The ultimate guide to smartwatches in Singapore

guide-to-smartwatches-header

 

Want to make a call but you’re nowhere near your phone? You can do that with a smartwatch. 

 

Need to text someone immediately? You can do that on your smartwatch too.

 

Need to track your run to show off on your Instagram Story? Smartwatch!

 

These days, it seems like there's nothing that smartwatches can't do. 

 

They're like tiny computers on your wrist that double up as a smartphone.

 

They're also the ultimate accessory for anyone who wants to stay on top of their game.

 

In this article, we'll explore the world of smartwatches, including the latest models, features, and how they can help you stay organised and connected.

 

In this article: 

 

 

PS: Shop smartwatches on Singtel and pay in 12, 24 or 36 month instalments!

 

 

Smartwatch uses

smartwatches uses

 

Yeah, smartwatches are cool, but what exactly can they do? 

 

Firstly, you can check your notifications and reply to messages directly from your watch.

 

Secondly, you can easily make contactless payments with just a flick of your wrist.

 

But that's not all - smartwatches also have fitness tracking features that allow you to monitor your steps, heart rate, and other health data. 

 

And in case of an emergency, you can send out alerts with just a tap.

 

These are the standard uses of a smartwatch, but depending on the model, your smartwatch may come with more advanced features as well.

 

We’ll cover these later in this article, so read on for more!

 

 

What to look out for when buying a smartwatch

buying a smartwatch

 

When it comes to buying a smartwatch, there are a few things you need to consider before making your purchase.

 

Compatibility 

Battery life 

Display 

Features  

Designs

 

First, you’ll need to make sure that the smartwatch you choose is compatible with your smartphone. 

 

Most smartwatches work with all smartphones, but there are exceptions, so it's important to do your research beforehand.

 

Next up is battery life

 

You don't want a smartwatch that needs to be charged every few hours, so look for one that has a long battery life. 

 

Some smartwatches can last for days on a single charge, while others need to be charged daily.

 

On average, most smartwatches can last anywhere from 12 to 48 hours on a single charge.

 

The display is also an important factor to consider. 

 

 

recommended display for smartwatches

 

You want a display that is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight. 

 

For a smartwatch, it’s recommended that the display has 600 – 1,000 nits (which is the units used to measure brightness). 

 

Next, think about smartwatch features and what features you’d use.

 

For example, a common feature of smartwatches is that they help to track your workouts. 

 

Most smartwatches even come with GPS built-in, so you can track your runs without needing to bring your phone with you.

 

Features aside, design is another important factor to consider. 

 

You’ll want a smartwatch that looks good on your wrist and matches your aesthetic.

 

Some smartwatches are sleek and modern, while others have a more traditional and angular look.

 

 

Smartwatch brands in Singapore

 

In this section, we’ll cover smartwatch brands (and models) in Singapore.

 

 

Apple smartwatches

latest apple smartwatches

 

If you haven’t heard of the Apple Watch, you’re definitely living under a rock. 😉 

 

Here are Apple’s latest smartwatch models:

 

Apple Watch SE 

Apple Watch Series 8 

 

Here’s a quick breakdown:

 

Apple Watch SE is the most basic and budget-friendly smartwatch model. 

 

Apple Watch Series 8 has all the functionality of the SE, but with added features to take it to the next level. 

 

 

Apple Watch SE

 

Let’s start with the Apple Watch SE, which is the most basic and affordable model of Apple's smartwatch range. 

 

apple watch se

 

This watch is perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a smartwatch without overspending:

 

It comes with a workout app that allows you to track 19 categories of workouts, create custom workouts and track your fitness

You can also track your heart rate, menstrual cycle and monitor your sleep patterns

You can download apps and listen to music and podcasts on the watch

It comes with a battery life of 18 hours, which is decent

It comes with Apple Pay

The watch is waterproof

The watch has a feature that can detect falls and severe car crashes. It will automatically call emergency services, provide your location, and notify your emergency contacts.

 

 

Apple Watch Series 8

 

Now, on to the Apple Watch Series 8.

 

apple watch series 8

 

Like the Apple Watch SE, the Apple Watch Series 8 has: 

 

Emergency SOS 

Water resistance 

Fall and crash detection  

GPS 

Sleep tracking 

Cycle tracking 

Irregular heart rhythm notification 

Fall Detection 

 

The Apple Watch Series 8 also has added features like: 

 

Always-on display 

Blood oxygen app  

ECG app 

Temperature sensing 

Ovulation estimates

eSim 

 

Let’s unpack these. 

 

Always-on display

 

Firstly, the Apple Watch Series 8 comes with an always-on display that makes the watch face easier to see. 

 

That means the display won’t go dark, so you don’t need to tap it to check the time or check if you have any messages.  

 

Blood Oxygen App 

 

The watch also has additional health sensors that can detect irregular heartbeats, measure your blood oxygen level, and send the data to your medical provider.

 

ECG app

 

Next, the smartwatch also comes with an ECG app, which basically monitors your heartbeat and lets you know if you have an irregular heartbeat. 

 

Fun fact: there have been instances of Apple Watch users who have had their lives saved by their smartwatches.

 

You might have seen these in the news before – the most recent account was from a 54-year old man in the UK, who went to the hospital after the app showed that his heart rate dropped to 30 beats per minute. 

 

Upon going to the hospital, they realised that he had a massive heart blockage, and he underwent surgery. The man recovered quickly after that, and he credits the Apple Watch for having saved his life.

 

Ovulation estimates 

 

The Apple Watch Series 8 can also help you monitor your menstrual cycle and predict your ovulation cycle. 

