Always on your feet? You may find a useful companion in the best Smartwatch in Malaysia 2021!
If you’re going to wear a watch anyways, why not have one that monitor your fitness daily and deliver notifications to your immediate attention? You may not even have to bring your phone out!
You may not even have to bring your phone out! Review Smartwatches from this list to find one that suits your lifestyle and budget!
Types Of Smartwatch
Smartwatches can do a lot more than your regular watch!
1. Smartwatch
At first glance, some of these might even look like ordinary watches. But they do have a display that shows notifications that are synced with your Smartphone!
It’s even possible to watch videos on them with a third-party app! A bit like having a Smart TV but on your wrist!
2. Hybrid Smartwatch
Making do without the screen, hybrid Smartwatches keep the classic analog watch appearance.
And use alerts through sound or vibration instead.
3. Fitness Tracker
It’s like a watch but with features to help you track your fitness journey! Whether it’s at the gym, outside or at home with the best treadmill in Malaysia!
Use it together with wireless earbuds and you’re all set!
11 Best Smartwatches Malaysia 2021
- Best For Sport Enthusiasts – Suunto 9 Baro & COROS APEX Premium Multisport Watch
- Best Waterproof Smart Watch – Suunto 9 Baro & COROS APEX Premium Multisport Watch
- Best Android Smart Watch – Samsung Galaxy Watch3
- Best iOS Smart Watch – Apple Watch 6
- Best Affordable iOS Smart Watch – Apple Watch 3
- Best Budget Smart Watch – Amazfit BIP U Pro
- Best Battery Life – Suunto 9 Baro & COROS APEX Premium Multisport Watch
- Best For Running With GPS – COROS APEX Premium Multisport Watch
1. Apple Watch Series 6
If you are an Apple die-hard fan, you know about this flagship Smartwatch from Apple.
Apple Watch Series 6 costs the same as its predecessor Series 5, but the former packs some new features that the latter doesn’t have.
The smart watch runs on the latest U1 chip (the iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic-based processor), making it 20% faster than the Series 5 without sacrificing the impressive 18-hour battery life of the former.
Other than this, the Apple Watch Series 6 has amazing apps like the Blood Oxygen app. Which measures your blood oxygen levels (SpO2). And alerts you if it detects an unusually high or low heart rate (ECG monitor)!
The display of the watch stays on too. So you’ll never miss important information!
In fact, the always-on screen on Apple Watch Series 6 is 2.5 brighter than the Apple Watch Series 5. So it is easier to glance at the watch when you are outdoors!
And when you move your wrist down, the screen brightness cleverly reduces on its own!
These 3 features are why we prefer Apple Watch Series 6 over the Apple Watch SE!
Moreover, Apple Watch Series 6 supports dual band Wi-Fi, for faster connection! Something that the Apple Watch SE doesn’t do!
- OS: watchOS 7.0
- Compatibility: iOS
- Display: 1.57″ 394 x 324 Pixels Always-On Retina LTPO OLED
- Size: 40 x 34 x 10.4 mm | 30.5 – 38.7 g
- Processor: Apple S6 Sip With 64-Bit Dual-Core Processor
- Storage: 32GB, 1GB RAM
- Battery Life: Up To 18 Hours
- Charging Method: Wireless
- Water Resistance: Up To 50m With Swim Tracking
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE (Optional)
- NFC Payments: Apple Pay
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,749 (WiFi) | RM2,199 (LTE)
- OS: watchOS 7.0
- Compatibility: iOS
- Display: 1.78″ 448 x 368 Pixels Always-On Retina LTPO OLED
- Size: 44 x 38 x 10.4 mm | 36.5 – 47.1 g
- Processor: Apple S6 Sip With 64-Bit Dual-Core Processor
- Storage: 32GB, 1GB RAM
- Battery Life: Up To 18 Hours
- Charging Method: Wireless
- Water Resistance: Up To 50m With Swim Tracking
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE (Optional)
- NFC Payments: Apple Pay
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,899 (WiFi) | RM2,349 (LTE)
Pros:
- Blood oxygen sensor
- Many options for color, material and finishing to customize its appearance, including a titanium model!
