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What is a smartwatch and what does it do?

Learn all about smartwatches, how they work, what they can be used for, and how you can incorporate a Samsung smartwatch to simplify your busy daily routines.

A smartwatch does more than simply tell the time. Learn more about how they work and what the benefits of owning a smartwatch are.

What is a smartwatch?

A smartwatch is a portable device worn on the wrist that supports apps and acts as an extension of your mobile phone in some cases. Depending on the make and model, they have numerous functions that can have a big impact on day to day life.

Does a smartwatch need a SIM?

No, you don’t need to insert a SIM card into your smartwatch in order for it to work. Galaxy Watches operate using something known as an eSIM. This type of SIM isn’t a physical SIM but an electronic one that will be automatically downloaded to your watch from your phone during the initial pairing process.

What can a smartwatch do and what are the benefits?

There are many benefits to owning a smartwatch, from extensive health tracking to easy access to apps, smartwatches offer exceptional convenience and versatility. Some of the top Galaxy smartwatch benefits include:

1. Advanced health and fitness tracking features that can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
2. Seamless integration with other Galaxy devices and the wider Galaxy Ecosystem.
3. Convenient access to your favorite apps and services.
4. Long battery life and wireless charging capabilities allowing you to use them throughout the day without worrying about frequent recharging.
5. Personalized style and customization options, including a choice of stunning Galaxy wristwatch straps

And that’s before we really dig into the details of what exactly a smartwatch can do. Read on to learn more about the amazing functionalities of a smartwatch.

Smartwatch apps

Many of your favorite apps that are available on your smartphone are also available to download straight to your smartwatch. Check out these cool smartwatch apps² available free with a Galaxy Watch:

· Strava - to track your runs and other workouts
· Wrist Camera - to take that perfectly timed selfie from your phone
· Uber - for when you need a quick ride elsewhere
· Samsung SmartThings- to help manage your Samsung Home devices
· Samsung Browser - the world wide web, right at your fingertips

Tracking health and fitness

One of the most popular reasons that people look to buy a smartwatch is to track fitness. Many smartwatches can do exactly what most popular fitness trackers do, but with the added benefit of receiving notifications and other mobile phone functions. Meaning you don’t always need to carry your phone around when you’re on the move.

Thanks to the built-in GPS (Global Positioning Systems) on Galaxy smartwatches you can track your running routes accurately and efficiently. You’ll find optional GPS tracking features³ in many of the best Galaxy smartwatches including the latest Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic. But it’s not just running that you can track on a Samsung Watch; using Samsung Health and innovative BioActive Sensor technology, your Galaxy smartwatch can help you track a plenthora of health-related stats.⁴

Text and voice messages

One of the features that makes a smartwatch most like a smartphone is the ability to send both text and voice messages. With Galaxy Watch, this is supported by our pre-installed Messages app that allows you to create new messages, or view incoming messages and send replies. Plus, if you’re more than 10 yards away from your connected phone, Galaxy Watch⁵ will use mobile data to operate so there’s no need to carry your phone with you when you’re out pounding the trails.

Notifications

If your phone and your smartwatch aren’t in the same room, you’ll still be able to see any notifications pop up on the watch’s interface. This is a very handy feature that means you don’t need to carry your phone around with you everywhere, especially when you’re doing things that might need your hands to be free; such as cycling, running or simply cooking dinner.

Mobile wallet

Many smartwatches now support the ability to make contactless payments in a super straightforward way. Galaxy Watches, including the Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic, utilize the power of Samsung Pay to store your card information, meaning it’s readily accessible at the click of a button. You no longer need to have your wallet and phone on you when you’re out and about.⁶ And don’t worry - it’s just as secure as it is on your mobile phone!

Interested in finding out more about the latest Galaxy Watches? Check out the handy table below which outlines the key specs for the latest Galaxy Watch6 and Watch5 Series so you can find the one that’s just right for you. "

  • Size

  • Color

  • Display

  • Resolution
    (Main Display)

  • Memory

  • Storage

  • Weight

  • Battery (Typical)¹

  • Sensors

  • 43mm / 47mm
  • Black
    Silver
  • Always-on AMOLED
  • 43mm: 432x432
    47mm: 480x480
  • 2.0 GB
  • 16 GB
  • 43mm:52.0g
    47mm: 59.0g
  • 43mm: 300mAh
    47mm: 425mAh
  • Accelerometer
    Barometer
    Ambient Light
    Compass
    Gyro Sensor
  • 40mm / 44mm
  • Gold
    Graphite
    Silver
  • Always-on AMOLED
  • 43mm: 432x432
    47mm: 480x480
  • 2.0 GB
  • 16 GB
  • 40mm: 28.7g
    44mm: 33.3g
  • 43mm: 300mAh
    47mm: 425mAh
  • Accelerometer
    Barometer
    Ambient Light
    Compass
    Gyro Sensor
  • 45mm
  • Gray Titanium
    Black Titanium
  • Super AMOLED
  • 450x450
  • 1.5 GB
  • 16 GB
  • 46.5g
  • 590mAh (Typical)
  • Accelerometer
    Barometer
    Bioelectric Impedance
    Analysis Sensor
    Geomagnetic Sensor
    Light Sensor
    Optimal Heart Rate Sensor
  • 40mm / 44mm
  • Graphite
    Silver
    Pink Gold
  • Super AMOLED
  • 40mm: 396x396 44mm: 450x450
  • 1.5 GB
  • 16 GB
  • 40mm: 28.7g
    44mm: 33.5g
  • 40mm: 284mAh
    44mm: 410mAh
  • Accelerometer
    Barometer
    Bioelectric Impedance
    Analysis Sensor
    Geomagnetic Sensor
    Light Sensor
    Optimal Heart Rate Sensor
  • 1Select interchangeable watch bands sold separately.
  • 2Third-party apps must be downloaded separately through the Google PlayStore.
  • 3GPS DISCLOSURE FOR RUNNING ROUTES GOES HERE
  • 4Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes. Not intended for use in detection, diagnoses, treatment of any medical condition or disease.
  • 5Requires compatible data plan. Available features and apps may vary by region, connected devices, OS, or carrier.
  • 6Only available on eligible Watch6 devices. Limited feature availability on the Watch6. Please visit the Samsung Wallet FAQ for more details. Network coverage may affect feature usage.