Arjun Ruparelia

All our devices and appliances are leveraging the power of smart-tech with easy access to high-speed internet, so why should watches lose out on surfing the “smart” wave? The smartwatch market has been saturated with competition, conferring the tech-savvy millennials with the benefits of smaller price tags, and consequently abundant choices. Watches are no more a time and date only device, they are powerful gadgets that bring accessibility and convenience. Smartwatches are perfect fitness companions that are designed, for the most part, to accurately compile your physical activity data. They are compact and loaded with more features than ever before. An abundance of choice is often a recipe for confusion, and that is precisely what our list of Best Smartwatches Under 5000 is going to help you with. With the fast-paced development of smartwatches and their complex specs, wrapping your head around their offerings may look like a herculean task. But before we get a move on, let’s go over some fundamental features of a good smartwatch that will help you select your ideal device. Display: Smartwatch screens tend to be smaller than most smart devices we use such as smartphones and TVs. A smaller screen is a surefire formula for illegible text. You always want your smartwatch to have a display that is bright enough to been seen under direct sunlight. GPS: What do you need a GPS for if your smartphone already has it, right? Well, your smartwatch needs a GPS to accurately track your physical activity. It could alternatively rely on your smartphone’s geolocation, but an in-built GPS chip brings accuracy. Water Resistance: Take a quick look at the device’s IP rating to ensure that your device will tackle the usual dust and water spills just fine. If you’re a swimmer or spend a large portion of your day around water, ensure that you buy a smartwatch that will sustain extended water exposure. Battery Life: Higher autonomy minimizes upkeep. You expect convenience from a smart device, and running out of battery midday defeats your purpose. Invest in a smartwatch with optimum battery backup. Alright, fasten your seat belts. We’re going for a ride. 1. Our top pick: Amazfit Bip U https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08HHCDN97 Display: 1.43-inch LCD Touch Water Resistance: 5ATM Built-in sensors: PPG biological optical sensor, 6-axis accelerometer, SpO2 sensor Warranty: 1 year The all-new big-screen wearable from Amazfit takes good care of the “smartwatch” element over and above its fitness tracking capabilities. Let’s discuss what to expect from the device before you strap it on. Amazfit Bip U’s design is inspired by the Apple Watch Series 6. The device has a plastic body and a glass that covers the top. While Amazfit has not explicitly stated the type of protection, the glass doesn’t seem to accumulate any scratches. The smartwatch accommodates a crown home button that will take you back to the home screen, or activate a specific workout if you long-press. At just 31 grams, it rests comfortably on your wrist throughout the day. The skin-friendly soft silicone rubber strap does not cause irritation even on a sweaty wrist and comes in black, green, and pink. The smartwatch pairs with both iOS and Android devices through Amazfit’s Zepp app. Bip U’s champion feature is its 1.4-inch LCD display that is enclosed within slim bezels on most sides. It has replaced Bip S Lite’s transflective display with a decent color display which has a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels and provides excellent legibility under direct sunlight. The 5ATM water resistance lets you keep the smartwatch on during showers and allows worry-free cleansing of dirt or sweat. The device runs on a custom OS that has fluid animations and no lag. The watch is responsive and the app loading times are pleasingly short. Underneath the body is a protrusion housing the BioTracker PPG2 sensor that combines the heart rate sensor and blood oxygen monitoring sensor. There’s also an acceleration sensor and a gyroscope sensor, but a GPS chip is absent. The huge line-up of sports (60+) tracking modes on the device are more than what anybody will ever use. The Lithium-ion battery lasts up to 9 days on a single charge that takes 2 hours with its proprietary magnetic charging connector. So make sure you don’t lose the charger. Amazfit provides a one-year warranty on the device. With a gazillion features, none of the other devices in this price segment come close to the Amazfit Bip U. The sheer plethora of offerings on the smartwatch is extraordinary. Amazfit seems to have outdone itself with the Bip U. PROS Large, Bright Display 5ATM water resistance 60+ Sports Modes