The reasonably priced Galaxy Watch FE is perhaps what Put on OS actually wants

Samsung not too long ago launched the brand new Galaxy Watch FE this week, which is actually only a 2024 “refresh” of the Galaxy Watch 4. The smartwatch options roughly the identical specs, chipset, and design because the 2021 mannequin, aside from a brand new sapphire glass over the show for higher scratch safety. Nevertheless, whereas a Galaxy Watch 4 reboot might appear to be a wierd transfer for Samsung, I feel it is type of genius. In truth, it is precisely what Put on OS wants: extra reasonably priced smartwatches.

I have been reviewing Put on OS smartwatches for a number of years, and I’ve usually winced on the costs a few of these firms cost for these gadgets. Fossil, which pulled an LG and left the smartwatch enterprise earlier this yr, used to cost $299 for the Fossil Gen 6, which did not even run Put on OS 3 at launch and had very questionable efficiency. Samsung’s Galaxy Watches now value greater than ever, with the Watch 5 Professional mannequin priced in the identical ballpark as an inexpensive Android telephone and even the value of the Pixel Watch 2 giving me pause (do not even get me began on the Montblanc Summit 3).

The one exception I’ve seen is the TicWatch E3, which launched just a few years again. That watch featured a comparatively low-cost construct and skipped out on the perfect options discovered on dearer TicWatch fashions, just like the dual-display tech, however the value type of made it price it. At $199, you bought a smartwatch that was less expensive than the competitors and carried out surprisingly properly with the Snapdragon Put on 4100, regardless of Put on OS 3 coming a lot later.

In truth, I am somewhat bummed we have not gotten a TicWatch E4 or some equal, particularly now that Put on OS 4 is right here and Put on OS 5 is on the way in which, each of which possible require newer chips just like the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1. However seeing Samsung launch the Galaxy Watch FE provides me some hope that cheaper Put on OS watches might be a factor once more if firms play their playing cards proper.

Anshel Sag, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Technique, agrees, saying that launching the cheaper smartwatch was a wise transfer on Samsung’s half. “I feel the Galaxy Watch FE permits Samsung and its companions to supply a less expensive choice that may be simply discounted or given away without spending a dime as a bundle merchandise and broadens the value vary of merchandise it is providing for wearables.”