possibly any irregularities your doctor may want to investigate further. The Apple Watch Series 5 is an excellent smartwatch if you can look past a slower CPU and lack of a blood oxygen reader.
To put that into perspective, users will still gain access to Apple’s ecosystem of apps. That means you can still listen to music, access Apple Pay, and track fitness-related metrics. And with its swim-proof properties, you can add swimming to your workout routine.
Despite the lack of an ECG monitor, the Apple Watch Series 3 does monitor your heart rate. It’s an invaluable feature nonetheless. Should it detect any irregularities, the Series 3 immediately sends a notification to seek help for any underlying heart conditions.
When in use, it will monitor the rhythm of your heart and detect irregularities. Naturally, the Apple Watch Series 4 doubles as a workout companion. It has the nifty ability to detect your workout. If you’re performing a downward dog, the Series 4 will know you’re engaging in yoga and track your progress. Your progress is then logged in the Activity app.
Should you find yourself in dire circumstances or harm, the Apple Watch Series 4 comes with both fall detection and emergency SOS. It’s a great entry-level smartwatch for those who are starting their fitness journey and want the option to receive smart alerts to motivate them throughout the day.
Perhaps in the future, Apple will change its stance. For now, if you’re an Android user, go with Android-compatible smartwatches.
Q: Will Apple Watches Work With Any iPhone?
No. You will need, at the very least, an iPhone 6 to use any Apple Watch from the Series 3 and onward. However, the version of iOS your iPhone is running also matters as well. The Series 7, for example, requires iOS 15 or later; the Series 4 requires iOS 12.
It’s important to know which version of iOS your phone is running before you make a purchase.
Q: Can All Apple Watches Accept Calls and Texts?
No. Apple splits its smartwatches into two categories: GPS and Cellular/GPS.
The former has all the health-related features, sensors, and GPS, but can’t make calls or send texts. For calling and texting, you will need to choose a cellular model, though it comes at a higher cost. They are otherwise indistinguishable in terms of performance and features other than communication.