No Lag on the OS CONS Proprietary Charger Lack of in-built GPS 2. Amazfit Verge Lite https://www.flipkart.com/huami-amazfit-verge-lite-smartwatch/p/itm07437c90fe9b8 Display: 1.3-inch AMOLED Touch Water Resistance: IP68 – Up to 1.5 m Built-in sensors: Tri-axial acceleration, PPG Heart Rate, Ambient Light Sensors Warranty: 1 year The smarter than a smartwatch Amazfit Verge Lite is a device that attempts to find the sweet spot between features and price. When you think of a watch, the most immediate shape that comes to mind is a circle. Amazfit Verge Lite has done just that as against the more popular square shape of smartwatches. However, it looks rather bulky. The polycarbonate body also lacks the premium feel of an aluminum or ceramic body. It comes with a 43mm-diameter dial and on the side appears a home button. It’s available in grey and white. The Verge Lite pairs with smartphones running at least iOS 9.0 or Android 4.4 through the ZEPP app (earlier known as the Amazfit app). The 1.3-inch AMOLED display gives excellent legibility under sunlight and the ambient light sensors work wonderfully to auto-adjust the brightness. The display has a resolution of 360 x 360. The device will survive occasional water spills and showers just fine with its IP68 dust and water resistance rating. The PPG heart rate sensor is fairly accurate except for during high-intensity interval training. The device’s sleep tracking, however, is superior. I was also excited to discover an in-built GPS chip on the wearable. The device comprises multiple sports modes which include outdoor running, treadmill, outdoor/indoor cycling, and the like. Amazfit Verge Lite comes with a one-year warranty. The 390 mAh battery gives you a whopping 20 days of autonomy on a single charge. The Verge Lite is loaded with features and comes with a small price tag. It holds appeal for a young audience who wants a “cool-looking” device. PROS Bright Display Accurate sleep tracking In-built GPS Marathon grade battery life CONS Bulky design Polycarbonate Body 3. Honor Watch Magic https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07RCFFZBN Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED Touch Water Resistance: 5ATM Built-in sensors: Heart Rate Sensor Warranty: 6 months This regular-looking smartwatch from Honor works as an extremely accurate fitness tracker. It is also an ideal swim-buddy that tracks a wide array of fitness metrics. The traditionally designed watch comes with a circular dial and has slightly raised bezels. Two buttons emerge off the stainless steel on the device’s right. The 9.8mm thick watch weighs above average at 50 grams and has a silicone strap. The strap sports a layer of Italian cowhide at the top which is safeguarded by the lower silicone so the device can accompany you to the gym. It comes in Black and Moonlight Silver. The Honor Watch Magic works with iOS 9.0+ and Android 4.4+ smartphones using the Bluetooth v4.2 LE connectivity. To pair your smartwatch and smartphone, you’ll need to install the Huawei Health app. The crisp 1.2-inch AMOLED display has an auto-adjusting screen brightness and a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels. The 326ppi display is bright and legible under direct sunlight. The Watch Magic is water-resistant up to 50m and therefore pool-party-friendly. The device runs on a custom OS with a straightforward interface that lets you switch between modes like weather, activities, etc. A heart rate sensor is placed on the underside and the Watch Magic is powered with an in-built GPS chip. The smartwatch has fitness tracking modes that include outdoor/indoor run, indoor/outdoor cycling, climb, among others. It also has a “pool swim” and “open water swim” mode which, in this price segment, are exclusive to the Honor Watch Magic. The device only has a 6-month warranty. Its uninspiring 178 mAh battery lasts about 4 days on a full charge as against the company’s 7-day claim. If you can do away with limited customizability, or you are making the purchase largely for fitness tracking – the Watch Magic will serve you well. PROS In-built GPS chip 5ATM water resistance An Excellent Fitness Tracker CONS Limited Customizability Traditional Design Poor Battery Backup 4. Realme Watch https://www.amazon.in/dp/B089NZG3Z3 Display: 1.4-inch Touch Water Resistance: IP68 Built-in sensors: PPG Heart Rate Sensor, SpO2 Sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, Rotor Vibration Motor Warranty: 1 year Realme has developed the Realme Watch to be a central device for its AIoT ecosystem. When the technology matures, the watch will control multiple AIoT devices such as smart lamps and air purifiers without needing your smartphone. Even with a more plastic