- You can see your elevation in real time (always-on altimeter)
- Able to track your sleep patterns. There’s even a countdown timer for you to wash your hands!
- 2 watch face sizes available (44mm or 40mm)
- Dual-band Wi-Fi support (2.4Ghz and 5Ghz)
- Brighter always-on display
Cons:
- No Memory Card Slot
- Battery life is only slightly better than the previous model
2. Apple Watch SE
Want an Apple Watch but don’t want to spend a fortune on a Smartwatch? You might consider the Apple Watch SE!
While cheaper than the flagship Apple Watch Series 6, it does not eliminate the vital features. These include the built-in GPS, a heart rate monitor, and various workout tracking apps.
From the outside, it still has the body and appearance of the premium Apple Watch Series 6. So if you are buying Apple’s Smartwatch for the looks, you’ll be fine with the Apple Watch SE.
On the other hand, the display is close to the same brilliance as the Series 6. The Apple Watch SE uses an OLED display too. Except it lacks the always-on feature, which is a huge drawback for some users.
And you don’t have to bring out your phone if you want music. All you need is an Apple Music subscription and a pair of AirPods to go with the Apple Watch SE!
Unfortunately, the one-and-a-half-day battery life of the Apple Watch SE renders the sleep tracking feature useless. Because you have to charge the watch almost every day!
- OS: watchOS 7.0
- Compatibility: iOS
- Display: 1.57″ 394 x 324 Pixels Retina LTPO OLED
- Size: 40 x 34 x 10.4 mm | 30.5 g
- Processor: Apple S5 Sip With 64-Bit Dual-Core Processor
- Storage: 32GB, 1GB RAM
- Battery Life: Up To 18 Hours
- Charging Method: Wireless
- Water Resistance: Up To 50m With Swim Tracking
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE (Optional)
- NFC Payments: Apple Pay
- Features: Accelerometer, Gyro, Heart Rate Monitoring, Barometer, Always-on Altimeter, Compass, Menstrual Cycle Tracking
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,199 (WiFi) | RM1,499 (LTE)
- OS: watchOS 7.0
- Compatibility: iOS
- Display: 1.78″ 448 x 368 Pixels Retina LTPO OLED
- Size: 44 x 38 x 10.4 mm | 36.5 g
- Processor: Apple S5 Sip With 64-Bit Dual-Core Processor
- Storage: 32GB, 1GB RAM
- Battery Life: Up To 18 Hours
- Charging Method: Wireless
- Water Resistance: Up To 50m With Swim Tracking
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE (Optional)
- NFC Payments: Apple Pay
- Features: Accelerometer, Gyro, Heart Rate Monitoring, Barometer, Always-on Altimeter, Compass, Menstrual Cycle Tracking
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,349 (WiFi) | RM1,599 (LTE)
Pros:
- Many options for color, material, and finishing to customize its appearance
- Same design as the premium Apple Watch Series 6
- Fits well if you are in the Apple ecosystem
- 2 watch face sizes available (44mm or 40mm)
Cons:
- Lacks always-on display
- Battery life lacking
- Only supports 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi
3. Samsung Galaxy Watch3
For Android users,
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is the price equivalent to the Apple Watch Series 6.
With almost identical features to the Apple Watch Series 6. Including an ECG sensor, SpO2, the same water resistance rating, and much more!
That rotating bezel around the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is brilliantly designed. It makes cycling through the menu practical and enjoyable!
This watch can also detect some activities (at the moment, 7) and turn on tracking automatically (e.g. running, swimming, cycling, walking, rowing, elliptical workouts, and dynamic workouts).
So if you forget to turn on the tracking, you will still have a record!
And the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 adds something new to the Samsung watch family. It has fall detection.
However, as far as battery life goes, Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 may have a reduced battery capacity from its predecessor. But it still lasts surprisingly well (up to three days!).
