Is Bluetooth Calling Worth It in Smartwatch? | Is It a Really Useful Feature Of Smartwatch?
Are you a prospective buyer or a current user of a smartwatch? If so, you are part of the growing trend that has made India an emerging market for smartwatches and other wearables. The Indian smartwatch industry has been experiencing steady growth, the 2021-2022 period marked a golden era for the smartwatch market, with an exceptional 121% growth in the first quarter of 2023 alone.
This surge in the smartwatch market can be attributed to the ready availability of budget-friendly options and an increasing variety of models. The demand for smartwatches in the country has particularly spiked in the budget segment, as both budget and mid-range smartphone users express interest in purchasing smartwatches equipped with Bluetooth calling. The convenience of this feature, along with various fitness tracking features, has made these smartwatches increasingly popular.
This article will delve into the value of owning a smartwatch with Bluetooth calling capabilities. We aim to determine if this feature truly adds value to the smartwatch, or if it’s merely an overhyped trend. So, let’s explore the facts.
How A Smartwatch Is Different From A Traditional Watch
You might wonder, what differentiates a smartwatch from a regular analog or traditional watch? There are several key features that define a smartwatch and explain why people are opting for smartwatches over regular analog ones. Factors such as design, functionality, connectivity, rechargeable capabilities, health tracking, and smartphone integration make these watches ‘smart’. Let’s delve into the reasons why a smartwatch is often a better option than a regular watch.
There are some specific facts that we have pointed out below to get a better understanding.
Functionality: Traditional watches primarily serve the function of showing time, day, and perhaps the date. (Though some higher-end analog watches might also include chronograph functions or dual time zones). While smartwatches can perform a host of tasks such as sending and receiving messages, making phone calls, tracking fitness metrics, navigating using GPS, playing music, and even making contactless payments and many more. They are feature-rich watches like a smartphone but less than smartphones.
Connectivity: A smartwatch has the ability to connect to your mobile or smartphone. They have a feature to connect to the internet, typically via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This allows the watch to pull in data like weather updates, notifications from your phone, and even answer calls or texts. A traditional watch does not have this capability. Don’t you think it is a smartwatch?
Health Features: Many smartwatches are equipped with health and fitness tracking features, such as heart rate monitors, sleep trackers, step counters, and more. Some also have advanced features like ECG and SpO2 monitors. Traditional watches do not have these capabilities. We will discuss further, that is it a smartwatch worth it or not for Bluetooth calling and fitness tracking.
Customization: With a smartwatch, you can often customize the watch’s face to display a variety of digital or analog designs. You can also usually choose what kind of notifications or updates you want to receive. Traditional watches do not offer this level of customization.
Rechargeable: Unlike traditional watches, smartwatches come with built-in rechargeable batteries, which is quite a useful feature. In contrast, traditional watches, powered by button cells or coin batteries, typically have a longer battery life, lasting months or even years. Smartwatches usually need to be charged regularly, often daily or every few days, depending on usage.
Interactivity: Smartwatches typically have touchscreens and can be synced with smartphones or other devices, allowing users to interact with various apps and features. Traditional watches, on the other hand, usually have no interactive features beyond setting the time or date.
Now the question raised, Smartwatch with Bluetooth Calling Capabilities: A Worthy Purchase?
Is A Smartwatch Worth It For Bluetooth Calling?
Before buying a smartwatch, it’s important to understand the facts about Bluetooth calling features. When manufacturers first introduced smartwatches, they did not include calling features. It wasn’t until brands like boAt and Fireboltt added Bluetooth calling that those smartwatches became bestsellers. Now, nearly every new smartwatch offers Bluetooth calling, often highlighting it as a unique selling point (USP) and claiming it to be the best feature of these devices.
However, the reality is quite different. Have you ever considered why you would use a smartwatch to hold a conversation while surrounded by people? It is the same as using your mobile phone on speaker mode in a crowded room. Is this something you’re comfortable with?
We discussed Whether Should You Buy a Bluetooth Calling Smartwatch or Not. Now you get an idea that Bluetooth calling is good or bad in a smartwatch. Now let’s consider the Pros and Cons of Bluetooth Calling Smartwatches that will tell you why you should buy a smartwatch and why you avoid it.
Pros
- Convenient to use.
- Best wearable gadget for controlling music, accepting/rejecting calls, reading messages, and replying to them.
- Fitness Tracking.
- Navigation help (Premium smartwatches).
- Better design than traditional watches.
- App control for customization and read consolidate data on the mobile of your health.
Cons
- Privacy concerns.
- Need to charge regularly.
- Not accurate in health tracking.
- Not good for Bluetooth calling.
Bluetooth Smartwatches: A Worthwhile Investment or Just a Fad?
Smartwatches are a great gadget for your daily life. They have many uses, such as reading direct messages from apps like WhatsApp, texts, and other notifications right on your wrist. You can even reply to these messages directly from the smartwatch. Moreover, it allows you to accept/reject calls, which is particularly convenient when you’re using TWS earbuds or neckbands for calls.
Bluetooth smartwatches are the second most important device after smartphones in youth in their daily lives. It is fashionable, trendy, and an important gadget for daily use. They provide convenience, allowing users to check notifications, and calls, or control music directly from their wrist. Some also offer GPS, NFC, and cellular connectivity.
Another major advantage is the fitness tracking functionality, making these devices appealing to health-conscious individuals. They can monitor steps, heart rate, sleep, and more, offering valuable insights.
However, there are drawbacks to consider. The battery life is notably shorter than that of traditional watches, requiring frequent charging. The cost can also be substantial, particularly for high-end models. And even though they offer many features, most smartwatches still rely heavily on being connected to a smartphone.
Also, it’s important to consider privacy concerns as these devices collect a vast amount of user data, which could be a potential risk if not properly protected.
Ultimately, whether a Bluetooth smartwatch is a worthwhile investment or just a fad largely depends on personal needs and preferences. Those who value convenience and health tracking might find them a good investment, while those concerned about cost, privacy, and longevity may view them as more of a passing trend.
Note: Budget and cheaper-priced smartwatches are often not as accurate and precise in health tracking. Premium-class smartwatches offered by companies like Apple and Samsung provide superior features and accuracy.
Verdict
Smartwatches are becoming increasingly popular in India. While the global market contracted in Q1 this year, India’s market has risen due to better features and an aggressive price range.
Many brands are entering the Indian market with valuable features, attracting users who are more likely to choose a smartwatch over regular tech. However, I personally still prefer wearing regular analog watches.
We have added our perspective on whether the Bluetooth calling feature is really worth it. If you see things differently, we’d love to hear your point of view.
