Hybrid Smart Watch - Any good?

[GreatGranny]

I have a Series 2 Apple watch which is getting on a bit and rather than get a newer version thought about a hybrid watch.

I use my Apple to track my running, pay for stuff, read notification etc..

I like the idea of a nice looking watch (don't mind it being sports style like G Shock/Garmin) which has smart watch features.

It needs to be able to download to Strava also.

Budget isn't huge, maybe £200 max which may preclude Garmins.

Anyone got one or had one?

Cheers

[RizzoTheRat]

Would you consider second hand? You'd probably get something like a used Garmin Fenix 5 around that budget. You can sync Garmin Connect to Strava, and they have Bluetooth MP3 player, Gamin Pay (which I thought was a gimmick but I now use all the time, not all UK banks are compatible though), mapping, plus receiving texts etc. as a smart watch.

[GreatGranny]

RizzoTheRat said:

Would you consider second hand? You'd probably get something like a used Garmin Fenix 5 around that budget. You can sync Garmin Connect to Strava, and they have Bluetooth MP3 player, Gamin Pay (which I thought was a gimmick but I now use all the time, not all UK banks are compatible though), mapping, plus receiving texts etc. as a smart watch.

Would definitely consider 2nd hand.

Will have a look thanks.

[Truckosaurus]

I've got a G-Shock 'smart watch' that syncs to my iPhone.

I turned off all the notification alerts as they were useless as they just let you know you had a new email or whatsapp but no meaningful preview, as the screen is tiny compared to a proper smart watch.

Mostly just use it as a steps counter (but rarely have it without my phone being on me) and not worrying about timezones when traveling.

I think if you are used to a real smart watch (ie. use it for more than just telling the time) it would be a disappointment.