- OS: Tizen OS 5.5
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 1.2″ 360 x 360 Pixels Super AMOLED Capacitive Touchscreen (41mm) | 1.4″ (45mm)
- Size: 42.5 x 41 x 11.3 mm (41mm) | 46.2 x 45 x 11.1 mm (45mm)
- Weight: 48 g (41mm) | 53.8 g (45mm)
- Processor: Exynos 9110 (10 nm) | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53
- Storage: 8GB, 1GB RAM, eMMC
- Battery Life: ~43-120 Hours (41mm) | ~56-151 Hours (45mm)
- Charging Method: Qi Wireless Charging
- Water Resistance: 50 m Waterproof 5ATM (IP68) With Swim Tracking
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
- NFC Payments: Samsung Pay
- Features: Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2), Heart Rate Monitoring, Sleep Monitoring
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,199 (41mm) | RM1,299 (45mm)
Pros:
- Good battery life but can be better
- Premium circular design
- Rotatable raised bezel to easily access the menu
- Multiple fitness feature with auto triggers
- 2 watch face sizes available (41mm or 45mm)
Cons:
- Not that affordable
- Price includes the leather strap (and no other strap option)
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 R830
Fitness buffs who want a cheaper Android phone can go for the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 R830! Also one of the best Smartwatches you can get in Malaysia! With 2 size options as well (40mm and 44mm).
Its design (Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 R830) does not stray far from the previous model, Samsung Galaxy Watch Active. Both watches are sleek and modern. But durable enough for exercising with.
There are not too many apps for this watch but what it can do, it does well! Including fitness tracking!
In addition, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 R830 has comparable abilities to the Apple Watch 6.
However, it now costs a few hundred Ringgit more than the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active. But the same price as an Apple Watch 3, so we don’t see any reason for Apple fans to pick this.
If you did like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active, but found yourself wishing it was always-on, less bulky, and with ECG, you’ll like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, R830!
What about the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3? The new Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 may be more versatile in features than the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, R830. But also more expensive, and not as light!
- OS: Tizen-based Wearable OS 4.0
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 1.2″ 360 x 360 Pixels Super AMOLED Capacitive Touchscreen
- Size: 40 x 40 x 10.9 mm
- Weight: 37 g
- Processor: Exynos 9110 (10 nm) | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53
- Storage: 4GB, 768MB RAM
- Battery Life: Up To 43 Hours (40mm)
- Charging Method: Wireless Charging
- Water Resistance: 50 m Waterproof 5ATM (IP68) With Swim Tracking
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
- NFC Payments: Samsung Pay
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,299
- OS: Tizen-based Wearable OS 4.0
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 1.4″ 360 x 360 Pixels Super AMOLED Capacitive Touchscreen
- Size: 44.0 x 44.0 x 10.9 mm
- Weight: 42 g
- Processor: Exynos 9110 (10 nm) | Dual-core 1.15 GHz Cortex-A53
- Storage: 4GB, 768MB RAM
- Battery Life: Up To 60 Hours
- Charging Method: Wireless Charging
- Water Resistance: 50 m Waterproof 5ATM (IP68) With Swim Tracking
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
- NFC Payments: Samsung Pay
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM1,399
Pros:
- 2-day battery life – Not as long as the largest size (46mm) for the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
- Always-on display (Super AMOLED)
- Quality build
- Wide circular touch bezel display that is great to use
- Fast performance
- Water-resistant (50m)
- Works with iPhone too (iPhone 5, iOS 9.0 and up)
- Supports offline mode for Spotify
- With ECG capability
Cons:
- No cellular capability (i.e. SIM slot)
- Few color options available in Malaysia
- Requires Android 5.0 & RAM 1.5GB minimum and at least iOS 9.0
- Not scratchproof
- No menstrual tracking
5. Garmin Vivoactive 4/4S
Another Smartwatch that will make a faithful workout buddy is the Garmin Vivoactive 4/4S!
Either size (40mm or 45mm) cost the same. There’s music (offline Spotify), a heart monitor and a reliable GPS! All accessible via the touchscreen display!
It also has the same features as the more expensive Garmin Venu. Except that it doesn’t have the AMOLED screen.
You can use this watch to measure your blood oxygen level (SpO2) through its Pulse Ox feature.
