Samsung Galaxy Gear S

The Samsung Galaxy Gear S is the most feature-packed smartwatch in this round-up.

It has a nano-SIM card slot on its rear, so that it can work on its own without the need to be paired with a smartphone. This includes receiving e-mail messages, calling and sending SMS messages. It is also able to measure your heart rate, track your sleep patterns and even gauge the ultraviolet light levels in the vicinity.

The curved 2-inch touchscreen display looks gorgeous. The 360 x 480 pixel resolution makes reading comfortable. The display is also large enough such that swiping and tapping do not feel awkward.

Only one button adorns the front, just below the display. The minimalist facade and chromed edges add to its sleek look.

It fits just right on my wrist. However, those with more petite wrists will find the Gear S clunky.

The rubber watch band is comfortable and easily replaceable. Just pop the Gear S main module out and change to a watch band of a different colour.

The watch face is the default page. From there, you swipe from the bottom to access the apps and swipe from the top to access settings such as brightness and volume.

Swiping from left to right brings up the notifications, while swiping from right to left toggles the music control, fitness features, news updates and calendar.

Setting up the watch for the first time requires an Android smartphone with the Samsung Gear app. Installing apps also requires a smartphone, even though the watch has data connectivity.

I had trouble with messaging, as the virtual keyboard was too small. For calls, the speakerphone was so soft I had to bring the watch close to my ears.

The Gear S lasted two days when connected to a Samsung Galaxy Note 2, before I had to recharge it. Its battery life is average among the other watches in this round-up.