Smartwatches are convenient wearable tech that helps keep track of your movement and health. They're also great devices for keeping staying connected without having to take your phone out of your pocket.

But if you want to use your smartwatch without needing a smartphone, you must have a smartwatch phone.

These devices incorporate a SIM card so you can use them for calls, text, and other apps that require a connection.

While these devices won't fully replace your phone, they're still an excellent alternative for conserving your smartphone's battery or as a backup device right on your wrist.

Here are the best smartphone watches for iOS and Android users available today.

The Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE is the smartwatch best for active athletes. Its features allow you to train without bringing any additional device to keep track of your performance. You can track your heart rate and other bodily functions while playing audio through compatible Bluetooth earbuds.

The Garmin Pay feature will let you purchase food and other required supplies, so you don't have to bring your wallet and credit cards with you. Best of all, you get enhanced safety through its turn-by-turn navigation feature, ensuring you won't get lost whether you're in a trail or the city.

And if you require emergency assistance, this watch will connect you directly to emergency services worldwide via the 24/7 Garmin IERCC. This device is compatible with both iOS and Android, so whatever device you're using, you can enjoy the benefits of this smartwatch.

Key Features
  • LiveTrack allows real-time location tracking and viewing of the complete pre-planned course
  • Assistance Plus offers 24/7 coverage via the Garmin International Emergency Response Coordination Center for your safety and peace of mind
  • Get training guidance via the watch's Daily Suggested Workouts
Specifications
  • Brand: Garmin
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
  • Color Screen: Yes
  • Notification Support: Yes
  • Battery Life: Up to 2 weeks
  • Operating System: Garmin Connect
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Yes
  • Customizable Strap: Yes
  • SIM Support: eSIM
  • Lens Material: Corning Gorilla Glass DX
  • Display Size : 1.2 inches
  • Case Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer
  • Water Rating : 165 feet
  • Calendar: Yes
  • Weather: Yes
  • Smartphone Music Control: Yes
  • Case size: 1
  • Colors: Black, Whitestone
  • Display: Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel
  • CPU: N/A
  • RAM: N/A
  • Storage: N/A
  • Battery: Heart Rate, Respiration Rate, Pulse ox, Stress, Sleep
  • Health sensors: Heart Rate, Respiration Rate, Pulse ox, Stress, Sleep
  • Strap size: N/A
  • Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.75 x 0.55 inches
  • Weight: 1.73oz
  • Audio: Yes
Pros
  • Download up to 1,000 songs on the smartwatch and pair with compatible earbuds
  • Receives notifications when paired with a compatible smartphone
  • Easily follow a route or course via the turn-by-turn navigation function
Cons
  • Expensive
Buy This Product
Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE
Editors choice

2. Apple Watch SE

9.60 / 10
Read Reviews

If you're looking for value for money without missing out on several features, then look no further than the Apple Watch SE. This smartwatch isn't just a fitness tracker—it can also monitor your sleep, find your phone, monitor your heart rate, and even act as your voice assistant through Siri.

It comes in various colors, all in an elegant metallic case. It also has a bright, 1000-nit display, ensuring you can see the screen's content, no matter the lighting condition. You get additional peace of mind through the Apple Watch SE's Emergency SOS, International emergency calling, and Fall detection.

With this device on your wrist, help is just a couple of taps away. Unfortunately, you have to have an iPhone to use this device. So if you're on an Android, you have to settle for other non-Apple smartwatches.

