What you need to know

• Google is working on a Pixel Watch feature that alerts you when you leave your phone behind.
• The feature may also automatically lock your phone if you walk away while it is still unlocked.
• The feature may be limited to certain Pixel Watch models and has no rollout timeline yet.

If you keep forgetting your phone behind when leaving a place, a new Google Pixel Watch feature might end up being a real lifesaver.

As spotted by Android Authority, Google is working on a new Pixel Watch feature that will alert users when they leave their phone behind. The publication found some strings in the source code that reference a feature called "Notify when left behind," which would send a notification to your Pixel Watch whenever you walk away without your phone.

For the feature to work, as per the report, a few prerequisites are required. Both the phone and watch need to have Bluetooth turned on, and the watch must be worn on your wrist, which is fairly obvious for something like this to function properly.

Google is finally adding a phone left-behind alert

What makes this feature more interesting is that it will also automatically lock your phone if you walk away from it while it is still unlocked. This could be especially useful from a privacy standpoint if you accidentally leave your phone behind in a public place. The report also notes that you will be able to disable these alerts in trusted locations, such as your home.

That said, it is possible that Google may limit this feature to select new Pixel Watch models and some older models, like the original Pixel Watch or the Pixel Watch 2, may be left out. The code strings include a "Not supported watch" message, suggesting that some Pixel Watch variants could miss out.

For those familiar, similar features already exist on the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, but it is good to finally see Google working on bringing this functionality to the Pixel Watch.

There is no word yet on when or if this feature will officially roll out, as it has only been spotted in the source code so far. If Google does end up releasing it, we will be sure to update you.

Apple and Google are always natural competitors, and they just so happen to have two of the best smartwatches hitting the market: the Apple Watch Series 11 and the Google Pixel Watch 4. Since you can't easily use an Apple Watch with an Android phone or vice versa, the decision largely rests upon which ecosystem you've already invested in.

However, if you're wondering how the Series 11 stacks up against the Pixel Watch 4, we have you covered. After all, there is a way to use an Apple Watch without daily driving an iPhone, so Android users can use the Series 11 as their smartwatch if they really want to. Let's break down all the differences between the latest Apple Watch Series 11 and the Google Pixel Watch 4.

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: Design and display

Neither Apple nor Google deviated significantly from their typical smartwatch design language when creating the Series 11 or Pixel Watch 4. They resemble their predecessors closely, but are distinct from one another. Apple Watches tend to sport a mostly square design with a cover glass and chassis that are slightly curved. Meanwhile, Pixel Watch models feature a "waterdrop" design with a circular shape and curved glass that seamlessly integrates into the chassis.

Overall, the Pixel Watch 4 looks more minimalist and dainty than the Series 11. The Apple Watch Series 11 is available in either 42mm or 46mm case sizes, whereas the Pixel Watch 4 is offered in 41mm or 45mm case sizes. Although the Pixel Watch is more compact on the wrist, it's much thicker, measuring 12.3mm compared to the Apple Watch's 9.7mm thickness.

The weight between the two watches is nearly identical, with about a gram separating the non-LTE versions of Series 11 and Pixel Watch 4.

The Apple Watch Series 11 is decidedly more premium, with both aluminum and titanium case options available. Google only sells the Pixel Watch 4 in either matte or polished aluminum. There are also more colors and band configurations on the Apple Watch side, and the Series 11 has the advantage of being backwards-compatible with all prior bands within their size bloc (38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm bands are interchangeable; 42mm, 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, 49mm bands are interchangeable).

The Pixel Watch 4's display is now domed to match the cover glass and is brighter than the Series 11 with a peak brightness rating of 3,000 nits. By comparison, the Apple Watch Series 11 has the advantage of supporting wide-angle OLED technology, which should make it easier to view off-angle than the Pixel Watch 4. The Series 11 display is also slightly higher in resolution, with a pixel density of 326ppi compared to 320ppi on the Pixel Watch 4.

In terms of durability, the titanium Series 11 uses a sapphire crystal covering, and the aluminum Series 11 uses Ion-X glass. Ion-X is more crack-resistant, while sapphire crystal is more scratch-resistant. Google has Custom Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the Pixel Watch 4 for scratch and crack protection. Additionally, both watches are swimproof and rated for 5ATM.

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: Hardware and specs

From a hardware perspective, both smartwatches will be plenty fast. The Apple Watch Series 11 is powered by the S10 chip, a system-in-package processor that includes a dual-core processor and a quad-core Neural Engine. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 4 includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip with a Cortex-M55 co-processor.

Google's leveraging of the co-processor for certain tasks helped it improve battery life for the Pixel Watch 4. The smaller version of the Pixel Watch 4 now lasts up to 30 hours, while the larger model can run for up to 40 hours. That's longer, at least on paper, than the Series 11, which is rated for 24 hours of battery life. It's worth noting that in the past, you could get more battery life out of Apple Watches and Pixel Watches than officially claimed.

Apple hasn't confirmed the amount of memory onboard the Apple Watch Series 11, but it does provide 64GB of storage. That's extra space for apps, workouts, music, podcasts, and more. The Pixel Watch 4 has 2GB of memory but only 32GB of storage.

Additionally, the Series 11's cellular model supports 5G and LTE, becoming one of the first smartwatches to do so. You can equip the Pixel Watch 4 with cellular, but you'll only have LTE, not 5G. On the other hand, the Pixel Watch 4 features satellite connectivity, whereas Apple requires you to purchase the Ultra 3 for that capability.

Apple hasn't changed its watch charger in a decade of making smartwatches, yet Google is on its third charger in four generations. That isn't great for compatibility. However, the smaller Pixel Watch 4 does charge slightly faster than the Series 11, reaching 80% in just 25 minutes. The larger Pixel Watch 4 and both Series 11 models need 30 minutes of charging to hit 80%.

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: Fitness and software

Apple seems to have the advantage in fitness and health features, both in hardware and software. The software experience is sound with Apple Fitness, which has excellent workout tracking and features like Training Load. Best of all, the entire experience is subscription-free — you'll only have to pay for Apple Fitness Plus if you want guided workout videos; no features are hidden behind that paywall.

Some Pixel Watch 4 features are hidden behind the Fitbit Premium subscription, which costs $10 per month. The core experience is free, though, and built upon the Fitbit ecosystem. The watch can track over 40 different types of workouts, and now has dual-band GPS, like the Series 11, for more accurate tracking.

While both watches support the standard heart rate, temperature, ECG, and blood-oxygen readings, Apple takes a step forward with blood pressure monitoring on the Series 11. It's not a replacement for medical-grade monitoring, but rather a preventive tool that can identify signs of hypertension and direct individuals to medical professionals. This is a potential life-saving feature that only Apple is offering on smartwatches in the U.S.

Apple Watch Series 11 vs. Google Pixel Watch 4: Which should you buy?

The Apple Watch Series 11 appears to be the more mature smartwatch, but that's unsurprising, because Apple has been doing wearables longer than Google. The fitness and health experience on watchOS 26 is more robust and built out than the one in Wear OS 6, which relies on Fitbit and requires a subscription for full functionality.

The two sizes of Series 11 smartwatches are also bigger than their respective Pixel Watch 4 counterparts, and the Apple Watch hardware is more premium, with titanium case options available.

However, it's worth noting that Google has a clear edge in the voice assistant category. The Pixel Watch 4 is powered by Gemini, which can handle basic Assistant tasks and general AI queries. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 11 cannot use Siri at all without a connection to your phone, Wi-Fi, or cellular network. And if you're looking for a smartwatch on the Android side that's just as mature as the Apple Watch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a great option.

Still, you can't go wrong with the Pixel Watch 4, especially if minimalism and Google integration are your two main priorities.

Hypertension warnings on the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 are the most universal "killer feature" I've seen on a smartwatch in years. It's not direct blood pressure monitoring, but that almost makes Apple's new system more compelling — and rival brands will be scrambling to emulate it.

Users in Europe or Asia can get smartwatch-based blood pressure tracking with a Huawei Watch D2 or Galaxy Watch 8 (with a cuff). But unless you're aware of chronic high blood pressure issues, you may not take advantage of this tool often. And a smartwatch won't replace a medical-grade blood pressure monitor.

I won't downplay the usefulness of convenient, on-the-go smartwatch BP checks for anyone unwilling to go to a doctor. But since Samsung has never gotten FDA approval — and several clinical studies with Galaxy Watches showed "insufficient accuracy" and "substantial pre-post calibration BP difference" — it's not something I'd actively recommend to at-risk relatives, even if I could.

Samsung also has a newer, indirect method of predicting hypertension — its Vascular Load stat — but it's not as straightforward as Apple's method, which will come to "more than 150 countries and regions," including the U.S. and EU this month, and pass FDA clearance "soon."

Once it does, I could see the Apple Watch Series 11 becoming even more popular than past models. Anyone in an at-risk age group, or whose family is predisposed to chronic high blood pressure, will want these early warning signs.

Apple found a depressingly common condition to predict

The CDC reports that 119.9 million American adults, or 48.1%, suffer from hypertension, while only 27 million have their condition "under control." 34 million Americans with hypertension had yet to fill or start taking their prescriptions. And "1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure is unaware of it and would not report having it."

Hypertension was a "primary or contributing cause of 664,470 deaths" in the United States in 2023, primarily from heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. Worldwide, the WHO estimates 1.28 billion people have hypertension, with only 42% "diagnosed and treated."

These numbers speak for themselves. Chronic high blood pressure is painfully common, and the people with it either aren't aware or aren't willing to treat themselves, whether due to financial concerns or because they're otherwise healthy and assume they don't need to worry.

For something like sleep apnea or AFib, a smartwatch alert is obviously useful, but at least these conditions have physical symptoms that you could detect on your own. With hypertension, Apple correctly notes in its press release, it "often has no symptoms" and "can be easily missed" if you only get readings once a year at the doctor's office.

Apple used "training data from multiple studies totaling over 100,000 participants," synced up against a "clinical study of over 2,000 participants," to make its machine learning algorithm. It'll then compare 30 days of optical HR data against its own data to spot any warning signs.

Apple predicts that out of the millions of users with an Apple Watch S9, S10, S11, Ultra 2, or Ultra 3, it'll spot signs of hypertension in a million people "within the first year."

That could very well prove hyperbolic, and I'll side-eye Apple if the FDA takes long to validate the feature. However, I'm truly optimistic that this could end up being a widespread tool, building awareness for a pervasive and dangerous condition. Regardless of which smartwatch brand you're a fan of, that's a great thing.

Android and fitness watches have their own life-saving tools

Anyone who wears a Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, or Watch Ultra 24/7 will get Samsung's Vascular Load data, which takes your sleep data and "measures blood volume and vascular stiffness and precisely analyzes changes in stress on blood vessels."

Arterial stiffness is one potential sign of hypertension, among other heart conditions. But Samsung's Vascular Load graph is more about pointing out how lifestyle choices like sodium intake or drinking cause heart strain in the short term, and while that's valid, it also puts the onus on the user to get better scores when the true cause might be genetic. Plus, it focuses on sleep strain, not necessarily strain during the day.

I think Samsung could end up launching something more targeted to hypertension in the future, based on the data it collects now, and it should. Hopefully, other Android watch brands will follow suit eventually.

As for other life-saving smartwatch tricks, the most obvious one is Google's Loss of Pulse detection, which contacts emergency services during cardiac arrest or other major heart issues. If no one is around to report it, this could save your life, though it's obviously a last resort for someone with unresolved health issues.

On the preventative front, Samsung, Google/Fitbit, Withings, and Apple offer passive irregular heart rhythm warnings. More brands offer ECGs for active AFib data, but you may not use them after getting one "normal" sinus reading; passive data is vital for making more people aware they should check their heart regularly, just like hypertension alerts point people toward using a BP machine.

It's clearer than ever that we're entering the medical era of wearables. Samsung is offering virtual doctor visits and prescription management, while the Pixel Watch 4 adds better temperature sensors to catch people "falling under the weather."

Apple's hypertension alerts are just the latest strike in this battle, but it's an impressive one. Knowing if you or loved ones are at risk for stroke, heart failure, or other conditions will intrigue a lot of people.

