After years of limited options, the last few have been a big turning point for Android smartwatches. Now, there are loads of great choices out there to suit all tastes and needs.
But we are still in a transition period in the smartwatch landscape. We’re excited about the improvements in third-party app support, but the market is still fragmented. For example, Wear OS 5 is on Samsung’s Galaxy Watches and the Pixel Watch 3, but the wider ecosystem is still playing catch up. Google Assistant is still not available on some Wear OS 3 watches, and Wear OS 4 has yet to gain any traction.
Despite these issues, the Android wearable ecosystem is moving fast, and we are getting closer to a more unified and featureful experience. These watches can technically work independently, but a connection to an Android phone is required to unlock the full functionality, such as syncing data and access to special features. With each update and new model, the future of Android smartwatches looks good, and users will have more functionality and flexibility than ever.
What We’re Looking For?
If you want to wait until Wear OS settles down, there are plenty of platform-agnostic smartwatches and fitness trackers to consider in the meantime. These devices offer lots of features without being tied to a specific OS, so they are good choices.
Chip and Wear OS
But if you want to go with Wear OS, you need to pay attention to the chip and the version of Wear OS on your smartwatch. For example, Mobvoi, maker of the TicWatch series, took a long time to roll out Wear OS 3 to its Wear OS 2 devices and only recently announced the rollout for Wear OS 4.
Models to Watch
One to watch is the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5, the first smartwatch in the US to get the new Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus chip. It’s a great choice with lots of features, but you may want to wait for more options to become available that use the W5 Plus chip.
Another option to consider is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, which features a unique design, advanced safety features, and excellent health tracking.
Good Alternatives
However, the standard W5 chip is also good and should not be ignored. The Pixel Watch 3 and the OnePlus Watch 2 have the W5 chip, are much faster, and have better battery life than their predecessors. They are good choices if you want to get into Wear OS without sacrificing quality and features.
Android Smartwatch Buying Guide
Picking the right Android smartwatch can be tough with so many options out there. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a techy person, or just looking for a stylish accessory, there are many things to consider when finding the right one for you.
What to Look for in an Android Smartwatch?
When buying an Android smartwatch, you should consider:
Compatibility: First and foremost is compatibility. Make sure the smartwatch you choose is compatible with your Android phone. Some smartwatches like those from Samsung will have extra features when paired with a Samsung phone, but many Android smartwatches are designed to work with any Android device.
Display: The display is a big part of any smartwatch. Consider the size and type of display you want. Touchscreen displays are common and offer easy navigation. Some models have a traditional watch face with physical buttons for control. Look for displays with good brightness and resolution for better visibility in different lighting conditions.
Battery Life: Battery life can vary greatly between smartwatches. Some have impressive battery life of up to 10 days on a single charge, while others need daily charging. Consider your usage and choose a smartwatch with battery life that fits your needs.
Fitness Features: If fitness tracking is important to you, look for smartwatches with built-in GPS, heart rate monitoring, and other advanced fitness features. These will help you track your workouts, monitor your health metrics, and achieve your fitness goals.
Health and Wellness: Beyond fitness, many smartwatches offer health and wellness features like stress tracking, sleep monitoring, and menstrual cycle tracking. These features will give you valuable insights into your overall well-being and help you live healthier.
Smart Features: What smart features do you need? These could include notification support, music control, mobile payment, and more. The ability to receive and respond to notifications, control your music, and make payments directly from your wrist will make your daily life more convenient.
Design and Build: The design and build of the smartwatch is also important. Do you prefer a sleek, modern look or a traditional watch face? Consider the materials, comfort of the strap, and overall look to find a smartwatch that fits your style.
Price: Finally, consider your budget. Android smartwatches come in a wide range of prices, from under $100 to over $1000. How much are you willing to spend? Look for a smartwatch that gives you the best value for your money within your budget.
By considering these factors, you can navigate the world of Android smartwatches and find the one that fits your needs and style.
Best Smartwatch for Samsung Phones
If you have a Samsung phone, the best companion for your device is a Samsung smartwatch. Among the four watches currently available in Samsung’s lineup, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is the top pick. Samsung has just released the Galaxy Watch 7, but the Classic hasn’t received an update this year. This lack of an update might mean good deals for the Classic soon, so it’s a great value option.