Key Features
  • Fall detection feature ensures you can always call for help
  • Irregular heart rhythm detection notifies you if it detects any potential health problems, even before you feel it
  • 1000-nit bright display for viewing the screen in any light condition
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
  • Color Screen: Yes
  • Notification Support: Yes
  • Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
  • Operating System: watchOS 7.0
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Yes
  • Customizable Strap: Yes
  • SIM Support: Yes
  • Lens Material: Ion-X front glass
  • Display Size : 40mm, 44mm
  • Case Material: Aluminum
  • Water Rating : 50 meters
  • Smartphone Music Control: Yes
  • Case size: 2
  • Colors: Various
  • Display: Retina LTPO OLED
  • CPU: 64-bit dual-core S5 SiP chip
  • RAM: 1GB
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Health sensors: Optical Heart Sensor
  • Dimensions: 1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 inches, 1.57 x 1.34 x 0.42 inches
  • Weight: 1.28oz, 1.08oz
  • Audio: Yes
Pros
  • Display automatically turns on when you view your wrist
  • Supports family set up for family members who don't have an iPhone
  • Improved speaker and microphone for better communication
Cons
  • No global cellular support
Buy This Product
Apple Watch SE
Best value

3. TicWatch Pro 4G LTE

8.20 / 10
Read Reviews

You don't have to spend a fortune to get a decent smartwatch with the TicWatch Pro 4G LTE. This device features a two-layer dual display. The upper screen is a low-power FSTN LCD for checking the time and other basic information. On the other hand, the lower AMOLED screen is the smart display to see all the functionalities you need.

Despite being affordable, it still has premium features, like fitness tracking, Google Pay, and even sleep tracking. It's also IP68 rated and is certified for use while in the pool.

Because of its dual-screen design, this smartwatch has excellent battery life. Depending on your chosen settings, it can last anywhere between two days and thirty days. So if you're going out in the wild for a couple of weeks, then this smartwatch is your best companion. Despite using Wear OS by Google, this smartwatch remains compatible with both Android and iOS phones.

Key Features
  • Dual-layer AMOLED and FSTN LCD lets you switch between screens to extend battery life up to 30 days
  • Sleep tracking feature lets you monitor your sleep quality
  • Broad app compatibility through Wear OS
Specifications
  • Brand: Mobvoi
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
  • Color Screen: Yes
  • Notification Support: Yes
  • Battery Life: Up to 30 days
  • Operating System: Wear OS
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Yes
  • Customizable Strap: Yes
  • SIM Support: Preloaded SIM
  • Lens Material: Corning Gorilla Glass 3
  • Display Size : 1.39 inches
  • Case Material: Polyamide & glass fiber, stainless steel bezel, aluminum back cover
  • Water Rating : IP68 + pool swimming suitable
  • Calendar: Optional
  • Weather: N/A
  • Smartphone Music Control: Yes
  • Case size: 1
  • Colors: Black
  • Display: 1.39"AMOLED plus FSTN LCD
  • CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100
Pros
  • IP68 ingress protection and compatible for use in swimming pools
  • Lightweight polyamide and glass fiber body with stainless steel bezel
  • Certified to Military Standard 810G durability
Cons
  • Screen can't be easily seen under bright sunlight
Buy This Product
TicWatch Pro 4G LTE

Whether you're an Android or iOS user, the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 Classic is an excellent smartwatch to have on your wrist. Not only does this sleek and stylish watch provide communications and notifications, but it also knows your body, allowing you to see your fitness state reliably.

This intelligent device includes a bioactive sensor, allowing you to determine your body fat percentage, skeletal muscle, body water levels, and more. It can also measure your ECG and blood pressure in real-time and alert you if it detects something of concern. In addition, it can do continuous sleep tracking, measuring your light, deep, and REM sleep phases so you can see why you feel rested or tired when you wake up in the morning.

However, you should note that this smartwatch only works on Android devices. So if you're an iOS user, you have to either pick another smartwatch or upgrade your phone to an Android.

