Modern smartwatches have evolved significantly, offering advanced features that enhance their utility beyond mere accessories. In 2026, ZDNET has refined its testing methodology to evaluate these devices, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their performance. This process includes assessing functionality, durability, health tracking capabilities, and the compatibility of various applications.
Testing Methodology at ZDNET
Smartwatches, such as those tested by ZDNET, are typically purchased after their public release. This allows for thorough evaluations over several weeks, which is necessary to accurately assess battery life, health tracking, GPS accuracy, and the overall user experience. Each device is worn continuously to ensure a realistic assessment of its capabilities.
ZDNET maintains relationships with numerous smartwatch manufacturers, enabling direct inquiries about hardware and software features. This interaction helps clarify questions and enhances the evaluation process. While ZDNET tests a selection of third-party applications, personal experiences may vary due to the sheer volume of options available on each device.
The performance of a smartwatch can be influenced by various factors, including the user’s body geometry, the fit of the device, the connected smartphone model, and cellular reception quality. ZDNET takes these variables into account, particularly when providing insights based on tests conducted with larger wrist sizes and different smartphones.
Key Evaluation Factors
When determining which smartwatches to recommend, ZDNET focuses on five critical aspects: core functionality, build quality, health and wellness features, application availability, and standout advanced features. Price is less of a determining factor, as most smartwatches fall within the range of $300 to $500 and have similar battery life, typically requiring daily charging.
**Core functionality and performance** are paramount. A smartwatch must reliably display the time and notifications. Custom watch faces enhance personalization, while responsive features allow users to interact with notifications without needing to reach for their phones. ZDNET assesses the reliability of these functions during testing, ensuring that any friction in user experience is noted.
**Build quality and durability** are also essential. Modern smartwatches generally feature water resistance and scratch-resistant glass. ZDNET evaluates how well each device holds up during various conditions, including physical activities and exposure to moisture.
**Health and wellness capabilities** are increasingly important. The integration of advanced health tracking features in smartwatches is a notable trend, with companies like Apple and Samsung leading the charge. For instance, Apple’s innovations in the latest version of watchOS 11 and Samsung’s custom coaching through Samsung Health exemplify the current advancements in this area. ZDNET tests these health features extensively, utilizing tools like the DC Rainmaker Analyzer to compare data across devices.
**Application support** has significantly improved since the early days of smartwatches. ZDNET evaluates a core set of applications across different smartwatch platforms, noting how well they work and their overall functionality. While Apple continues to set a high bar in this area, Google’s renewed focus on Wear OS has intensified competition.
Finally, **advanced features** differentiate smartwatches from their simpler counterparts. Recent innovations include satellite support for emergency services and enhanced health monitoring capabilities. ZDNET explores these advanced functionalities in detail, providing insights into how they can benefit users in everyday scenarios.
As smartwatches continue to evolve, ZDNET remains committed to delivering thorough evaluations that help consumers make informed decisions. The latest testing strategies ensure that users receive a comprehensive understanding of the devices available in the market, highlighting the ongoing advancements that make smartwatches an integral part of modern life.