Latest Features: Galaxy Watch 7
If you want the latest technology, the Galaxy Watch 7 has an upgraded 3nm Exynos W1000 chip and a new 3-in-1 BioActive Sensor. While the improvements over last year’s models are incremental, they do bring new features. The Galaxy Watch 7 has Wear OS 5 and One UI 6 Watch, but note that these updates will be available for older models as well. This watch is for users who prefer a more compact design and don’t mind sacrificing the rotating bezel of the Classic model.
Why Galaxy Watch 6 Classic?
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic has a rotating bezel that’s 15% thinner than the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The new design, combined with a larger display in 43mm and 47mm sizes, is more user-friendly. This watch launches with Wear OS 4, which brings better battery life and cloud backups. One UI 5 Watch also brings minor health and sleep tracking improvements, but these will be rolled out to older devices as well.
The Outdoor Enthusiast’s Choice: Galaxy Watch Ultra
If you lead a more adventurous lifestyle, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, priced at $649.99, might be the better option. It has the best battery life among Samsung’s smartwatches, lasting around 3 days in our testing, although it falls short of the 100-hour battery life. The Ultra has dual-frequency GPS, new multisport activity tracking, an emergency siren, increased durability, and is suitable for rugged use. With 10ATM water resistance and a customizable Quick Button, it’s a great alternative for outdoor activities, just like the Apple Watch Ultra, but for Android users.
Budget Option: Galaxy Watch FE
If you’re on a budget, the new Galaxy Watch FE is available for $199.99. This is essentially a rebadged Galaxy Watch 4, so you get most of the functionality without breaking the bank.
Samsung Health App and Tracking Features
The Samsung Health app enhances the fitness tracking experience by enabling turn-by-turn navigation for activities like hiking and cycling. Nightly SpO2 readings are meh, but Samsung’s sleep tracking has been improving. The watches have built-in GPS, body composition analysis, irregular heart rate notifications, fall detection, emergency SOS features, and EKG. Samsung recently introduced new features like energy score, AI-powered wellness insights, FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, and the AGEs Index for metabolic health. The energy score is generally accurate, but the AI-generated features are hit or miss. The AGEs Index is more gimmicky than practical and is only available on the Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra.
Considerations
Samsung smartwatches are great with Samsung phones but not recommended for non-Samsung users. Features like EKG and sleep apnea detection require the Samsung Health Monitor app, which is only available on Samsung devices. Although there are workarounds, Samsung watches are best enjoyed with other Samsung products.
Best Smartwatch for Non-Samsung Users
If you’re in the market for a smartwatch and don’t have a Samsung phone, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is a great option priced at $349.99. It’s no longer playing catch-up; it has significant upgrades and features that make it a great option for anyone looking to level up their smartwatch game.
Pixel Watch 3 Updates
The Pixel Watch 3 has several updates that make it more usable and feature-rich. One of the biggest changes is the introduction of two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The larger one has more screen real estate, while the 41mm has smaller bezels and looks more modern. The display is also better, with brightness from 1 nit to 2,000 nits, so it’s visible in any lighting condition.
Health and Fitness
Health and fitness tracking has gotten a big upgrade, especially for runners. A new feature is the Cardio Load metric, which is similar to Garmin’s Training Load metric. It assesses the cardiovascular intensity of your workouts over time and gives you a personalized Cardio Load target based on your fitness goals, readiness, and activity level. Runners get a new dashboard with form analysis metrics and the ability to create custom workouts and AI-generated workouts based on their fitness level.
For Europeans, the Pixel Watch 3 has a big safety feature: it can detect if you’ve lost your pulse and automatically call emergency services, making it a better fitness and health companion. The Garmin Connect app is a must-have for Garmin smartwatches to get advanced fitness tracking features and health data analysis.
Google Integrations and Smart Features
One of the best parts of the Pixel Watch 3 is its seamless integration with Google services. If you have a Google-powered smart home, you can view and interact with your Nest Doorbell or camera feeds directly from your wrist. It’s a remote for your Google TV, so you can easily control your entertainment setup. It also has new Google Home Tiles and complications, so you can manage your home from your wrist.
