Hybrid watches come with a ton of features and functionalities that are designed to make your life easier and make it enjoyable to use the watches. When shopping for hybrid smartwatches, you may have a lot of questions. In the reviews below, I strive to answer your questions. I review several of what I think are the best hybrid smartwatches (also called hybrid watches or hybrid smart watches), and discuss why you would want a hybrid smartwatch (also called hybrid watch or hybrid smart watch) at all.
Table of contents
- Why a Hybrid Smartwatch?
- How is a Hybrid Watch Different From a Standard Smartwatch?
- Are All Hybrid Smartwatches Compatible With Smartphones?
- Best Budget Hybrid Smartwatches – Quick Comparison
- What to Look for When Buying Hybrid Smartwatches
- FAQ’s
- Conclusion
Why a Hybrid Smartwatch?
If you are in the market for a smartwatch, you are probably wondering whether you should choose a traditional smartwatch or a hybrid watch.
Apple Watch is the undisputed leader in smartwatches. With its large square face, touchscreen, and hefty price tag, it is unmistakable.
Then there is also the popular Fitbit fitness tracker, with its elongated face and modern looking band.
Perhaps you like the functionality of the Apple Watch, but don’t like the price, or you would prefer a more traditional-looking watch.
The top hybrid smartwatches meet these goals. They look just like a traditional watches, but they have smartwatch functionality. Additionally, hybrid watches aren’t terribly expensive.
Following are what I consider to be the top hybrid smartwatches currently in the market:
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How is a Hybrid Watch Different From a Standard Smartwatch?
A hybrid watch looks like any other watch as it is a fusion of a smartwatch and a basic mechanical watch. When you look closely, however, you will see that they are capable of doing far more than telling time.
Hybrid smartwatches combine traditional watch mechanics with some connected features.
These watches don’t usually have a touchscreen like smartwatches do. They are able to connect to your phone, and may require your phone to be nearby to perform some functions. However, they don’t necessarily have the full functionality of standard smartwatches, which may be considered an extension of your phone.
Are All Hybrid Smartwatches Compatible With Smartphones?
The compatibility of a hybrid smartwatch with smartphones depends on the features and capabilities of the specific watch.
There are some hybrid smartwatches that are compatible with both Android and iOS phones while others are only compatible with either one of the systems but not both.
Best Budget Hybrid Smartwatches – Quick Comparison
Samsung Hybrid Smartwatch – Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic
For decades now, Samsung has been at the forefront producing sophisticated smart devices including watches and phones.
The latest edition of the Samsung Hybrid Smartwatch – the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic – is a professionally designed and built hybrid smartwatch that is incredibly useful for fitness monitoring and tracking, ECG monitoring, sleep tracking, and more.
The watch is made in two sizes: 42mm and 46mm, and is available in Black or Silver.
As far as womens and mens hybrid watches go, this one is tops.
Fitness Tracking and High End Features
Samsung has a reputation for high quality products. The Galaxy 4 Classic Samsung Hybrid Smartwatch is no exception.
These features include heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, Bluetooth connectivity, and sleep monitoring. The hybrid watch with GPS has Auto Workout Tracking, Advanced Run Coaching, and Group Challenges. The hybrid watch can perform a body composition analysis, has real-time ECG monitoring, and also displays the time.
The watch is water resistant up to 50 meters, and has a battery life of up to 40 hours.
Easy Phone Pairing and Communication
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is a superior timepiece that easily pairs with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone running Android 7 or later. The watch’s operating system is called Wear OS Powered by Samsung. Through this powerful OS, along with the applicable apps on your phone, you can take phone calls, send texts, and receive texts with photos, and get notifications from apps such as Twitter and Facebook.
With the Bluetooth version, your phone must be nearby. However, the watch also has an LTE version which allows you to use the Samsung hybrid smartwatch as a standalone mobile phone.
Pros:
- Extremely useful features
- Health and Wellness trackers, including ECG
- Easy to use and pair with your smartphone
- Complex fitness tracking features, including GPS
- Gorgeous design
Cons:
- Battery life shortened when using advanced features
TicWatch Pro 3 GPS Smartwatch
The TicWatch Pro 3 GPS Smartwatch is a relatively new entrant in the smartwatch sector. The hybrid watch is manufactured by Mobvoi and is part of a strategic partnership with Wear OS by Google.
The watch brand has stirred the industry with its unique features, unparalleled performance, and superior build. It is now regarded as one of the must-have hybrid smartwatches.
