As a version of Google’s Android operating system, Wear OS, also known as Wear OS by Google, is designed for smartwatches and other wearables. It was previously known as Android Wear. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G, and LTE connectivity, and various applications are supported by Wear OS by Google. The face of a smartwatch can be round, square, and rectangle. HTC, Asus, LG, Intel, BroadCam, Motorola, Qualcomm, Huawei, Samsung, Polar, Mobvoi, and TAG Heuer, are the manufacturing partners of Wear OS.
History of Wear OS:
Announced on March 18, 2014, along with its developer preview, the Wear OS platform partner companies like Samsung, Motorola, HTC, Asus, and LG were announced at the same time. At Google I/O, on June 25, 2014, Samsung Gear Live and LG G Watch were launched. The first Android Wear smartwatch to be released and shipped was LG G Watch.
Best Wear OS Watches:
Though compatible with both iPhone and Android, the capability of the Wear OS watch needs to be checked before buying. Every watch works only with certain devices.
Fossil Sport:
Being a good combination of value and features in a lightweight, Fossil Sport is comfortable to wear in day-to-day or while working out. Along with having a battery life of up to two days, Fossil Sport can also access all of the latest Wear OS apps.
Specification:
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Display | 1.2-inch 390 x 390 AMOLED |
| Processor | Quad-core 1.2GHz |
| Band size | 22mm straps |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | Two days |
| Charging method | Proprietary |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth |
Pros:
- Powerful watch
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- GPS can be slow
- Lacks high-end features
TicWatch E2:
Being waterproof, TicWatch E2 can also be taken into the swimming pool. Along with lasting for over two days of battery life, this watch also has a GPS to track our location.
Specification:
| Compatibility | iOS 8+, Android 4.3+ |
| Display | 1.39″ 400 x 400 LED |
| Processor | Snapdragon Wear 2100 |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | Around 48 hours |
| Charging method | Magnetic connecting pin |
| IP rating | IP67 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 |
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Easily two-day battery life
Cons:
- Bland design
- No NFC for payments
TicWatch Pro:
Along with a transparent LCD display on the top of a full-color OLED, the TicWatch Pro also has a premium design, a heart rate sensor, NFC for Google Pay, great GPS tracking, and much more. The watch shifts to the LCD screen, to show time, step count, and many more, while conserving the battery.
Specification:
| Compatibility | iOS 8+, Android 4.3+ |
| Display | 1.4″ 400 x 400 OLED paired with LCD screen |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | Up to 48 hours, 5 extra days in Essential mode |
| Charging method | Magnetic connecting pin |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 |
Pros:
- Innovative screen tech
- Premium design
Cons:
- Limited app
- No LTE
TicWatch S2:
Similar to TicWatch E2, the TicWatch S2 has the same features, i.e., a two-day battery life, a waterproof design, GPS, and all other benefits. The company thus released the same features in two different designs. With a more durable design than the E2, TicWatch S2 is suitable for adventures as well as runners, and it itself stands for “Sport”.
Specification:
| Compatibility | iOS 8+, Android 4.3+ |
| Display | 1.39″ 400 x 400 OLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon Wear 2100 |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | Around 48 hour |
| Charging method | Magnetic connecting pin |
| IP rating | IP67 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 |
Pros:
- Waterproof design
- Affordable
Cons:
- Lack of NFC
- No LTE variant
Misfit Vapour 2:
To solve a lot of issues in its first generation, Misfit Vapour 2 facilitates GPS to track our runs, NFC for Google Pay, simple design, two different sizes display either in 1.2-inch or 1.4-inch, a low price point and the best smartwatch for exercising.
Specification:
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Display | 1.2-inch or 1.4-inch display, 360 x 360 AMOLED |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.0GHz |
| Band sizes | 20mm straps |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | 1 day |
| Charging method | Proprietary |
| IP rating | N/A |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth |
Pros:
- Affordable price
- NCF for Google Play
Cons:
- No LTE option
- Kind of flimsy
TicWatch C2:
Along with being one of the most affordable smartwatches, the TicWatch C2 also comes with Google Pay and GPS support in the same package.
Specification:
| Compatibility | iOS, Android |
| Display | 1.3-inch 360 x 360 AMOLED |
| Processor | Dual-core 1.0Ghz |
| Band sizes | 20mm or 18mm straps |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | 1 day |
| Charging method | Propritary |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth |
Pros:
- Low price
- Google Pay and GPS
Cons:
- Limited straps
- Outdated internals
Fossil Gen 5:
Smaller Julianna or larger Carlyle are both facilitated by the Fossil Gen 5. The premium features like GPS, a heart rate sensor, bright vibrant display, 1GB RAM, and the Snapdragon Wear 3100 chipset are present in both. Other features include a battery saver mode and water-resistance up to 30 minutes. However, compared to other Wear OS, it is more expensive.
Specification:
| Compatibility | iOS 10+, Android 6.0+ |
| Display | 1.28″ 416 x 416 AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon Wear 3100 |
| Onboard storage | 8GB |
| Battery duration | 24 hour+ |
| Charging method | Conductive USB charger |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Pros:
- Fast processor
- Battery saving modes
Cons:
- Weak speaker
- More expensive than rivals
Huawei Watch 2:
With a built-in GPS and NFC on the watch and option to the 4G model, Huawei Watch 2 also has a screen smaller as compared to other Wear OS.
Specification:
| Compatibility | IOS 9+, Android 4.3+ |
| Display | 1.2″ 390 x 390 |
| Processor | Snapdragon Wear 2100 |
| Onboard storage | 4GB |
| Battery duration | Up to 48 hours |
| Charging method | Conductive USB-C charger |
| IP rating | IP68 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, 3G + 4G LTE, Bluetooth |
Pros:
- Built-in GPS and NFC
- Optional 4G model
Cons:
- Performance can be sluggish
- Screen too small