Can you text on a Smartwatch?

Yes, you can send texts from a smartwatch - with a Galaxy smartwatch, this is done via our pre-installed Messages app. To do this, your watch will need to have Bluetooth and be linked to your mobile (even if it’s outside the 10m range when you want to send the text).

How do smartwatches count calories?

Technically, smartwatches don’t count calories, but they do count the number of calories you burn through physical activity. In a similar way to how step trackers work on your phone, they use the data you provide such as your height, weight and age to work out what is known as your Base Metabolic Rate (BMR). After this, smartwatches use what is known as an accelerometer and a built-in heart rate monitor to assess your energy expenditure - also known as your calorie output.

Do smartwatches use mobile data?

Only Galaxy smartwatches that are 4G enabled, such as the Galaxy Watch9 LTE (40mm), Galaxy Watch9 LTE (44mm), Galaxy Watch8 Classic LTE & Galaxy Watch Ultra2, use mobile data. When your smartwatch is connected to your phone via Bluetooth, it uses your phone's own connection to send and receive data. When it's out of Bluetooth range, an LTE-enabled smartwatch can use its own mobile data connection to keep sending and receiving calls and messages, running on a companion data plan linked to your phone's account with your network provider.

Do you have to have a data plan for a smartwatch?

While your smartwatch will use data to make calls, send texts and receive messages you do not need to have a separate data plan for your smartwatch. For example, a Samsung smartwatch has an eSIM which is paired to your phone's data plan during the initial setup process. Any data you use on your smartwatch will be automatically deducted from your phone's data plan, so there’s no need for a separate one just for your smartwatch.

Is a smartwatch an embedded system?

Without getting too technical with it, yes smartwatches are generally embedded systems. This means that they use a combination of computer hardware and software systems to operate. As many of the smartwatches' functionalities actually sit with your phone, they require less hardware to operate - which is why they’re able to do so much with just a small interface.

What is a smartwatch and what does it do?

What does a smartwatch do?

A smartwatch is your world, worn on your wrist. More than a timepiece, it's a powerful companion that keeps you connected, informed, and in control wherever life takes you. Depending on the make and model, today's smartwatches pack an extraordinary range of features into an elegant form, quietly transforming the way you move through your day.

What is a smartwatch?

A smartwatch is a portable device worn on the wrist that supports apps and acts as an extension of your mobile phone in some cases. Depending on the make and model, they have numerous functions that can have a big impact on day to day life.

A smartwatch is a portable device worn on the wrist that supports apps and acts as an extension of your mobile phone in some cases. Depending on the make and model, they have numerous functions that can have a big impact on day-to-day life.

Does a smartwatch need a SIM?

No, you don't need a SIM card for your smartwatch to work. Samsung Galaxy smartwatches function perfectly well on their own, without any SIM connectivity at all. For those who want to stay connected independently of their phone, an eSIM option is available. Unlike a physical SIM card, an eSIM is electronic and downloads automatically to your watch from your phone during the initial pairing process, giving you added flexibility when you need it.

*eSIM and data plan sold separately

What can a smartwatch do and what are the benefits?

There are many benefits to owning a smartwatch, from extensive health tracking to easy access to apps, smartwatches offer exceptional convenience and versatility. Some of the top Galaxy smartwatch benefits include:

1. Advanced health and fitness tracking features that can help you lead a healthier lifestyle.
2. Seamless integration with other Galaxy devices and the wider Samsung Ecosystem.
3. Convenient access to your favourite apps and services.
4. Long battery life and wireless charging capabilities allowing you to use them throughout the day without worrying about frequent recharging.
5. Personalised style and customisation options, including a choice of stunning Samsung Galaxy wristwatch straps.

And that’s before we really dig into the details of what exactly a smartwatch can do. Read on to learn more about the amazing functionalities of a smartwatch.

Smartwatch Apps

Many of your favourite apps that are available on your mobile are also available to download straight to your smartwatch. Check out these cool smartwatch apps available free with a Galaxy smartwatch:

· Strava - to track your runs and other workouts
· Wrist Camera - to take that perfectly timed selfie from your mobile
· Uber - for when you need a quick ride elsewhere
· Samsung SmartThings - to help manage your Samsung Home devices
· Samsung Browser - the world wide web, right at your fingertips

Tracking health and fitness

One of the most popular reasons that people look to buy a smartwatch is to track fitness. Many smartwatches can do exactly what most popular fitness trackers do, but with the added benefit of receiving notifications and other mobile phone functions. Meaning you don’t always need to carry your phone around when you’re on the move.

Built-in GPS on Samsung Galaxy smartwatches means you can track your running routes accurately without needing your phone nearby. Rather than relying on a single satellite system, Galaxy smartwatches connect to GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo and QZSS, giving you a more reliable fix on your location even when you're running through areas where signal can be tricky, like built-up streets or under tree cover. On the Galaxy Watch Ultra2, this goes a step further with dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5), designed to keep your route more precise even in tougher outdoor conditions. You'll find these GPS features across the Galaxy smartwatches, including the Galaxy Watch9, Galaxy Watch8 Classic and Galaxy Watch Ultra2. But it's not just running that you can track on a Samsung smartwatch; using Samsung Health¹ and innovative BioActive Sensor technology², your Galaxy smartwatch can help you track a wide range of activities.