Another cool feature is offline Google Maps, which allows you to navigate without a constant connection. The watch also has a Call Assist feature, which lets callers know you need an extra minute before you answer. It is a small but nice touch.
Compatibility and User Experience
The Pixel Watch 3 was marketed as a smartwatch for any Android phone, but with the updates, users will get the best experience when paired with a Pixel phone. Unlike Samsung’s ecosystem, there’s less lock-in. Health features are available to all users with a Fitbit account, and they removed some metrics like the Daily Readiness Score from the Fitbit Premium paywall.
Features exclusive to Pixel phones include unlocking your device with the watch and using the Recorder app. So, while you might lose some convenience, the Pixel Watch 3 is still usable for non-Pixel users.
Durability Considerations
The Pixel Watch 3 has a beautiful design with a domed display, but buyers should be careful with its durability. Previous models have shown vulnerabilities. Users reported cracked screens on the original Pixel Watch and deep scratches on the Pixel Watch 2. Google doesn’t offer repair options yet, which is a concern. You can opt for the Preferred Care extended warranty to protect against damage, but this is only available in the US and Canada.
Google and Samsung Smartwatch Alternative
If you’re looking for an alternative to Google and Samsung smartwatches, the OnePlus Watch 2 is a contender to consider. Priced at $299.99, it’s a big improvement over its predecessor, which was a disaster in terms of performance and user satisfaction. With Fossil leaving the Android smartwatch market, the OnePlus Watch 2 fills the gap and gives users a solid and stylish option.
Design and Build
The OnePlus Watch 2 has a 47-mm case made of durable stainless steel and sapphire crystal. While it may not fit smaller wrists, it’s built tough to withstand daily wear and tear. It has a 500mAh battery with dual-chip architecture and a dual operating system, which contributes to its long battery life. Users can expect extended use, but actual performance will vary based on usage and settings.
Software and Features
Running on Wear OS 4, the OnePlus Watch 2 is the only third-party smartwatch with the latest software version. This means you can get Google Assistant out of the box, which is a common problem for third-party Android watch users. You can also access the Google Play Store, which opens up a lot of apps to make the watch more functional and usable.
Fitness and Activity Tracking
For fitness enthusiasts, the OnePlus Watch 2 has dual-frequency GPS, which is great for outdoor activities in challenging environments like dense forests or busy city streets. This advanced GPS technology provides accurate location tracking so you don’t get lost during your adventure.
Trade-Offs and Limitations
While the OnePlus Watch 2 has many good things, it has some trade-offs. No LTE means you need to keep your phone with you, as the watch doesn’t have cellular capabilities. Some health features are missing, like EKG, atrial fibrillation detection, native period tracking, and fall detection. These may be a deal breaker for users who want comprehensive health monitoring. We test Android smartwatches by evaluating fit and comfort, features, battery life, usability, accuracy, and compatibility with Android devices.
Value for Money
Despite the trade-offs, the OnePlus Watch 2 is priced at $299, which is competitive and a good option for those who want a smartwatch without breaking the bank. Its balance of features, performance, and battery life makes it a good alternative to Google and Samsung smartwatches.
Best Fitness Smartwatch for Android
If you’re an Android user looking for a fitness-focused smartwatch with a long battery life, the $249.99 TicWatch Pro 5 by Mobvoi is a good option. Known for long battery life, the TicWatch Pro 5 has 80 hours of battery life under standard use with a secondary ultra-low-power display and a large 628mAh battery, which outclasses most of its competitors in its price range (except the OnePlus Watch 2). It’s perfect for endurance athletes, backpackers, and anyone who needs their watch for the last few days without recharging. It doesn’t quite reach the performance of high-end Garmin watches but has more “smarts” for a fraction of the price.
Battery Life and Display
The TicWatch Pro 5’s battery life is one of its best features, so if you don’t want to charge your smartwatch all the time, this is perfect for you. The secondary ultra-low-power display saves energy by showing only the essential information and not draining the battery. This display, together with the dual-layered screen, allows you to use your watch in harsh outdoor environments with limited power outlets.
