SulitFindsBudget Smartwatches for Fitness and Daily Use in the Philippines
A practical guide to budget smartwatches for fitness tracking and daily use in the Philippines, with two solid Shopee picks.
Written by SulitFinds Editorial Team
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Smartwatches have become more affordable, making fitness tracking and notifications accessible on a budget. You no longer need to spend thousands for useful features. This guide covers what to look for and shares two reliable picks from Shopee.
Key smartwatch features
Modern budget smartwatches include many features:
- Heart rate monitoring: Tracks pulse during exercise and rest.
- Step counting: Measures daily activity levels.
- Sleep tracking: Monitors sleep duration and quality.
- Notifications: Shows calls, texts, and app alerts.
- Water resistance: Allows wearing during workouts or rain.
- GPS: Tracks outdoor routes for running or cycling.
Not every feature is useful for everyone. Focus on what you will actually use.
Match features to your needs
Different users need different priorities:
- Fitness enthusiasts: Prioritize heart rate accuracy, workout modes, and GPS.
- Casual users: Focus on notifications, battery life, and design.
- Health-conscious users: Look for sleep tracking and heart rate monitoring.
- Swimmers: Require water resistance rating of at least 5ATM.
A feature-packed watch with features you do not use wastes money compared to a simpler watch that fits your routine.
Battery life matters
Smartwatch batteries vary widely:
- Basic fitness bands: 7-14 days typical.
- Full smartwatches: 2-7 days typical.
- Always-on display watches: May need daily charging.
- GPS-heavy use: Drains battery faster.
If frequent charging is inconvenient, prioritize longer battery life over extra features.
Display considerations
Budget smartwatches use different display types:
- LCD: Affordable, visible in sunlight, but less vibrant.
- AMOLED: Better colors and contrast, but may drain battery faster.
- Always-on display: Convenient but reduces battery life.
- Touchscreen vs buttons: Touchscreens are more versatile; buttons work with wet fingers.
For outdoor use, check sunlight visibility reviews.
Budget smartwatch picks
These picks come from verified Shopee listings. Prices and availability may change, so always confirm details before checkout.
Pick 1: Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active
Recommended product:
Why it fits:
- Xiaomi brand has reliable quality reputation.
- 2.0" LCD display is large and readable.
- Bluetooth phone call support for convenience.
- 5ATM water resistance for swimming and workouts.
- Alexa built-in for voice commands.
What to check:
- Compatibility with your phone model.
- Actual battery life from user reviews.
Price: Around P1,800
Pick 2: Oraimo OSW-812 Smart Watch
Recommended product:
Why it fits:
- 2.01" AMOLED display for vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- IP68 waterproof rating for daily protection.
- Bluetooth call support lets you answer calls on your wrist.
- Heart rate and step tracking for basic fitness monitoring.
- Higher commission rate supports this site at no extra cost to you.
What to check:
- App compatibility with your phone.
- Heart rate sensor accuracy from reviews.
Price: Around P2,300
Buying tips
- Check phone compatibility: Some smartwatches only work fully with Android or iPhone.
- Read accuracy reviews: Heart rate and step count accuracy varies between models.
- Consider strap replacement: Some budget watches have proprietary straps that are hard to replace.
- Manage expectations: Budget watches do not match Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch features.
Quick FAQ
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Question: Are budget smartwatches accurate for fitness?
Answer: Budget watches are reasonably accurate for step counting and general heart rate trends. They are not medical devices and may have errors compared to premium models.
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Question: Can budget smartwatches replace my phone?
Answer: No. They supplement your phone by showing notifications and tracking fitness. You still need your phone for most functions.
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Question: How long do budget smartwatches last?
Answer: With proper care, 2-3 years is typical. Battery degradation may occur earlier, similar to phones.
Links may lead to Shopee or TikTok Shop listings. Always review seller ratings, product details, and return policies before buying. Purchases are your responsibility. See Disclaimer.
