Welcome to an insightful conversation on the evolving world of wearable technology! Today, I’m thrilled to chat with Simon Glairy, a renowned expert in the field of smartwatches and fitness trackers. With years of hands-on experience testing and analyzing the latest devices, Simon has an unparalleled understanding of market trends, cutting-edge features, and what makes a smartwatch stand out in 2025—a year packed with innovation and tough buying decisions. In this interview, we dive into the challenges of choosing a smartwatch right now, explore standout models like the Apple Watch Series 10 and Google Pixel Watch 3, and unpack the exciting advancements shaping the future of wearables.
What’s making 2025 such a challenging time for someone looking to buy a new smartwatch?
Well, 2025 is a bit of a crossroads for smartwatch buyers. We’re seeing a wave of new releases and rumors about next-gen devices from major players like Apple and Google. This creates a dilemma—do you buy now or wait for what’s around the corner? The anticipation of upgraded features and refined designs can make current models feel outdated before they even hit your wrist. Plus, retailers are slashing prices on older stock to clear inventory, which is tempting but might leave you with a device that’s soon overshadowed by newer tech.
How do you weigh the decision to buy a smartwatch now versus waiting for upcoming releases from brands like Apple or Google?
It really depends on your needs and patience. If you need a smartwatch now—say, for fitness goals or staying connected—there are fantastic options available with proven performance, like the Apple Watch Series 10 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 8. Current deals on these or even last-gen models can save you a lot of money. But if you’re not in a rush and you’re excited about potential breakthroughs, waiting a few months could get you cutting-edge features or better battery life in the next iterations. It’s a gamble, though, since rumored releases don’t always live up to the hype.
What’s your take on how the current discounts on older smartwatch models influence a buyer’s choice?
Discounts on older models are a double-edged sword. On one hand, they’re a great opportunity to snag a high-quality device at a fraction of the original cost—think last year’s Apple Watch SE or Huawei Watch Fit 3. These still pack solid features for most users. On the other hand, you risk missing out on the latest health sensors or software updates that new models bring. I’d say if the discounted model covers your must-haves, like accurate heart rate tracking or notifications, it’s a smart buy. But if you’re into the newest tech, those savings might not outweigh the FOMO.
Can you share what excites you most about the smartwatch releases expected later in 2025?
I’m really pumped about the potential for deeper health insights and longer battery life in the rumored releases. For instance, the buzz around the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 suggests we might see advancements in sleep apnea detection or even non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, which would be game-changing. Google’s Pixel Watch 4 could refine Fitbit integration further, and I’m curious if Garmin’s Venu 4 will push wellness tracking to new heights. These aren’t just upgrades—they could redefine how we interact with wearables for health and fitness.
Why do you rank the Apple Watch Series 10 as the top choice for most people, especially iPhone users?
The Apple Watch Series 10 stands out because it’s the most polished and comprehensive smartwatch experience right now, especially if you’re in the Apple ecosystem. It’s got a sleek, thinner design with a brighter display, plus powerful features like ECG, cycle tracking, and sleep apnea detection through watchOS 11. The app store is unmatched, letting you customize it endlessly. It’s not perfect—battery life is still just a day—but for iPhone users wanting seamless integration and a do-it-all device, it’s hard to beat.
How does the Google Pixel Watch 3 carve out its spot as the go-to smartwatch for Android users?
The Pixel Watch 3 nails it for Android users by offering a refined Wear OS experience with excellent Fitbit integration. The new 45mm size option is a big win, catering to those who felt the 41mm was too small, and it delivers multi-day battery life—up to 48 hours with always-on display. Its heart rate and sleep tracking are super accurate, and the Fitbit features like Cardio Load give deeper fitness insights. It’s not flawless—stress tracking still feels off—but for Android folks, it’s a top-tier blend of style and function.
What advancements in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 make it a significant step forward for Samsung’s lineup?
The Galaxy Watch 8 feels like a leap because of its integration of Google Gemini as an AI assistant—it’s genuinely useful for handling complex tasks right from your wrist, which earlier models couldn’t match. The ‘cushion’ case design looks cleaner, and the Super AMOLED display is sharper than ever. Health features like ECG and blood pressure monitoring are still strong, though some new metrics feel experimental. For Samsung phone users especially, it’s a compelling upgrade despite the middling battery life.
How do you see battery life continuing to shape user experiences across different smartwatch brands?
Battery life remains a make-or-break factor for many users. Apple’s single-day limit on the Series 10 frustrates heavy users, while options like the Pixel Watch 3’s 45mm model or Garmin Venu 3’s week-long runtime cater to those who hate daily charging. It shapes how people use their devices—short battery life means constant planning, while longer life offers freedom. I think brands are feeling the pressure to extend runtimes without sacrificing features, and it’s an area where we’ll see fierce competition.
What’s your forecast for the future of smartwatch technology over the next few years?
I’m optimistic we’re heading toward smartwatches becoming even more indispensable health tools. I expect non-invasive health monitoring—like blood sugar or hydration levels—to become mainstream, alongside AI that personalizes fitness and wellness advice in real-time. Battery tech should improve with solid-state options, potentially giving us weeks of use. And as 5G and standalone connectivity grow, smartwatches might fully untether from phones. It’s an exciting space, and I think we’re just scratching the surface of what these devices can do for our daily lives.