affair, the Realme Watch is reminiscent of the Apple Watch. The casing’s glossy finish and a golden multi-functional button do give the watch a rather expensive look. The 31-gram wearable comes with comfy, durable, and detachable silicon straps that have replaced a watch-style buckle with a single button clasp. The buckled strap comes in black, but you can purchase Fashion straps in black, blue, red, and green. The smartwatch pairs with your Android 5.0+ smartphones using the Bluetooth v5.0 connectivity and the Realme Link app. Unfortunately, the Realme Watch is not compatible with iOS devices. The 1.4-inch display with a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels is protected by a 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 3. At the maximum brightness of 380 nits, the outdoor legibility is average even when the screen is not covered with smudges. With its IP68 rating, the wearable device will withstand sweat or a dish-washing session, but you should steer clear of swimming a few lengths wearing the device. The Realme Watch’s proprietary OS has a pleasingly simplistic interface. At the back of the smartwatch is a PPG Optical Heart Rate Sensor supplied by Goodix that you can set to take automatic measurements at 5, 10, 20, or 30-minute intervals or measure it as needed. The SpO2 sensor does not operate automatically, but you can take readings manually. It takes around 60 seconds to measure your blood oxygen levels. The readings were fairly accurate when compared to a pulse oximeter. The smartwatch has a good number of sports modes including cycling, running, walking, aerobic capacity, badminton, table tennis, among others. The device packs in a 160 mAh battery that gives a week’s worth of autonomy as per Realme. These numbers, however, may be considered overly optimistic. You should expect the device to pull through 4 days on a single charge, with the heart monitoring turned on. The Realme Watch ships with a one year warranty. This lightweight watch is a splendid fitness tracker that is sprinkled with a bunch of smartwatch-specific features. If you dig devices that are easy to forget when worn, this smartwatch brings some neat features to the table. PROS Lightweight Excellent Fitness Tracker CONS Lack of Compatibility with iOS Devices Poor Outdoor Legibility 5. NoiseFit Evolve https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07ZT5S7VL Display: 1.2-inch AMOLED Touch Water Resistance: IP68 Built-in sensors: Heart Rate Sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, Pedometer Warranty: 1 year The lightweight NoiseFit Evolve from Noise, an India-based consumer electronics corporation, offers some exciting features such as music controls and an AMOLED screen. The NoiseFit Evolve features a traditional design with plastic straps, a 40mm circular dial, and an anodized aluminum frame. The module has a single right-sided button that works as a home button. Noise has chosen detachable Thermoplastic Polyurethane straps for the 43-gram device that ships in a Slate Black, Dusk Blue, and Blush Pink color. The smartwatch uses Bluetooth v5.0 connectivity to pair with Android 4.4+ and iOS 9.0+ smartphones that have the NoiseFit Peak app installed. The 1.2-inch AMOLED display with a 390 x 390 pixels resolution and a 459ppi pixel density is ample bright with decent viewing angles to provide excellent outdoor legibility. The accelerometer on the watch enables it to automatically turn the display on when the user lifts their hand to make up for the absence of an always-on display. The IP68 rated smartwatch is not afraid of a little rain or sweat, but it's best to not wear it into the sauna or swimming pools. The smartwatch carries LED lights on its rear and uses photo-diodes that illuminate the blood vessel to take a reading. The accuracy of the heart rate sensor is decent. However, the device lacks a gyroscope sensor and an in-built GPS. The device’s sports mode tracks 9 activities including indoor/outdoor running, walking, cycling, yoga, among others. The device’s charging mechanism is unique which requires the users to place the smartwatch inside the case such that the contacts on the watch and the dock touch each other. On the other end, the charger uses a USB Type-A that plugs into a PC/Laptop, or a 5V-1A charger. The 180 mAh battery provides 12 days of autonomy on a single charge that takes about 2 hours and comes with a 1-year warranty. The NoiseFit Evolve will hold appeal for you if you can overlook the absence of the gyroscope and an in-built GPS. The device offers excellent battery life and a brilliant AMOLED display. If this sounds like something you can get behind, NoiseFit Evolve is a terrific smartwatch. PROS Lightweight