Android smartwatch hardware and software JEWELS (at least for me; it may be different for you, depending on your needs). If you find better ones for the described purposes, let us know below (in such a case, please indicate full official name, company and link as shown below; thanks!):
HARDWARE
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Smartwatch with telescopic rotating retractable camera in the crown neck (protecting from dust and sweat, besides privacy). Square-rectangular ones are better than circular ones to browse web pages and login in them with username and password, show application contents, etc. Plastic ones are also better than metallic ones, being lighter (you do not even notice that you wear them!) and with better antenna reception for wireless communications, including Bluetooth, WiFi (Wi-Fi) and phone calls using mobile data. You can wear them even while sleeping (see vibrating alarm application, below).
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Charger with USB connection, or at least with four pins (not just two), also allowing data transfer between computer (including Mac) and smartwatch in both directions (see Android File Transfer application, below).
Update (3rd May 2025):
- Case protector with built-in screen protector for Android smartwatch (similar to Apple Watch Ultra 2) like CDS9 - 4G Network WATCH ULTRA (S9-C-EN) and similar ones (ASIN B0BG6RGCC4):
Diruite 2-Pack Screen Protector for Apple Watch Ultra/Ultra 2 49mm Tempered Glass Case,All Around Hard Matte PC Protective Cover,Black,49mm
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BG6RGCC4
BEWARE that although it is great and works for such smartwatch, it does not fit perfectly on it having some minor displacement of holes on the right side (which do not affect functionality) and more relevant on the left side (partially overlapping the SIM card tray handle-cover, so it is needed to remove the protector to access the SIM card), since such protector was designed for Apple Watch Ultra 3.
Update (12th October 2025):
The problem with the above smartwatch protector is that it is hard but fragile (as glass is hard and fragile), because it is made of polycarbonate (PC) which breaks after impact shock. I have broken two of them in five months!!! After some research, I have found the facts summarized next from more soft-flexible to more resistant to impact: i) too soft protects less and may fall unless covering at least part of back side (silicone); ii) polycarbonate (PC) is hard but breaks after impact shock, as said above; iii) better to resist impacts is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); iv) the BEST is hybrid TPU + PC. In theory, D3O patented material could be even better like in PanzerGlass Full Body Transparent with D3O for Apple Watch Ultra | Ultra 2, but in fact it seems worse since it has been discontinued from most Amazon stores worldwide, having very few sales and lots of bad comments, although I have not tested it. Therefore, I have purchased the following (screen protector and also case protector from different manufacturers, since I could not find a full complete product solution including both):
Screen protector: ESR 2 Pack Armorite Screen Protector for Apple Watch Ultra 3/2/1 (2025/2024/2023/2022,49 mm), Military Grade Protection, Tempered Glass Film with Aluminum Alloy Frame, Anti-Scratch, Black
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F59PYKPY
Note that air bubbles may form, but they can be removed pressing with fingers and supplied tool, as the product installation instruction shows.
Case protector: Elago Duo Case Compatible with Apple Watch Ultra 3/2/1, Apple Watch Ultra Case, Full Protection (Hard PC + TPU Material), Full Access to Screen, Two PCs Included. Strap not Included
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BT6429S3
To install the screen protector above, at least the part of the band with holes must be removed (no need to remove the other containing the buckle, although both can be removed, of course for even easier installation). Note that once the screen protector above is installed in the smartwatch, the color frames so-called black or orange accent pieces (that come with the case) cannot be installed because they do not fit, so a small hole between the smartwatch and case remains, but that is not a problem for me. I can live with it, and in fact it works as a double-protecting “flexible outside-hard inside” shield. Yet, I guess that such circular whole of about 1 to 0.5 mm around the smartwatch screen could accumulate-collect dust over time; time will tell. In any case, I could not find something better, as indicated below in boldface.
On the other hand, since all these smartwatch protectors are designed for Apple Watch Ultra and not for the Android ones (which may have slight variations in buttons, SIM tray, etc), I used a cutter to remove most of the left button covering the SIM tray, since the TPU + PC is semi-rigid and can be easily cut (contrary to PC, which is hard and difficult to cut). So, I am very happy with this new protection strategy.
Having said that, if someone finds a similar hybrid TPU + PC case protector with built-in screen protector that fits better with the CDS9 - 4G Network WATCH ULTRA (S9-C-EN) smartwatch and similar ones, please let us know in this thread. Thanks!
SOFTWARE
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Device Info HW (Andrey Efremov). To see real smartwatch specifications. Beware that many have fake ones and this application shows the real ones. Do not be fooled.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ru.andr7e.deviceinfohw -
Face (dial) showing big digital hour with minutes and seconds, as well as battery percentage. Usually included with the smartwatch.