Key Features
  • Features a complete suite of health sensors via the Samsung BioActive Sensor
  • Offered in two different sizes
  • Sleep tracker detects and analyzes sleep stages, keeps track of blood oxygen levels, and can even observe and monitor snoring
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
  • Color Screen: Yes
  • Battery Life: 40 hours
  • Operating System: Wear OS
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Yes
  • Customizable Strap: Yes
  • SIM Support: No
  • Lens Material: Corning Gorilla Glass DX
  • Display Size : 42 / 46mm
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Water Rating : 50m
  • Smartphone Music Control: Yes
  • Case size: 2
  • Colors: Black / Silver
  • Display: Super AMOLED
  • CPU: Exynos W920 Dual Core 1.18GHz
  • RAM: 1.5GB
  • Storage: 16GB
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth / LTE (optional)
  • Health sensors: Optical Heart Rate Sensor, Electrical heat sensor, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor
  • Strap size: N/A
  • Dimensions: 45.5 x 45.5 x 11mm
  • Weight: 47 / 51g
  • Audio: Yes
Pros
  • IP68-rated, designed to withstand up to 5ATM water pressure
  • Built to MIL-STD-810G durability standards
  • Classic, timeless design makes it suitable for use on any occasion
Cons
  • Limited color selection
Buy This Product
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

Despite being more affordable than the Galaxy Watch4 Classic, the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 offers the same functionalities. Samsung's only compromise with this device is its slightly smaller form factor and less premium material. Even so, you get almost similar screen sizes, a lighter weight, and a well-finished aluminum case.

You also have more color choices with the Watch4 over the Watch4 Classic version. So, if you want a premium smartwatch but don't care for the thicker, more rugged finish of the Watch4 Classic, then this is Samsung Galaxy Watch for you.

Unfortunately, if you're interested in this watch but an iPhone user, you'll have to pick another brand or model as this won't work with iOS devices.

Key Features
  • Capable of real-time ECG monitoring with accurate results
  • Advanced and continuous sleep and SPO2 monitoring
  • Run Coaching and V02 max readings help make your workout more efficient
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
  • Color Screen: Yes
  • Notification Support: N/A
  • Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
  • Operating System: Wear OS
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Yes
  • Customizable Strap: Yes
  • SIM Support: eSIM
  • Lens Material: Corning Gorilla Glass DX+
  • Display Size : 1.36 inches, 1.19 inches
  • Case Material: Aluminum
  • Water Rating : 165 feet
  • Calendar: N/A
  • Weather: N/A
  • Smartphone Music Control: Yes
  • Case size: 2
  • Colors: Black, Pink Gold, Silver, Green
  • Display: Super AMOLED
  • CPU: Exynos W920 Dual Core 1.18GHz
  • RAM: 1.5GB
  • Storage: 16GB
  • Health sensors: Optical Heart Rate Sensor, Electrical heart rate sensor, Biological Impedance Analysis sensor
  • Strap size: Sport, Ridge-Sport, Hybrid Leather, Extreme Sport
  • Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 inches
  • Weight: 1.07oz, 0.91oz
  • Audio: Yes
Pros
  • Made with lightweight but durable aluminum
  • Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass DX against scratches
  • Available in four different colors
Cons
  • Thinner, less rugged-looking design
Buy This Product
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

When you're an iPhone user and you want to have real-time reports on your fitness and health status, then the Apple Watch Series 7 is what you need. This device offers advanced wellness features like Blood Oxygen monitoring and an ECG readout right on your wrist. It also alerts you if it finds unusual readings, like high or low heart rates or an irregular heart rhythm.

It still keeps the Apple Watch SE's safety and emergency features, so you're ensured that help is always near. You can get this smartwatch in three different finishes—aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. It also comes with a wide selection of colors, ensuring you can pick the watch that will best fit your lifestyle, character, and personality.

One more thing, the Apple Watch Series 7 only works with iPhones. So, if you're an Android user, you'll have to settle for another smartwatch to use with your phone.