The simplistic yet stylish design of the watch makes it an ideal choice for shoppers looking for an all-round hybrid smart device.
Compatibility
The most amazing aspect of owning one of the best hybrid smartwatches is its compatibility with different types of phones.
The TicWatch Pro 3 GPS Smartwatch is compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems. This means that you can pair your smartwatch with Apple and Samsung and other Android phones.
Battery Life – Layered Display Technology
One of the features that makes the TicWatch vie for the title of best hybrid smartwatch is the layered display technology. There are two modes of display on the watch: the Essential Mode with a power-saving watch display; and the Smart Mode, which displays the full features of the watch. When using the Smart Mode, the battery life lasts up to three days, but in the Essential mode, it can last up to 45 days.
Design and Features
The watch face of the TicWatch Pro is changeable. There are over 1000 watch faces to choose from on Google Play.
The watch has tons of features that include fitness tracking features, 24 hour heart rate monitor, GPS tracker, barometer, and sleep tracking among other features. It has a built in speaker and microphone, and it supports Google Pay.
For Android users, the watch has additional features like sending messages, making calls and Using Google Assistant.
Pros:
- Fitness and activity tracking features
- Attractive and decorative design
- Comfortable straps
- Android and iOS Smartphone compatibility
- Excellent battery life through Essential mode
Cons:
- Not suitable for wet conditions. Rated to 1.5 meters water depth. Manufacturer recommends that it not be worn when washing hands.
TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra
Although definitely firmly in the category “smartwatch,” rather than Hybrid Smartwatch, I felt compelled to add the latest watch from Mobvoi because of the significant improvements that have been made to it over the Pro 3 GPS reviewed above.
The TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra is durable. The display is made from Corning Gorilla Glass, and it meets Mil-STD-810G, a military standard for ruggedness and durability.
It also connects to Spotify, uses Ok Google, has IHB/AFib detection, and includes Fatigue Assessment.
If you are looking for a smartwatch that can survive through your rough adventures, then the TicWatch Pro Ultra 3 is for you.
Fossil Collider Hybrid Smartwatch
If you are one of the people who are always on the move and desire to carry a reliable hybrid smartwatch at all times, the Fossil Men’s Collider is the ultimate accessory for you.
The watch is an epitome of functionality and style and will thus make you stand out whether in a formal or casual outing. The timepiece provides you with power in your hands to control music on your phone, tracks your heart rate and activity, and displays notifications.
Traditional Stylish Good Looks
The Fossil smartwatch combines traditional design with a modern appeal to produce an eye-catching unique and stylish look. It is made of stainless steel and sports a timeless brown leather watchband.
The Fossil Men’s Collider men’s hybrid watch has a classic and understated design which matches perfectly with a variety of outfits and fashion accessories.
The timepiece comes with an easy-to-read display that features a brown and beige display and hands. This hybrid mechanical watch has integrated mechanical hands. The watch’s comfortable leather strap is easily adjustable.
Battery life and features
One of the features of this watch that really stands out is the uniquely amazing battery life. The battery can last over two weeks on a single charge. It use a magnetic charger, which is included.
The battery life depends on how you use the watch. This timepiece from Fossil provides its users with a host of notifications including smartphone notifications, activity tracking and sleep monitoring among other features.
The watch also allows users to wireless syncing functionalities in the smartwatch’s app.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Stylish traditional design
- Hear Rate sensor, step tracking, receive alerts
- Works with iOS and Android
Cons:
- Lacks GPS; can’t answer calls
Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smart Watch
The Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smartwatch with GPS is a watch designed to withstand your outdoor adventures. It is water resistant to 100 meters, has 100 sports modes, and meets 15 military grades tests for durability.
Designed for Endurance
The watch face has an always on AMOLED display which is clear and easy to read. It has a strong silicone strap that has a sweat wicking design to keep you dry and comfortable.
Functions that Matter
There are over 100 Sports Modes on the Amazfit T-Rex Pro Smartwatch, along with other excellent features. It can notify you of incoming text messages or calls, has GPS, monitors heart rate and blood oxygen saturation, has a sleep monitor, a weather tracker, a barometric altimeter, and a compass.
The battery life is solid. When using GPS continuously, it lasts up to 40 hours; if you aren’t heavily using the the GPS, then the battery can last as long as 18 days.
