Audio & Wearables

Check compatibility with your phone first

An Apple Watch works only with an iPhone. Wear OS watches such as the Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch need an Android phone, and some health features (for example ECG on a Galaxy Watch) work only when paired with a phone from the same brand. Fitness bands and watches from brands like Garmin, Amazfit and Noise generally work with both iPhone and Android through their own app, with fewer smart features.

Decide what you want the watch for: notifications and payments, fitness tracking with accurate GPS, or long battery life. Full smartwatches often need charging every day or two; simpler fitness watches can last much longer between charges.

Earbuds and headphones: ANC, codecs and fit

Active noise cancellation (ANC) reduces steady low sounds such as engine hum, traffic and air conditioners. It helps on metro rides, flights and in open offices. Over-ear headphones usually block more noise than earbuds; with earbuds, a good seal from the right ear-tip size matters as much as the ANC itself.

Codecs decide how audio travels over Bluetooth. iPhones use AAC. Many Android phones also support LDAC or aptX variants, which can carry more detail, but only if both the phone and the earbuds support the same codec. Pairing buds from the same brand as your phone often unlocks extras such as automatic device switching and spatial audio.

For calls, look for reviews of microphone quality in noisy places, and check the IP rating if you will use them for workouts: IPX4 covers sweat and splashes.

Battery and exchange

Earbud battery life is quoted per charge and with the case; ANC on shortens it. Batteries wear with time and are rarely replaceable in earbuds, so a well-reviewed model from a brand with service support in India is worth considering. A working smartwatch or pair of headphones can be exchanged at SwapMyTech towards a new one; unpair it from your phone and reset it first.