A Singaporean's Guide to the Best Smartwatches in Singapore Under $299 [2020]
Joel Kohâ
Every now and then, I get amazed at the speed at how technology progresses.
Take wearable technology for example.
It was only about 30 to 40 years ago that humans were dreaming about wearable technology and featuring it in fiction.
But now, smartwatches are a reality.
Generally, Apple Smartwatches are the gold standard in the smartwatch world. But, they can get quite expensive, as even the new budget Apple Smartwatch Series SE starts from $419!
But fear not, there are plenty of cheaper smartwatch alternatives under $300 you can get to suit your needs and budget.
Most of them will help you stay connected and up to date with notifications, track your fitness, and not make you cry when you look at your bank balance at the end of the month.
Although these smartwatches may not pack every feature available, they are more than enough wearable technology for most.
Without further ado, here is our list!
*Information and prices accurate as of 30 October 2020.
TL;DR: Best Smartwatch Alternatives Cheaper Than the Apple Watch SE (2020)
Specs Apple Watch Series 3 TicWatch E2 Fossil Sport Smartwatch Xiaomi Haylou Solar LS05 Huawei Watch GT2e Samsung Galaxy Watch Active
Price $299 (38mm)
$349 (42mm)$189 $215 $39 $159 From $233
OS WatchOS 7 WearOS by Google Wear OS by Google Proprietary Proprietary Tizen
Software Compatibility iOS Android 4.3+ | iOS 8+ Android OS 4.4+ | iOS 9.3+ Android OS 4.40+ | iOS 8.0+ Android OS 4.4+ | iOS 9.0+ Android OS 4.4+ | iOS 9.0+
Battery Life 18 hours of use
according to AppleUp to 2 days
according to Mobvoi1 day
according to Fossil30 days
according to Xiaomi14 days
according to Huawei~2 days
accoridng to Samsung
NFC Yes (Supports Apple Pay) No Yes No No Yes
GPS + Bluetooth Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
Bluetooth 4.2 LEYes, with A-GPS, Beidou
Bluetooth 4.2 LEUntethered GPS
Bluetoth 4.2 LENo GPS
Bluetooth 5.0GPS supported
Bluetooth 5.1Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Bluetooth 5.0
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, microphone Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, microphone Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, light, compass, microphone Accelerometer, heart rate Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, light, compass, microphone Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, VO2max
Dimensions 38mm or 42mm case
42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm
52.8 g46mm case
46.9 x 52.2 x 12.9 mm
53 g41mm or 43mm case
43x43x12mm
53 g45x45x11.4mm
54 g47mm case
53 x 46.8 x 10.8 mm
43 g40mm or 44mm case
44 x 44 x 10.9 mm
42 g
Screen Size 1.5 inches
1.6 inches1.4 inches 1.19 inches 1.28 inches 1.39 inches 1.4 inches
Display Retina OLED (~303 ppi density) AMOLED (~404 ppi density) OLED (~390 ppi density) LCD (~265 ppi density) AMOLED (~462 ppi density) OLED (~364 ppi density)
Water Resistance 50m water resistant 50m water resistant 50m water resistant IP68 50m water resistant 50m water resistant
Processor & Ram Dual-core S3 SiP
768MBQualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100
512MBQualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100
512MBProprietary Proprietary Exynos 9110 (10 nm)
1.5GB
Internal Storage 8GB 4GB 4GB - 4GB 4GB
Cellular Option Available No No No No Yes
How to Choose the Best Smartwatch in Singapore for You?
Before we begin, it would be important for you to keep your needs in mind before going through the list.
Are you looking for fitness and health features like GPS to level up your workout?
Do you want something that will keep you notified and connected with messages and calendar appointments?
Or do you need something with a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip for digital payments?
Keep this in mind!
Best Apple Watch Singapore
We will first start with the Apple Watch from Apple Inc’s (NASDAQ: AAPL).
1. Apple Watch Series 3 Singapore (From $299)
Although, it is not the most affordable, the cheapest Apple Watch you can get is the Apple Watch Series 3 which retails for $299 for the 38mm version and $349 for the bigger 42mm version.