The 40mm model seems like a good fit for women too, since it is slimmer. Although, you will have to sacrifice 1 day from the battery life:
By comparison, you will only get 7 days of Smartwatch mode. As opposed to 8 days in the 45mm model). Or 15 hours GPS tracking instead of 18 hours with the 45mm model.
Finally, the Vivoactive 4 also features Garmin Pay. A wireless payment method like Apple Pay and Google Pay. That lets you pay wirelessly using only your watch.
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 1.1″ 218 x 218 Pixels Touchscreen
- Size: 40.0 x 40.0 x 12.7 mm
- Weight: 40.0 g
- Music Storage: Up To 500 songs
- Battery Life (GPS Mode): Up To 16 Hours
- Charging Method: Charging Cable
- Water Resistance: Swim, 5 ATM
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
- NFC Payments: Garmin Pay
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: RM1,499
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 1.3″ 260 x 260 Pixels Touchscreen
- Size: 45.1 x 45.1 x 12.8 mm
- Weight: 50.5 g
- Music Storage: Up To 500 songs
- Battery Life (GPS Mode): Up To 18 Hours
- Charging Method: Charging Cable
- Water Resistance: Swim, 5 ATM
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
- NFC Payments: Garmin Pay
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: RM1,499
Pros:
- Menstrual cycle tracking
- Oxygen saturation in blood sensor (SpO2)
- Exceptional performance as a fitness tracker
- Battery lasts up to a week!
- Sleep tracking
- Different styles available
- Long warranty
Cons:
- No LTE version
- Not an AMOLED display
- Occasional syncing issues with your phone
- No mic in the watch
6. Fitbit Versa 3
If battery health (and your fitness) is a big concern for you, then the Fitbit Versa 3 is the Smart watch for you!
At a price of less than RM1000, you can get almost-a-week worth of battery life!
But there’s a twist: you must set the brightness of the screen to normal. And you cannot use the GPS for more than three times a week. In order to get the most out of the battery (i.e. six-day battery life).
Besides the newly added built-in GPS and SpO2 sensor, this Smartwatch also has a bigger and brighter screen than its predecessor, the Fitbit Versa 2.
It is also reported that data taken on Fitbit Versa 3 is more accurate than in Versa 2.
But there are 2 drawbacks of the Fitbit Versa 3 compared to the Fitbit Versa 2:
Firstly, the newly designed button is hard to use and even annoying. Secondly, some extra features require you to have a Fitbit Premium subscription.
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 1.58″ 336×336 Pixels Always-on AMOLED Touchscreen Display
- Size: 40.48 x 40.48 x 12.35 mm
- Weight: 39.7 g
- Storage: Store & play music on Deezer or Spotify
- Battery Life: 6+ Days, Up to 12 hours with continuous GPS
- Charging Method: Charging Cable, Supports Fast Charging
- Water Resistance: Water Resistant Up To 50M
- Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, Google & Amazon Alexa Built-In
- NFC Payments: Fitbit Pay™
- Features: Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2), Heart Rate Monitoring, Sleep Monitoring, Menstrual Cycle Tracking
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Price: ~RM1,148
Pros:
- Larger and brighter display
- Quite affordable
- Great battery life
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Solid fitness tracking
Cons:
- Poorly designed button
- Not all features are available out of the box
- Software is sometimes laggy
7. COROS APEX Premium Multisport Watch 42mm OR 46mm
This Smart watch is specifically designed for sport enthusiasts or anyone who loves outdoor activities. Like running, cycling, hiking & swimming. At a pretty affordable price, too.
From the design perspective, the COROS APEX has a simple and minimal exterior with just two controls (a button and bevel).
There are two sizes to choose, 42mm or 46mm. The differences between these 2 sizes are the display size, weight, & the battery life.
More importantly, the 46mm option has 10 hours more battery life than the 42mm option (even on full GPS mode).
However, the battery life is already superb for the 42mm too. Which can last for a day on full GPS mode.
For normal use it can last for about a month! Something which other Smartwatch in this list can’t match!
Another good thing about this watch is the companion app:
You can track your performance on the COROS app or set a daily target for how many calories you want to burn. Or the minimum steps that you need to achieve within a certain period of time.
