Top wearables at IFA 2024: picture gallery

IFA 2024, Europe’s premier tech extravaganza, is in full swing. The halls at the Messe Exhibition Grounds are echoing with the chatter of innovators and curious onlookers, all eager to glimpse the future of technology. In this article, we highlight the best wearables at the exbition grounds.

This year, however, a subtle shift is palpable in the air. The wearable tech sector, once a dominating force at IFA, seemed to have taken a step back from the limelight. Yet, like hidden gems waiting to be discovered, a select few devices managed to break through the noise.

As we navigate the labyrinth of booths and demonstrations before the doors close on September 9th, we can’t help but reflect on IFA’s rich history. From its humble beginnings in 1924 as a showcase for radio technology, to its current status as a global stage for cutting-edge innovations, IFA has been a constant witness to the relentless march of progress.

If you look at the above image closely you can see “IFA 100”. That’s to mark the 100 year anniversary.

A few names missing

Now, we do have a few no-shows in 2024. Apple is one of them, but that is no surprise. The company has not attended IFA for years now, prefering to hold its own launch events. Like the one that is due to occur on Monday.

Another name that was not there is Garmin. Just like in 2023, the company does not have a presence at the Berlin gathering. It seems it has decided to follow Apple in its strategy of holding in-house events. To remind, the company debuted its Fenix 8 line and Enduro 3 only a couple of weeks ago.

Huawei is another brand that has not shown us any new wearables at IFA. Again, this is another example of a company that will hold a separate event for this sort of thing. In this case, one is scheduled for September 19th and we are expecting the debut of Watch GT5 and maybe a Pro version of the same.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Interestingly, for the first time in recent years Fitbit is not here. Well, it is – in a sense. There is no big Fitbit stand like in previous years. And no big Fitbit logo. But the companies existing range of devices is displayed on the Google stand. Perhaps those rumours that we’ve seen the last Fitbit watches are true?

Ok, so let’s get going with the list.

Top wearables of IFA 2024

Amazfit T-Rex 3

Technically, Zepp Health should also be on the list of no-shows. However, the company held a press launch and demonstration of its new device just a 5 minute walk from the IFA venue on the opening day of Europe’s largest gathering. So this was clearly targeted to coincide with the big event.

We have therefore decided to include the Amazfit T-Rex 3 on this list. A continuation of the company’s adventurer smartwatch range, this device takes things up a notch. Improvements include design tweaks, a larger and brighter display, longer battery life, upgraded OS and a few new bits and pieces. So a nice upgrade over its predecessors. Look for our full hands-on review of the watch to land in the days ahead.

Withings BeamO and ScanWatch Nova Brilliant

Next up we have Withings. The French outfit showcased BeamO, a Star Trek-esque multiscope that allows users to perform a 4-in-1 health checkup of body temperature, heart, and lung health in under a minute. The thing is not available for purchase just yet. I asked a representative on the Withings stand and he told me we can expect it in Q1 2025.

We also saw the launch of ScanWatch Nova Brilliant in Berlin. It houses the smarts of ScanWatch 2, but with a design reminiscent of Scanwatch Nova. Which means you get a titanium bezel, ultra-durable sapphire glass and an overall premium look. But this one comes packing a 39mm case size in gold and silver finishes so something for those with smaller wrists.

Honor Watch 5

Another new device in Berlin is the Honor Watch 5. It has a beautiful large 1.85 inch AMOLED display. Under the hood are pretty standard fitness and health tracking smarts in addition to built-in GPS. Also worth a mention are offline storage for music, as well as the ability to take calls from a connected smartphone thanks to a built in mic and speaker. And let’s not forget the excellent 15 day battery life on a single charge.

RingConn Gen 2

Smart rings are also making a strong showing at IFA. Ultrahuman is here with Ring Air. However this device has been around for a couple of years now.

More interesting than that is RingConn Gen 2. The upgraded ring is being currently funded via Kickstarter and has managed to raise more than $3.5 million so far. This makes it the most successful crowdfunded smart ring ever. At least in terms of funds raised.

We actually reviewed the device a couple of weeks back and found it to be an excellent successor to the original. In terms of functionality the only new feature it adds is Sleep Apnea tracking. In terms of hardware, though, you now get a much more discreet design. Plus battery life has nearly doubled, the sensors have been upgraded for accuracy and we find that syncing to the smartphone app is much quicker.

Google Pixel Watch 3

Nothing new from Fitbit in Berlin but Google did proudly display its Pixel Watch 3 range. The third generation is new-ish as it has debuted less than a month ago. But this was our first chance to see the new size offering.

Unlike the predecessor versions you now get to choose between a 41mm and 45mm options. The overall design is very much along the lines of the predecessor devices so not much new there. But you really need to see the 45mm device in person to appreciate how much bigger it is than the standard variant. Definitely something that is more masculine looking and a better fit for those with large wrists.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 range and smart ring

Rounding off this list are Samsung wearables. Again, this is something that debuted a few weeks ago.

Proudly on display in Berlin is the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch 7 Ultra. Much has already been written about them.

The Galaxy Smart ring is also on show and it looks very similar to other such offerings. It really is difficult to offer something that stands out from the pack with such a small form factor.

Smart rings are definitely all the rage at the moment so expect new entrants in the near future. Some are even speculating we might see a smart ring from Apple on September 9th.

Well that’s pretty much it for this year. Still not too late to visit IFA if you are in Berlin – the show runs until the end of play on Monday.

That’s a wrap from us. See you at IFA 2025!

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