Apple Watch Series 3 Specs
Specs Details
Price $299 (38mm)
$349 (42mm)
OS WatchOS 7
Software Compatibility iOS
Battery Life 18 hours of use
according to Apple
NFC Yes (Supports Apple Pay)
GPS + Bluetooth Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
Bluetooth 4.2 LE
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, microphone
Dimensions 38mm or 42mm case
42.5 x 36.4 x 11.4 mm
52.8 g
Screen Size 1.5 inches
1.6 inches
Display Retina OLED (~303 ppi density)
Water Resistance 50m water resistant
Processor & Ram Dual-core S3 SiP
768MB
Internal Storage 8GB
Cellular Version Available
The Apple Watch Series 3 is now available with an aluminium case, either silver or space grey. It comes in 38mm and 42mm size options, but it is only available in a GPS-only model with an optical heart sensor.
There is also a GPS and Cellular option available in Singapore.
Unlike the Series 6, the Apple Watch Series 3 does not have an always-on display.
Also, the Series 3 does not have international emergency calling, fall detection, always-on altimeter, or the noise monitoring found in Series 6 and SE.
The Series 3 also uses an older S3 processor that is two times slower than the 64-bit S5 dual-core chip found in the SE.
Despite its lack of features compared to the newer Apple Watch Series 6 and Apple Watch Series, you still can do quite a bit on with the Apple Watch Series 3.
But, battery life is average, with Apple rating it for 18 hours of general use, which can probably last you a day and a half.
This watch lets you:
- Make contactless payments with Apple Pay support.
- Receive notifications like messages, reminders, alarms or calendar alerts.
- Listen to music and podcasts.
- Read and respond to SMSes or iMessages.
- Pickup emergency phone calls.
- Participating in Apple & the Health Promotion Board’s LumiHealth programme to earn vouchers.
How to Buy
Here’s a link to where you can buy the Apple Watch Series 3.
Best Android Smartwatch Singapore
Next up we have the best cheap Google smartwatches that support Google’s Wear OS.
2. Mobvoi TicWatch E2 Singapore ($189)
TicWatch E2 Specs
Specs Details
Price $189
OS WearOS by Google
Software Compatibility Android 4.3+ | iOS 8+
Battery Life Up to 2 days
according to Mobvoi
NFC No
GPS + Bluetooth Yes, with A-GPS, Beidou
Bluetooth 4.2 LE
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, microphone
Dimensions 46mm case
46.9 x 52.2 x 12.9 mm
53 g
Screen Size 1.4 inches
Display AMOLED (~404 ppi density)
Water Resistance 50m water resistant
Processor & Ram Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100
512MB
Internal Storage 4GB
Cellular Option No
If you want something that is built for your Android phone with Google’s WearOS, the TicWatch E2 is one of the best cheap WearOS watches.
The watch is a solid affordable gateway into the world of WearOS smartwatches.
Almost everything you want in a smartwatch is here. You’ll get a nice understated design, good GPS connectivity, 50m waterproofing, Google’s WearOs apps, notifications, ability to take calls, access to Google Assistant and more.
Battery life is also decent as according to Mobvoi, it can last for about 2 days of general use.
However, there are some drawbacks as the 46mm case that is 13mm thick is only available in black.
There is also no NFC for payments which is quite the bummer. But, that is not much of a con now as support for Google Pay NFC payments for smartwatches is currently not available in Singapore.
How to Buy
Here’s a link to where you can buy the TicWatch E2.
3. Fossil Smartwatch: Fossil Sport ($215.00)
If you can afford it, opt for the Fossil Sport Smartwatch.
Fossil Sport Smartwatch Specs
Specs Details
Price $215
OS Wear OS by Google
Software Compatibility Android OS 4.4+ | iOS 9.3+
Battery Life 1 day
according to Fossil
NFC Yes
GPS + Bluetooth Untethered GPS
Bluetoth 4.2 LE
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, light, compass, microphone
Dimensions 41mm or 43mm case
43x43x12mm
53 g
Screen Size 1.19 inches
Display OLED (~390 ppi density)
Water Resistance 50m water resistant
Processor & Ram Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 3100
512MB
Internal Storage 4GB
Cellular Option No
For just $26 more you get NFC, a faster Snapdragon 3100 processor and arguably better design.
But, do note that support for Google Pay NFC payments for smartwatches is currently not available in Singapore.
You’ll also get good GPS connectivity, 50m waterproofing, Google’s WearOS apps, notifications, ability to take calls, access to Google Assistant and more.
Battery life, however, is not as good, as according to Fossil, it can only last for about 1 day of general use.
But, you can use its low energy mode and extend it for one more day of use.
However, there are some drawbacks as the watch is only available in Rose Gold. But, you are free to change the bands.
Next up, we have the smartwatches that are compatible with both Android and Apple phones but do not run WearOS or WatchOS respectively.
How to Buy
Here’s a link to where you can buy the Fossil Sport Smartwatch.