Interestingly, you can see a detailed map of your recent runs on this app too.
Those who do decide to get the watch find it extremely straightforward to operate. You can easily unlock the watch just by pressing the knob in.
The button placement prevents accidental triggers. In general, the Smart watch works fast (e.g. single, mileage and pace reports, etc).
If you worry about scratches, one user says that the face of COROS APEX is very durable.
Users recommend it for those who frequently run outdoors. Or those who always want to check their heart rate and calories!
The drawbacks?
This Smartwatch does not have touch screen. And you cannot store any music on it. You can forget about wireless payment as well!
So you can see that the COROS APEX would not appeal to regular users!
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 1.1″ 218 x 218 Pixels Always-On Memory LCD
- Size: 42 x 42 x 11.75 mm | 38 – 49 g
- Material: Stainless Steel (Bezel), Silicone (Strap), Sapphire Glass (Screen)
- Storage: n/a
- Battery Life: ~25 hours (Full GPS Mode), ~24 days (Regular Use)
- Charging Method: Cable
- Water Resistance: Up To 100m (10ATM)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS
- NFC Payments: No
- Features: Optical Heart Rate Monitor, Barometric Altimeter, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass-magnetic
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: RM1,299
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 1.2″ 240 x 240 Pixels Always-On Memory LCD
- Size: 46 x 46 x 11.9 mm | 45 – 55.3 g
- Material: Titanium Alloy (Bezel), Silicone (Strap), Sapphire Glass (Screen)
- Storage: n/a
- Battery Life: ~35 hours (Full GPS Mode), ~30 days (Regular Use)
- Charging Method: Cable
- Water Resistance: Up To 100m (10ATM)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS
- NFC Payments: No
- Features: Optical Heart Rate Monitor, Barometric Altimeter, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass-magnetic
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: RM1,499
Pros:
- Has advance fitness metrics VO2 max
- Long battery life
- Light
- Good companion app
- Quality build
- Water resistance up to 100m
- Bright display (bright enough for the outdoors)
Cons:
- No touch screen
- Not an OLED screen
- Can’t store music
- No wireless payment
- Not as reliable for tracking swim laps
8. Suunto 9 Baro
Yet another Smartwatch that mainly focus on outdoor sports features:
The Suunto 9 Baro definitely is more premium than the COROS APEX. While heavier, this watch has about the same battery life as COROS APEX. And it has a touch screen!
In fact, compared to other models in this list, the Suunto 9 Baro is one of the longest lasting (battery life) Smart Watch with a touch screen!
Along with 4 preset battery modes – Performance, Endurance, Ultra and Tour. It will display the remaining battery life as per the selected mode.
Suunto 9 Baro has no shortage of sport modes (over 80), and it can monitor your daily heart rate.
Strom alerts is another one of its features.
Like the COROS APEX, the Suunto 9 Baro lacks wireless payment and music capability.
Which is why it’s not as popular as the Garmin Felix 6.
We would also not suggest this watch to swimmers, as the watch is to easy to use when it is wet (I.e. slow response).
Users are fond of the GPS feature and durability of the Suunto 9 Baro. They say that the battery life does not let up even with GPS on!
However, one user feels that the watch is too heavy. And another feels there needs to be a dedicated backlit button! Furthermore, you can’t lock the watch (i.e. watch mode)!
- Compatibility: Supports popular models
- Display: 1.1″ 320 x 300 Pixels Matrix LCD Touchscreen
- Size: 50 x 50 x 16.8 mm | 81 g
- Material: Stainless Steel (Bezel), Silicone (Strap), Sapphire Glass (Screen)
- Storage: n/a
- Battery Life: 25h (Performance), 50h (Endurance), 120h (Ultra), 170h (Tour)
- Charging Method: Magnetic USB Charging
- Water Resistance: Up To 100m (10ATM)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS
- NFC Payments: No
- Features: Activity Tracking, Sleep Tracking, Stress Tracking, GPS Tracking & Navigation, Barometer Altimeter, Weather Functions, Heart Rate Monitoring
- Warranty: 2 years
- Price: ~RM2,799
Pros:
- Great build quality (tough and enduring) and functionality
- Very good battery life
- Seamless connection with your phone
- Always-on display
Cons:
- Can't pay wirelessly
- No option to download music (and also no music control interface)
- Bulky design
- Expensive
- Not with an OLED display
Best Budget Smartwatch Malaysia
Now, for the best budget Smartwatches in Malaysia!
