Tech Next: Device redefines smartwatch experience with cutting edge tech

Apple has widened the lead over its rivals with a combination of major hardware upgrades and software improvements.

We’ve spent a couple of weeks testing the newest, fifth generation Apple Watch. It comes with one of the most useful upgrades of the Apple Watch. If you own an iPhone and are looking at a new smartwatch or an upgrade from an early generation Apple Watch, this year’s Series 5 builds a strong case.

Most smartwatches have steered clear of an always-on display because of battery life concerns. The Apple Watch Series 5 has added this feature, you don’t need to shake your wrist each time you need to see the time. Apple has used cutting edge tech to make this work including a low-temperature polysilicon and oxide display (LTPO) display. The screen dims when your wrist is down and returns to full brightness with a raise or a tap. So, you have a display that’s always on, without compromising on battery life. We experienced the same all-day battery life as the Apple Watch 4 in our tests.

Last year, the Apple Watch 4 introduced an ECG feature that’s now finally available for India. You can take an electrocardiogram (on both the Apple Watch 4 and 5) in 30 seconds right from your wrist. Wellness has been a big part of the Apple Watch Sales pitch; the new Watch OS 6 brings a whole host of new features including a new cycle tracking app that allows users to log daily information about their menstrual cycles. Watch OS 6 is now available for Apple Watch Series 3 onwards (and for Apple Watch 1 and 2 by the year-end). It allows you to download apps directly on to your watch, while Siri adds new tricks. The Apple Watch Series 5 might have skipped sleep tracking and you still have to charge it every day but it’s still the best smartwatch by a distance.(Rs 40,990 onwards)

A ten-minute charge gives you 4.5 hours of talk time. The Vivo U10’s biggest talking point is its 5000 mAh battery that comes with an 18W charger in the box. Vivo claims 12 hours of video playback — this one’s geared for heavy duty gaming and binge watching alike. The U10 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665AIE octa-core processor and comes in three hardware variants — 3GB/32GB, 3GB/64GB and 4GB/64GB. It’s kitted with a triple rear cam that includes an ultra-wide angle lens. (Rs 8,990 onwards)

This lightweight — it weighs only 28 gm, Bluetooth neckband delivers great sound thanks to a dual speaker. Each earphone features dual 6mm drivers offering an enhanced frequency. The N23 also boasts of a dual battery that ensures 20 hours of music playback or talk time. (Rs 3,499)