Pros:
- Military Grade Toughness
- Long battery life
- 100 sports modes
- GPS
Cons:
- Battery is not replaceable
Garmin 010-02172-21 Vivoactive 4S
The Garmin Vivoactive 4S is a smaller sized hybrid smartwatch. It has powerful features, yet has an elegant, understated design. I like the rose gold version with the white band, but the hybrid watch is also available in pink, grey, or black designs.
Garmin is a leader in smartwatches, and this hybrid watch does not disappoint.
Stylish Good Looks
The Vivoactive 4S fits wrists with a circumference of 110-175 mm. It doesn’t look or feel bulky. Using the Garmin Connect IQ store, you can personalize your watch when you choose from thousands of free watch faces, apps, and widgets.
First Class Features
The watch is excellent at monitoring heart rate, hydration, and energy levels. This is one of the few smartwatches that will easily track your menstrual cycle. You can download songs to your hybrid watch, including playlists from Amazon music, Deezer, or Spotify. There are 20 preloaded indoor sports and GPS apps, as well as animated workouts that you can view right on your watch. When paired with a smartphone, you can receive emails, texts, and alerts.
Pros:
- 7 day battery life using smartwatch features
- Plethora of health tracking
- Elegant, feminine design
- Pairs easily with any smartphone
Cons:
- Battery life drops to 5 hours when using music and GPS
Honorable Mentions
Other great watches:
- Citizen NB1031-16E Review
- Citizen BU2055-16E Review
- Citizen AT8010-58E Review
- Citizen BN0150-28E Review
What to Look for When Buying Hybrid Smartwatches
Realizing that you need a hybrid smartwatch is an entirely different thing from identifying the watch that is perfect for you.
This is because there are many factors to consider when shopping for the right watch. Here are several aspects to consider:
Compatible with your Phone
Sometimes hybrid smart watches are standalone devices, and don’t connect to your phone. Other times they can connect to your phone and send and receive data from apps. As a result, you will need to know if the hybrid smartwatch will pair with the phone you have – iOS on Apple phones, or Android for Samsung and other phones.
Features that You Want
Hybrid smart watches are able to monitor your heart rate and track a plethora of other data. Determine how you plan to use your watch. Is having GPS important? Consider if you want to get texts and notifications right on your hybrid smartwatch. Some hybrid smartwatches even allow you to make payments using your watch.
Look and Feel
A watch is as good as its design and looks. The watch should be comfortable to wear, and sized properly for your wrist. It should have a style that suits your tastes and lifestyle. No matter how many functions it has, if you don’t like the way your hybrid watch look and feels, you probably won’t be happy wearing it.
Ease of customization
The ideal hybrid smartwatch should give you options to personalize the watch to suit your needs. The watches typically let you change the look of the face. In addition, you should be able to customize audio notifications, set vibration patterns using advanced haptic vibrators, and easily set other functions.
Ease of Use
There is no point in buying a hybrid smartwatch that is too complex and hard for you to operate.
Instead, you should get a watch that you can operate easily and convenient just like you would for a normal mechanical watch.
The watch face it self should be easy to read. It should be clear and visible when you want it to be. Some watches have always on functions; some require waking up. What is your preference? You should be able to easily read the time, date or other information that is important to you on the watch.
FAQ’s
Which is the best hybrid smartwatch?
There is no specific hybrid smartwatch that can be identified as the best and ultimate smartwatch. This is especially true for smartwatches compared to traditional watches, because there are always new releases with improved functions.
Therefore, I have presented a collection of several hybrid smartwatches that are currently available that have excellent features.
However, the only way of determining the best hybrid watch for your is to identify which options are most important to you.
What does a hybrid smartwatch do?
Hybrid smartwatches do a number of things such as displaying time and date; tracking fitness data by counting steps and monitoring heart rates; receiving notifications such as messages and calls sent to your phone, and monitoring GPS location.
Do all hybrid smartwatches come with rechargeable batteries?
No. There are some hybrid smartwatches that have rechargeable batteries while others come with replaceable batteries. The choice of battery depends on the make and model of the hybrid smartwatch of choice.
Conclusion
There are new and modern hybrid smartwatches being produced every day. These new releases come with more sophisticated looks, designs, features, and performance.
Since you probably don’t want to buy a new watch every few months, it is important that you buy a watch that has the features you want, feels good on your wrist, is easy to operate for you, and matches your style. Find the best brand and model that is within your budget and meets your preferences. Consider the reputation of the brand, and the watch durability as well.