Excellent Outdoor Legibility Excellent Battery Life CONS Traditional Design Lack of Gyroscope and In-built GPS 6. Noise ColorFit NAV https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08D1GV7V2 Display: 1.4-inch TFT LCD Touch Water Resistance: IP68 Built-in sensors: Optical Heart Rate Sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis Gyroscope Warranty: 1 year Another great pick among Noise’s wearable devices is the ColorFit NAV that comes with an in-built GPS and is aggressively priced. The 40-gram square-faced smartwatch has slim bezels surrounding the display. The device’s matte-finished fingerprint-resistant shell is made out of polycarbonate. Two buttons are protruding slightly out the device’s right side, the top button turns the display on/off and the bottom button takes you to the home screen. The 22m thermoplastic polyurethane strap is skin-friendly and length-adjustable for a perfect fit. The straps are detachable so you can mix and match third-party straps that go with your outfit. The smartwatch ships in two colors – Stealth Black and Camo Green. The smartwatch works with iOS 9.0+ and Android 5.0+ smartphones using its Bluetooth v4.2 connectivity. The users will need the NoiseFit X app on their smartphone before being able to pair the devices. The 1.4-inch TFT LCD comes with multiple watch faces, has a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels, and a 323ppi pixel density. The display’s excellent viewing angles and brightness provides superior legibility under direct sunlight. There’s no scratch-resistant glass to protect the display, though. The always-on feature is absent, but you can lift your wrist to wake the display which will turn off after 5, 10, or 15 seconds to minimize battery drain. The device’s IP68 water resistance rating makes it safe for underwater submersion up to 1.5m, for a maximum of 30 minutes. The ColorFit NAV runs a buttery smooth proprietary OS that runs without any lags. The heart rate sensor is placed underneath the watch and you can set it to take readings at 5-minute intervals. It takes about 5-10 seconds to measure your heart rate and will give you a real-time measurement during a workout. The in-built GPS enables the smartwatch to function as a standalone activity tracker, so you can sync this data with the app at a later time. The smart device comes loaded with 10 Sports Modes comprising indoor as well as outdoor activities. The Lithium Polymer battery takes 2 hours to fully charge and gives a poor 4-day autonomy with the GPS off and heart rate monitor taking readings at 1-hour intervals. With the GPS on, the battery only lasts for about 2 and a half days. The ColorFit NAV arrives with a one-year warranty. Barring the poor battery performance, the NoiseFit device aces the feature game with a good quality display, an in-built GPS, and an IP68 rating. PROS No Lags Excellent Outdoor Legibility In-built GPS CONS Poor Battery Life 7. Lenovo Carme HW25P https://www.amazon.in/dp/B081TBBL7T Display: 1.3-inch LCD Water Resistance: IP68 Built-in sensors: Pedometer, Heart Rate Sensor Warranty: 1 year Lenovo, in its pursuit to diversify its wearables portfolio, has launched the Lenovo Carme HW25P. It is inspired by Amazfit GTS. If you’re a fan of the GTS with a budget constraint, Lenovo Crame HW25P is your blessing in disguise. The smartwatch closely resembles the Fitbit Versa. The squared-shaped metallic dial and beveled side edges add an element of elegance to the Carme HW25P. The detachable rubber strap is of good quality and held in place by slideable pins, which you must slide to detach it. The device is operated through buttons on the device’s right. The top button takes you to the secondary menu, while the bottom button wakes up the screen, or takes you back to the home screen. A touch-based scroll button sits flush with the body at the display’s baseline and is it the only interactive element except for the side buttons. The device has two color variants – all-black and green. The device’s Bluetooth v4.2 wireless connectivity connects the Carme HW25P with your Android and iOS smartphones. You’d also need the Lenovo Life app for tracking activities through the smartwatch. The 1.3-inch LCD is covered with 2.5D glass and has a resolution of 1280 x 1024. However, given the way the Lenovo device is priced, an OLED display would have made much more sense and provided better color saturation, and viewing angles. The legibility under direct sunlight is also sub-par. The IP68 rating allows you to venture into rains and pools without having to take the device off. The Lenovo wearable lets you track all critical fitness metrics such as the heart rate, calories, steps, and sleep. You can also turn on