WatchOS 26 and Wear OS 6 will arrive later this year, and it's fascinating to see how Apple, Google, and Samsung are taking different approaches to keep their watches relevant amidst this year's AI explosion.

Watching WWDC tends to trigger a zero-sum mindset for Android phone fans, pointing out the new iOS 26 features stolen from Android or how Apple Intelligence falls short of Gemini.

On the wearable front, though, feature thievery is rampant and indiscriminate. Galaxy and Pixel Watch owners eagerly await when these brands will "borrow" better fitness watch features or Apple tools like the Smart Stack.

I can point out that the Galaxy Watch 7 already has an equivalent to Apple's "new" wrist-flick gesture for dismissing notifications, or that Google Keep preempted Apple Notes on watches.

However, Apple beat Samsung and Google to the punch with fitness tools like running dynamics, custom workouts, and training load, as well as key safety features.

Checking who was "first" to a smartwatch feature isn't important (at least to me). What's more relevant is who executes a feature well, despite hurdles like battery life, weak CPUs, and tiny screens.

It's clear from Apple's watchOS 26 presentation, plus Google and Samsung's Wear OS 6 plans, that revamped UI, personalization, and AI are the priorities for smartwatches in 2025. However, only the Apple Watch 11, Galaxy Watch 8, and Pixel Watch 4 can demonstrate which brand can actually deliver in reality.

Can Apple Intelligence or Gemini anticipate your needs?

WatchOS 26 will use "prediction algorithms" based on your contextual, sensor, and routine data to create Smart Stack hints, or "actionable suggestions" that pop up as tiny icons on the main watch face.

For example, it'll show a Pilates pop-up if your GPS shows you at the studio where you usually work out. Or the Watch can pick "the best playlist for a user’s workout based on the workout type and their personal tastes."

Other key watchOS 26 tools rely on AI, such as "more precise" on-device Smart Replies and "relevant action" suggestions based on the message, like opening Apple Cash if a friend requests money.

We also know from a One UI APK teardown that Samsung (allegedly) plans to add the Now Bar tool. You'd make a double-tap gesture to pull up contextually relevant apps from the home view, such as music controls.

In both cases, Samsung and Apple claim that they know your routines so well that they know what you'll want, saving you the swipes or voice command to find it. But can Gemini or Apple Intelligence be trusted for this, or will these suggestions be too simplistic? We'll find out soon enough!

Simply from a UI perspective, I like Apple's Smart Stack because it can throw a few suggestions on top, while a Now Bar seemingly only has room for one guess. Google's new smooth-morphing Wear OS 6 UI could create an equivalent to Smart Stack, but so far, Google only uses it for notification Cards.

Workout Buddy: AI coach or another novelty?

Apple's Workout Buddy will use Apple Intelligence to point out relevant info during and after workouts, such as "You’re 18 minutes away from closing your Exercise ring," "You picked up the pace and ran that last one in 8 minutes," or that you "just crossed the 200-mile mark" for the year.

This immediately reminded me of Garmin Connect Plus, which has an AI chatbot that summarizes your recent stats in the app, or Strava's Athlete Intelligence data that judges every workout. Other chatbots exist, too, with varying levels of accuracy and usefulness.

Frankly, Apple's vision of AI coaching sounds somewhat simplistic, focusing on rings and basic trivia that can be seen on your watch. However, it may delve deeper into topics like training load and heart rate zones, and at least Apple's audio version can provide this information during workouts for motivation.

For comparison, Fitbit Premium added AI running coaching and suggested workouts last year, based on your fitness level and Cardio Load. Apple has the obvious lead in at-home video workouts with Fitness Plus, but not AI workouts. It has a new Fitness UI to emphasize Custom Workouts, but not everyone has the time to create those themselves.

Apple says that its Workout Buddy will work for running, walking, cycling, HIIT, and strength training — a broader range than Fitbit's focus on running. But will it offer anything more insightful than analyzing your duration, pace, and heart rate? That'll be the real test of its usefulness.

As for Samsung, it's reportedly working on some kind of basic Running Coach this year, but details are vague. Its bigger focus is a Samsung Health AI Coach that will let you "ask questions, get real-time insights, and receive personalized coaching," as well as offer "personalized nutrition advice" and "tailored meal plans and recipes."

A generalized Health coach for your lifestyle might have broader appeal than Apple and Fitbit, which focus so heavily on AI fitness. Or it'll be too broad or generic, making it easy for people to ignore Samsung's advice. Again, it's hard to say until we see these insights in action.

Material 3 Expressive vs. Liquid Glass

If you want me to pick a winner between Google's Material 3 Expressive and Apple's new Liquid Glass, I have bad news for you: I love them both.

Both designs turn weaknesses into strengths, accepting the limited space of a smartwatch screen and stylizing content so that it naturally fits better into small spaces while looking cool doing so.

WatchOS 26's Photos watch face hides portions of the time stylistically so that it's still visible but fits in with whatever the featured photo is. And when you open other content, the watch uses "real-time rendering" to refract key content out onto empty space. The background colors reinforce whatever your eyes are supposed to focus on.

I also appreciate how Apple plays into its square display space for the redesigned Fitness app by adding functions like custom workouts or race routes into each corner.

It's a perfect UI choice to have the main content sit in the center, surrounded by colorful empty space, with more functions along the edge that are spread apart enough to avoid mis-taps.

It's very similar to how Wear OS 6's new Tiles fit several more buttons than before, making them more useful, with set elements at the top and bottom to make the UI familiar to users.

Plus, the new design nicely hugs the round display edge, with content naturally morphing to fit whatever amount of space it has. Round displays can't match square ones for sheer space, but Wear OS can at least make content more useful when it's squeezed into a smaller portion of space.

I like how Liquid Glass samples on-display content to push unique color schemes, but Wear OS's dynamic color theming based on your watch face is cool as well, giving you more of a choice to express yourself in how things look.

Different strokes

Apple and Google have taken different paths to make software on a smartwatch look stylish, and when Samsung reveals its new UI, it'll also have a very different take.

Considering that Apple and Android watches will soon be flooded with similar AI tools trying to anticipate your needs, I find it comforting that, at the very least, these watches will all take different approaches in other areas like UI.

The only smartwatch I used with any amount of consistency over the last four years is the Apple Watch, and there's a simple reason for that — it's actually good. While I initially liked Wear OS smartwatches, Google's ham-fisted strategy means the platform still doesn't get the attention it deserved, and it suffers as a result.

Thankfully, this isn't a problem with Apple; the brand has a consistent vision around its hardware ecosystem, and it did a good job building on that over the course of the last decade. And although there hasn't been much variance with the Apple Watch in the last two years, that's changed with the Series 10.

The Apple Watch Series 10 doesn't have groundbreaking features or a brand-new design; instead, it is thinner and lighter, has a slightly bigger panel, and several quality-of-life improvements that make a big difference if you're a long-term user. Best of all, it's now on sale, coming in at $329 — a $100 discount over its retail price. The Series 10 is available in 42mm and 46mm sizes, and with aluminum or titanium cases, and it starts at $329 (a limited-time deal) and goes up to $1,049 based on case variants and accessories.

The 42mm aluminum model usually starts at $399/£399/€499/₹46,900, with the 46mm variant going up to $429/£429/€479/₹49,900. It's available in Silver, Rose Gold, and Jet Black — the model I'm using. The titanium variant starts at $699/£699/€799/₹79,900 for the 42mm version, and $749/£749/€849/₹84,900 if you choose 46mm, and it is available in Natural, Gold, and Slate colors.

You're looking at an additional $100 if you want cellular connectivity, and while rubber and textile bands don't have an additional premium, steel bands add $50 to the cost of the smartwatch. The variant I'm testing is ₹59,900 ($709) in India, and it is available at $529 in the U.S.

The thinnest Apple Watch yet

While the Series 10 retains a similar design as its predecessor, the biggest difference is the sizing. It is a millimeter thinner than last year, and is in fact the thinnest Apple smartwatch yet. I immediately noticed the difference after switching over from the Series 9; it is also a smidgen lighter, and these things matter on a device that's meant to be worn 24/7.

The chassis has rounded corners and is generally sleeker, and you'll see a pronounced difference if you're switching from an older model. The aluminum model is great in its own right; it uses an anodized design and a highly polished coating that makes it shine.

The jet black variant in particular is very good, and it stands out quite a bit. I was worried about the glossy coat wearing thin, but after six months of regular use, the smartwatch still looks pristine. This has never been an issue in the past either, and the Series 10 has the same reliable durability — even without using a case.

If you need something to match your iPhone 16 Pro Max, the smartwatch is available in titanium. You'll be shelling out at least $699 to get the titanium chassis model, but it looks stunning. A big part of the allure of the Apple Watch is the extensive customizability; the smartwatch has more band options than any rival, and you can tailor it to your preferences.

I picked up a few leather and stainless steel bands over the years, but I predominantly used the Textile Sport Loop; it's a good pairing with the Series 10 as it is lighter than all the other bands. The thinner design and rounded edges distinguish the Series 10 a decent amount, and it's a worthy upgrade if you're coming from an older model.

A bigger OLED panel with better viewing angles

It is good to have a thinner and lighter watch, but the biggest differentiator with the Series 10 is the panel; it now comes with a 1.96-inch OLED on the 46mm version, and the slightly bigger size means you can see more text. What I like the best is that the viewing angles are better this generation, so you can easily make out the contents on the screen even at an angle — this makes all the difference in daily use.

The panel also gets brighter when outdoors, and again, the difference is noticeable against the Series 9. The bigger panel along with thinner bezels makes the Series 10 look that much more elegant, and I like the additional real estate; in regular use, that translates to an additional line of text when viewing notifications.

Another cool feature is that it uses LTPO tech, so the smartwatch cycles down to 1Hz refresh, allowing a seconds hand. The new Flux watch face does a great job demonstrating this, and that's the one I used most of the time. While the rest of the changes on the smartwatch are iterative, the design combined with the bigger panel make a decent difference in usability, so if you're on an older model and mulling a switch, the Series 10 is the way to go.

An exhaustive feature-set

The one new feature I like a lot is that you can play music locally on the watch; there's a tiny speaker located on the left. This is something I've been waiting for quite a while, so it's good to see the Series 10 get the feature.

It does real-time translations as well, and you can download language packs onto the smartwatch and use the built-in translation utility when your phone isn't around. I don't take many calls on the watch, but it has improved noise isolation, so background noise isn't as audible.

The on-device features are facilitated by the S10 SiP, which has better energy efficiency and is designed to deliver AI tasks. Apple always does a good job with health and activity monitoring, and the Series 10 continues that heritage. It has the same slate of sensors as the Series 9, and picks up the water depth gauge and water temperature sensor this time. It does a terrific job monitoring health and activity data throughout the day, and I didn't see any issues in this area.

I like the changes to the workout modes in watchOS 11; you get more detailed insights, and training load is a good way to measure if you're straining your body. The interface itself hasn't changed much, and I still like the double tap gesture quite a bit; I'm waiting to see how third-party apps utilize it now that it's available to everyone.

The only thing that's underwhelming about the Series 10 is the battery life; I thought it would finally manage to last two days, but that hasn't been the case. I got a day and a half on average, and while I was able to extend that to two days by disabling always-on mode, but it runs counter to the idea of having a smartwatch, so I didn't bother doing that most of the time.

The Series 10 is still my go-to recommendation

As much as I like the thinner design and bigger panel, I wouldn't suggest switching to the Series 10 if you're using its predecessor. But if you're on the Series 7 or older, there are enough upgrades to easily warrant a move. The tweaks to the design make it that much more comfortable to wear, and the OLED panel is bigger, brighter, and has rounded edges.

The fundamentals are still the same, and I like the consistency — this is something Google needs to address on its own devices. More than anything else, it's for this reason I continue to use the smartwatch. The only annoyance is how regularly I need to charge it; that's why I enjoyed using Withings' ScanWatch Nova over the last month; the hybrid smartwatch only needs to be charged bi-weekly, but it doesn't quite have the same smarts. If you need a full-fledged smartwatch with all the extras, the Series 10 continues to be my go-to choice.

