Choosing a smartwatch here Malaysia is now easier than ever, thanks to so many exciting options on the market. From tracking your daily steps to staying connected with friends and family, a smartwatch can make life simpler and more fun. In this guide, you’ll discover how to choose a smartwatch that matches your lifestyle, fits your budget, and works perfectly with your phone. Let’s check out and find the perfect smartwatch for you!
Editor
Mae An NG chevron_right
Table of Contents
What to Know Before You Buy
Smartwatches are more than just cool gadgets. You use them to monitor health, track workouts, check messages, and even make payments. They also look good with any outfit—perfect for work, gym, or lepak at mamak. But with so many brands and models, how to choose a smartwatch that fits you best?
Here’s what you need to look out for:
1. Know why you want a smartwatch
Before anything else, ask yourself this: Why do I want a smartwatch?
- To track my fitness?
- To check messages and calls without taking out my phone?
- For style and flex?
- For sleep, stress, or heart monitoring?
- For GPS and navigation during travel or rides?
Knowing your purpose helps you narrow down your options. For example, if you want to use it mainly for running and workouts, then GPS and heart rate tracking are must-haves. But if you just want to receive call alerts while your phone’s in your bag, even a basic smartwatch will do.
2. Make sure it works with your phone
This one is important! Not all smartwatches work with every phone. Make sure the smartwatch works well with your phone.
- Apple Watch - Only works with iPhones
- Samsung Galaxy Watch - Works best with Samsung phones, okay with others
- Xiaomi, Huawei, Amazfit - Android-friendly, some support for iOS
Tip: If you’re using a Huawei phone, go for the Huawei Watch. You’ll get better features with the same-brand pairing.
3. Battery life
Our hot weather and busy lifestyle mean you want a smartwatch that lasts. If you’re always on the move, like Grab drivers or delivery riders, choose a watch with at least 5–7 days of battery life. Some high-end models need daily charging, but budget ones can last longer.
|
Type |
Average Battery Life |
|
Apple Watch |
18–24 hours |
|
Samsung Watches |
2–3 days |
|
Xiaomi/Amazfit |
7–14 days |
|
Huawei Watches |
Up to 2 weeks |
4. Health and fitness features
Think about what you want to track. Most smartwatches can count steps, monitor your heart rate, and track your sleep. If you’re into sports, look for features like GPS, blood oxygen, or even ECG. For ladies, some watches offer cycle tracking and smaller, stylish designs.
5. Budget
Set your budget before you shop. Here’s a quick guide for Malaysians:
|
Budget |
Who is it for? |
What you get |
|
RM100–RM300 |
Students, first-timers |
Basic fitness tracking |
|
RM300–RM800 |
Fitness, lifestyle users |
Better battery, more apps |
|
RM800 and above |
Power users, health tracking |
Premium features |
You can find good deals on Shopee, Lazada, or even telco bundles with Celcom, Maxis, or Digi.
6. Style and comfort
Watches come in all shapes and sizes. If you have a small wrist, look for lightweight and slim models. Some smartwatches are more for fashion, while others look sporty. Pick one that matches your daily style.
7. Notifications and Calls
Most smartwatches can show:
- WhatsApp and Telegram messages
- Incoming calls (some can answer too!)
- Calendar alerts
- Music controls
Working in an office or having meetings a lot? A smartwatch that vibrates for messages is super useful.
8. Built-in GPS
Do you jog, cycle, or ride bikes? Then get a smartwatch with GPS. You can track your route without bringing your phone.
- Built-in GPS - More accurate, no phone needed
- Connected GPS - Uses your phone’s GPS
If you’re training for marathons like the KL Standard Chartered Run, you need built-in GPS!
9. Water Resistance
This is a must here in Malaysia — you never know when you’ll get caught in a thunderstorm!
- Look for 5ATM or IP68 rating
- Suitable for swimming, shower, and rain
10. Design and Display
We all want something that looks good, kan?
- AMOLED displays are brighter and more colourful
- Round vs square face up to your style!
- Customisable watch faces
Malaysians love colourful straps, check Shopee/Lazada for cheap custom bands!
11. App Ecosystem
Some watches only work with their own apps, while others let you download third-party apps.
- Apple Watch - Best app variety
- Samsung - Good, but Android-only
- Xiaomi/Huawei - Limited, but gets the job done
Want to track your calories with MyFitnessPal? Make sure your smartwatch supports syncing.
How Much Should You Spend?
Here’s a rough guide for you:
|
Budget |
What You Get |
|
RM100–RM250 |
Smart bands (basic tracking) |
|
RM300–RM800 |
Feature-packed smartwatches |
|
RM1,000+ |
Premium smartwatches with full features |
Where to Buy?
Malaysians mostly buy smartwatches from:
- Shopee & Lazada – look for “Shopee Mall” or “Official Store” badges
- Physical stores – Senheng, Machines, Urban Republic
- Telcos – Maxis, Digi, Celcom sometimes bundle smartwatches with phone plans
Watch out for sales during 8.8, 9.9, or Merdeka promos!
Types of Smartwatches in Malaysia
Malaysians usually go for three types of smartwatches:
1. Basic Smart Bands
- Think of these as the baby brothers of smartwatches. They're lightweight, simple, and perfect for fitness tracking.
- Best for step tracking, calories, and heart rate
- Cheaper (RM100–RM250 range)
- Smaller screen, limited features
2. Mid-Range Smartwatches
- These are the most popular in Malaysia. You get more functions, better displays, and health tracking.
- Great balance between features and price
- Usually from brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, and Amazfit
- Around RM300–RM800
3. Premium Smartwatches
- Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin — these are top-tier and packed with tech.
- Advanced fitness tracking, ECG, blood oxygen
- Seamless integration with smartphones
- RM1,000 and above
Final Thoughts
Smartwatches are more than just accessories now — they help you stay healthy, connected, and even productive.
Now you know how to choose a smartwatch that fits your lifestyle. Remember to check compatibility, battery life, features, and budget. Don’t forget to buy from trusted sellers and read local reviews. Whether you want to track your steps at KLCC park, reply to WhatsApp at work, or just look good, there’s a smartwatch out there that fits your vibe.