2023 wasn’t exactly a win as far as smartwatch technological advancement goes. But the watches from last year saw upgrades offering more features, better performance, and longer battery life than ever before. In this list, we've rounded up the best smartwatches of 2023, based on our reviews and expert opinions. From the premium Apple Watch Ultra 2 to the budget-friendly CMF Watch Pro, these are our top picks for the year. Apple Watch Ultra 2 The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is easily the best premium smartwatch this year - and for the price of Rs 89,990 it better be. This rugged model retains the premium design of the original Ultra while packing noticeable upgrades under the hood. Its brighter 3,000-nit display excels in sunlight, while the faster S9 processor enables on-device Siri processing without sacrificing the stellar 55-hour battery life. The premium pricing means that the watch is designed for those with the iPhone Pros - and its elaborate features make it best suited for outdoorsy users who demand maximum durability, advanced fitness tracking, and highly accurate GPS. While casual users will likely opt for the more affordable Series 9, the Ultra 2 delivers upgrades that hardcore athletes and adventurers will appreciate. Apple Watch Series 9 If the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is not an option, then, the Rs 41,900 Apple Watch Series 9 is without a doubt the best smartwatch you can buy as an Apple user. Subtle but meaningful upgrades like on-device Siri processing and enhanced health sensors cement its status. With familiar 41mm and 45mm sizing, ultra-smooth performance from the new S9 chip, and around 20% faster charging, the Series 9 improves upon the Series 8 in small but appreciable ways. Although the pricing is still quite premium, excellent fitness tracking, deep iOS integration, and a polished user experience justify the cost for iPhone users wanting a flagship smartwatch experience. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Alright, enough with Apple. The Watch6 Classic is an excellent pick for Android users (it doesn’t work with Apple at all), particularly those flaunting Samsung smartphones, since a couple of features like electrocardiogram and irregular heart rate alerts only work when paired with phones from the same brand. The watch blends elegance and functionality - its signature rotating bezel allows for intuitive navigation, while advanced health sensors provide granular fitness metrics. At a Rs 26,999 starting price, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic packs great value. Between its understated style, smooth Wear OS software, and multi-day battery life, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic hits the sweet spot for those seeking a capable and attractive smartwatch without breaking the bank. Garmin Forerunner 265 Serious runners need to look no further than the feature-packed Garmin Forerunner 265. It provides in-depth tracking insights for all training metrics, aided by advanced sensors like a wrist-based optical heart rate monitor. While its Rs 50,490 retail price is steep, competitive and hobbyist runners alike will find immense value in the Forerunner 265's expansive data analytics, handy training tools, and smart coaching features. The only downside with this one is its plastic build, but that does result in a weight of just 39 grams - lighter than many basic fitness trackers today. CMF Watch Pro Nothing's Rs 4,999 Watch Pro isn't technically a 'smart' smartwatch since you can't download any apps, but it still deserves a shoutout if you want a quality fitness tracker that looks and feels like the real deal. The watch faces are sweeter than anything else you'll find at this price point. And the 1.96-inch AMOLED display runs at 60Hz with 600 nits max brightness for supreme crispness. With the launch of the Watch Pro, Nothing has completed its device ecosystem, even if it's not officially a Nothing-branded product. It's also a top pick for smartwatch newbies since it doesn't overwhelm you with a gazillion settings and options. You can use it as a simple watch or as a health and fitness companion – it’s up to you. Sekyo Turbo 4G Parents seeking a secure connected smartwatch for kids will appreciate the Sekyo Turbo 4G. It provides real-time location tracking and video calling to give parents peace of mind. The Sekyo Turbo's durable, functional design ensures it can withstand kids' energetic lifestyles. While the Rs 7,999 Sekyo Turbo lacks some polish, especially in the software department, its essential mix of safety features and communication abilities make it a compelling option for parents wanting to keep close tabs on kids' whereabouts.