Smartwatches are gracing almost every other person's wrist these days—precisely 454.69 million people worldwide own one of these wearables that track everything from your steps to sleep quality and even your mental health.

That said, even while so many of us have this health tracker strapped onto our hands, in 2024, smartwatch sales fell by 7% for the first time, according to Counterpoint Research’s latest report.

This downward trend can mostly be attributed to the decline in Apple Watch sales throughout the year. Even though Apple is still at the top of the table, it saw the highest decline percentage in sales of 19%. Counterpoint Research claims that this could be due to several reasons, including people opting out of an upgrade due to a lack of new features or design. The research firm also says it could be because their first-time experience with the watch didn't go as planned.

On the flip side, Wear OS-powered watches and those running proprietary OSes scored some brownie points from customers as smartwatch sales saw a steady uptick this past year despite an overall slump across the globe.

Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Huawei saw exponential growth, especially the former making its way to the top five this year. Xiaomi also became the fastest-growing brand, seeing a 135% rise in sales, thanks to the Watch S1 and Redmi Watch series. It began selling new Wear OS models, such as the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, in the 4th quarter of 2023, which likely contributed to this massive growth in 2024.

Huawei scored second, seeing a 35% increase in sales, although it notably does not sell Wear OS watches. Samsung placed third overall and also witnessed a 3% growth, thanks to the Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Watch FE Series, as seen in the infographic above.

Apple in trouble?

Ten years ago, Apple released its first-ever Apple Watch Series, which was initially seen as a fashion accessory. That slowly took a turn to become the multi-faceted fitness tracker it is today.

According to data from Demandsage (a research firm), Apple rules 21% of the global smartwatch market, but the recent decline in sales for the first time points to evolving customer preferences, increased competition from other brands, and a slowing upgrade cycle.

"Apple’s steep decline was a result of the combination of Apple's infringement lawsuit against Masimo, increasing market competition, less significant upgrades in Watch Series 10, and the absence of Watch Ultra 3," Counterpoint's Senior Research Analyst Anshika Jain told Android Central in an email.

Much like its iPhones today, Apple has stuck to the same Watch design for years. The first significant change showed up on the Apple Watch 4, which brought about larger screens and a more defined casing while maintaining the same rounded rectangular dial. Later the Series 7 brought with it thinner bezels, and even more larger screens. Cut to the Series 8, where Apple decided to give its watches a more rugged look and launched the Ultra (a sight for sore eyes).

Don't get me wrong, Apple has brought several advancements in tech, sensors, and processors over the years. But its overall "look" at first glance remained the same.

According to Gemini's AI Overviews, "people generally upgrade their Apple Watches every 2-3 years." Or when they notice significant performance issues or a life-altering feature, they'd want to ditch a year-old watch for a new one. For instance, I currently own an Apple Watch Series 8, which was a replacement and not a planned upgrade.

My Series 6 stopped working after water damage while swimming, which made it practically unusable. The Series 8 brought with it features that track women's health better, and for someone with a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome, owning a watch that predicts ovulation cycles was a neat feature to have, and I continue to use it to date.

Jain also agrees that "the absence of the Ultra 3 and minimal feature upgrades in the S10 lineup led consumers to hold back purchases," especially in North America— which was the biggest driver of this decline in sales for Apple.

Wear OS shines through

While it would be unfair to pit Apple against the broader variety of Wear OS watches, due to the sheer number of manufacturers involved. However, as much as it isn't fair, Wear OS has become the undeniable alternative for many, sporting a ton of options, has seamlessly integrated into the Android ecosystem without people needing to change devices, and does almost everything that an Apple Watch could do.

Android Central's senior editor, Nick Sutrich, who uses a OnePlus Watch 3, highlights the same. Switching between the Pixel Watch 3 and the OnePlus Watch 3, Sutrich says that he has two main reasons why the Apple Watch just isn't for him. One, it's incompatibility with Android, and two, he hates the shape they come in.

"Wear OS is the only real alternative if you want app support and rich notifications," Sutrich said. "I'd say I don't have a perfect choice at the moment. I prefer the Pixel Watch's size but like the OnePlus Watch 3's design and its battery life," Sutrich explained, demonstrating the flexibility that Wear OS watches bring, allowing users to pick between features that matter the most to them.

Beyond that, Wear OS, much like Android, is an open ecosystem that allows more freedom in terms of app availability and customization; for instance, Wear OS users can even create their own watch faces using the Watch Face Format available to those with a developer account. This freedom of personalizing your wearable without worrying about the phone's compatibility appeals to several people who choose to use a Samsung or a Pixel smartwatch over an Apple.

Furthermore, the affordability and hardware variety of Wear OS also drives people to reach for them. The recent decision of OEMs like OnePlus, Xiaomi, and OPPO to join the Wear OS family, which was mostly dominated by Samsung and Google, has not only resulted in a diverse range of watch designs and styles to pick from but has also made smartwatches much more accessible for those on a tight budget. This might've potentially impacted Apple's sales as well, according to Jain.

"Huawei’s comeback with Harmony OS, the rise of Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Honor, and the adoption of Samsung’s newly launched Galaxy Watch 7, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Galaxy Watch FE series intensified competition for Apple in 2024," she added.

What does the future hold?

While the overall smartwatch sales did see a dip globally, this could also be attributed to several people wanting to move away from smartwatches for a much smaller fitness tracker like the smart ring. For instance, Android Central's EIC, Shruti Shekar, says she never really cared for watches; after using the Apple Watch 5—which negatively impacted her mental wellbeing, she decided to get an Oura Ring.

"I took on the ring and found myself loving it so much more than the watch," she explained. "I found the passive health nature of the Oura Ring a lot more up my alley than a watch."

That said, the future of Apple and Wear OS watches seems promising as both brands are working on bringing advanced health-tracking features. For instance, the Apple Watch Series 11 is rumored to have blood glucose tracking and satellite messaging features in the next Watch Ultra, which could turn the tide in their direction, according to Jain.

"Apple is expected to recover in 2025 with a low single-digit YoY shipment growth."

"This is based on the expectations of the introduction of a satellite messaging feature in Apple’s Watch Ultra 3 in 2025 and the anticipated launch of the Watch SE 3 with an upgraded design."

Jain also points out that with the rising adoption of Wear OS, we could expect advanced health monitoring features, improved battery life, and greater emphasis on personalization and customization.

For instance, the next Pixel Watch could see a "rounded-edge bezel turned into a squeezable, touch-sensitive control interface," along with a smartwatch "Fit Score" that informs the user of the"differences in wrist size, skin color, hair density, BMI, fat percentage, and the likes."

Integrating AI into their products could also push sales in the right direction. With more comprehensive health-tracking analysis combined with powerful hardware, like "health sensors for measuring bodily signals such as serious heart health tracking, focusing on atrial fibrillation, sleep apnea, hypertension, and diabetes to sustain their position in the market," Jain explained.

I'll be the one to say it: Wear OS is officially good now. The combination of Wear OS 5 software and Pixel Watch or Galaxy Watch hardware has made the best Wear OS smartwatches real Apple Watch competitors. In fact, I briefly ditched my Apple Watch Ultra for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic before settling on the Garmin Enduro 3 as my daily driver.

But there's no denying Wear OS still has work to do. The platform is still emerging, and the Apple Watch is still a more attractive product for software and hardware development teams to build for. For example, according to April 2024 data from Counterpoint Research, Wear OS is expected to hold 27% of the smartwatch market share outside of China. That's a significant uptick from last year, although it's still nothing compared to Apple's 49% projected market share.

Even if Wear OS is clawing back some of Apple's watchOS market share — and that appears to be the case — there's evidence to suggest that Apple Watch users might be more valuable to third-party companies building apps and accessories. Data is sparse, but a 2023 analysis from Asymco estimated that iPhone users spend roughly seven times more on apps than Android users.

How does that translate to Wear OS apps and accessories? The truth is, we can't know for sure. However, I'd guess that Apple Watch owners are far more likely to purchase watchOS apps and third-party straps, cases, and other accessories than the best Wear OS smartwatch owners. To be clear, that isn't a knock on Wear OS users. Android, and by extension Wear OS, has always been the platform for people who are thoughtful — maybe even frugal — with their cash.

These two data points combine to create an unfortunate problem for Wear OS. Developers and product designers just don't spend as much time bringing their apps and ideas to Wear OS smartwatches. Don't get me wrong, there are some great Wear OS apps.

However, even if an app is available on watchOS and Wear OS, the watchOS app may be better. A great example of this is the Nike Run Club app, which I depend on for training. New features might stay exclusive to watchOS forever, and the app sometimes refuses to run on certain Wear OS hardware.

Of course, the bigger problem is when an app or accessory you like isn't available on Wear OS at all. That's what happened to me this month... twice. First, Tesla announced plans to bring its mobile app to smartwatches as part of its 2024 Holiday Update. There was a catch, though — the Tesla app is only available on watchOS.

On top of that, Tesla didn't even mention Wear OS. The platform wasn't a thought or a consideration, at least, not a big enough one to warrant public acknowledgment.

I pulled my Apple Watch literally out of the closet just to test the Tesla app on watchOS. There are no surprises here: it's good, and very useful. You can control your car from your wrist, use your Apple Watch as a key, and more. It's incredibly convenient during times when you want to leave your phone in the car, or even at home.

I don't like bringing my phone with me when I go to the track and run, and now I don't have to. My Apple Watch tracks my run (with a full-fledged Nike Run Club app), plays music through my Bluetooth earbuds, and now starts my car.

Coincidentally, this app debuted the exact same month as the TinyPod. Unless you're part of the Apple Watch and iPod niches, you probably don't know what that is. Put simply, the TinyPod is an Apple Watch case that adds a scroll wheel — like the one on old iPods — to your smartwatch.

It's a gimmick, but one you'd never find on a Wear OS watch. There isn't a single brand that makes Wear OS big enough to justify startups, and even major accessory makes to create cool projects, like the TinyPod, for their products. Most companies won't even bother to make an app, like Tesla, at least for now.

The good news is that if you don't own a Tesla and aren't nostalgic for iPods, you probably won't feel like you're missing out by not having a Tesla app or clever case for your Wear OS smartwatches. However, these two new releases underscore a problem that you might run into — there simply aren't as many options for Wear OS. Whether you're looking for a fully-featured app or a custom strap, the Apple Watch will always have more choices available compared to a Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch, or OnePlus Watch.

Hopefully, Wear OS will become more attractive to developers and product designers as it continues to grow. If the aforementioned Counterpoint projections are accurate, Wear OS market share outside of China will have grown by more than 5% in 2024 alone. It'll also have pushed watchOS under 50% market share for the first time in years.

Those are impressive feats, and all Wear OS fans can do is hope that the apps and accessories come alongside the platform's success.

I’ve been a believer in wearable technology since the beginning. Before smartwatches really became mainstream, I used Fitbit trackers to track activity, check the time, and see notifications. When the first Apple Watch was announced, I was one of the first to buy one in 2015. That says a lot because the first Apple Watch Sport was terrible. Since then, I’ve owned a ton of top smartwatches, including Apple Watch, Pixel Watch, Galaxy Watch, and Garmin models.

But recently, I reviewed the most expensive smartwatch ever strapped to my wrist. It’s the Garmin Enduro 3, a long-lasting wearable with a $900 retail price. As I test products throughout the fall release cycle, I’m usually thrilled when I’m finished and can return to my preferred everyday carry. For smartwatches, that typically means adorning my Apple Watch Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic.

• Check out the best early Garmin deals of Black Friday 2024

This time was different. I couldn’t stop wearing the Garmin Enduro 3, and truthfully, I haven’t even thought about switching back to the Apple Watch Ultra or Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. In fact, I don’t even know where my Apple Watch Ultra is at the moment — despite wearing it religiously for two years before giving the Garmin watch a try.

We're approaching Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts, where smartwatches — including those from Garmin — are sure to go on sale. That's why if you're itching to make a change, next week is probably the best time to do so. Here's why I've left those smartwatches behind, and why you may want to as well.