1. Requires Samsung Health application version 7.0 or later for most current features, with Samsung account login. Specific feature requirements may vary
2. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis or treatment. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. On Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2, body composition is measured via Fitness Index, which requires BIA and VO2 max to each be measured at least once, along with 2 days of activity records and step count data. On Galaxy Watch8 Classic, body composition is measured directly via the BIA sensor. Body composition should not be measured if you have an implanted pacemaker or other implanted medical devices, or if you are pregnant. Any health-related information accessed through the device and application should not be treated as medical advice. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

1. Requires Samsung Health application version 7.0 or later for most current features, with Samsung account login. Specific feature requirements may vary
2. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis or treatment. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. On Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2, body composition is measured via Fitness Index, which requires BIA and VO2 max to each be measured at least once, along with 2 days of activity records and step count data. On Galaxy Watch8 Classic, body composition is measured directly via the BIA sensor. Body composition should not be measured if you have an implanted pacemaker or other implanted medical devices, or if you are pregnant. Any health-related information accessed through the device and application should not be treated as medical advice. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

Text and voice messages

One of the features that makes a smartwatch most akin to a mobile is the ability to send both text and voice messages. With a Galaxy smartwatch, this is supported by our pre-installed Messages app that allows you to create new messages, or view incoming messages and send replies. Plus, with a 4G-enabled Galaxy smartwatch¹, you can use mobile data to stay connected on your own terms, so you can leave your phone at home when you're out pounding the trails.

1. eSIM and data plan sold separately.

Notifications

If your phone and your smartwatch aren’t in the same room, you’ll still be able to see any notifications pop up on the watch’s interface. This is a very handy feature that means you don’t quite need to carry your phone around with you everywhere, especially when you’re doing things that might need your hands to be free; such as cycling, running or simply cooking dinner.

Mobile wallet

Many smartwatches now support the ability to make contactless payments in a super straightforward way. Samsung smartwatches, including the Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2, utilise the power of Samsung Pay to store your card information, meaning it's readily accessible at the click of a button. You no longer need to have your wallet and phone on you when you're out and about. And don't worry - it's just as secure as it is on your mobile phone!

Interested in finding out more about the latest Galaxy smartwatches? Check out the handy table below which outlines the key specs for the latest Galaxy Watch9 Series and Galaxy Watch Ultra so you can find the one that's just right for you.

*Requires Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Android 9.0 or above. Available with participating networks, banks and merchants.

Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch Comparison

table
table product	Galaxy Watch9	Galaxy Watch 8 Classic	Galaxy Watch Ultra2
Size	40 mm \| 44 mm	46 mm	47mm
Colour	Cream Graphite Silver	Black White	Titanium Grey Titanium Silver
Display	Super AMOLED	Super AMOLED	Super AMOLED
Resolution (Main Display)	40mm: 438 x 438 44mm: 480 x 480	438 x 438	498 x 498
Memory	2GB	2GB	2GB
Storage	32GB	64GB	64GB
Weight	40mm: 31.5g 44mm: 34.0g	63.5g	61.5g
Battery (Typical)1	40mm: 390mAh 44mm: 445mAh	445mAh	800mAh
Sensors	Accelerometer, Barometer, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor, Electrical Heart Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, Optical Heart Rate Sensor, Temperature Sensor	Accelerometer, Barometer, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor, Electrical Heart Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Infrared Temperature Sensor, Light Sensor, Optical Heart Rate Sensor	Accelerometer, Barometer, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Sensor, Electrical Heart Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, Optical Heart Rate Sensor, Temperature Sensor
table item cta	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you text on a Smartwatch?

Yes, you can send texts from a smartwatch - with a Galaxy smartwatch, this is done via our pre-installed Messages app. To do this, your watch will need to have Bluetooth and be linked to your mobile (even if it’s outside the 10m range when you want to send the text).
How do smartwatches count calories?

Technically, smartwatches don’t count calories, but they do count the number of calories you burn through physical activity. In a similar way to how step trackers work on your phone, they use the data you provide such as your height, weight and age to work out what is known as your Base Metabolic Rate (BMR). After this, smartwatches use what is known as an accelerometer and a built-in heart rate monitor to assess your energy expenditure - also known as your calorie output.
Do smartwatches use mobile data?

Only Galaxy smartwatches that are 4G enabled, such as the Galaxy Watch9 LTE (40mm), Galaxy Watch9 LTE (44mm), Galaxy Watch8 Classic LTE & Galaxy Watch Ultra2, use mobile data. When your smartwatch is connected to your phone via Bluetooth, it uses your phone's own connection to send and receive data. When it's out of Bluetooth range, an LTE-enabled smartwatch can use its own mobile data connection to keep sending and receiving calls and messages, running on a companion data plan linked to your phone's account with your network provider.
Do you have to have a data plan for a smartwatch?

While your smartwatch will use data to make calls, send texts and receive messages you do not need to have a separate data plan for your smartwatch. For example, a Samsung smartwatch has an eSIM which is paired to your phone's data plan during the initial setup process. Any data you use on your smartwatch will be automatically deducted from your phone's data plan, so there’s no need for a separate one just for your smartwatch.
Is a smartwatch an embedded system?

Without getting too technical with it, yes smartwatches are generally embedded systems. This means that they use a combination of computer hardware and software systems to operate. As many of the smartwatches' functionalities actually sit with your phone, they require less hardware to operate - which is why they’re able to do so much with just a small interface.