I've been kicking around the idea of getting one for a while, and the wife got me a cheap one to try out.

I grudgingly admitting that I like it so far, so I'm starting to research them to get a good one.

(The cheap one she got me to try has a very small face, hard to read texts, and battery lasts about 1.5 days).

I'm an Android user, that isn't going to change. While I think the Apple Watch is the absolute best looking one I have seen, that's isn't in the cards, I'm NOT going to switch to apple just for a watch. I like my PC's and my Android phones. Not talking smack on apple, just not for me, so don't even bother apple fanboys (kidding, slightly).

I've seen a lot of buzz about the Google Pixel Watch out now, and tonight, while poking around saw the Fitbit Versa 3, and newst Versa 4. I like the look of both, but honestly prefer the square of the Fitbit to the round of the Pixel.

I've messed with the Samsung Galaxy watches, but I HATE the way they look. (which is odd, cause my phone, and tablet and Samsung, and I love them. My last 5 phones were all Samsung Galaxy models, and my last 3 tablets were Samsung. Generally I like their products but I think their watches LOOK like crap least, and they are way to big.

Additionally, I'm seeing lots of these products all tout their "fitness" apps and the like.

I don't really care that much about that. I like having things like a step counter, and maybe a heart rate monitor and the very basics for this, but for all the things I see on the fitbit reviews, it's way more than i need.

I care much more about smart watch features. I generally don't wear a watch except one I was karma'd by davetruong here on the forum. It's a pretty nice watch that I wear for dress occasions, but other than that, I never wear a watch. Why, when I have a phone that tells date/time. So, If I'm GONNA wear a watch, I want it to have utility.

I'm mostly interested in the following features:

1. Reading incoming messages (especially to see who they are from, if urgent, and possibly to send a quick reply back if needed, not typing a whole book on the watch)

2. GPS. I'm seeing some that claim to have google maps. I think it might be nice to have access to that on my wrist as opposed to pulling out my phone. Can it sync with the maps on the phone, as in I put in a route for navigation with my phone and it shows on the watch screen? Is that possible?

3. Answer a quick call (probably just to say "I'll call you back" but nice to have the option)

4. Control music playing on my phone, or even download straight to the watch if working out or something and I don't have my phone on me.

5. Battery life. The one I'm using sucks at this. I pretty much have to charge it every night. I'd like to get more than that. Also, the cheap one is a pain in the ass to charge, you literally have to remove the longer band and plug the whole watch directly into a USB port. I'd like something easy, and if possible, something without a proprietary charger, or at least cheap chargers to buy multiple of for travel.

6. Size. I like smaller. I don't have huge wrists, and I don't want to look like a rapper with a huge blinged out watch. Subtle and functional, that's my style.

So suggestions and experiences are appreciated. What models should I look at?

Thanks in advance.

ETA: I have no interest in buying an LTE version, where it can connect to cellular towers absent of a smartphone. I'm not going to pay ATT extra just to use a watch.

Kevin

*Apple fanboy screeching*

Wife has been using a Fitbit Versa 2 and really likes it.

To meet your requirements, I think you'll be charging it every day or so.

For GREAT battery life, look at the Garmin line of watches. I really liked my Fenix 5 and still have it. No phone calls or touch screen, but has basic functionality. I think the newer Fenix watches have more features.

I got a Citizen CZ Smart Hybrid from my wife, sourced from Dave/Mimi's
It's a semi-smart watch, in that it give you notifications, but can't reply/send (except for declining an incoming call). So, it misses the mark a bit on 1 & 2 from your list.

It does do music control, but the phone has to be in Bluetooth range.

Battery life is near a week with everyday wear.

It's also on the larger side, but not huge. Similar in size to my Seiko Monster & Citizen F150.


Coworker has a Samsung watch & likes it pretty well, but it doesn't have great battery life.

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
I got a Citizen CZ Smart Hybrid from my wife, sourced from Dave/Mimi's
It's a semi-smart watch, in that it give you notifications, but can't reply/send (except for declining an incoming call). So, it misses the mark a bit on 1 & 2 from your list.

It does do music control, but the phone has to be in Bluetooth range.

Battery life is near a week with everyday wear.

It's also on the larger side, but not huge. Similar in size to my Seiko Monster & Citizen F150.


Coworker has a Samsung watch & likes it pretty well, but it doesn't have great battery life.

I left my full blown Suunto for the Citizen CZ Hybrid and love it.

Kevin send me your address and I will send you my old Suunto if you are interested. I wore it on patrol so it shows but it works.
It clicks most of your boxes and battery lasts about a week when not using full blown GPS.
https://www.suunto.com/News/su...an-trainer-wrist-hr/

It’s old but Suunto is where I would be looking if I were to do it again.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
I got a Citizen CZ Smart Hybrid from my wife, sourced from Dave/Mimi's
It's a semi-smart watch, in that it give you notifications, but can't reply/send (except for declining an incoming call). So, it misses the mark a bit on 1 & 2 from your list.

It does do music control, but the phone has to be in Bluetooth range.

Battery life is near a week with everyday wear.

It's also on the larger side, but not huge. Similar in size to my Seiko Monster & Citizen F150.


Coworker has a Samsung watch & likes it pretty well, but it doesn't have great battery life.

I left my he full blown Suunto for the Citizen CZ Hybrid and love it.

Kevin send me your address and I will send you my old Suunto.
It clicks most of your boxes and battery lasts about a week when not using full blown GPS.

Further proof why this is such a great place!

My CZ has been sitting idle since I got the Monster, but I still throw it on for workouts.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
I got a Citizen CZ Smart Hybrid from my wife, sourced from Dave/Mimi's
It's a semi-smart watch, in that it give you notifications, but can't reply/send (except for declining an incoming call). So, it misses the mark a bit on 1 & 2 from your list.

It does do music control, but the phone has to be in Bluetooth range.

Battery life is near a week with everyday wear.

It's also on the larger side, but not huge. Similar in size to my Seiko Monster & Citizen F150.


Coworker has a Samsung watch & likes it pretty well, but it doesn't have great battery life.

I left my full blown Suunto for the Citizen CZ Hybrid and love it.

Kevin send me your address and I will send you my old Suunto if you are interested. I wore it on patrol so it shows but it works.
It clicks most of your boxes and battery lasts about a week when not using full blown GPS.
https://www.suunto.com/News/su...an-trainer-wrist-hr/

It’s old but Suunto is where I would be looking if I were to do it again.

That's awesome, thanks a lot.

Thats a brand i didn't encounter but will check it out.

I'll email you shortly.