No more compromises

It’s true that the Garmin Enduro 3 costs more than the Apple Watch Ultra or the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (and their newer models, for that matter). However, it’s also true that the Enduro 3 is better in a few key ways, starting with battery life. Garmin advertises the Enduro 3 as potentially offering “unlimited” battery life thanks to its solar charging capabilities, but in smartwatch mode, you can get up to three months of battery on a single charge. A more realistic figure is probably a month of battery life, which I’ve replicated in real-world usage.

Compare that to the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, and the difference is staggering. I’m lucky to get a day or two of battery life on my Ultra with normal usage, sleep tracking, and activity tracking. The Garmin Enduro 3 helps me forget about charging, and it completely changed the way I use a smartwatch. When the battery gets low, I still have a few days of power left. All I have to do is remember to charge it for a few hours across those couple of days, and I’m set for another month.

In practice, that results in tangible benefits. I went on an international trip last month, and I didn’t bring a Garmin charger with me. The Enduro 3 was halfway charged when I left and still had a week of battery when I returned. On vacation, where remembering to bring all the right chargers can be a hassle, the Garmin was like a breath of fresh air.

Of course, this is nothing new for Garmin watches. The Enduro 3 is the longest-lasting smartwatch in the company’s lineup, but all great Garmin watches have solid battery life. The eye-opening part of using the Garmin Enduro 3 was discovering that you don’t really have to give up features to get this level of outstanding battery life. I’ve used older Vivoactive models, and more recently, the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar. Those watches had great battery life, too, but lacked in terms of feature set.

The Garmin Enduro 3 doesn’t compromise in the same ways. It has plenty of useful, tactile buttons — plus a responsive touchscreen. There are a handful of GPS bands supported, and a long list of sensors that includes a barometric altimeter, compass, gyroscope, accelerometer, ambient light sensor. In terms of health sensors, you get a heart rate monitor, Pulse Ox monitor, thermometer, and ECG.

Add it all together with Garmin’s insightful software, and the Enduro 3 was a much more useful fitness and health tool than either Apple or Samsung’s smartwatches. With the Apple Watch, it feels like Apple wants me to feel good about my fitness and health. You aim to close Activity Rings in a way that’s reminiscent of checking off a daily to-do list rather than actually being focused on fitness progress. While watchOS 11 is indeed better at acknowledging rest days, the emphasis on rest and recovery still isn’t comparable to Garmin’s.

Again, this results in tangible lifestyle benefits. The Garmin Enduro 3 recorded absolutely atrocious sleep and body battery scores in the days preceding myself coming down with a severe sinus infection. It knew I was sick before I did and recommended I pause training. Similarly, when I feel sore and tired after a grueling workout the previous day, Garmin’s training readiness store affirms what my body is telling me — giving me the confidence to take a rest day without feeling guilty.

Meanwhile, my Apple Watch is sitting in a drawer somewhere, buzzing each hour to remind me to get up and walk it off.

Part of the reason I’ve loved using the Garmin Enduro 3 is not because the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch have changed for the worse; it’s that I’ve changed as a user. I’m not interested in using my smartwatch like a phone strapped to my wrist anymore. I want a watch that reliably tells the time, has long-lasting battery life, and has excellent fitness tracking capabilities and insights. Garmin watches are fantastic for that. Purely as a smartwatch, I’d recommend you pick the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch.

But for me, I’ve discovered there’s value in wearing a smartwatch that’s a bit less smart.

Wait, you’re saying I should pay $900 for a smartwatch?

I know what you’re probably thinking. Sure, the Enduro 3 is cool, but it’s way too expensive to possibly be worth it. It is expensive — I wouldn’t blame you if you’re not willing to pay $900 for a smartwatch — however, it’s also worth it.

The value proposition starts to make sense when you look at what came before and after the Garmin Enduro 3. This watch’s predecessor was the Enduro 2, which cost $1,100. Garmin added a ton of software features and hardware improvements to the Enduro 3, making the company's longest-lasting watch ever while simultaneously slashing $200 off the sticker price.

Additionally, the Enduro 3 is quietly a better value than the Garmin Fenix 8. In our review, we found that the Fenix 8 was simply overpriced. The crazy thing is that the Enduro 3 can do much that the Fenix 8 can do while being lighter, cheaper, and featuring longer battery life and an advanced solar screen with more surface area for charging. Unless you need diving features or a speaker and microphone, the Enduro 3 is a better value — and maybe a better watch, depending on your use case — than the Fenix 8.

Consider these two watches for comparison, and the $900 Enduro 3 suddenly looks like an awesome deal. Combine that with the fact that the Garmin Enduro 3 very well may go on sale during Black Friday sales, which are already starting, and it looks like a great time to upgrade to a Garmin watch.

For budget buyers, there’s good news. Many of the things I’ve mentioned in this review apply to a ton of other Garmin watches, which are available at a fraction of the price of the Enduro 3. The Instinct 2 Solar is a great option for those who can forgo a touchscreen and most smartwatch features in favor of long battery life and excellent activity tracking. The Vivoactive and Forerunner lineups are less versatile than the Enduro 3, but they still feature great watches with week-plus battery life at low prices.

I’m betting that at least a few Garmin watches will go on sale on Black Friday. We already saw killer deals on the brand’s offerings while covering Prime Day, and Black Friday and Cyber Monday might offer even bigger price cuts. If you’re like me and are ready to ditch your Apple or Galaxy watch for a Garmin, you should keep an eye out for Black Friday deals on Garmin smartwatches. We might even luck out and see new models like the Enduro 3 and Fenix 8 get a much-needed price drop.

• Smartwatch deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon | Samsung | Dell
• Fitness tracker deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon | Dell

It seems that it's becoming more common for companies making tech products to promise a future update that enables a key feature. It's really not, but it feels that way because the wait times keep getting longer, and the prices of the gadgets keep growing. This makes us notice it more and more.

You can't single out any one company for doing it, either. We've seen it from Google, Samsung, Apple, and all the smaller players in tech time and time again. While I can't say with authority why companies do this, I can guess: they want to entice you to buy the thing they are showing you. Letting you know what it may be able to do one day is being used as a selling point.

What we can do is take a look at why it might take extra time to get features working. Nobody wants to hold up the release of a product because one thing isn't ready and none of us would be happy about waiting for the thing we want next. Doing that would push people to buy a competing product and no tech company wants that. 

There are a couple of good reasons why it may take extra time to enable a feature. I think the biggest issue is also one that's unsolvable for even tech giants like Samsung or Apple: government regulation.

If a feature uses new technology or has a chance of interfering with existing tech, the right government bodies for each country need to evaluate it and approve it. This is a good thing because products all have to work together on the same "infrastructure." Signals need to coexist and we can't have one device causing trouble for others. The only way to ensure that is by having a strict set of rules that everyone has to follow and an agency that tests and certifies that products adhere to these rules.

This all goes double when it comes to healthcare. Anything used to diagnose, evaluate, or treat fitness and health issues must be both safe and accurate, or at least accurate enough to not be harmful. Nobody wants a health-tracking device that gives bad information, even if all these products come with a disclaimer that they aren't to be trusted. Miscounting your steps is merely inconvenient; misdiagnosing your heart rhythm could be much more serious. We saw the holdup of a working temperature sensor inside the Pixel 8 Pro because of this.

Another issue that crops up often is a legal one: patent infringement or disputes. We just saw this in action with the new Apple Watch; devices sold in the United States can't measure blood oxygen because of a dispute between Apple and Masimo, a company that builds medical-grade oxygen sensors. When this dispute is settled, Apple can send a software update that enables it, but until then, it will not work.

Other reasons are valid but harder to accept. Google promised an enhanced zoom feature using AI on the Pixel 8 Pro, but we had to wait for the release of the Pixel 9 a year later to see it. Google knew what it wanted to do and knew the Pixel 8 Pro hardware was capable, but it didn't know when it would be ready. It still told us about this future feature, though.

This happens a lot. Companies have grand plans and are certain they can make something happen, but it takes longer than anticipated. Sometimes it never happens at all.

I'm not saying companies need to stop doing this or telling you to stop buying products based on what they might do one day. Those decisions are not mine to make. I'm saying why it might happen and each of us should decide how much blame we should lay at the feet of the company making the promises. I really don't think a few small features should hold up the release of any device.

Myself? I only spend money based of what a product can do right now. If I get any future capability I consider it a bonus, not keeping a promise.

WWDC 2024 starts tomorrow, June 10, and iPhones are about to get inundated with Apple Intelligence (AI, get it?), according to a major leak. Given Google and Samsung's pivot to AI, it's an unsurprising shift for the brand. Personally, I'm less interested in the industry's AI shift and more intrigued by what Apple Intelligence could mean for Apple Fitness.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who leaked the laundry list of AI features coming to WWDC 2024, promises that Apple will announce "major" changes to the Fitness app, along with Health changes like "improved blood pressure data management" and "cycle tracking."

He doesn't specify what major AI changes Fitness will receive, but I'm looking at Samsung's recent Galaxy AI fitness announcement for clues. The South Korean company promised a daily Energy Score, AI Wellness Tips for losing weight and other life goals, and personalized workout routines to the Galaxy Watch 7.

Why bring this up? Because I suddenly find Samsung's timing suspicious. Why reveal this in May when the new Galaxy Watch won't ship until August? Maybe Samsung guessed that Apple would announce similar AI fitness tricks at WWDC 2024 and wanted to be the "first" to reveal them.

My guess is that Apple Fitness will add its own "daily readiness" score, following in the footsteps of Fitbit, Garmin, Oura, and other brands. It has all the data necessary, from sleep stages and resting HR to stress and activity tracking. It simply needs a sufficient algorithm to interpret that data properly.

Apple Fitness Plus already offers some of the best guided at-home workouts, but it's possible Siri could start pointing you to specific routines based on your fitness level, muscle map, and tiredness. Perhaps it could tell you whether you have the strength to complete a second routine, based on your heart rate data during the first routine.

My personal hope is that Apple Intelligence will be able to suggest daily running or cycling workouts by time, length, and pace, based on your VO2 Max — just as Garmin watches can. For instance, it could recommend a harder pace when you're well-rested, then a light jog the following day.

Or, Apple could take more of a Fitbit-esque approach, recommending you hit a certain amount of Active Zone Minutes per day based on your energy level. Apple could make its daily rings more dynamic, adjusting your movement and stand goals as necessary so you're improving but not overtraining. 

I've worn the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for months on and off, and have been quite satisfied with its accuracy for GPS, steps, elevation, and other tests I've conducted. Samsung promised that its Galaxy AI pivot would deliver "enhanced health algorithms" for "greater precision and accuracy," so it's possible Apple could improve even further. 

But accurate data during a workout isn't enough. Apple and Samsung need to show they can understand and process that data to build a personal profile and guide you down the right path. Fitness watch brands like Garmin, COROS, and Polar have built their brands and loyal followings off their ability to coach you based on your abilities instead of assigning a generic 30-minute workout ring to close.

Apple probably intends to make its AI a fitness coach, just as Samsung does. And it's an exciting development! I've been waiting for more mainstream smartwatches to try their hands at coaching. The question will be whether either brand can pull it off and give proper advice to both couch-to-5Kers and proper athletes.

The Pixel Watch 2 is the rare mainstream watch to have coaching, thanks to Google's Fitbit acquisition, but the most recent Fitbit updates have focused on new health sensors. We haven't seen many updates to Fitbit's coaching in years. The Galaxy Watch 7 and Apple Watch X entering the fray would challenge Google to innovate, and give consumers more options for at-home coaching.

Or perhaps I'm misreading what "major" Apple Fitness changes are coming, and we won't get any Apple Intelligence updates. We'll find out at WWDC 2024 tomorrow if Apple is evolving or falling behind the pack.

What you need to know

• The new Google Play Services update is bringing with it a feature specifically for school children— a school time mode.
• This will help parents set school time limits for certain apps and also silence their devices during school hours.
• The feature is not yet available but may roll out soon.

This month, Google has included a new feature on its latest Play Services v24.18 update aimed at Wear OS devices. According to the changelog, the company is preparing to bring a 'School Time' feature to WearOS smartwatches for children. 

According to the update, parents will be able to set School-Time limits for apps that their child can use and also silence their device during school hours to limit unnecessary distractions. 

As reported by 9to5Google, this new update will block apps and watch face complications but still allow temporary access to things such as Activity Rings with a set number of “unlocks.”

