The Tag Heuer Connected 2020 is one of the best smartwatch options out there for a premium design that doesn't scrimp on smart features. This is simply the best looking Wear OS watch out there and it's the third generation of the Swiss watch maker's smartwatch.
First there was the Tag Heuer Connected 45, then the Connected 41 and now it's the Connect 2020 that's leading the way. This model brings enhanced fitness tracking, better software and a more refined design finish.
This is one of the most expensive smartwatches on the market, but it's also telling as it's one of the best selling ones too. Yup, this is the main competitor to the Apple Watch Series 5.
So is it worth the cost? Here's everything you need to know about the Tag Heuer Connected 2020.
Tag Heuer Connected 2020 review: Design and build
The Tag Heuer Connected 2020 is undoubtedly one of the most attractive smartwatches. It's also one of the most well constructed. With no expense spared, clearly, you get a 45mm sized watch made of steel or titanium. That makes for a hardy devices that's water resistant rated for 50 meters deep.
Make no mistake, this is a chunky watch, as it was built to be. But that means not only a design statement but plenty of room for a good sized screen, battery and lots of smart sensors.
There are four models to pick from, three with stainless steel cases and the option of black and silver bezels and a rubber or steel bracelet – while the fourth, and most expensive, is a titanium case with a black rubber strap.
The 2020 model, compared to previous generations, now offers two buttons either side of the face which features a rotating crown bezel that allows for scrolling. The buttons are useful for quick access and to avoid smudging the touchscreen with fingerprints where possible. With smartphone notifications that can be useful as you end up using the watch a lot rather than digging your phone out.
That touchscreen display is a 1.39-inch OLED with an upgraded 454 x 454 resolution for great clarity and punchy colors. This has ambient and active modes meaning it always has a watch face for easy time reading and good looks, without using too much battery constantly.
Tag Heuer Connected 2020 review: Tracking and features
Display: OLED
Battery: One day
GPS: Yes
Water resistance: Yes, 50m
HR: Yes
The Tag Heuer Connected 2020 features both GPS and heart rate tracking as well as gyroscope and accelerometer onboard, making it a stand-alone sports and fitness wearable.
The Tag Heuer Sports app comes as standard, for luxurious branded fitness tracking. That means a fully fledged golf tracker, running, cycling and swimming support as well as hiking and general fitness tracking options. Tag promises there are even more sports coming too.
Of course you can still use Google's Fit suite or any third-party Wear OS sports apps too. But with features like low-power mode to save battery while sports tracking, we really enjoy the Tag app.
Health is also monitored with all day heart rate tracking and step counting available to you and the ability to share data with Apple Health, Google Fit and Strava.
Other features worth mentioning are Google Pay contactless payments and music playback working well on this Wear OS platform. The various watch faces are also great with options to suit most tastes, situations and outfits.
Google Assistant voice controls is also worth a mention as this works really well and integrates excellently with other smart devices.
Tag Heuer Connected 2020 review: Battery life
The Tag Heuer Connected 2020 comes with a 430mAh battery which is on the larger side for a smartwatch. Despite packing in the grunt you'll still be looking at a one-day life before needing a charge, much like Apple's Watch offerings.
That all-day use does include a good hour of sports tracking with GPS and heart rate turned on. So you can end up with more if you're having a rest day. This is also taking into account the screen being on full brightness, so there's life to be saved there too.
The bottom line is that this needs to be charged every night. Sure, if you stay out overnight it should have enough juice to get you to work or home, but don't expect to get a solid two days without a power-up in between.
The charging disc is easily attached and will get you from zero battery to full in just an hour and a half.
Should I buy the Tag Heuer Connected 2020?
If you want the absolute best build quality and design in a Wear OS smartwatch, this is the one for you. If cost is no object and you want some superb golf tracking with a selection of fitness and health tracking options, you shouldn't be found want with the Tag Heuer Connected 2020.
But if you need more than a day's battery on a charge, don't want to spend lots of money and prefer to have more varied options then there are other more specifically focused smartwatches that may suit your needs better.
