Smart watch recommendation - not an Apple Watch

[botanicalseverywhere]

My Fitbit isn’t holding a charge anymore, it must be three years old so no big deal although I’m gutted about the four lovely leather straps I’ll be forfeiting with It.

I need to replace it but don’t want an Apple Watch, I can’t deal with the battery life (had one and gave it to my niece). When Apple sort the battery life out I’ll probably have another one, until then it’s something else for me.

I don’t need to send messages from it, like to see notifications. Always have my phone with me somewhere so that’s the same with music I guess.

I want something that tracks exercise, shows notifications and holds a weekly charge.

There’s loads of options that weren’t around three years ago.

I quite like the look of this.

If you love your smartwatch and it isn’t an Apple Watch what is it and what do you use it for?

I have a Huawei one I've had for a couple of years when my last Fitbit stopped holding charge. Mine was only about £30 (it's not that model). It's brilliant. Charge still lasts a whole week. Shows notifications, monitors steps and exercise. App is pretty useless but I read everything off the actual watch. I think mine is a Band 2 which they have updated now.

I'm thinking of buying either a Garmin or a Fitbit too. Old Fitbit is 5 years old now.

I need a waterproof one that will track swimming, as well as running and hiking.

I have the Fitbit Versa 2 which is quite good. Does everything I want it to and the battery lasts most of the week.

I just got the Garmin lily. I really it.
Battery lasts over a week and it does everything else you are looking for.
It is also more aesthetically pleasing than some of the others -
www.argos.co.uk/product/9214732

I have a Withings Scan watch and previously had a Steel HR. Such lovely looking watches and the charge can last for 3 weeks to a month! I use mine for monitoring exercise and notifications and you can link it to the Healthcare app scales too if that interests you.

If you report your battery issue to Fitbit, they may offer you a discount on an upgrade. Their customer service (at least used to be!) is second to none.

I'd speak to Fitbit first, we had a problem with ds' watch and they replaced it even though it was out of warranty

They have a great customer service reputation so worth a call to ask

DH gave me a Garmin Venu 2s for Christmas, I love it so far. Battery life is amazing, I've been using it since Boxing Day and haven't charged it at all since taking it out of the box and it's still on 50% battery. Lots of good features and the tracking seems pretty accurate. Screen is clear and easy to read notifications on. I also like having access to the workouts they provide. I'd definitely recommend it.

I had a Samsung Galaxy watch before this one as I got it for about £10 a month with my phone contract. It's also pretty good but the sleep tracking isn't as accurate and the battery life was poor. One thing I did love about it, though, was that I could make and take calls from it, or transfer call audio to it, which was really handy when I was out riding and didn't want to be holding my phone and couldn't wear earphones. It's a shame the Garmin doesn't do that, but I still think it's the better watch of the two.

Thanks for all the replies, I will google them all. I'll contact Fitbit too - never thought of that - purchase date 12/2018.

Floella - I love the look of the Huawei one but the lack of strap options puts me off.

I've got tons of spare straps for my Fitbit and love these leather straps. Hmm, just noticed that I could use them on a Charge 4 if that is still a thing.

I've done a chat with Fitbit and their advice is to turn off battery draining elements and sync it for their records. If the battery doesn't last 4-5 days after I have done that and turned the features back on to get back in touch with them. So I'll try that first I guess!

Having googled the watches mentioned, I definitely prefer a rectangular style of smartwatch. I need to be able to swim with it too, forgot that bit earlier.