If you feel like you've heard about a similar concept elsewhere, you're not wrong. This update sounds a lot like the Schooltime mode on Apple watches, which allows you to set up multiple schedules during a day—like from 8:00 a.m. to noon and then 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.—and customize the days of the week this schedule repeats.

It is unclear whether all Wear OS smartwatches will sport this new feature or only the latest models will offer it, but for now, it seems the feature hasn't been rolled out to watches yet.

Android Central has reached out to Google about when and who will get the new Wear OS feature; however, they did not get back to us in time for publication. We will update this article once we have more information.

While smartwatches and other wearables are becoming increasingly popular among school children, tech companies like Google, Fitbit, and Apple are doing their part to ensure that technology doesn't interfere with learning.

Additionally, rumor has it that Fitbit is also working on a kids' smartwatch with cellular and GPS connectivity to allow parents to monitor and contact their kids. This device is said to be part of a project code-named Project Eleven, after the main character in Netflix's Stranger Things.

Two Fitbit employees familiar with the plan told Business Insider that the goal is to "help older kids form healthy relationships with their phones and social media."

Diehard Apple fans pay double for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for its 36-hour battery life and massive display. No doubt most Wear OS fans will scoff, since you can get double the battery life for hundreds less with a Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. However, after months of using the Ultra 2, my biggest hope is that we see more Ultra-style Android watches.

Despite being a lifetime iPhone owner, I never used an Apple Watch before the Ultra 2 because the Series watches lacked the battery and fitness tricks to tempt me. But I pestered the Apple PR team for a six-month loan after seeing watchOS' fitness pivot and how the Ultra 2's dual-frequency GPS gave me confidence it could compete with the best fitness watches.

Google's Fitbit acquisition and Samsung's upcoming pivot to add AI-based "Vitality" data to Samsung Health prove that all mainstream smartwatch brands see fitness as a key foundation. Apple itself hasn't quite hit the Garmin standard I'm looking for. But I suspect future updates will bring it across the finish line, and its third-party workout apps tip the scales for athletes.

As is, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 puts pressure on future flagship watches like the Galaxy Watch 7 Pro or Pixel Watch 3 to do more than their predecessors for serious (or casual) athletes.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Price and bands

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 retails for a whopping $799, double that of the Series 9. Keep in mind, however, that the 45mm stainless steel Series 9 with cellular costs $749 or more (depending on the band type). The 49mm titanium Ultra 2 with built-in LTE doesn't actually fall far from that premium range.

Courts briefly banned Apple Watch S9 and Ultra 2 sales at the end of 2023 over alleged patent infringement, and Apple's legal woes are ongoing. For now, Apple will continue to sell the Ultra 2 legally by disabling its blood oxygen feature, circumventing a possible ban. 

You have three band options: Trail Loop (Green/Gray, Blue/Black, or Orange/Beige), Alpine Loop (Blue, Indigo, or Olive), or Ocean Band (Blue, White, or Orange). 

Of the three, the Trail Loop is our recommended "default" option for most people, as the nylon is comfortable and easily adjustable. The Alpine Loop has a titanium G-Hook that keeps it rigidly secure, which is important for adventurer types but less convenient in everyday scenarios. The Ocean Band is specifically for swimmers, with a water-repelling fluoroelastomer instead of water-absorbant nylon.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Specs

Apple Watch Ultra 2: What I love

I've already written about my surprise at how much I love the Ultra 2, thanks to the giant display and reliable battery life. But my appreciation isn't solely because of its size; unlike the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, it's not just a larger version of the mainline watch. Apple made more purposeful changes to make it feel like a proper flagship.

Look at the specs sheet above: The dual-band GPS, cellular support for emergency calls without a phone, three-mic array and dual speakers, diving certification, military-grade protection against damage, and action button are all exclusive to the Ultra 2 (unless you buy the cellular Apple Watch Series 9). 

I might never have the chance to use its diving features, but I've certainly bonked this chonky watch against all manner of rough surfaces over the past few months, and both the titanium body and sapphire display have come through unscathed. 

I tested calls on a windy mountain hike, and my family could barely tell the difference when I switched to my phone, thanks to the three-mic array. On my end, the dual speakers sound less tinny compared to other Bluetooth-enabled watches I've worn. 

The action button, which pulls up the workout menu, is something I instantly took for granted. It's a far better experience than having to look for the workouts app in my drawer. I simply wish it let you program a second shortcut with a double-tap.

While I appreciate all of this, it's just the pleasant seasoning on top of the Ultra 2's meat-and-potatoes upgrade that no other watch offers: 3,000 nits of brightness on a 1.9-inch display.

As someone with steadily worsening eyesight, I find the Ultra 2's full-sized notifications much easier to read than I'm used to with a watch or smartphone. I can glance at the shared photo or the first few lines of an email without moving my wrist from its typing position, then go right back to work unless it's something relevant. 

If it's important, I can swipe up and see a few quick reply options, all visible because of the squircle design. I know Android watch fans love their circular watches for the design, but the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is so much more useable that it's hard to go back to round-edged displays that only have room for one thing at a time. It's why I'm hoping the rumor about a square-shaped Galaxy Watch is true.

Unlike the Series 9, which is functional but boringly consistent, the Ultra 2 feels distinct with its contoured edges carved into titanium. I won't pretend it isn't massive, but it's pleasingly futuristic looking, with every speaker or mic hole giving the surface standing out for some nice texture. And at 14.4mm thick, it's on par with a flagship Garmin watch.

Since this is my first Apple Watch, I can't claim to know whether the Ultra 2 and Series 9 have 30% faster performance over the last generation — courtesy of the first new CPU since the Series 6. My colleague "didn't see any noticeable difference" in his Series 9 review, so all I can say is that I've rarely spotted lag across months of sporadic use. Apps open, and Siri responds without delay.

While I'm nowhere close to using up all 64GB of storage, I'd much rather have too much than not enough. I appreciate having the option to save a bunch of audiobooks and music playlists to stream through my AirPods, along with the battery life to play them without risking the watch dying.

This storage space also provides plenty of room for apps. Long-time Apple Watch owners probably take third-party apps for granted, but I don't. Having access to watchOS apps like WorkOutDoors or Nike Run Club makes up for any deficiencies with Apple's on-device software because you can typically find 3rd-party software to fill the gap. 

This strays beyond the confines of this review, but I'll end this section by pointing out that WatchOS seems to have more high-quality apps than Wear OS in key areas — most likely because of Wear OS 3/4's relative newness and Apple's wearable sales dominance. I don't like that Android users get short shrift, but I'll still point it out.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Fitness accuracy

If you're spending $799 on a fitness smartwatch, you can expect a certain level of accuracy in your post-run stats. So, how does the Apple Watch 2 Ultra perform compared to a traditional fitness watch like the $599 Garmin Forerunner 965? 

Across several running and hiking activities, I wore both the Ultra 2 and Forerunner 965 so I could compare their GPS tracking, heart rate data, and running dynamics (aka running form stats). We'll start with this 10K city run below, which had minimal trees or buildings to block the signal; I was surprised to see Apple (orange) beat Garmin (blue):

Garmin usually crushes the competition, but Apple managed to snap to the real-life map better in key areas; in others, Garmin did better, or they both stuck to the trail. Overall, their results were only one-hundredth of a mile apart, whereas a GPS-only watch like the Series 9 wouldn't do nearly as well.

Later, during my smartwatch elevation test wearing multiple watches while climbing a mountain, the Ultra 2 came closest to the official Alltrails data, with just an eight-foot difference in total feet climbed and 24 feet higher than the official max elevation. 

That being said, looking at the actual GPS line on the hilly, tree-covered trail, the Ultra 2 did slightly worse than the 965; the mileage was only two-hundredths off across 7.5 miles, but you can see how the orange line drifts slightly more off the trail below:

The most noticeable Apple Watch Ultra 2 difficulty came during a half-marathon trail run, which had dense foliage and clouds. For whatever reason, the Ultra 2 had two moments where it completely lost my positioning — see the straight orange lines on the bottom-right and top-left of the map. I suspect that Apple's map-correcting algorithm isn't as reliable for trail runs as it is for city runs.

Because of this, the Ultra 2 added an extra 0.65 miles to my total, completely skewing the results despite being accurate everywhere else. At one point, it registered me running at 88 miles per hour, which suggests I might be capable of time travel.

Overall, I'm inclined to believe that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 gives me reliable tracking data and that my latest experience during my half-marathon was an aberration. In normal circumstances, it matches Garmin's industry-leading dual-frequency tracking step for step. But if you use it for hiking in tree-rich areas, keep an eye out for moments when it might have sudden gaps in coverage.

For heart rate data, Apple Health's GPX export doesn't include heart rate data, so I can only compare generally against other watches. 

Across six tracked workouts wearing the Forerunner 965 and Ultra 2, they shared the exact same average heart rate. Given how well Garmin's Elevate v4 sensor has done compared to chest straps in my testing, this reassures me of Apple's accuracy in general, even if the Apple Fitness HR charts are too vague to dissect properly. I also like that you can customize your heart rate zones. 

Next, I looked at each watch's running stats data. In terms of cadence (number of steps per minute), Apple and Garmin were in lockstep, never more than one SPM apart. The same goes for stride length — typically about 1m on both watches. 

For more nitpicky stats like vertical oscillation and average ground contact time, Apple slightly underreported my numbers compared to Garmin, but at a consistent gap. I don't know which is more accurate, but you can count on using either as a benchmark to judge your progress.

The only noticeable difference is that Apple consistently reports my running power as about 100W lower than Garmin does, despite sharing the same running form, heart rate, and distance stats. After checking other post-run summaries from COROS and Polar, I'm certain Apple's power calculation is off compared to other brands. 

Apple Watch Ultra 2: What you won't love

Once you pay for an iPhone 15 Pro and Apple Watch Ultra 2, you're looking at close to $2,000. It sort of evens out when you put it against a Galaxy S24 Ultra and Watch 5 Pro because Samsung's flagship phone is so expensive. Either way, it's a lot of money to spend on a smartwatch. You can make the case that the Ultra 2 has the longevity to justify it, but you can just as easily argue that no smartwatch should cost so much. 

I wasn't certain if you'd be allowed to spend $799 on the Ultra 2, given Apple's months-long legal woes with Masimo over its alleged blood oxygen patent infringement. As is, it's missing a pretty crucial feature for sleep tracking, one that most fitness watches (or regular smartwatches) have. If that's an issue for you, we have a guide on the best watches for SpO2 tracking.

As for the watch itself, you'll have to accept how heavy it is. To be clear, anyone who wears a premium Garmin Fenix or COROS VERTIX might find the Ultra 2 on the light and thin side, especially with the nylon band. I've gotten used to its weight over time, and it sits flatly on my wrist without too much discomfort when I bend it. That said, almost any other watch will feel less noticeable on your wrist.

Plus, of course, Apple's Ultra 2 battery life is only long in the context of everyday smartwatches; its 12 hours of dual-band GPS is solid, and it quickly recharges, but it's far more likely to idle down to a questionable percentage the night before a race if you're not careful. Compared to the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro's 80-hour average, 36 hours is more pedestrian. 

My bigger issue with the Ultra 2 is what it's missing compared to other fitness brands. Because I'm not much of an indoor workout person, Apple Fitness Plus doesn't appeal to me. Apple automatically tracks certain outdoor activities, and watchOS 9 and 10 have prioritized running, hiking, and cycling, but it hasn't fully caught up to dedicated fitness brands.

Apple has yet to announce an equivalent to a daily readiness score based on your sleep and activity data or a daily recommended run based on your VO2 Max and recent workouts. It doesn't track the training load or effect of a workout, nor does it tell you how long to wait until your next run. It just expects you to close your rings every day.

And on that note, the Ultra 2's activity rings aren't always accurate when it comes to move reminders, telling me I've stood up or burned calories during hours at my desk, presumably due to my nervous fidgeting. That being said, I still love Apple's ring-closing concept enough that I don't mind the occasional glitch. It's still motivational, and that matters to me more than perfect accuracy.

