In our rapidly evolving ‘smart’ society, it doesn’t end at just having a smartphone. Now, smartwatches are a must, especially if you want to stay on top of your fitness and health tracking. Whether you’re an avid runner, gym enthusiast, or someone looking to monitor overall health—a smartwatch is a great purchase.
The latest in smartwatch technology even makes it possible to track more than your steps and heart rate. For example, the latest Samsung Galaxy smartwatches can be used to monitor ECG (electrocardiogram) data, track blood pressure levels, and track workouts.
Finding the perfect second-hand phone and smartwatch pairing for fitness tracking can be hard—not because there aren’t enough options, but because there are too many devices available.
In this article, we’ll be covering the best phone for fitness and health tracking and the different features to consider when looking for the right watch. Whether you’re part of the Android or iOS ecosystem, we’ll help you find the perfect pairing that suits your needs.
What Makes A Good Health And Fitness Phone & Watch Pairing?
A good health and fitness phone and watch pairing should offer seamless integration—with easy data sync and sharing information, accurate tracking, and comprehensive health features. Below, we’ve outlined different factors to consider.
Compatibility & Operating System
When looking for a phone-smartwatch pairing, ensure both devices are compatible. Ideally, you’ll want two devices from the same manufacturer or at least the same ecosystem.
For example, iPhones with Apple Watches and Samsung Galaxy devices with Galaxy Watches. Also, look for compatibility with comprehensive fitness and health tracking applications, like Apple Health and Google Fit.
Accurate Health Tracking
A good phone and watch combination for health tracking should include more than just the standard heart rate monitoring. Look for device pairings that also offer:
- ECG and SpO2 monitoring: Newer smartwatches can record and monitor electrocardiograms (ECGs) and blood oxygen (SpO2), which can provide deeper insight into one's health and overall well-being.
- Sleep tracking: Sleep plays an integral role in health and well-being. A watch with advanced sleep-tracking features can help you better understand your sleep patterns and improve sleep quality.
Fitness Tracking
When searching for a good smartwatch for fitness tracking, we recommend focusing on accurate GPS tracking, activity recognition, and workout mode options.
- GPS: Most smartwatches have built-in GPS for accurately tracking outdoor activities, steps, and locations. Get a smartwatch that can accurately track your location and activities like running, cycling, and hiking.
- Activity recognition: Finding a smartwatch that allows for automatic activity recognition is great for quality of life and allows for more accurate tracking.
- Workout modes: Newer smartwatches allow tracking for different ‘workout’ modes. For example, it can track the differences between running and yoga.
Battery Life
A good watch does not require constant charging. At the very least, you should aim for a smartwatch that can last a full day of long workouts and overnight tracking for sleep without a charge.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for quick charging capabilities. Most newer model smartwatches support fast charging, like the Apple Watch Ultra and Watch 7 Series, along with the newer Galaxy Watches.
User Experience
When deciding on a smartwatch and phone combo, it’s important to consider the user experience. Find devices that have an intuitive interface, so it’s easier to use them and also interpret fitness/health data.
It is also useful to customise the faces of the smartwatch and phone to display the most relevant information. For instance, you can put the heart rate monitor or steps on/near the watch’s home page instead of having to swipe through apps.
Durability & Comfort
Especially when looking for a smartwatch for exercise and health, durability and comfort are critical. The band of the smartwatch should be made of durable materials that can withstand daily workouts and wear.
It’s also important, especially if you do water-based exercises, to find a water-resistant smartwatch. It’s also a bonus to find a device that’s comfortable for all-day wear, including during sleep.
Which Phones And Watches Are Best For Health & Fitness Tracking?
When it comes to the best phone and smartwatch pairings for fitness, it’s best to look at devices from the same manufacturer and ecosystem. For example, it’s always best to pair an iPhone with an Apple Watch or a Google Pixel with a Pixel Watch.
If you want a strict fitness alternative to the Apple or Android’s Wear OS, it’s worth looking into Fitbit or Garmin watches. They are typically a bit cheaper, as they focus solely on sports and health functions.
iPhone 14/15 & Apple Watch Series 9
If you want the latest and best fitness watch for Apple phones, the Apple Watch Series 9 is perfect. It launched in September 2023 and is the most feature-packed Apple Watch entry to date.
It seamlessly integrates with iPhone devices, particularly the 14 and 15 Series. Along with an easy-to-navigate and responsive interface, the Series 9 watches also build upon the previous generation's health and wellness tracking features.
Along with the typical fitness and heart rate monitors, the Series 9 watch has extra functionality for ECG monitoring, blood oxygen readings, and even temperature sensing.
Samsung Galaxy S & Galaxy Watch7 or Ultra
If you want the best fitness watch for Samsung phones, the Galaxy Watch7 is perfect. It has received rave reviews, with positive reception for its artificial intelligence-powered health and fitness tracking, while still remaining affordable. Tom’s Guide rated the device 4.5 stars out of 5.
The Galaxy Watch7 has been rated as one of the best health-tracking Android smartwatches of 2024. Even if you aren’t part of the Samsung ecosystem, you can still connect and use the smartwatch with Android devices from other manufacturers.
Most of the holistic health-tracking features in the Watch7 are powered by Samsung’s BioActive sensor. This allows for heart rate monitoring, built-in ECG tracking, a blood oxygen reader, and a bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) sensor.
The Watch7’s BioActive sensor has been upgraded compared to its predecessor, and it is backed by an upgraded processor that is 3x faster than the previous Watch6. This updated BioActive sensor can provide wellness insights and tips, help avoid bad habits, and improve sleep patterns.
Google Pixel & Pixel Watch
The Google Pixel Watch was designed to be used alongside Google’s flagship Pixel range of devices—and it’s a great partner. If you’re running with Google’s Pixel phones, the watch is a must-have.
Many reviewers attributed the Pixel Watch to having the best representation of Wear OS yet and an attractive, minimalistic design. If you regularly use Google apps, like Google Home, Assistant, Pay, and Fit, it’s the perfect choice.
Why Buying Them Refurbished Is A Good Option
There are a few benefits to buying refurbished and second-hand devices. Firstly, it’s an affordable solution, especially if you want the latest phone and watch models. Buying a device refurbished after launch is a great way to get a deal and lower costs.
When you buy refurbished, you also get peace of mind that you don’t get when buying a second-hand device or even a brand-new one. A qualified technician looks over every component of the device, ensuring it’s fully functional and repairing any potential manufacturing defects and damage.
If you’re an environmentally friendly shopper, buying refurbished electronics is better for the environment. Statistics show that buying refurbished electronics helps reduce E-waste, reduce greenhouse gasses, and conserve materials.
Buy Refurbished Phones and Smartwatches at OzMobiles
Buying refurbished phones and smartwatches is a cost-effective way to shop and ensure the devices are in top condition. Here at OzMobiles, we stock a wide range of refurbished phones and smartwatches, including the latest Android, Samsung Galaxy and iPhone devices.
When you shop with OzMobiles, you can expect all of our devices to come with a free 12-month warranty and 30-day risk-free return policy—so you can shop confidently. If you have any concerns or a change of heart, our team is here to assist you.
All the devices we sell, including phones and smartwatches, go through an extensive 72-point refurbishment process. During this process, every component is checked by qualified technicians to ensure they’re fully functional and running optimally.
If you have any questions about our refurbishment process or need help finding the perfect phone-smartwatch combination, reach out and contact us. The OzMobiles team would love to help you find the right devices.
