Wrist-worthy tech: A 2023 smartwatch gift guide

It’s safe to say that, in recent years, smartwatches and fitness bands have evolved from being more than just a trend.

With the ability to keep us healthy and connected, these wearables have become a staple for most. Whether it’s used for checking health metrics, keeping up to date on notifications, or simply as a fashion accessory, there’s no denying the benefit of these devices.

And the fact that they’re so useful, they’ve become an easy gift to give! Perfect for the holiday season that’s just around the corner.

This year, we saw quite several releases and even without new models coming to the market, you’ve got a lot to choose from. But with smartwatches and bands being a bit of a personal item, you’d want them to fit with your personality or the one you’re giving it to.

That’s what we’re here to help you with.

The fashion-forward

Huawei Watch GT 4

 

For the fashionistas and trendsetters who love to stay ahead of the curve, a smartwatch is more than just a gadget; it’s a statement piece.

With its sleek design and customizable watch faces, the Huawei Watch GT 4 is a perfect accessory for those who like to keep their style game strong. Available in different sizes and strap options, you’re sure to please that modern-day fashionista with this smartwatch.

Amazon US | Lazada PH | Shopee PH

READ: The Huawei Watch GT 4 elegantly marries style and technology

Google Pixel Watch

A new player this year. Google released a smartwatch that offers a clean and more modern design compared to the Huawei Watch GT 4. If you’re not after the classic watch look but still want something that stands out, this may be the pick for you.

Amazon US | Lazada PH | Shopee PH

Serious about fitness

Garmin Venu 3

Ideal for fitness enthusiasts, the Garmin Venu 3 offers advanced health and fitness tracking features. With built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, sleep analysis, and notable fitness coaching, the Garmin Venu 3 is a great partner for improving performance.

Additionally, the Venu 3 comes with a mic and speaker and convenient smart features.

Amazon US | Lazada PH | Shopee PH

Fitbit Sense 2

Having been acquired by Google, the FitBit Sense 2 is able to offer a comprehensive health suite, including stress management, ECG, and skin temperature monitoring. It’s a reliable companion for individuals prioritizing not just physical fitness but overall well-being.

Amazon US | Lazada PH | Shopee PH

Just the essentials

Xiaomi Mi Band 8

Some people will want a smartwatch or a fitness band just for the features and there’s no fault to that.  If you’re looking for a smartwatch that covers the essential features without breaking the bank, the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 comes with must-have features like heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and workout modes.

Amazon US | Lazada PH | Shopee PH

READ: Best bang for the buck – Huawei Band 7 vs Mi Band 7 comparison

Fitbit Charge 6

For a step above, you might want to check out the Fitbit Charge 6. While the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 offers great value, the Charge 6 is built with additional smart and fitness features. It’s also more modern-looking and stands out just a bit more than the Smart Band 7.

Note: In local PH stores, we only have the Charge 5 available

Amazon US | Lazada PH | Shopee PH

Nothing less than premium

Apple Watch Series 9

For those who want the best of the best, offering top-notch features and performance, there’s no surprise that you’ll be heading in the direction of the Apple Watch Series 9. Apple’s wearables have always been the frontrunners in the scene with advanced health and smart features. Best for Apple users or those living within the Apple ecosystem.

Amazon US | Lazada PH | Shopee PH

Samsung Galaxy Watch6

For a non-iOS device, you can look at the Samsung Galaxy Watch6. Still one of the best Android wearables around, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers a wide range of features as well and is built to look and feel premium.

The only downside of these watches, however, is their battery life (which lasts about a day) so you may want to throw in a desk charger if you’re thinking of gifting.

Amazon US | Lazada PH | Shopee PH

For the tech-forward

Oura Ring Gen 3

Not a smartwatch. Not a fitness band. But definitely tech-forward. Though harder to find and probably maintain on Philippine shores, the Oura Ring Gen 3 is the pick for the tech-forward user who wants to stay ahead of the pack.

It offers a little less than your average smartwatch or fitness band but is a piece you’ll end up talking about with anyone. It is a little harder to cop since you can only purchase it through its official site for now but if you’re gifting, the extra effort is sure to make it special.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re on the lookout for a smartwatch/fitness band/wearable for yourself or to gift, you’re pretty much spoilt for choice. Premium, fashionable, or affordable, there’s a wearable for everyone.

 

This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.

Search
-

5 reasons why Ghostwire: Tokyo is a blast on PS5

03/29/2022

There’s a new game in town and we’re enjoying it! Karate meets magic in Ghostwire: Tokyo from developer Tango Gameworks and published by Bethesda Softwares. A supernatural game with some unique elements.

We’re close to finishing the game, but before we dive deep, here are five good reasons why this game is more enjoyable to play on PlayStation 5!

DualSense’s Adaptive Triggers is next-level immersion

The DualSense is PS5’s most unique accessory and Ghostwire: Tokyo knows how to use it to its advantage.

To be honest, when I first saw the gameplay preview of this game, I didn’t pay much attention at first. But with its first-person POV and a lot of hand movements on screen, I realized the exclusive Adaptive Triggers is going to be an integral experience for this game — and it is!

With all the fast-paced movements in the game, feeling the tension from the triggers make me believe I am controlling Akito — the game’s protagonist.

Every spell, every attack, and every finishing move is immersive. Some might want to turn it off during a long fight with one of the bosses, especially if you have the gameplay difficulty turned up.

Haptic feedback is like the cherry on top

To add to the immersiveness of the game, the upgraded haptic feedback of the DualSense delivers distinct vibrations to let you know of your actions and surroundings.

I have played the game with no audio for a few minutes (because my wireless headset died on me in the middle of the game) and, to my surprise, it felt like I am still in the game fighting off the spirits and monsters of Japanese folklore.

Being able to differentiate where the haptics is coming from made me feel like a superhero that lacks hearing but is much more sensitive to the presence of anyone around.

Kinda like reverse Daredevil (or not?).

6 graphic settings with raytracing goodness

There’s not one, not two, but SIX graphical settings available in the game: Quality Mode, Performance Mode, High Framerate Quality, High Framerate Performance, High Framerate Quality (VSync), and High Framerate Performance (Vsync)

My default setting is Performance Mode which targets 60fps while still maintaining clarity, but I sometimes shift to Quality Mode when I want to visually please myself with raytracing and a slightly sharper image.

If you’d ask me, while the open world Tokyo map of the game looks so nice with raytracing on, I’d sacrifice that for a higher framerate. I need to fight off spirits in fluid motion.

3D audio scares add so much to experience

The horror elements of the game are what drew me in. While the story (So far! I’m still finishing it for a full review) is pretty straightforward for me, the jump scares and creepy sound design let me enjoy the game and its lore better.

The small details in the game’s audio also help you progress faster as you get familiar with the enemies of this game’s version of Tokyo.

Tokyo feels alive yet desolated in the game

As the game’s title implies, the setting is in Tokyo — particularly in Shibuya.

Lights from billboards and street lighting still light up the map close to real life, but instead of people rushing on the crossing, we have spirits and monsters trying to kill you. Tango and Bethesda are onto something good here.

There is room for improvements in character modeling, but at least we got detailed shops and convenience stores manned by a floating cat.

Ghostwire: Tokyo is now out on PS5 and PC. Stay tuned for our full thoughts on the game!

REVIEWS