I hope that watchOS prioritizes post-workout data while adding new watch face complications to show this data on the massive Ultra 2 display. Heck, I'd even take something as simple as showing your step count on the watch display without having to look in the Activity app.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Competition

If we're strictly looking at smartwatches with long battery life and app support, the 80-hour Galaxy Watch 5 Pro would be my first recommendation. It also uses a titanium, military-grade design with similar sapphire glass but without the diving capabilities. It consistently lasts much longer, though the 1.4-inch display isn't as spacious or bright. Plus, of course, it doesn't work for iOS users. 

The Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2), with its titanium frame, bright AMOLED display, and fitness focus, is another alternative with one major downside: the lack of apps and phone-watch synchronicity. If you can accept that, you'll get the same dual-frequency GPS, robust mapping tools, and similar health data as the Ultra 2. It arguably wins for fitness with suggested workouts, calculated hill and endurance scores, and a built-in LED flashlight. It lasts significantly longer at 31 days or 38 dual-band GPS hours. It's quite expensive, so you may want to look at other Garmin watch options. 

Lastly, of course, you have the Apple Watch Series 9, which has the same watchOS software without the doubled battery life, rugged design, and larger, brighter display. Despite this, you can still use the Series 9 for basic fitness activities; you'll just need to charge it afterward. 

Compared to the best Android watches, the Pixel Watch 2 has the upside of its Fitbit Premium recs and reliable heart rate data for a much lower price, but that tiny display takes getting used to after becoming accustomed to the Ultra 2. 

As for Samsung, my Galaxy Watch 6 fitness test underwhelmed me with its wonky GPS results and lack of proper workout guidance. I'm still holding out hope that the Watch 7 Pro will provide a more Ultra 2-like experience with a bigger fitness focus, along with better sleep data via the Galaxy Ring.

Apple Watch Ultra 2: Should you buy?

You should buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if...

• You want an Apple smartwatch that you don't have to charge every day.
• You want a baseline of fitness accuracy for workouts in a traditional smartwatch.
• You prefer having a variety of third-party workout app options. 
• You want a standalone watch that'll keep working if your phone dies. 

You shouldn't buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if...

• You don't want to spend a huge amount of money. 
• You want training load or workout recs baked into the watch's main software.
• You don't want to be locked into the Apple ecosystem. 

As my first Apple Watch experience, the Ultra 2 made a strong impression. I haven't spent years getting used to (or sick of) the software, so it feels like a strong, polished experience straight away. 

I didn't have space to discuss every feature I liked, such as the Smart Stack widgets and hiking waypoints, but rest assured that you can spend months using this watch and still learn new features or discover new apps. 

I spent many days wearing my Apple and Garmin watches simultaneously, and not just because of the running tests. I like Apple's polish and responsive notifications, but I don't want to give up Garmin because its fitness algorithm has truly helped me get more fit, even if its smarts aren't up to par. If Apple can advance any further in its fitness journey, the Ultra 2 will become even more compelling. 

As I said above, that puts pressure on the Galaxy Watch 7 Pro — or the rumored Galaxy Watch Ultra — to be more than a battery powerhouse. It needs to be a fitness powerhouse, too. The Watch 5 Pro started this with offline GPX mapping, but it needs to go much further this summer. 

Your move, Samsung! Don't let Apple own this category.

What you need to know

• The U.S. Patent Office granted Apple a patent titled "Wearable Devices with Perspiration Measurement Capabilities."
• The perspiration sensor would measure sweat loss during a workout, both the rate of sweat and total fluid loss.
• Apple would incorporate other sensor data like body temperature and local humidity to help contextualize the data. 

Apple reportedly wants to place electrodes in future Apple Watch models that act as a "perspiration sensor" to track sweat loss during workouts. While plenty of patents never end up seeing the light of day, this is one that both casual and serious athletes would appreciate, especially if implemented on other smartwatches.

Granted on February 15, the patent — "Wearable Devices with Perspiration Measurement Capabilities" — shows how a series of electrodes would be placed into an Apple Watch sensor array as a "hybrid sensor" for both ECG and perspiration readings. Patently Apple first spotted the patent. 

In theory, a future Apple Watch Ultra would calculate the "estimated sweat rate of a user," a.k.a. the "measure of the amount of fluid lost over an interval of time." The watch would process that data and show the user the average fluid ounces lost per hour or in total. 

During a workout, the patent suggests, users could also see an "instantaneous" sweat rate from the last 15–30 seconds, which might appear as a real-time metric on the watch. 

To give you the most accurate data, the Apple Watch would take external factors like ambient temperature and humidity into account by checking your GPS location against current weather reports. That way, Apple can take that into account if you're sweating more (or less) than usual. 

It would also take into account your "height, weight, or body composition." We wonder if Apple might eventually offer on-wrist body composition readings, as the Galaxy Watch 6 does. 

However Apple implements this perspiration sensor, this data would tell you exactly how many fluid ounces you need to replenish after a tough race. Or if Apple connects your sweat rate to your speed during a workout, that could help determine how fit you are as an athlete. 

Currently, some fitness watches like Garmin will calculate an "estimated sweat loss" based on your pace, heart rate, weight, and other data. But Apple's sensors would give you actual metrics; marathoners or endurance cyclists would probably really benefit from that kind of data. 

The only sensor we know of that comes close to Apple's design is Fitbit's Body Scan (EDA) tool, which measures "micro-sweat levels" to calculate your stress levels. Even if the cEDA sensor in the Fitbit Sense 2 or Pixel Watch 2 could work for sweat loss measurements, it appears Apple has the idea reserved for itself. 

We're very curious to see if Apple ends up using this idea. Given Apple's enhanced focus on fitness in the last couple of years, sweat tracking would fall right into that pattern. 

Everyone who owns a smartwatch or tracker knows that annoying, guilt-inducing feeling that comes with seeing an hourly move reminder. When you're swamped with work, the "Time to stand up!" message isn't motivational; it feels like an indictment of your lifestyle and a reminder of how unhealthy all that sitting is. It's no wonder that most people turn them off!

Count me among that number. I test smartwatches for a living, and one of the first things I typically do after unboxing and setting up a watch is to find a way to disable those reminders, despite knowing I shouldn't.

As one of my New Year's fitness resolutions, I'm reactivating those stand alerts. But as a watch reviewer, I can definitively say that many of the most popular brands — your Apple Watches or the best Android watches — don't do move alerts correctly. The closest, believe it or not, is Fitbit, and even its move alert strategy isn't perfect. 

Here's why you should make move alerts a regular part of your 2024 fitness strategy, which fitness tracker or app you should rely on, and what kind of movement you should be doing to stay healthy. 

The dangers of sitting

Ever since I walked 10,000 steps a day for a month, I've done my best to keep up my daily walking habits. That link will walk you through the documented medical benefits of walking at least 6,000 steps a day, and I've personally gotten much healthier in the months since. 

Here's the problem: some medical studies have shown that sitting for most of the day can offset the benefits of working out for long-term health. And as a writer, I sit a lot. 

First, we'll run through the obvious: sitting will kill you... eventually. The World Health Organization states that a sedentary lifestyle — sitting for about 7–12 hours a day — leads to a "20% to 30% increased risk of death" over time, primarily due to heart issues, cancer, or diabetes, but also other conditions. 

Who's sitting too much? The WHO says that seven out of 10 people in the richest nations are too inactive, leading to millions of preventable deaths per year. 

You might assume that you're fine if you regularly walk or work out after your workday ends. You'd be mistaken, according to several reputable organizations and studies.

Heart.org quotes an American Heart Association study showing that "prolonged sedentary time can be bad for your heart and blood vessels regardless of how much physical activity you get" (emphasis mine), increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and death.

Corroborating this claim, the Annals of Internal Medicine conducted a study that determined that  "prolonged sedentary time was independently associated with deleterious health outcomes regardless of physical activity."

It's not that working out is pointless; quite the opposite! But medical evidence suggests that if you're someone who spends their eight-hour workday sitting, an hour on the trail or at the gym afterward won't automatically undo the damage of those eight sedentary hours. 

How much standing and moving you need to do

Walking frequently throughout the day is more effective than standing for staying healthy. But we live in the real world where jobs keep us tethered to our desks; the question is, are standing desks enough to counterbalance the issues with sitting, or do we have to walk too? The answer to that isn't always clear. 

The British Journal of Sports Medicine says sedentary folks should start by trying to spend two hours out of their eight-hour workday standing, with an eventual goal of four hours. They do recommend "light walking," but standing is good enough in many cases.

On the flip side, a University of Glasgow study found that for overweight subjects, the difference between sitting and standing for improving heart health was negligible compared to actually walking around during the day.

A CNN Health report notes that standing throughout the day has significant benefits, with a recommended cadence of eight minutes of standing and two minutes of walking per thirty minutes. 

Alan Hedge, a professor of ergonomics at Cornell University, told CNN that even if you can't stand all day, the very act of standing and sitting repeatedly gives your body a "'gravitational stimulus,' reminding it of the effect of gravity, which can help muscles and bones stay strong." 

CNN's experts concluded that you should aim for 32 stand-sit transitions per day to maintain a healthy body — about twice an hour while you're awake. 

On that same note, the New York Times quotes doctors as saying just two minutes of walking after a meal can have significant benefits for blood glucose levels. While "standing will get you some of the way there," Stanford cardiologist Dr. Euan Ashley said, a "mini-walk of two to three minutes" has the best benefits. 

The right smartwatch (or phone app) to stay moving

I recently started testing the Apple Watch Ultra 2, and while I genuinely like its fitness features, its stand reminders aren't helpful. Either it doesn't register that I've been standing at my desk all hour, or it skips movement reminders because my restless fidgeting tricked the Ultra 2 into thinking I moved.

My coworkers have noticed similar issues with their Wear OS watches. But here's the issue: Even if watches get better at detecting when you stand, standing alone isn't enough! At least, not according to those studies above. 

Fitbit, like its competitors, reminds you at the 50-minute mark to stand and get moving. What sets it apart is that it also gives you a concrete goal of 250 steps to hit every hour. 

This step goal takes about two to four minutes of walking to hit, which is the minimum of most medical studies for counteracting the harms of sitting too much. Fitbit's method also dodges the issue of false standing positives, because you can't just stand in one place and wave your arms to satisfy the requirement.

Fitbit's implementation isn't perfect because you can't adjust the cadence. If my Fitbit Charge 6 could ping me to move at the 15- and 45-minute marks instead, it would match the recommendation to move every 30 minutes. I doubt I could find the time on workdays, but it'd be nice to push myself to stay more active on weekends. 

Still, Fitbit has to take into account how annoying frequent wrist notifications can be, and its hourly stand-and-walk requirement is better than most other fitness smartwatches with their vague move requirements. 

That's why, if you're in the market for a new watch or tracker, any of the best Fitbits will help, from the expensive Sense to the basic Inspire. Or, if you want a proper smartwatch instead of a tracker, you can choose the Pixel Watch 2, which has Fitbit built-in and uses the same move-reminder system. 

If you can't stand that hourly buzz on your wrist — or you're stuck with a watch that doesn't handle stand reminders well — you might find it less annoying to see a phone notification on your desk, prompting you to stand at specific moments. 

My current favorite stand-reminder tool is this Stand Up! app (iOS only, unfortunately). You customize when you see stand reminders on specific days and at specific cadences, plus how long you're supposed to stand each time. If you're too busy to stand, you can tap a button to delay the next move reminder for an hour. 

I haven't found the best equivalent for Android phones; most apps I've tried don't work without a subscription or work properly in the background. You can always set manual phone alarms at set times, but this doesn't give you the flexibility to change the reminders' frequency if you're feeling tired, as the "Stand Up!" app does.

I pair this app with a simple Pomodoro timer in my work computer's web browser. Once I'm standing, I'll set a timer for 25 minutes and then make sure to stay standing for at least that long. 

Every step counts (even if you're NOT stepping)

I found a number of medical studies that I didn't have room to include here, each with different perspectives on the benefits of standing vs. walking during the workday. 

In an ideal world, scientists say, you'd walk for five minutes out of every 30 to stay perfectly healthy; since that's not feasible for most people, try to find the right compromise that your body can handle. Because studies show that every little effort counts.

