By akademiotoelektronik, 17/10/2022

Phone watch: What is the best model on the market?

In a few years, we have gone from classic telephones to smartphones, always more sophisticated, always bigger. Manufacturers seem to compete in ingenuity to offer us models without edges or with more power. However, is the telephone still the future of our mobile communications? With the development of connected objects and in particular watches, new possibilities are emerging. The “telephone watch” now allows you to do many other activities, including making calls. It could well represent the future. We therefore help you sort through the different models that exist on the market.

Table of Contents

Samsung Gear S3, the Rolex telephone watch

Launched in Paris at the end of November, we already told you about this watch a few weeks ago in a complete review. Available in two models (Classic and Frontier), the Samsung Watch Phone is a real gem. With a four-day autonomy, in addition to giving the time, it is equipped with an altimeter, a barometer and also a GPS beacon. But above all, and this is its advantage, it is equipped with a microphone and a speaker. You will therefore be able to take calls very easily if your phone is within bluetooth range.

Thanks to its many features, this phone watch that works with Tizen should make you want to take your phone out of your pants. Note that the Samsung Gear S2 could also be in this ranking and can be an interesting option depending on your budget. Count around 400 euros for the S3 and between 250 and 300 for the S2.

Apple Watch, the addictive phone watch

Apple's first model was a real commercial success (more than 15 million sold) but in the end struggled to convince. The Cupertino company was able to take advantage of the announcement effect and its reputation. It is therefore an understatement to say that she was eagerly awaited for her second model. Users should not be disappointed. It has been able to fill the main gaps by acquiring a larger battery, a much higher maximum brightness, more power, an autonomous GPS and finally certified waterproofing (W50M)!

Price level, this is where the main problem lies. In aluminum with sports bracelet: 320 euros in 38 mm, 350 euros in 42 mm. If you want it in stainless steel with a buckle bracelet: 750 and 800 euros. Finally, if you want the Hermès luxury model from 1350 to 1750 euros. Suffice to say that it is not really a phone watch within the reach of all budgets.

Note that there is also a very sport-oriented version thanks to a partnership with Nike. The arrival of on-board GPS allows you to do without your phone during your sports activities. This phone watch also allows you to pay without contact and control the various connected objects in your home.

LG Watch Urbane 2, the first 3G phone watch

This is the first watch to offer a SIM card slot, allowing you to make calls and surf (in 3G) without a smartphone . If its design is a bit crude, it does have a real flaw. Its dimensions. The watch is very bulky and thick. We do not recommend it if you have a small wrist or if you want a discreet accessory. But, beyond these disadvantages, this watch has many positive points to defend. It has a smooth interface and there is almost no loading time.

It's top-level connectivity with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a fast and powerful GPS chip, and 3G. Thanks to the microphone and speaker, you can answer the phone or dictate text messages by voice. It still suffers a little in terms of sound quality if the environment is too noisy. If you know you'll be using it in places where the sound volume is high, you should probably wait for the next LG model. If not, this watch will be perfect for you. You can find it from 400 euros on Amazon.

Apple Watch Series 6: the phone watch par excellence

The Apple Watch Series 6 is certainly the most advanced phone watch from Apple at the moment. It has a brighter screen than its predecessor, the Series 5, which will make it easier to read the information given. Especially since the screen always remains on to avoid pressing a button each time. Also note that this latest version is able to perform an analysis of the oxygen concentration in the blood with the SpO2 function.

Of course, it can pick up heartbeat effectively, has GPS function and is not afraid of water even if you wear it while swimming. LTE network is optional. This model benefits from WatchOS 7 and is able to track the quality of your sleep. This software also includes a new intuitive interface as well as a mobility metric function.

The Apple Watch Series 6 still has a small defect, its battery. It would only last 18 hours of autonomy. Fortunately, the latter charges very quickly since it is at 100% in just 90 minutes. For information, this little gem of the apple brand costs from 429 euros..

Samsung Galaxy Watch: the most stylish phone watch

In addition to being functional and practical, the Samsung Galaxy Watch is really aesthetically pleasing. This sophisticated watch sports a chic and futuristic style that jumps out at you. It is available in two sizes that adapt to the wrists of the user. There is a model with LTE network that you can purchase.

Its screen remains of good quality, with fine borders and a clear display. Added to this is an easy-to-use interface to access all the features of this gadget. This version has more music storage than its predecessor so you can listen to all your favorite songs. You will also be entitled to the payment system Samsung Pay.

And like all accessories of its kind, it is not afraid of water and can pick up the heartbeat rhythm of the user. Its battery has an autonomy of 2 days, which remains advantageous. The only problem is that the Samsung app store application is quite limited. But the Korean giant has integrated Tyzen into the system to remedy this. This telephone watch Samsung costs between 179 and 234 euros.

Apple Watch SE: a high-performance hybrid phone watch

The Apple Watch SE is in the middle of the Series 3 and the Series 5. It then sports a design roughly similar to the latter . Its large screen will allow you to navigate through the parameters and settings with ease. In addition, a fast chip will give you a better user experience because navigation is fluid. This phone watch is also available with an LTE option for those who need it.

And if you are a fan of Apple products, you will be delighted to have access to Apple Pay for your online payments. You will also benefit from a large application library with this model. Of course, the GPS function is present to locate you and precisely determine your position. Even if its battery is not exceptional, it can still last about 18 hours for average use.

This accessory withstands humidity and water so well that you can wear it while swimming. We still regret that this Apple Watch SE does not include an ECG monitor or SpO2 function. It is intended for an audience with a fairly limited budget since it is worth around 299 euros on the market.

FitBit Sense: best value for money for a phone watch

The FitBit Sense has everything you need to accompany you in all your sports sessions. For example, it embeds a very sensitive ECG sensor to measure the user's heartbeat. This little wonder is also able to provide relevant information on the oxygen level (SpO2) of its wearer. At the same time, this phone watch can assess the temperature of the skin.

Whether you are an Android or iOS user, you can always pair the FitBit Sense to your mobile. It is even compatible with Alexa and has its own application download platform. But where this product hits hardest is definitely on its battery life. Indeed, this gadget can last up to 6 days of use, a feature that stands out.

Too bad this model doesn't have Spotify offline so you can listen to all your favorite songs wherever you go. Even if it is only a detail, it could make some interested people hesitate to buy this article. Small precision, the FitBit Sense has a price of 329 euros, which places it among the best in its category.

New innovations to come

Some people are already criticizing smartphones and their multiple options that would be used for everything except making calls. The same criticisms could soon concern our watches, which will be able to do everything… except tell the time. The disappearance of the hands on most models and the fact that the time is not always displayed as standard does not help in the face of these criticisms. And if you think the phone watch is already outdated, look at SGNL. This subsidiary of Samsung has invented a bracelet (usable with a connected watch) which allows you to transform your finger into a telephone. The device transfers the sound waves directly from the wrist to the fingertip and then to the user's ear. Something to turn the page on classic phones a little more...

Many other models are available on the market. Above all, manufacturers have understood that there is a market to be seized even if it is still in its infancy. Do not hesitate to compare the different models. You can also look at our section on connected watches to discover the latest information on future models!