9. Apple Watch Series 3
If you still want to keep up with Apple but are restricted to a tight budget:
The Apple Watch 3 should definitely be under your considerations!
Although it shares the similar rectangular design present on both the Apple Watch 6 and SE, it still looks a little outdated. And you don’t have as much choice for case sizing.
That aside, this Smartwatch comes in 2 versions – a 4G model and a GPS-only model. But you will not fail to notice that the price for the 4G model is significantly higher!
More importantly:
Despite having older hardware, the Apple Watch 3 still gets software updates from Apple.
For example, the Smartwatch is now capable of tracking sleep. And there are new workouts available after updating to the recent watchOS 7.
As a final note, the Apple Watch 3 does not have features like ECG and SpO2 sensor. A pity since other Smartwatches in the same price range do! (e.g. Huawei GT 2 Pro).
- OS: watchOS 6 (upgradable to 7.5)
- Compatibility: iOS
- Display: 1.5″ 340 x 272 Pixels (38mm) | 1.65″ 390 x 312 Pixels (42mm) Retina OLED
- Size: 38.6 x 33.3 x 11.4 mm (38mm) | 42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm (42mm)
- Weight: 42.4 g (38mm) | 52.8 g (42mm)
- Processor: Apple S3, Dual-core processor
- Storage: 8GB, 768MB RAM
- Battery Life: Up To 18 Hours
- Charging Method: Wireless
- Water Resistance: Up To 50m
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, LTE (Optional)
- NFC Payments: Apple Pay
- Features: Accelerometer, Gyro, Heart Rate Monitoring, Barometer, Sleep Tracking, Menstrual Cycle Tracking
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: RM849 (38mm) | RM999 (42mm)
Pros:
- Most affordable Apple Smart watch for Apple users
- Software updates
- Great sports and fitness tracking
- Doesn’t look cheap
- Wide app compatibility
Cons:
- Only for iPhone user
- No ECG or SpO2 sensor
- Battery life could be better
10. Huawei GT 2 Pro Smartwatch
Huawei GT 2 Pro is a serious stunner when it comes to Smart watch aesthetic appeal!
Packed with a titanium case featuring sapphire glass and a ceramic back, which gives it a premium finish that you rarely see with other Smart watches!
If you like a sleek looking watch face however, you may find this watch a little bulky looking. Due to the fit of the big (1.39” diameter) AMOLED touchscreen inside a 47mm case!
The screen does not always stay on either (i.e. no always-on display) which would make some users think twice before getting it.
But Huawei stays ahead of Samsung by giving buyers a choice to swap the leather strap with a silicone strap. In case you want to wear it while swimming or doing intense exercises!
On top of basic features like the heart rate sensor, and fitness tracking:
The Huawei GT 2 Pro has unique features. Such as sudden weather change warning, a personal golf coach, and something for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts too.
Last but not least, the battery duration is outstanding (up to 14 days for minimal use)! And you can charge the watch wirelessly with a Qi wireless charger.
- OS: Huawei Wearable Platform
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 1.39″ AMOLED 454 x 454 Pixels HD Touchscreen
- Size: 46.7 x 46.7 x 11.4 mm | 52 g
- Processor: Kirin A1
- Storage: 4GB, 32MB RAM, eMMC
- Battery Life: Up To 14 Days, 455 mAh Battery
- Charging Method: Wireless Charging
- Water Resistance: 5ATM (IP Rating: 50m)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
- NFC Payments: No
- Features: VO2Max, Recovery Time, Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2), Heart Rate Monitoring, Sleep Monitoring, Stress Monitoring
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: From ~RM988
Pros:
- Premium build
- Great battery life
- Convenient Qi wireless charging
- Swappable strap options
- Built-in mic and speaker
Cons:
- SpO2 and stress tracking is not that great
- No support for third-party apps like Spotify and Strava
11. Amazfit BIP U Pro Smartwatch
Have a tight budget but don’t want to lose out on premium features?
