Smartwatches: Which ones hold their value best over time and what to look at before buying one

The analysis, based on 6,372 sales made on eBay in the United States, shows marked differences depending on the brand, range and positioning of each device. On this note, what are the five models with the best price in Argentina.

Brand new smartwatch means assuming a significant depreciation from the first months. According to the study, the teams analyzed lost between 24% and 60% of its initial value in the six months after its launch. The brand and model appear as decisive factors to explain this loss.

The gap is also widening between segments. Inexpensive devices fell on average about a 50% after half a yearwhile the premium ones fell by around 37%. The greater resistance of the high-end could be explained by its construction, its features and the recognition of the brand.

Although the depreciation percentage can be misleading if looked at without context. The premium models hit the market with an estimated value of 960 dollars and they lost some $307. The economic ones, on the other hand, fell close to 133 dollarsalthough in proportional terms its decline was greater.

Behavior also varied depending on the manufacturer. Garmin was the brand that best maintained its value, with an average retention of 69% at six months. Apple followed (58%) and Samsung obtained 56% of the initial amount. Further back are Amazfit and Noise.

For Conor Allison, editor-in-chief of Wareable, the figures reflect the distance between specialized sports watches and traditional smartwatches. The former are perceived as durable training tools; seconds depreciate like any other electronic device.

Allison also marks Amazfit as a firm to follow. Since its arrival in the wearables market in 2018, it has gained ground among runners looking for an alternative to Garmin, especially due to the autonomy of your teams and its more accessible prices. According to the specialist, it manages to add advanced functions without transferring the entire cost to the buyer.

Metrics allow you to identify five models that retain their value especially well and that are also available in Argentina: Garmin Forerunner 170, Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 12 and Noise Endeavor Pro. They are very different proposals from each other, but they share a lower loss of value over time. What advantages does each one offer?

Leads in value preservation: its watches offer accurate sports metrics, autonomy far above average and advanced tools for runners and cyclists. Although a new generation arrives, the team continues to be perceived as fully current.

Designed for runners who train with data, the Forerunner 170 prioritizes performance over smartwatch features. It adds a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen, more than 80 sports profiles, Garmin Coach adaptive plans, recovery metrics and training status, GPS multibanda and integrated navigation.

Its differential is to combine professional training tools with up to 10 days of battery like smartwatch and some 20 hours with active GPSsomething that watches in the mobile ecosystem do not match. This: 727.999 pesos.

Amazfit holds its value well because it offers high-end materials and features at a lower cost. The Cheetah 2 Pro adds titanium, sapphire and training tools typical of more expensive watches, which sustains interest in the used market.

Designed for long-distance runners and marathoners looking for something close to Garmin at a lower cost. It has a box grade 5 titaniumsapphire crystal, GPS dual band compatible with six satellite systems, offline maps, turn-by-turn navigation and metrics to plan loads, recovery and progression.

Reaches up to 20 days of typical use and 31 hours with high-precision GPS, beating most Wear OS or watchOS watches. Includes 32GB storagestructured training compatible with TrainingPeaks and Zepp Coach. Includes nylon strap. Price: 999.999 pesos.

Has solid resale within the Android universe (comes with Google’s Wear OS 7). Its broad user base, health sensors and AI features They keep it current against new versions, and a lower price than Apple makes it easier to sell on the used market.

It sports a 3nm Snapdragon Wear Elite chip and a Super AMOLED screen of up to 3,000 nits, visible under intense sun. Releases an improved version of the sensor BioActivewhich measures heart rate, electrocardiogram, blood pressure and body composition.

Its differential is the preventive approach: Vitals function analyzes skin temperature, oxygenation and cardiac variability during sleep to offer a comprehensive view of physical condition. Adds native integration with Gemini. Price: 679.999 pesos (40 mm) y 759.999 pesos (44 mm).

It maintains high demand in resale thanks to its connection with the Apple ecosystem: iPhone, App Store, Apple Pay and brand services keep it relevant for new generations. Its market, however, is practically limited to iPhone consumers.

Integrate the chip S11new generation heart sensors, ECG, blood oxygen, sleep tracking, body temperature and the Readiness function to measure recovery. Addition Apple Intelligence and new biometric analysis tools for everyday well-being.

Its battery is one of its most discussed points, since it resists up to 24 hours of normal use or 38 in saving mode. It is not compatible with Android models and costs more to enter than several rivals with batteries that last for weeks. From 1.600.000 pesos.

It is the one that less value preserved of the comparison. In the economic range there is a lot of competition and similar alternatives emerge quickly, and the buyer prioritizes the cost over the brand, so used one hardly pays well. Its forte is sturdy construction and daily monitoring.

It is aimed at an adventurous audience. It combines dual-band GPS, altimeter, barometer, electronic compass, 5 ATM water resistance and a 1.5-inch AMOLED screen. Its proposal aims to track routes, orientation on the ground and record physical activity without entering the most expensive category on the market.

Its appeal is the relationship between performance and price. Integra 530 mAh battery with 7 to 10 days of typical use and up to 28 days of standby, plus tools to hiking, cycling and outdoor activities. It targets those who want exploration and navigation without paying what its competitors demand. Price: 320.000 pesos.