Key Features
  • Fall detection, emergency SOS, and international emergency calling ensures you get help right when and where you need it
  • Noise app warns you when surrounding decibel levels can damage your hearing
  • Lets you measure blood oxygen levels and ECG right from your wrist
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
  • Color Screen: Yes
  • Notification Support: Yes
  • Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
  • Operating System: watchOS 8.0
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Yes
  • Customizable Strap: Yes
  • SIM Support: Yes
  • Lens Material: Ion-X front glass, Sapphire
  • Display Size : 41mm, 45mm
  • Case Material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium
  • Water Rating : 50 meters
  • Calendar: Yes
  • Weather: Yes
  • Smartphone Music Control: Yes
  • Case size: 2
  • Colors: Red Aluminum, Blue Aluminum, Green Aluminum, Starlight Aluminum, Gold Stainless Steel, Graphite Stainless Steel, Silver Stainless Steel
  • Display: Retina LTPO OLED
  • CPU: 64-bit dual-core S7 chip
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Health sensors: Blood oxygen sensor, Electrical heart sensor, Optical heart sensor
  • Dimensions: 1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 inches, 1.61 x 1.38 x 0.42 inches
  • Weight: 1.83oz, 1.48oz
  • Audio: Yes
Pros
  • Digital Crown with haptic feedback makes smartwatch easy and intuitive to operate
  • Available in over ten color and strap combinations
  • Biggest available display on all Apple Watch models
Cons
  • Expensive
Buy This Product
Apple Watch Series 7

Despite being an older model, the Samsung Galaxy Watch3 still delivers great value for the user. It has fitness and sleep tracking features, giving you awareness of your health. It automatically tracks seven of the most popular activities, including running, cycling, and swimming. It also has a built-in run coaching app, allowing you to get the most out of your exercise.

There's also sleep and stress tracking built into the watch, so you can monitor the quality of your rest. Additionally, you'll get advanced health monitoring through oxygen level and heart rate. And if you get into an accident and have a fall, the watch can detect this and can let you get in touch with your emergency contacts with a single tap.

This watch is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, although you have to note that they're a bit limited with iPhones compared to getting the watch's full functionality with Android smartphones.

Key Features
  • Easily record and share your ECG recordings via the Samsung Health Monitor app
  • Comes with a long-lasting, all-day battery
  • Automatic sleep tracker lets you see how rested you are each day
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
  • Color Screen: Yes
  • Notification Support: N/A
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Operating System: Tizen 5.5
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Yes
  • Customizable Strap: Yes
  • SIM Support: eSIM
  • Lens Material: Corning Gorilla Glass DX
  • Display Size : 1.4 inches, 1.2 inches
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Water Rating : 165 feet
  • Calendar: N/A
  • Weather: N/A
  • Smartphone Music Control: Yes
  • Case size: 2
  • Colors: Gold, Silver, Black, Titanium
  • Display: Super AMOLED
  • CPU: Exynos 9110 Dual-Core 1.15GHz
  • RAM: 1GB
  • Storage: 8GB
  • Health sensors: Heart rate
  • Strap size: Leather
  • Dimensions: 1.82 x 1.77 x 0.44 inches, 1.67 x 1.61 x 0.44 inches
  • Weight: 1.90oz, 1.69oz
  • Audio: Yes
Pros
  • Withstands up to 5ATM of water pressure
  • Detects falls with emergency contact notification
  • Available in two sizes and three colors
Cons
  • Not the latest model
Buy This Product
Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

Smartwatches are excellent gadgets to help keep track of children. However, most models available on the market aren't designed for their use. This is where the TickTalk4 comes in. This camera-equipped smartwatch lets parents track their children and keep in contact with them. It has an activity tracker function, encouraging children to be more active, leading to a healthy lifestyle.

It also comes with a free iHeartRadio Family streaming service, allowing your child to enjoy kid-friendly music, podcasts, and more. Knowing that kids can be rough with their things, the company ensured that this smartwatch is tough enough to last through their use. Its drop-proof build with IP67 ingress protection ensures that it will last until your kid outgrows the device.

One more advantage this smartwatch has is that it works independently of smartphones. You don't have to pair it with another device to make the most of it. However, it does come with a companion app to track their kids and is available on both Android and iOS.