4. Xiaomi Smartwatch: Xiaomi Haylou Solar LS05 ($38.80)
Here’s a relatively hidden gem for you.
Xiaomi Haylou Solar LS05 Specs
Specs Details
Price $39
OS Proprietary
Software Compatibility Android OS 4.40+ | iOS 8.0+
Battery Life 30 days
according to Xiaomi
NFC No
GPS + Bluetooth No GPS
Bluetooth 5.0
Sensors Accelerometer, heart rate
Dimensions 45x45x11.4mm
54 g
Screen Size 1.28 inches
Display LCD (~265 ppi density)
Water Resistance IP68
Processor & Ram Proprietary
Internal Storage -
Cellular Option No
Despite its slightly misleading name as the watch does not have a solar panel; the Xiaomi Haylou Solar is a decent smartwatch that has a great design, sturdy metal frame and reliable build.
The watch also comes with a rugged IP68 rating which means you can wear it all the time – just don’t take it into the pool.
What I like about this watch is that it has pretty stellar 30-day battery life and a bright LCD display.
However, functionality is not as extensive as the other smartwatches on this list. Think of it as an upgraded fitness tracker.
Software is simple and reliable and for $39, it is one of the best deals around.
How to Buy
Here’s a link to where you can buy the Xiaomi Haylou Solar LS05.
5. Huawei Smartwatch: Huawei Watch GT2e ($159)
If you want something a bit more advanced, you can consider the Huawei Watch GT2e.
The watch’s fitness and health features and great price makes this an attractive proposition.
Huawei Watch GT2e Specs
Specs Details
Price $159
OS Huawei Wearable OS
Software Compatibility Android OS 4.4+ | iOS 9.0+
Battery Life 14 days
according to Huawei
NFC No
GPS + Bluetooth GPS supported
Bluetooth 5.1
Sensors Accelerometer sensor
Air pressure sensor
Ambient light sensor
Capacitive sensor
Geomagnetic sensor
Gyroscope sensor
Optical heart rate sensor
Microphone
Dimensions 47mm case
53 x 46.8 x 10.8 mm
43 g
Screen Size 1.39 inches
Display AMOLED (~462 ppi density)
Water Resistance 50m water resistant
Processor & Ram Proprietary
Internal Storage 4GB
Cellular Option No
You’ll get quite a bit for the price.
The watch has a 3.5cm AMOLED display that is bright and sharp. You also can take it underwater as the watch is water-resistant up to 50m.
In addition, you get many sport profiles including swimming, cycling and an excellent running experience and sleep tracking.
Battery life is also great with 14 days of general use as the watch runs LiteOS which is a lot less taxing on the battery compared to Google’s WearOS.
However, there is a couple of drawbacks.
The watch is better for Android smartphone users due to its stress tracking and the ability to store songs on the watch. But for iPhone users, the app is more bare-bones.
Also, the watch is unable to take advantage of WearOS apps.
How to Buy
Here’s a link to where you can buy the Huawei Watch GT2e in Lava Red or Mint Green.
6. Samsung Smartwatch: Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 (From $233)
Last but not least we have the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Specs
Specs Details
Price From $233
OS Tizen
Software Compatibility Android OS 4.4+ | iOS 9.0+
Battery Life ~2 days
accoridng to Samsung
NFC Yes
GPS + Bluetooth Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
Bluetooth 5.0
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, VO2max
Dimensions 40mm or 44mm case
44 x 44 x 10.9 mm
42 g
Screen Size 1.4 inches
Display OLED (~364 ppi density)
Water Resistance 50m water resistant
Processor & Ram Exynos 9110 (10 nm)
1.5GB
Internal Storage 4GB
Cellular Option Yes
Although the watch does not run Google’s WearOS, this might actually be a good thing as Samsung has been consistently improving Tizen and provided updates Galaxy watches for years.
The watch itself is not too heavy, has a solid build and a big, bright always-on AMOLED display.
The watch is also very customisable with plenty of watch faces to choose from and robust app support
Fitness buffs take note. This watch is great for those who are active as it supports the Samsung Health platform which is great for tracking activity and sports.
Not to mention its 50m water resistance, decent 2 day battery life and standard 20mm straps which can be swapped out.
Support for NFC payment is also available in Singapore for the watch which is great.
Some caveats.
The watch can be used with an iPhone, but the Apple Watch is miles better on iOS.
Also, the watch is unable to take advantage of WearOS apps.
How to Buy
Here’s a link to where you can buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2.
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