continuous heart-rate tracking on the Carme HW25P. In addition to compiling your fitness data, the Lenovo Life app shares health and exercise tips and also gives you an option to locate your smartwatch. The device has diverse sports modes that include cycling, skipping, basketball, badminton, and more. The device carries a 200 mAh battery that will give you a week’s worth of autonomy on a single charge that takes an hour and a half. Lenovo ships the product with a one-year warranty. Overall, the smartwatch is armed with a solid line-up of features such as continuous heart rate monitoring, IP68 rating, and decent battery life. The Lenovo Carme HW25P is an ideal choice for those who are not insistent on a bright touchscreen display. PROS Premium-looking Metallic Dial Continuous Heart Rate Monitoring A Decent App CONS No Touchscreen Poor Outdoor Legibility 8. AQFIT W15 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B085LG91P7 Display: 1.33-inch IPS LCD Water Resistance: IP68 Built-in sensors: Pedometer, Heart Rate Sensor Warranty: 1 year AQFIT’s budget smartwatch has a sleek look and dazzling fitness tracking features that track your health parameters with good precision. It’s a perfect device focused to serve those who want a fitness tracker that has the characteristics of a smartwatch. The slim and sleek wearable has a unibody design made of zinc-magnesium alloy. The 57-gram device has a comfy food-grade silicone strap and comes in Red and Black. The circular dial looks traditional. Nevertheless, it doesn’t negate the premium look of the W15. It is compatible with Android and iOS devices alike and will pair with your smartphone using Bluetooth v4.2. Users will need the Yfit app on their smartphone for pairing their devices. Underneath the smartwatch’s panel are the heart rate tracker, blood pressure tracker, and blood oxygen level tracker. The AQFIT device lets you track up to 15 sports modes including yoga, football, treadmill, among others. It also monitors your sleep and counts your steps. The 120 mAh battery keeps the device running for up to 10 days on a single charge. The battery charges 100 percent in about 2 hours using the supplied charger. AQFIT ships the smartwatch with a one-year warranty. The W15 is a fitness band that also brings along the functionalities of a smartwatch. If you are on a slim budget and looking for a fitness companion with superior battery life, this AQFIT product will give you value for your money. PROS Premium Design 15 Sports Modes Excellent Battery Life CONS No In-built GPS 9. Noise ColorFit Pro 2 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07YY1BY5B Display: 1.3-inch LCD Water Resistance: IP68 Built-in sensors: Pedometer, Accelerometer, Gyroscope Warranty: 1 year The minimal yet stylish wearable from Noise comes with a slew of features and is among the top smartwatches available under 5000 today. The ColorFit Pro 2 has a large square-shaped dial sporting a minimalistic design and curved bezels. On the right edge of the device sits a home button that starts/stops activities or takes you to the home screen. At 35 grams, the device is light as a feather. The detachable silicone straps have been made adjustable for a perfect fit even for the slimmest hands. The ColorFit Pro 2 is available in three color variants – Jet Black, Teal Green, and Mist Grey. The smartwatch will wirelessly connect with your iOS and Android smartphones, for which users will need the NoiseFit Sport app installed. The 1.3-inch LCD is enclosed in thick bezels and has no protection against scratches. It has a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels and decent brightness. There are five watch faces – none are extremely charming, however. The responsiveness of the touch was also unsatisfactory, with the touch not responding about 2 out of 10 times. The durable device comes with an IP68 rating so feel free to hop into the shower without taking it off. The heart rate monitor was able to deliver accurate results for the most part, with a close approximation every once in a while. The device manages to track your steps and sleep and comes with a special menstrual cycle monitoring feature as well. It lets you track plenty of physical activities including walking, running, climbing, cycling, and the like. With a mighty 210 mAh Lithium-Polymer battery, it gives a 10-day battery backup on a single charge which takes 3 hours. The smartwatch comes with a one-year warranty. The device offers you healthy battery life and a range of unbeatable fitness tracking features. Grab yourself a ColorFit Pro 2 if you’re in the market for a handsome looking smartwatch that will complement your fitness regime perfectly. PROS Minimalist Design Excellent