What is a hybrid smartwatch?

The wearable market is growing every day, with many options from different brands. But what are hybrid smartwatches and how do they differ from a normal smartwatch?

It looks like almost every tech brand is jumping into the wearable world, with Apple launching its all-new Apple Watch Series 8 earlier this year, and Google throwing its hat in the ring with its first wearable, the Google Pixel Watch.

While many companies are now making smartwatches, some are also developing hybrid smartwatches. If you're not sure what a Hybrid Smartwatch does and how it's different from a typical Smartwatch, be sure to keep reading, as we're going to break down what a Hybrid Smartwatch is and what its features are.

What is a hybrid smartwatch?

Hybrid smartwatches are becoming increasingly popular in the apparel industry as they offer a mix of functionality from traditional analog watches and classic smartwatches.

Although there is no set definition, hybrid smartwatches generally look like traditional watches, they usually don't have a touchscreen, and they don't need to be charged as often, which means that they can be worn for longer periods of time.

This would mean that the Apple Watch series isn't classified as a hybrid, because it doesn't look like a typical watch and will need to be charged almost every day.

Devices like the Garmin Marq gen 2 and the Garmin Vivomove fall into this category, however. While the former packs an AMOLED touchscreen, neither of them look particularly like a typical smartwatch due to their rounded faces and minimalistic design.

What can a Hybrid Smartwatch do?

Hybrid smartwatches share many of the same features as a typical smartwatch; many can track your steps, show you how many calories you've burned throughout the day, and some can even track your sleep. This last feature is less common, as hybrid smartwatches aren't necessarily designed to be worn all day.

They will also notify you of notifications on your phone in the same way as a traditional smartwatch, although the notifications may be more subtle. Features like alarms and remote camera shutter control may also be present, however, hybrid smartwatches typically don't have as many options when it comes to screen customization or application support.

Few hybrid smartwatches also come with health features beyond step tracking, although some models like the Withings ScanWatch do come with a heart rate sensor.

And since many hybrid smartwatches don't come with touchscreens, they can last much longer than traditional smartwatches. This helps eliminate overnight charging, with some models lasting up to six months before the coin cell battery inside needs to be replaced. And while it may seem like longer than just charging it, replacing a coin cell battery is very inexpensive and can be done at home.

Are hybrid smartwatches better than traditional smartwatches?

We can't say that hybrid smartwatches are better than traditional smartwatches, however, they can be ideal if you're looking for some of the benefits of a smartwatch while maintaining a traditional design.

If you're looking for a smartwatch that can keep up with intensive workouts and hikes, a typical smartwatch will probably be best, as it usually comes with more features and support for apps and services.

The advantages of a hybrid smartwatch are the minimalist design and extended battery life, and they will be more suitable for those looking for an upgraded watch, rather than a tool used to track your fitness or with a variety of application media.