The smartest features across all smartwatch brands

Tags: Technology and concepts | Smart

4.2.2026 | 5 MIN

Smartwatch features have come so far that they can now replace your phone, navigation, and even your wallet. Here’s a roundup of the best tricks that stand a good chance of becoming your everyday helpers.

1. Streaming service music playback (Garmin, Apple, Samsung, etc.)

I wouldn’t call a built-in music player in a smartwatch a true standard yet, but it’s getting there. What many brands still can’t quite handle, though, is playing music from streaming service playlists.

Downloading playlists from streaming services typically requires a premium subscription.

Garmin smartwatches, as well as Apple and Samsung, can download playlists for offline listening, but what I find even better is being able to browse playlists, search for specific tracks, and more. That’s mostly limited to Apple and Samsung, or other smartwatches running Wear OS. That does require a phone connection, of course.

What nearly every brand can do is control music playing on your phone — including streaming apps. You can skip tracks or adjust the volume.

2. Interactive maps (Garmin, Polar, Coros)

By now, pretty much every reputable smartwatch brand — especially in sports watches — has made it to onboard maps. While we could write pages comparing map detail, I’d rather focus on interactivity.

When a smartwatch has maps, you usually need to create a route on your phone ahead of time. But some brands don’t need a phone for that at all — you can enter coordinates, type in a place name, or tap on the map. Garmin, for instance, can do this.

Other brands, like Coros and Polar, have added POIs (points of interest), i.e., key points on the map you can select and navigate to. You are, however, reliant on the manufacturer to keep expanding the catalog of these points.

3. NFC payments (Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Amazfit, etc.)

History has seen many ways to pay. From coins with a hole in the middle you could string, to cash, payment cards, or small stick-on NFC tags. Times have moved on, and today paying with your smartwatch is arguably the most convenient option. You need to enter a code once a day (or after taking the watch off), and then you can simply tap your wrist on terminals and watch money leave your account.

If you’re wondering about security or whether your bank or card issuer is supported, check the article below.

The biggest advantage is that you always have your smartwatch on you. If you head out for a run, chances are you’ll leave your phone and wallet at home. But your watch is almost certainly on your wrist, so if you suddenly feel the need to refuel, you can pop into a store for a quick snack or a sports drink on the way.

4. Voice assistant (Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Amazfit, Huawei)

There are two ways to control your watch — you either do it yourself, or you use your voice assistant.

The idea is simple. Just invoke the assistant by voice or a button, and it will fulfill your dictated requests. Whether it’s checking tomorrow’s weather, setting an alarm, or dictating a reply.

Language can be a bit of a hurdle. Most assistants still speak only in English. Still, basic English commands are within reach for most people today.

5. Automatic incident detection (Garmin, Apple, Samsung)

I won’t beat around the bush. The feature is straightforward: if there’s a strong impact (detected by the accelerometer), the watch starts a countdown. If you don’t cancel it, it sends your preset contacts a message with a link to your location.

LTE watches have a slight edge, as they can do this on their own. Non‑LTE models must be connected to a phone, which sends the message.

6. Phone-free calling (Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Garmin)

When a smartwatch supports calling, it usually only works near your phone. It’s similar to a hands-free setup — the watch just relays the audio, but the call itself is handled by the phone. That’s why the watch needs to stay within Bluetooth range.

That’s exactly where LTE models shine. Yes, you’ll pay extra for a plan, but you’re not dependent on your phone. For handling calls or replying to messages, a smartwatch can cover the basics without your phone.

7. Smart replies and dictation (Huawei, Amazfit, Apple, Samsung)

I don’t mean preset responses, but truly smart or open-ended replies.

Many brands let you define your own short replies, but the more advanced ones can analyze the content of an incoming message and offer relevant suggestions that actually make sense.

Some models also add speech-to-text or even a full keyboard. Given the display size, though, I have to note it’s more for the brave — and ideally for small fingers (that’s about size, not number).

8. Remote control (Apple, Samsung)

Other brands besides those above do offer remote control, but honestly in such a limited way it’s not worth a long discussion.

Apple and Samsung smartwatches are clearly closest to the phone in terms of smarts. Whether it’s a smart gate or home appliances, these two brands offer truly broad options.

One thing I really like: Apple has long been able to show your phone’s camera view on the watch display, which is great for a remote shutter.

9. Loyalty cards, QR codes, digital keys (Garmin, Apple, Samsung)

What can I say — I’m a big fan of loyalty cards, points, and coupons, and I’m already eagerly waiting with my phone when someone asks, “Do you have your loyalty card?”

And if I happen to forget my phone… who’s ready to step in as backup? The smartwatch. True, I can’t activate a coupon through it, but as soon as a promo is linked to the app, I definitely won’t miss out.

Some brands can even stand in for a digital key. Car, hotel room, smart door… yes, you can unlock all of that with just your wrist.

10. Location sharing (Garmin)

I’m aware more brands offer a “Find My Device” option, but it’s not as sophisticated as Garmin’s LiveTrack or Group Tracking. You can follow a person’s location in real time and even see their performance metrics. So if you’re tracking your partner in a race, you’ll see, for example, their current pace. Group Tracking works directly on the watch, showing other group members on the map. Best of all, you don’t need LTE — your phone can share the location data.

11. Food scanning (Amazfit)

Ah, this one really got me excited. To be honest, it’s not so much about the watch as it is about the phone, but I’ve included it anyway. In the Zepp app you can scan your food, the app can recognize it, and automatically log the nutrition info. And I have to say it works surprisingly well. Plus, you can neatly tie it to the calories burned measured by your watch and have a clear picture of what you need to replenish after training.

And what’s the smartest feature in your book? Tell me in the comments and I might add it to the article!

Photo credits:

• cover photo – Coros