 

It’s a helpful tool if you’re trying to get pregnant!

 

eSim

 

Finally, the Apple Watch Series 8 comes with a built-in eSim that’s handy for when you’re travelling overseas. 

 

Just activate the cellular option in your Apple Watch settings, and it will connect to the same network as your phone.

 

You can purchase the Apple Watch Series 8 here. 

 

 

Samsung smartwatches

latest samsung smartwatches

 

The Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch6 are two of Samsung's most popular smartwatches. 

 

The Galaxy Watch5 is a “basic” version that’s more affordable, and the Galaxy Watch6 comes with more advanced features. 

 

 

Galaxy Watch5

 

First, let's talk about the Galaxy Watch5.

 

galaxy watch5

 

One of the most exciting features of the Galaxy Watch5 is its ability to track your fitness progress and share it with your friends in real time.

 

With the Galaxy Watch5, you can also measure:

 

Body composition 

Body fat percentage

Skeletal muscle 

Body water 

 

Which you can’t do with the Apple Watch 8.  

 

You'll also get three heart sensors:

 

Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis sensor

Electrical Heart sensor (ECG)

Optical Heart Rate sensor. 

 

The ECG you see here is similar to the ECG that you get in the Apple Watch Series 8.

 

It monitors your heartbeat and alerts you of any irregular heartbeat, which can be super useful for anyone who has a history of heart conditions or wants to keep track of their heart health.

 

Not only that, but the advanced sleep tracking feature helps you plan your bedtime, detect snoring, and understand and track your sleep stages.

 

If you're a fitness fanatic, you'll love that the watch can track over 90 exercises right from your wrist (including niche activities like ballet, rugby and windsurfing).  

 

In addition to all of these health and fitness features, the Galaxy Watch5 also comes with a range of customisable digital and analog watch faces to suit your aesthetic.

 

Of course, Galaxy Watch5 also comes with all the basic functionalities like Google Maps, YouTube Music, text messaging, using Bixby or Google Assistant, and web browsing.

 

On top of that, it also has a whopping 50 hours of battery life!

 

Galaxy Watch6

 

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch6 is not one to miss! 

 

It has a bigger screen compared to previous models and more dynamic watch faces for you to choose from. 

 

galaxy watch6

 

The Watch6 has all the functions that you get with the Watch5, and more. 

 

One new feature is Advanced Sleep coaching. 

 

This feature analyzes your sleep patterns and gives you tips to improve your sleep habits. 

 

On top of that, the Watch6 also has a Sleep Mode which dims your screen and turns your notifications off.  

 

When it comes to health, the Watch6 also kicks things up a notch. 

 

It can analyze your workout patterns and habits, and use that knowledge to alert you if you’re overdoing it. 

 

Being a macho man (or woman) is great and all, but you shouldn’t be over-exerting yourself! 

 

That’s not all – you can also use it to monitor your muscle and fat mass along with your body composition.  

 

Finally, you can also use the Watch6 to control the camera shutter on your Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 for hands-free pictures!  

 

You can snag the Galaxy Watch6 here. 

 

 

Which smartwatch is right for you?

 

So now you know that smartwatches come in a HUGE variety of shapes and sizes, each with different features. 

 

So, here’s the million-dollar question: which watch is the best for you?

 

If you're a fitness junkie... 

 

If you’re one who loves to feel the burn, you’ll want a watch that’ll help you keep track of your workout. In this case, you can go for the Apple Watch Series 8.

 

With this smartwatch, you can track your heart rate, blood oxygen level, and outdoor workouts like running or cycling.

 

You can also monitor your daily activity and has different workout modes for activities such as swimming, yoga and HIIT workouts.

 

If you want an everyday watch...

 

If you're looking for a stylish and eye-catching watch to wear on the day to day, go for the Samsung Galaxy Watch6

 

The Samsung Galaxy Watch6 is more than just a basic smartwatch that lets you make phone calls, send texts, and emails directly from your wrist.

 

It has a variety of apps, including weather, calendar, and even food delivery apps, that can make life easier. 

 

You can also use Bixby, Samsung's virtual assistant, to do things like set reminders, make calls, and control your smart home devices. 

 

 

Smartwatch FAQs

 

Well, we’ve covered almost everything there is to know about smartwatches. 

 

But here are some extra points to take note of when getting a smartwatch.

 

Q: How can I customise my smartwatch? 

 

A: Smartwatches often come with detachable faces that can be attached to different straps, giving you the freedom to choose a strap that fits your personality.

 

If you're looking to add some personality to your smartwatch strap, you can find a variety of cute and trendy options on websites like Lazada, Shopee, and Taobao.

 

You can choose from different kinds of designs and colours, like neon blue or even Barbie, so it stands out and really screams YOU!

 

 

customising your smartwatch

A final word on smartwatches

 

Take it from us - smartwatches are the ultimate game-changer. 

 

It's amazing to have all our notifications and reminders right on our wrist, isn't it?  

 

Whether you're a fitness fanatic or a busy bee, these little devices have got your back! 

 

Apart from being a trendy accessory, they offer a range of benefits that make our lives more efficient and fun. 

 

Check out the smartwatches available on Singtel to get the smartwatch that’s just right for you.

 

Don’t forget that you can use Singtel PayLater to purchase the smartwatch you want in 12, 24, or 36 month instalments with no interest or hidden fees. 

 

 

travel tech essentials
The ultimate travel tech essentials you'll need
wireless earbuds in singapore
Your guide to buying wireless earbuds in Singapore
headphones in singapore
Your guide to buying headphones in Singapore