You might consider Amazfit BIP U Pro then. This Smart watch is priced under RM300. And has a SpO2 sensor, breathing and sleep tracking, and other features besides!
The excitement does not end there! This Smart watch improves on the original BIP U Pro by adding a built-in GPS and the Alexa smart assistant! But users have said that Alexa is not that reliable.
Other features include a camera shutter, synced notifications, and the ability to listen to music. Not a wide selection of features admittedly, but still better than nothing!
However for fitness buffs, it is excellent at tracking. For more than 60 sports. These cover basic outdoor activities like running and cycling. And more complex exercises such as open water swimming!
- OS: RTOS
- Compatibility: Android, iOS
- Display: 1.43″ 320×302 Pixels TFT Touchscreen
- Size: 40.9 x 35.5 x 11.4 mm
- Weight: 31 g
- Storage: n/a
- Battery Life: ~5 days (GPS) / 9 days (Basic Use) | 230 mAh
- Charging Method: Special Charger Doc
- Water Resistance: 5ATM (Up to 50m)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, Alexa support
- NFC Payments: n/a
- Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year
- Price: ~RM259
Pros:
- Surprisingly affordable
- Excellent battery life
- Built in GPS
- Various fitness tracking features
- Precise sleep tracking
Cons:
- Alexa is a hit-and-miss
- UI rarely gets an update
- Design feels cheap
Smartwatch Vs Fitness Tracker
Basically, smartwatch can do what fitness tracker can do but with more features.
The main purpose of a fitness tracker is to monitor your health and daily activities. Such as steps taken and calories burned. Some fitness trackers provide heart rate monitoring too.
PS: However, such wearable heart rate monitors are not as accurate as chest-worn heart monitors though.
On the other hand, most Smart watches have built-in GPS. So you can track your distance and map out your routes.
Other extra things that a Smartwatch can do include receiving phone calls, messages, providing access to music, etc. And all on a bigger touch screen.
Therefore, a Smartwatch is usually bulkier and heavier than a fitness tracker.
Another thing that a fitness tracker is better at than a Smartphone, is the battery life! They can last one to two weeks. Whereas a Smart watch can only last for a week on normal usage!
How To Choose A Smartwatch
The main purpose of Smartwatches (other than telling time) for most users, are those notifications! However, there are models with extra little gimmicks.
So remember what situations you’ll be using your Smartwatch in! Not everyone needs a compass!
1. Compatible With Your Phone
Most importantly, you should get a Smartwatch that is meant for your Smartphone’s operating system (i.e. Android, iOS, etc). For smoother operation!
2. Connectivity
The majority of Smartphones rely on Bluetooth connectivity if you want to receive notifications. Others, on WiFi (4G/LTE) – which is faster!
LTE connectivity also increases the portability of your Smart Watch. So you don’t need to bring your Smartphone out to pair with your SmartWatch!
And top-of-the-line models have built-in cellular connectivity (i.e. eSIM or a slot for your SIM card)!
Meaning you can leave your phone at home when going out for a jog!
3. Battery Life
Just like your Smartphone, Smartwatches need to be charged. Some may need to charge overnight!
4. Style
Sporty, minimalist, modern, dainty, luxurious – get a Smartwatch that goes with your wardrobe and lifestyle!
The Smartwatch you choose might come with additional straps for you to change up the look too!
Or you may need a waterproof strap for exercising!
5. Price / Budget
Budget Smartwatches in Malaysia cost between RM150-500.
While prominent Smartwatches can cost RM1,000 and above!
You don’t need an expensive phone to use with a Smartwatch! Some of the cheapest Smartphones in Malaysia have a compatible Smartwatch!
Conclusion
In most aspects, the Apple Watch Series 6 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 tie for the best Smartwatch in Malaysia 2021!
On the other hand, if you want a Smartwatch that won’t break the bank, we would suggest the Amazfit BIP U Smartwatch! Be sure to check our recommendation list above for more options!