Standing every hour doesn't have as big of an impact as walking every hour, but it's still significantly better than just sitting there. Working out all at once at the end of the day isn't as good as walking throughout the day, but (again) it does make you healthier than nothing at all.

Try using a standing desk if you haven't already, and alternate between standing and sitting. Also, see if you can try to follow the Fitbit strategy of taking about 250 steps every hour, even if it's just circling around your living room or cubicle farm. 

By every scientific metric, these good habits will save your life decades down the line.

Recently, a report surfaced claiming that at one point in time, Apple was actually considering making the Apple Watch compatible with Android phones. Internally, this was known as "Project Fennel," and it reportedly almost came to fruition as "the work was nearly complete."

The reason for Fennel being canceled is an obvious one, as it would affect the sales of iPhones. One quote goes so far as to say, "If you gave up the watch to Android, you would dilute the value of the watch to the iPhone."

None of that should come as any surprise, especially given Apple's stance on the world of smartphones outside of Cupertino. The company continues to ignore Google's relentless #GetTheMessage pleas to support RCS, despite others such as Samsung joining the "fight."

However, the reality of the matter is that it might actually be in Apple's best interests to release a smartwatch that works with Android phones. On one hand, the company already leads the way in terms of market share despite seeing a 10% decline YoY in shipments (according to Counterpoint). Apple seems committed to just trucking along as if nothing is happening.

On the other, making the Apple Watch compatible with Android phones would likely result in Apple owning even more market share, putting it handily out of reach of the competition. Unfortunately, there's one thing getting in the way of that dream, and it happens to be the most popular smartphone in the world.

What would an Apple Watch with Android look like?

Playing the hypothetical game, I doubt Apple would change anything about the software or design of its wearable. The only major difference would likely be to release a dedicated Watch app onto the Play Store. Then, you could just purchase an Apple Watch, create an Apple ID (if need be), download the app, and be on your way.

One of the bigger questions would be how Apple would handle the app situation. This is part of why Android compatibility would be so intriguing. Would Apple work with Google to allow apps from the Play Store? Would we end up with an Amazfit or Fitbit type of situation where you're basically "stuck" with whatever apps come pre-installed? I would venture to guess the latter, but it's still fascinating to ponder.

From the report, it seems as though Apple wouldn't be pulling a Samsung and limiting features, instead giving all Android and iOS users roughly the same experience. By comparison, if you want to have access to the ECG and blood pressure monitor from the Galaxy Watch 6, it must be paired with a Samsung phone.

Google made the correct decision to not limit any features when using the Pixel Watch or Pixel Watch 2 with non-Pixel devices. This is part of the reason why I've called Google's latest smartwatch "The Apple Watch for Android."

That being said, if an Apple Watch were released with the ability to be used with an Android phone, it would be great for everyone. Well, everyone besides Google and Samsung. I know it doesn't matter to these enormous companies, but the users would be happy, as they wouldn't have to settle or feel the pains of being locked out of Apple's walled garden.

There's a reason why the Apple Watch is so popular, and the reliable software ecosystem is a big part of that. My compadre, Harish, recently explained why he prefers the Apple Watch to Wear OS watches, noting that "it's this continued reliability that gives watchOS a distinct edge over Wear OS." Google continues to improve the landscape of Android smartwatches with its re-commitment to the platform, which started back with Wear OS 3.

But, even then, Wear OS 3 was exclusive to Samsung smartwatches for a year. Meanwhile, we're up to Wear OS 4, and there's no indication as to when options like the TicWatch Pro 5 will get the update. This is something I mentioned in my review, as everything still feels really fragmented outside of the Galaxy Watch and Pixel Watch.

Apple coming into the Android space would definitely put pressure on Google and Samsung to continue improving the platform.

There's money to be made

Apple is projected to earn around $40 billion in revenue from its "wearables, home products, and accessories" in 2023. This number is expected to slowly rise over the next few years before projections suggest Apple crossing the $60 billion threshold in 2027.

Unfortunately, the Bloomberg report doesn't give us an idea of when Project Fennel was canned, so it's unknown whether this was last year, or back in 2015 before the Apple Watch was unveiled. Knowing this would've better informed my opinion on the matter, as the tech world now is drastically different than what we had eight years ago.

Even still, I would go so far as to say that it's more likely for the Apple Watch to come to Android than for Apple to adopt RCS or open up iMessage. There's money to be made, and the best way for these companies to keep printing cash is to sell services.

The Apple Watch on Android would open the door for the company to earn even more money from "services." Apple Fitness Plus is similar to Fitbit Premium in that it provides various workout types to follow and can automatically create custom workout plans. And while you're working out, you are able to see all of the relevant metrics appear on your wrist.

It could even funnel sales for other Apple products, as Fitness Plus is also available on the Mac, iPad, and Apple TV. So, if you wanted to keep your Android phone but live the rest of your life in Apple's garden, you could, and you wouldn't have to sacrifice anything.

Never say never, but it's never happening

While I do feel as though there's an area of opportunity for Apple to take advantage of, it's highly unlikely that it will ever happen. It would probably take some governing body to get involved, like the European Commission, and I would really prefer for that precedent not to be set.

Plus, if it were going to happen, there's a very good chance that it probably already would have. So unless a miracle happens, I'll keep wearing my Apple Watch Ultra and dual-carrying both an iPhone and a foldable phone.

What you need to know

• Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims Apple plans to add blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection to its next smartwatch. 
• The Apple Watch Series 10 would detect if your blood pressure is "trending upward" but wouldn't provide exact numbers. 
• Samsung first added blood pressure monitoring to the Galaxy Watch 3 but doesn't have FDA approval for it in the United States. 
• The Galaxy Watch 6 announced sleep apnea detection will come to South Korean Galaxy Watches in early 2024. 

Apple could add "pathbreaking" blood pressure monitoring and sleep apnea detection to the Apple Watch Series 10, according to a recent Bloomberg report. Contrary to this framing, Samsung already has similar — and possibly more reliable — technology in its Galaxy Watches. 

Unlike many "new" Apple features that Android did first, however, Samsung has left the door open for Apple to make that claim by failing to roll out its blood pressure monitoring tech worldwide. 

According to the Bloomberg report (via Macrumors), the next Apple Watch will "tell a user if their blood pressure is trending upward and to offer a journal for the user to jot down what was happening when hypertension occurred." You'd then be encouraged to take an actual blood pressure reading with a medical device or make a doctor's appointment.

Gurman's report says that Apple has a more accurate system in the works that can provide exact systolic and diastolic numbers, but that it "remain[s] far off."

Meanwhile, Samsung's blood pressure monitoring has you take three readings using a traditional cuff while simultaneously taking readings on your Galaxy Watch 6; you then input your medical-grade results in the Health Monitor app. 

At that point, in theory, the watch knows enough to interpret its readings the same way a medical machine would and provides blood pressure data when you don't have your machine on hand. It actually gives you a blood pressure score, not just a general trend. In that way, it could be more useful than Apple's rumored tech, but also has to hit a higher standard of accuracy. And that could be its problem. 

Samsung has offered blood pressure monitoring since the days of the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and Watch 3. U.S. Galaxy Watch owners can't access it because it doesn't have FDA approval to market it as medically accurate. 

Samsung, the second-largest wearable brand in the world, has had several generations of watches to improve this tech and make it accurate enough for the FDA but hasn't done so. We have no idea if the Galaxy Watch 7 will change in this area, either, or if Samsung can't make it more accurate with current technology.

Similarly, Samsung announced this October that it had received approval from South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for sleep apnea detection, rolling out "early next year" to Galaxy Watches in South Korea. But the press release has no timetable for other regions. 

Logically, if Samsung can't release these updates in the U.S. without FDA approval, that either means Apple fully intends to get FDA approval or that it will make blood pressure monitoring and/or sleep apnea detection available regardless, with the caveat that they're not medically accurate. 

Either way, Apple can say truthfully that the Apple Watch is the first device to monitor for high blood pressure and sleep apnea globally, so long as Samsung leaves the door open. 

It's the natural progression of Apple framing its devices as life-saving technology, with their SOS features, crash detection, AFib detection, and so on. Catching hypertension and sleep apnea falls right into that marketing strategy. 

Rounding out the report, Apple allegedly has plans to add "non-invasive blood glucose monitoring" to Apple Watches in the future, but it'll be "at least a few years" before the technology is ready. Samsung itself partnered with MIT to develop "non-invasive" diabetes testing back in 2020 but has yet to add the feature to an actual Galaxy Watch. We'll have to wait and see if Samsung is ahead of Apple on this front, or if it too needs more time. 

Among other reasons, Galaxy Watches usually top lists of the best Android watches because of their robust health sensors. But now that Apple Watches and the Pixel Watch 2 offer similar health data, Samsung's only "exclusive" tricks are blood pressure and body composition. Now, with Apple allegedly doing its best to catch up or surpass Samsung, that leaves Samsung with a lot to prove with the Galaxy Watch 7. 

Whether or not you consider them tasteless or powerful, Apple's SOS commercials made a real impression last year, showing real-world examples of the Apple Watch Series 8 or iPhone 14 saving people's lives through their emergency SOS and satellite features. 

What you may or may not know is that other smartwatches and fitness brands offer their own emergency features like Emergency SOS signals, fall detection, live broadcasting of your location, satellite messaging when you're out of cellular range, and so on. 

So even if you're not an Apple user, you can keep yourself safe — if you make sure to enable these features ahead of your next outdoor adventure into the woods, mountains, or ocean. 

Below, we're listing the most popular iOS and Android smartwatch brands in alphabetical order, describing all of the safety tools that each brand offers. This can help you decide which smartwatches you can count on during a crisis... and which you can't count on.

Apple Watch

The Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra support Fall and Crash Detection. If any Apple Watch on watchOS 9 detects that you come to a sudden stop in either context and then remain immobile for 20 seconds (car crash) or 60 seconds (fall), it will sound an alarm and contact emergency services via your iPhone or built-in LTE connection. 

Car crash detection is enabled by default, while fall detection is auto-enabled during workouts and outside of workouts for anyone aged 55 or older. Go to Settings > SOS > Fall Detection to make it always on, regardless of your age.

Outside of situations where the Apple Watch auto-detects a problem, you can hold down the side button or a "Hey Siri" command to call 911. Your watch will then display your stored medical information in case you're found unconscious; also, your emergency contacts will be contacted via text message after the 911 call ends. You can set up your Medical ID and list of emergency contacts in the Apple Health app on your phone. 

Lastly, if you buy the new iPhone 14 or iPhone 14 Pro, you get two years of free Emergency SOS via satellite in situations where you have no cellular coverage. This primarily works through your phone rather than the Apple Watch, but Apple does say that Crash/Fall Detection alerts are sent over satellite if there's no cellular connection. 

Overall, the Apple Watch is a great option for safety features if (A) you also have a charged iPhone with you to relay a call or (B) you pay for the LTE version of the Apple Watch Series 8. The only real downside is that the standard Apple Watch battery is notoriously unreliable, and you don't want your watch dying on you right before an accident; the Apple Watch Ultra's 36-hour battery and built-in LTE are much more reliable for outdoor types.

Fitbit / Google Pixel Watch

Unfortunately for owners of the best Fitbit watches and trackers, Fitbit and Google have yet to add any emergency services or fall detection to these devices. The only exception is the Google Pixel Watch, which offers Fitbit Premium and has emergency SOS support via its Wear OS 3 support. 

You can check our guide on how to enable emergency SOS calls on the Pixel Watch to get started. In Safety & Emergency settings, you can toggle Emergency SOS on, then add emergency contacts. Then, in an emergency, you simply tap the crown five or more times, and your Pixel Watch will call 911 and send automated text warnings to your contacts. 

We also have a guide on how to enable Pixel Watch fall detection, but don't worry: it only takes about a minute to look through the "Personal Safety" menu on your watch. Once enabled, your watch will start loudly buzzing and ringing if you're immobile for 30 seconds after a detected fall. After 60 seconds, it'll contact 911 with an automated voice message.

In either case, the standard Pixel Watch will need a cellular or Wi-Fi connection via your phone to reach emergency services. If you own the Pixel Watch LTE, you can contact 911 directly via your wristwatch if your phone is broken or out of juice. 