Fitness Tracker IP68 Rating Long Battery Life CONS Low Touch Responsiveness Thick Bezels 10. AQFIT W11 https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08HH5G257 Display: 1.4-inch Super Retina Display Water Resistance: IP68 Built-in sensors: Heart Rate Sensor, Blood Oxygen Level Sensor, Accelerometer Warranty: 1 year AQFIT has introduced another potent fitness tracker that is converged into a smartwatch configuration with its W11. The square-faced smartwatch has a slim build that gives it a sleek look with a button that protrudes off the right edge. The bezels are appropriately slim and preserve the premium feel of the dial. The 4.0D curved screen has been crafted in an ultra-thin Zinc-Magnesium alloy case. The screen-to-body ratio of 93% is unique to the W11 in its segment. The 58-gram device has a silicone strap that is comfortable to wear for hours at an end. AQFIT ships the device in 5 color variants – Black, Olive Green, Plum, Powder Blue, and Rose Gold. The device is compatible with iOS and Android devices and connects wirelessly using Bluetooth v4.2. Users will need to install the YFit app on their smartphone to pair it with the smartwatch. The 1.4-inch super retina display has a resolution of 320 x 320 pixels and has excellent viewing angles. The display is perfectly legible under direct sunlight, which makes the device particularly ideal for the outdoorsy folks. The IP68 rating enables the watch to accompany you on a swim. The W11 is a spectacular fitness tracker that monitors your heart rate, sleep, and calories. The blood oxygen level readings, though, are prone to inaccuracy owing to the absence of a SpO2 sensor. It will effortlessly track physical activities with its 15 Sports Modes such as biking, hiking, badminton, treadmill, and more. The Lithium-ion battery provides a staggering 8-10 autonomous days on a single charge. This is largely attributable to its Nordic Chipset NFR52832 supported with the ST LIS2DH12TR sensor. This is another product from AQFIT that is more a fitness band than a smartwatch. If you want a fitness tracker that is disguised as and brings a bunch of features of a smartwatch – W11 is your best bet. PROS Super Retina Display Sleek Look Excellent Fitness Tracker IP68 Rating Long Battery Life CONS Inaccurate Blood Oxygen Level Measurement Frequently Asked Questions What sort of water-resistance should I opt for in a smartwatch? Smartwatches are meant to be worn, more or less, for the entire day. As you go about your day, water spills or rains are bound to happen once in a while. This makes basic water-resistance a necessity rather than a feature. On the flip side, if you’re a swimmer or a person who spends a significant amount of time around water – you’d want a smartwatch that can tackle excessive water exposure, preferably a smartwatch with a 5ATM rating. How essential is a GPS chip for a smartwatch? GPS chips bring accuracy and independence to your smartwatch. If you want to go for a quick run, you’ll need to carry your phone along, because a smartwatch without GPS relies on your phone’s geolocation. On the contrary, a smartwatch with an in-built GPS gives you accurate readings without depending on your phone. When you return from your jog, the smartwatch will sync the data with your smartphone so the proprietary app can give you some neat visual stats. How is a smartwatch different from a fitness band? A smartwatch is a multipurpose gadget as opposed to a fitness band that focuses solely on tracking your physical metrics and sleep. In essence, you could say that a fitness band offers a subset of features that are offered by a smartwatch. The difference, though, is swiftly diminishing with smartwatches incorporating fitness trackers and fitness bands displaying alerts and notifications. Final Verdict Choosing a smartwatch that will click with you can be rough when you’re working with a budget constraint. With a plethora of companies now flooding the smartwatch space with their diverse offerings, selecting a smartwatch that offers value for money can be overwhelming. Our top pick Amazfit Bip U is a reliable candidate that comes closest to some premium smartwatches. Other candidates such as the Amazfit Verge Lite, Honor Watch Magic, and the Realmi Watch are stacked with similar features and come from some of the most reputable brands. Other products such as the NoiseFit Evolve and Lenovo Carme HW25P focus on core features such as battery health and display to give you the best of both worlds. The ultimate decision is a factor of your urge to splurge and objectives of purchasing a smartwatch. You must identify and prioritize the features you want and invest in a smartwatch that will best fulfill your purpose.