Key Features
  • Allows video calling, voice calling, and text messaging, even without a smartphone
  • Accurate GPS tracking and enhanced parental control, ensuring you can protect your kids from strangers
  • Daily activity tracker encourages your kids to have a healthy and active lifestyle
Specifications
  • Brand: TickTalk
  • Color Screen: Yes
  • Battery Life: Up to 100 hours
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Yes
  • Display Size : 1.54 inches
  • Water Rating : IP67
  • Case size: 1
  • Colors: Titanium Black, Galaxy Blue, Laser Pink
  • Display: TFT
  • CPU: 64-bit Quad Core processor
  • RAM: 1GB
  • Storage: 8GB
  • Dimensions: 1.75 x 1.63 x 0.63 inches
  • Weight: 2.40oz
  • Audio: Yes
Pros
  • Comes with free unlimited music streaming via iHeartRadio Family
  • Includes two 5-megapixel cameras for photo and video sharing
  • Drop-proof with IP67 water resistance
Cons
  • Might be a bit too large for some kids
Buy This Product
TickTalk 4

If you want to have a flagship smartwatch but don't want to spend flagship money, you can consider the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2. This device lets you track your physical fitness and exercise performance with its VO2max sensor, so you know how far you push your limits.

This smartwatch is also carrier agnostic, meaning you can use it with whatever network you have. You don't need special arrangements to make it work with your current provider. The smartwatch has extended battery life. Its long-lasting battery can last up to five days on a single charge—and if you need a boost, you can use your Samsung Galaxy smartphone's wireless power share to top it up anywhere.

It works with both Android and iOS devices, but you have to note that iPhones cannot make the most of this smartwatch's features. It's best to match the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 to an Android phone so that you can enjoy it to the fullest.

Key Features
  • Compatible with almost any carrier
  • With VO2max sensor for exercise tracking
  • Certified for ECG accuracy
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
  • Color Screen: Yes
  • Notification Support: N/A
  • Battery Life: N/A
  • Operating System: Tizen 5.5
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Yes
  • Customizable Strap: Yes
  • SIM Support: eSIM
  • Lens Material: Corning Gorilla Glass DX+
  • Display Size : 1.4 inches, 1.2 inches
  • Case Material: N/A
  • Water Rating : 165 feet
  • Calendar: N/A
  • Weather: N/A
  • Smartphone Music Control: Yes
  • Case size: 2
  • Colors: Black, Gold, Silver
  • Display: Super AMOLED
  • CPU: Exynos 9110 Dual-Core 1.15GHz
  • RAM: 1.5GB
  • Storage: 4GB
  • Health sensors: Heart rate sensor
  • Strap size: Leather
  • Dimensions: 1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 inches, 1.73 x 1.73 x 0.43 inches
  • Weight: 1.55oz, 1.31oz
  • Audio: Yes
Pros
  • Works with both Android and iOS
  • Durable Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ face ensures it won't get easily scratched
  • Automatic low or high heart rate detection
Cons
  • Older model
Buy This Product
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

FAQ

Q: Can I Use a 4G LTE Smartwatch as a Smartphone?

No. while these devices do connect directly to the network, their functions are often severely limited. They do not possess the power, and battery life smartphones have, so you must still have a smartphone to use the smartwatch effectively.

Q: Do 4G LTE Smartwatches Need a Data Plan?

It depends on the model. Some models need to have a data plan from your carrier, like the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 7, while other devices, like the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2, don't. However, you still have to have an active subscription with either Garmin or Samsung to use their 4G functions.

Q: What's the Purpose of a Smartwatch?

Aside from keeping yourself notified of incoming calls and messages from your smartphone, most modern smartwatches have a suite of sensors that allow you to track your health. That way, you can use these devices to determine your bodily functions and even see your sleep performance, to see how well your body rests.