Activity auto-detection scored highly in the one direct review, where Move IQ was called remarkably accurate.
Pros: activity auto-detection, build quality
Cons: blood oxygen tracking, Bluetooth connectivity
Best 2023 Garmin Smartwatches for activity auto-detection
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Activity auto-detection had limited evidence, but one reviewer was impressed by strength-mode exercise detection.
Pros: GPS accuracy, charging speed
Cons: ECG functionality, voice assistant quality
Automatic tracking and shot detection are useful and often praised, but reviewers also report missed shots and only acceptable performance without extra sensors.
Pros: recovery insights, GPS accuracy
Cons: software smoothness, fitness tracking accuracy
Activity auto-detection is a weak point, with reviewers saying automatic workout detection can start late or may not begin recording activities reliably.
Pros: health tracking accuracy, software smoothness
Cons: LTE connectivity, mapping and navigation
Auto-detection evidence was mixed to weak; one testing review found run and walk detection inconsistent despite occasional success.
Pros: fitness tracking accuracy, wellness insights
Cons: software smoothness, ECG functionality
One reviewer criticized the watch for not reminding them to stop a workout, making activity auto-detection feel incomplete.
Pros: GPS accuracy, app ecosystem
Cons: ECG functionality, calorie tracking usefulness
Exercise auto-detection was criticized because training features require manually starting activities.
Pros: water resistance, workout tracking variety
Cons: LTE connectivity, ECG functionality
Auto-detection was a weak point because reviewers noted that runs and walks must be started manually.
Pros: step counting accuracy, third-party app support
Cons: ECG functionality, LTE connectivity