Smartwatches

Has the ability to connect to a cellular network without a smartphone.

Indicates which phones, either specific models or the operating system they use that works with the watch.

Connects to GPS satellites to measure distance you moved during various exercises without having a smartphone present.

Allows music stored on the watch to be played via headphones without requiring a smartphone.

A short-range wireless technology that triggers a transaction between the watch and another device, usually by bumping them together. On smartwatches, it’s most often used to initiate the pairing sequence with a new phone or tablet to authorize payments at a retailer’s pay terminal.

A long-range wireless communication technology that enables a smartwatch to pair with a smartphone and with other devices within a home network or remote location via the Internet.

Indicates what type of heart-rate monitor is used, if at all. The two main types are active and stationary. Stationary heart-rate monitors measure your pulse only at intervals you choose, mostly at rest. Active heart-rate monitors measure your pulse continuously, or automatically at variable intervals.

SpO2 (Saturation of peripheral Oxygen) is a wrist-based pulse oximeter to gauge the percent saturation of oxygen in your blood. Your fitness tracker gauges your blood oxygen level by shining light into the skin and checking how much light is absorbed. Healthy adults have above 95% and any reading below 89% would be a health concern.

Technology used by the display, such as OLED, AMOLED, Super AMOLED, LCD, or e-paper.

Indicates whether the watch can be controlled by touching its display.

Claimed number days, often a range, manufacturer says the watch will function on a charge.

How resistant the watch is to submersion in water, as tested by subjecting the device to a water pressure equivalent to the depth the manufacturer claims the smartwatch can withstand.

The material used to protect the display. Often it’s made of a mineral such as sapphire or quartz, or other materials such as glass or plastic.

Primary material used to manufacture the case, excluding the display.

The diameter of the case, measured to nearest tenth of an inch.

Size of the active screen, to the nearest tenth of an inch.

Weight of watch in ounces.

Thickness of the watch measured to the nearest tenth of an inch.