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Original poster

Which sports watch?

20 replies

BeMoreBarbie · 31/08/2023 10:07

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for recommendations for sports watches please. I love my current Apple Watch but am well aware of its flaws. It's series 4 and the battery does not last long at all nowadays - not that it ever did. Apart from the battery and increased cost (superficial) it is perfect.

I don't want or need much from the watch and was wondering what alternative would suit better.

Does Apple fitness work with any watch or only Apple Watch? Not the fitness subscription, but rings/awards etc from the free version.

Needs
Exercise and step tracking
Heart health
Fitness type app
Messaging inc replying via watch
Important Notifications from phone
Goals / rings / awards

Nice to have
Sleep tracking
Not charging every night (and in the day)
Calling
Blood pressure
Changeable straps

Cheap as possible ideally.

Thank you so much.

OP posts:
hollyblueivy · 31/08/2023 12:33

Done know about the fitness rings but fitbit versa 2 is a good shout.

hollyblueivy · 31/08/2023 12:34

Actually I don't think you can message on Fitbit.

hollyblueivy · 31/08/2023 12:36

I meant versa 3

www.argos.co.uk/product/7843150

AuntieStella · 31/08/2023 12:40

I'm pretty sure that only an Apple watch will let you message back from it (via a linked iPhone)

The other functionality you're after is pretty standard, including reading incoming notifications.

In general, the more recent the model, the better the battery life

hollyblueivy · 31/08/2023 12:42

If you were able to compromise on not being able to message back, Fitbit battery lasts about 6 days.

It's great it having to charge daily.

I do sometimes ponder changing to an Apple Watch though.

StamppotAndGravy · 31/08/2023 12:45

Garmin lets you reply with a few preprogrammed messages (ok, on my way, yes, no etc). They're not as smartphone like as apple though. Samsung might be a bit more like apple with more app functionality

MistyTrains2 · 01/09/2023 08:11

I think you can do quick replies on Fit Bit Inspire 3. I just bought it at the weekend. It doesn't do blood pressure but does everything else. The 02 Monitor is just an average of overnight sleep.

MistyTrains2 · 01/09/2023 08:11

£70.

MistyTrains2 · 01/09/2023 08:13

Apple is a closed operating system, unlike Android, so I think you do need an Iphone.

lljkk · 01/09/2023 08:54

Yeah, calling & messaging back is the big hurdle.
Go 2nd hand (ebay) if on a budget.
What is your budget?

Original poster
BeMoreBarbie · 01/09/2023 16:23

MistyTrains2 · 01/09/2023 08:13

Apple is a closed operating system, unlike Android, so I think you do need an Iphone.

Urgh. Bloody apple. They tie you in! I pay for their music because I compiled a library I now don't want to lose - £16.99 a month for the privilege.

OP posts:
Original poster
BeMoreBarbie · 01/09/2023 16:25

lljkk · 01/09/2023 08:54

Yeah, calling & messaging back is the big hurdle.
Go 2nd hand (ebay) if on a budget.
What is your budget?

Hmmm, I'm not sure what my budget is. If I get an apple series 8 (or wait for the 9) then I will get it on my very account with a buy now pay later and pay each month. Otherwise, about £200?!

OP posts:
ReviewingTheSituation · 01/09/2023 16:41

It depends what you want it to do.

Apple watches aren't designed to be fitness watches - it is functionality that they have, but it's not their main strength.

Things like Garmin are designed to be excellent fitness watches (and have come a LONG way in terms of other functions) but don't have all the functions of an Apple watch.

So you have to be prepared to compromise on something.

I want my fitness watch to perform fitness related functions well, so I have a Garmin, and it does a very good job. I actually have all the 'smart' stuff turned off! I always have my phone with me (even when running), so have no need of another way to message.

Friends have apple watches and use them for fitness, but acknowledge they're just not as good. But then they don't need to carry phones etc.

SingingSands · 01/09/2023 16:58

Apple Watch Series 5? That would come in under your £200 budget.

I use mine daily, but charge it at bedtime as I don't see the point in sleep tracking and couldn't sleep with it on my wrist.

My battery lasts all day, have had mine since 2020 and use the sports function for running, it's linked to my Strava.

Original poster
BeMoreBarbie · 01/09/2023 17:03

hollyblueivy · 31/08/2023 12:42

If you were able to compromise on not being able to message back, Fitbit battery lasts about 6 days.

It's great it having to charge daily.

I do sometimes ponder changing to an Apple Watch though.

Don't get sucked in if you're happy with what you've got. Can you change straps on this one?

OP posts:
TokyoSushi · 01/09/2023 17:07

I think it depends on what you want the primary function to be. Purely fitness with a couple of frills, something like a Garmin. Something for calls, alerts and messages, that does fitness. Apple.

I have an Apple Watch, I adore it, but agree that the fitness part is just fine at best.

Original poster
BeMoreBarbie · 01/09/2023 19:55

ReviewingTheSituation · 01/09/2023 16:41

It depends what you want it to do.

Apple watches aren't designed to be fitness watches - it is functionality that they have, but it's not their main strength.

Things like Garmin are designed to be excellent fitness watches (and have come a LONG way in terms of other functions) but don't have all the functions of an Apple watch.

So you have to be prepared to compromise on something.

I want my fitness watch to perform fitness related functions well, so I have a Garmin, and it does a very good job. I actually have all the 'smart' stuff turned off! I always have my phone with me (even when running), so have no need of another way to message.

Friends have apple watches and use them for fitness, but acknowledge they're just not as good. But then they don't need to carry phones etc.

You're exactly right. I'm not sure what I want to compromise on. I know I want to be able to wear it all the time and it look fancy, not with a Ben 10 adventure strap. I don't think the actual sport watches can do this can they? I think that's what I can't compromise on BlushConfused

OP posts:
Original poster
BeMoreBarbie · 01/09/2023 19:57

SingingSands · 01/09/2023 16:58

Apple Watch Series 5? That would come in under your £200 budget.

I use mine daily, but charge it at bedtime as I don't see the point in sleep tracking and couldn't sleep with it on my wrist.

My battery lasts all day, have had mine since 2020 and use the sports function for running, it's linked to my Strava.

Whilst the series 5 does have a heart function my 4 doesn't, I just don't see the point in spending any money for one that's not much different. The joke being that the series 8 probably isn't that different either and is twice as much. Sigh.

I got mine in 2019 and I have to charge it after my morning workout while I shower etc and then it will be flat before I go to bed. I didn't charge it after my walk this morning and it died around 6. Pathetic.

OP posts:
Original poster
BeMoreBarbie · 01/09/2023 20:00

It was also 500 quid as it's the LTE one (and I'm on Tesco mobile now so it's a total waste) which means although I've worn it every day it's still cost me more than 100 a year if I get rid before June 2024. Preposterously expensive.

OP posts:
lljkk · 01/09/2023 20:06

Fitbit being a market leader, you can get just about any style strap you want with theirs.

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