Fitness and Durability
For fitness, the Pro 5 has a lot to offer. Unlike specialized fitness trackers like Garmin or Polar, the TicWatch Pro 5 doesn’t force you to give up innovative features for fitness tracking. It has VO2 Max tracking, recovery time metrics, and heart rate zone monitoring via a clever backlight that changes color depending on your zone, so you can easily gauge your workout intensity.
Mobvoi has also made the Pro 5 more durable than before. Its digital crown allows for easy menu navigation even when your hands are sweaty. A flatter side button reduces the chances of accidental presses, making the watch more useful during workouts.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The TicWatch Pro 5 has many health features:
Stress tracking
All-day blood oxygen monitoring
Fatigue assessments
Atrial fibrillation and irregular heartbeat detection
For outdoor enthusiasts, it also has:
Multiple GNSS systems for accurate tracking
Barometer
Compass app
A one-tap measurement app that shows heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress, respiratory rate, and overall heart health. Perfect for casual fitness enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts.
Smartwatch Features
Beyond fitness tracking, the Pro 5 doesn’t lack innovative features. It has contactless payments, the Google Play Store for apps, notifications, and the ability to take calls. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus chip, the Pro 5 is futureproof and performs smoothly, making it one of the best fitness smartwatches for Android. The only cons are the 50mm case, which may not fit smaller wrists and the lack of a digital assistant.
Software Updates and Wear OS
Good news for those who are planning to buy: Mobvoi has just announced that Wear OS 4 will roll out this month for the TicWatch Pro 5, bringing it up to date with the latest software updates.
Best Hybrid Smartwatch
Hybrid smartwatches are perfect for those who want a simple and subtle watch with basic intelligent features. Among them, the $249.95 Withings ScanWatch Light stands out for its balance of functionality and design. This smartwatch has the basics: push notifications, timers, alarms, step tracking, sleep tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, and GPS workouts (though the GPS is connected to your phone). It has a design like a more elegant Swatch, and it’s available in refreshing colors like minty green and pale blue.
Long Battery Life
One of the ScanWatch Light’s biggest advantages is its long battery life, which can last up to 30 days on a single charge. In real-world testing, it reaches 25 days, which is far beyond many of its competitors. This is perfect for those who don’t want to worry about recharging often.
A More Advanced Version: ScanWatch 2
For those who want more features, ScanWatch 2 has additional health-focused features like EKG, atrial fibrillation detection, temperature sensors, SpO2 readings, and an altimeter for elevation tracking. Its $349.95 price reflects these additional features, and its design is slightly more elegant, with a secondary dial that tracks daily steps.
Budget Option: Garmin Vivomove Sport
For those on a budget, the Garmin Vivomove Sport is a good option at $180. Its battery life is shorter, around 5 days, but it integrates well with Garmin’s health platform. The Vivomove Trend is a more premium version with Qi wireless charging and still has the core features of the Vivomove series.
Best Budget Android Smartwatch
For those who want a good smartwatch without burning a hole in their pocket, the Amazfit GTR 4 is a great budget option at $199.99. Amazfit has a reputation for delivering great wearables at a fraction of the cost of the premium ones, and GTR 4 continues that trend.
Classic Design and Long Battery Life
GTR 4 has a classic and stylish design with always an OLED display, which is bright and readable. It also has 14 days of battery life, which is rare for smartwatches in this price range. This long battery life is perfect for those who don’t want to worry about daily charging.
Advanced GPS and Fitness Tracking
One of the best features of GTR 4 is its dual-band GPS, which is found on high-end models from brands like Apple and Garmin. For outdoor enthusiasts, the ability to import custom GPS routes makes it a great companion for hiking or trail running. It also supports 150 sports tracking, all-day continuous heart rate monitoring, stress, sleep, and SpO2 tracking.
Smart Features and Compatibility
GTR 4 is not just about fitness. It also has smart features like taking calls from the wrist and two digital assistants: Amazon Alexa for online tasks and a proprietary offline assistant when you don’t have internet. It can sync with popular fitness platforms like Strava and Adidas Running, making it a great option for serious fitness enthusiasts.
Great Value
While GTR 4 may not be as sleek and polished as flagship smartwatches from Apple, Samsung, or Garmin, it delivers many features at a fraction of the cost. If price is your concern, the GTR 4 is a great value for money, is usually on sale, and works with both Android and iOS devices.