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRy96Ip0bapbrjZz_EUJtidsmIDGRu22uXaTsTRu5dMt41bzMzQ -
hyperion launcher (prjkt.io). Amazing launcher, particularly when you have many applications in the small smartwatch display area (in such a case, the honeycomb format is less convenient). They can be set to display in a 5 x 5 matrix, showing on multiple pages if needed. Allowing to drag and change their positions manually. Also showing drawer with apps in alphabetical order (matrix of 5 columns x 4 rows). I have 25 + 18 + 11 applications showing that way in just three matrix pages. I have not set it as default (default is the face-dial indicated above to show time and battery percentage).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=projekt.launcher -
QR & Barcode Scanner (Gamma Play). Great to read QR codes, and then login (username and password) via web browser (see Firefox application, below).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gamma.scan -
Clock (Google). Useful to set vibrating alarms, not disturbing other people.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.deskclock -
Google Keep - Notes and Lists named as Keep Notes (Google LLC). Great to take notes for future reference, copy and paste, etc.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.keep -
Voice Recorder & Voice Memos (Simple Design Ltd.). Useful to record voice notes to not forget something later on.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=voicerecorder.audiorecorder.voice -
Clipboard - Paste Keyboard (NZDream). Clipboard manager. To copy-paste text strings, etc.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.clipboard.easycopy -
XRecorder named as Screen Recorder - XRecorder (InShot Inc.). Great to save screen captures and screen videos. Useful, for instance, to save application configurations for future reference.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=videoeditor.videorecorder.screenrecorder -
Android File Transfer. Can be use with the charger indicated above, allowing to transfer data between computer (including Mac) and smartwatch.
https://android-file-transfer.macupdate.com -
Send Anywhere (File Transfer) (Rakuten Symphony Korea, Inc.). Transfer files wirelessly between Android smartwatch and other devices, including Mac computers.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.estmob.android.sendanywhere
Update (24th April 2025):
Other similar and open-source is LocalSend
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Generic Battery Drainer (Jason K.S.L.L.). This is useful if you want to calibrate the battery (to drain it; beware to do it in 10% steps or so, to avoid overheating!) or to discharge the battery for instance 3% in the morning and 3% in the evening if you do not use the smartwatch such day(s), since lithium-ion batteries degrade if you do not use them. Ideally, charge them to 80% and recharge when at 40% (not less than 20%). 80% to 40% lasts me three days with wireless (Bluetooth and WiFi) turned off, and not using mobile data (Airplane mode on). Note that if Generic Battery Drainer SETTINGS (top-right gear icon) does not show when touched hard, try a light-soft touch. or with other finger (better dry than wet) or –best so far– generously tapping corner from outside on diagonal, which works even with screen-case protector. Just for the record in case someone needs such tricks.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lohjason.genericbatterydrainer -
Battery Alarm (Zoran Vujacic). To warn when the battery needs charging or when it should be disconnected from the charger.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=simple.batttery.alarm -
Multi Stopwatch & Timer (L.droid). Useful for that.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ldroid.multistopwatchandtimer -
VLC (Videolabs). To watch videos.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.videolan.vlc -
Firefox Fast & Private Browser (Mozilla). I have found it to be the best web browser to login (username and password) web sites, since others may not show username or login fields.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.mozilla.firefox -
Screen rotation control (High Soft). To rotate display when needed.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jjong.kim.rotationcontrol -
Auto-Scroll Browser (d.and.apps). To scroll for instance web pages not showing some fields like username or password to login.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.d_and.autoscrl -
FX File Explorer (NextApp). File manager.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nextapp.fx -
Time and Memo - Always Visible Time and Memo (Wansoft). To show time (even with seconds) always, including when applications are opened.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=wan.util.showtime -
Dead Pixels Test and Fix (ZooxSoft). Check for dead pixels. Most useful when you buy a new device.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zoox.deadpixelfix -
RTR-NetTest 3G/4G/5G IPv4/6 (RTR-GmbH). Check wireless network.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=at.alladin.rmbt.android -
Fing - Network Tools (Fing Limited). Check wireless connections, including intruders in WiFi, etc.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.overlook.android.fing -
Sound Decibel Meter (Splend Apps). Quantify ambient sound level, to protect your hearing (including too-loud cinema theaters!). Remember that lost hearing cannot be recovered.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.splendapps.decibel -
Flashlight (Lighthouse, Inc.). Useful to see in dark environments. Sometimes it is just enough to turn on the smartwatch showing its dial. Otherwise, use the flashlight.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.peacock.flashlight
Update (1st February 2025):
- Storage Analyzer & Disk Usage (Mobile Infographics Tools). Named as Drives after installation. Useful to find items taking most disk space (to move them elsewhere or delete them) to free space in the usually small flash space of smartwatches,
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobile_infographics_tools.mydrive
That is!