The Pixel Watch's 24-hour battery makes it slightly better than the Apple Watch in terms of longevity, but still not very reliable. Also, Google's recent phones, like the Pixel 7 Pro, have no satellite SOS support, though we've heard that Android 14 will add satellite connectivity support for future Android phones. 

Perhaps the Pixel 8 will follow in Apple's satellite SOS footsteps. For now, the Pixel Watch works best in emergencies where there's a strong cellular signal. 

Garmin watches

Garmin watches cater to hikers, climbers, winter sports fans, and other nature lovers who could easily find themselves in harm's way. So it makes sense that Garmin does an excellent job with its safety and emergency features, including tools that keep you safe outside of emergencies.

One of our top Garmin tips and tricks is to set up emergency contacts. In the Garmin Connect app, go to Safety & Tracking > Safety Features and enter your name and City/State. Add an emergency contact and send a request to that person; they'll need to accept the request in order to receive your emergency info. Then decide if you want your Garmin watch to call Emergency Services or a specific emergency contact when you trigger Assistance.

Once everything is set up, all you need to do to call for help is hold down the top-left button for seven seconds until the watch vibrates three times — or the top-right button on watches with fewer than five buttons, like the Venu 2. This will trigger emergency assistance.

Like most smartwatches, Garmin watches rely on a connected smartphone and cellular connection to work; in fact, iPhone owners have to make sure Garmin Connect is open in the background, and the watch is synced to it, or else emergency calls will fail. The connection is slightly more reliable for Android phone owners, thankfully.

The only exception is the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE, which has built-in LTE support for limited uses like LiveTrack, Live Event Sharing, and Spectator messages. It doesn't support typical phone calls, however. 

Using LiveTrack is actually a preventative safety feature. You can broadcast your location in real-time during a hike, so if something were to happen, your loved ones could see your exact GPS location where you stopped (or the signal stopped). 

Garmin also sells GPS handheld devices like the GPSMap 67i or InReach Messenger that connect to an InReach satellite subscription and let you send SOS messages to Garmin's 24/7 International Emergency Response Coordination Center without needing a smartphone. But Garmin's watches can only serve as remote access to InReach devices — meaning you'll need both devices, plus a pre-paid subscription, to get SOS calls. 

Depending on the level of your InReach subscription, you can have it send your satellite-backed location to your loved ones every 2 or 10 minutes. You can also send unlimited check-in messages and a set number of custom messages like, say, "A bear ate my leg. I'm by the big tree."

With or without InReach, Garmin watches are reliable in an emergency because of their consistently long battery life, ensuring they'll almost never die on you. It's just unfortunate that Garmin doesn't offer more watches with LTE support, leaving you dependent on your phone or making you spend hundreds on a second InReach-compatible device.

Samsung Galaxy Watch

For the latest three Galaxy Watch models running One UI 5 based on Wear OS 4, Samsung offers emergency SOS, emergency contacts, and hard fall detection. You can open your Galaxy Wearable app, sync your watch, and go to Watch Settings > Safety and Emergency to find these features and activate them. 

You can press the top-right Home button five times on your Galaxy Watch 6 or Galaxy Watch 5 to trigger an emergency SOS call. You'll need to go into the Wearable app and trigger a countdown of 5–20 seconds so you have a chance to cancel the SOS if you make a mistake; otherwise, it happens immediately.

Also, in the Galaxy Wearable app, you can change the SOS from 911 to a personal number, choose whether or not to share your emergency with contacts, and make your medical information, like allergies and blood type, available to first responders on your phone and watch. 

Compared to the Apple or Pixel Watch, the Galaxy Watch series is more reliable for battery life, lasting 40–50 hours for a standard model or 80 hours with the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Samsung also sells its watches with LTE support, meaning you can rely on them if your phone dies — but only if you buy a cellular model upfront. 

Which watches have no emergency calling or fall detection?

As of mid-2023, these smartwatch or fitness tracker brands have no reliable emergency services or fall detection: 

• Amazfit
• Fitbit
• Fossil
• Mobvoi TicWatch
• Withings
• Xiaomi Mi Band

Even though Google announced that it would bring emergency SOS calls to Wear OS 3 in May 2022, that only applies to Samsung and Google so far. Other stock Wear OS watches like the TicWatch 5 Pro and Fossil Gen 6 don't yet show the same options in their Safety settings. 

It's also disappointing that Google hasn't brought fall detection and SOS calls to Fitbit, prioritizing Pixel Watch users' safety over Fitbit users' safety.

Otherwise, it's not too surprising that most of the best fitness trackers don't have these features. They're designed to be affordably cheap, with no mics or speakers for emergency calls. They could send an automated message to 911, but it's not clear if something like the Amazfit Band 7 would have the processing capacity to measure fall detection. We can only hope fitness brands make this more of a priority in the future. 

Choosing the right smartwatch for emergency features

Apple, Garmin, Google, and Samsung all offer a pretty reliable option for emergency services. It just depends on what kind of emergency you're worried about.

If you don't spend too long in isolated corners of nature with no cell signal, then straightforward SOS calling and fall detection are probably all you need. You can buy a smartwatch with LTE functionality as an extra measure of protection in case your phone is dead, damaged, or unreachable, and all you have is the watch on your wrist. Since Garmin's last-gen LTE watch doesn't do traditional calling, you'll want an Apple, Google Pixel, or Samsung Galaxy Watch.

But if you live or frequently travel to places with poor reception, you may want satellite-backed emergency tools to go with your watch. Currently, your only two options on that front are Apple (for emergencies only) or Garmin (for satellite messaging, LiveTrack, and emergency calls).

 It’s tough to argue with numbers, but the Apple Watch remains the most popular smartwatch for many users out there. Google’s revamp of Wear OS 3 has been met with mixed results, and Wear OS 4 only seems to be more of an iterative update. And now that both Wear OS 4 and watchOS 10 have been announced by Google and Apple, respectively, we decided to take a look at a few things we would like to Google “borrow” from Apple. 

 A one-stop-shop for your health metrics 

Google Fit. Fitbit. Which one are you supposed to use if you want to check your workout stats from your Pixel Watch? You could probably get away with using either one, but that’s not the point. With the Apple Watch, all you have to do is go into the Health app, which is also now coming to the iPad with iPadOS 17. 

Health Connect was announced last year and is being baked into Android 14, aiming to provide a seamless way to interlink any of the different fitness tracking apps that you use. But even then, it might not work with certain smartwatches, such as the TicWatch Pro 5 which uses its own separate app.

It’s pretty apparent that Fitbit is eventually going to be found in the Google Graveyard, and the Google Fit app is pretty great in its own right. So instead of sitting on the fence, why not just come out and say “Google Fit is now the single destination for health tracking on Android!”? Yes, there are third-party OEMs to worry about, but that’s what Health Connect should be for, and Google should basically force Wear OS watchmakers to implement the appropriate APIs into wearable apps.

 Uniformity across the entire platform 

This one’s kind of cheating, but it’s something I would still like to see Google “push the issue” with. If you go through the interface on the Pixel Watch and the TicWatch Pro 5, you’re pretty much getting the same experience. Mobvoi offers different watch faces, and there are a few minor tweaks here and there, but it’s essentially the same.

But if you compare the Galaxy Watch 5 vs. Pixel Watch, you might not even be sure that Samsung’s not still using TizenOS until you come across the Play Store. As someone who prefers Google’s software taste more than Samsung and other Android OEMs, I feel as though the Wear OS platform would benefit from a bit more uniformity.

Perhaps instead of just giving OEMs the base for Wear OS and letting them run free with the interface, Google should pull back the reigns a bit. I mean, how great would it be to have Google’s excellent watch faces available, complete with the Material Design interface, available on the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro? Personally, I think it would be the perfect match, but I’m also the one that was campaigning for a Google Play Edition foldable phone until the Pixel Fold was unveiled.

Improved fitness features and automatic workout detection

During the WWDC 2023 Keynote, Apple spent about as much time on watchOS 10 as it did explaining the boring features coming to iOS 17. But this was for good reason, as there are improvements to Cycling and Hiking workouts, along with being able to view topographic maps and elevations, right from the Apple Watch. 

As noted by my colleague, Michael Hicks, Samsung is expected to offer some improvements for the Galaxy Watch 5 (and Watch 6) via the One UI 5 Watch update. However, all of those new features are going to be limited to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch devices, and we won’t be surprised if some of them also require you to use a Samsung phone. 

Putting it simply, Google needs to pay attention and start offering the same updates, at the same time for the Wear OS platform. A perfect example of where the Pixel Watch falls short of pretty much any of the best Android smartwatches is in its inability to automatically track workouts. Some updates have been released in an effort to improve this, but it’s really something that should have been available on the Pixel Watch from day one. 

Apple might have the lead, but it’s still watching the competition 

You might be surprised to notice that I didn’t point out how watchOS 10 is being improved to take better advantage of the screen real estate on the Apple Watch. Well, that’s because Google announced it’s doing pretty much the same thing with Wear OS 4, but we’re still waiting to see what that will look like.

And despite the massive market share that the Apple Watch holds, watchOS 10 is pretty evident that Apple isn’t just sitting around and waiting around. Smartwatch apps are abysmal, no matter whether you’re using an Apple Watch or a Wear OS smartwatch. Google and its Wear OS partners have gotten around this thanks to the carousel of cards that you can swipe through from your watch face. 

With watchOS 10, Apple is copying Google’s homework, but actually changing it up a bit thanks to the introduction of Smart Stack. These are mini-widgets that you can scroll through “with a simple turn of the Digital Crown from any watch face.” It’s an excellent way to view data and interact with different apps without needing to open the app every time.

This is to say, that while Apple might have a huge lead, there’s still work to be done and the Apple Watch is no exception. I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that the Pixel Watch 2 will at least meet my expectations and that Google will release a product that can make a serious dent in the wearable market.

• Smartwatch deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon | Samsung | Dell
  

Samsung is playing catch-up with Apple when it comes to fitness watch tech. Android superfans like to watch WWDC and laugh at all the "new" iPhone features they've had for years. But when it comes to Apple Watch and watchOS 10, it's the Galaxy Watch that's a year behind. And while some blame lies on Samsung, the bigger problem lies with Google and Wear OS.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and 6 Pro will arrive this summer, and we already know some of the new fitness features they'll receive via One UI 5 Watch: running heart rate zones, improved SOS and fall detection, and new sleep insights. 

Plus, Samsung got FDA approval for passive irregular heart rate notifications, making it more useful for overall health tracking.

This is all vital to making Samsung Health more relevant for runners, so let's give credit where it's due. In most cases, some of the best Galaxy Watch running tech like custom intervals are buried in watch menus, and I'd bet a lot of athletes just rely on third-party running apps instead. I want Samsung to do more of this, not just focus on health data.

But most of this tech (including AFib detection) appeared on last year's watchOS 9, which made great strides in making the Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 more tempting to runners. 

The only Samsung exclusive is Route Workouts for running via downloadable GPX maps, which is fairly niche; it may also be exclusive to the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, since the base 5 didn't support it. And third-party watchOS apps do support GPX downloads.

Apple's new watchOS 10 is more focused on cycling — Functional Threshold Power (FTP) and custom power zones — and improved hiking maps. The latter is especially exciting: new topographic maps offer "contour lines, hill shading, elevation details, and points of interest," explaining the difficulty and duration of nearby trails. And the revamped Compass app points you to the nearest point your phone detected a signal to make an SOS or regular phone call. 

Plus, if you pay for Fitness+, you'll soon get "custom plans" that can change workout parameters "based on day, duration, workout type, and more." 

Apple is clearly trying to take on the best Garmin watches with its emphasis on training plans and hiking maps. I don't think they've caught up yet by a longshot — I'll wear my Forerunner 265 over a Series 8 in a heartbeat, despite its limited smart tech — but Apple athletes can be comforted knowing Apple isn't resting on its laurels.

I'm not sure Samsung, the king of the Android watch ecosystem, gives the same reassurance to runners.

Generally speaking, I'm excited for the Galaxy Watch 6. It'll allegedly get a slight battery life bump and a 10% performance boost from its new Exynos chip, ho-hum. I'm more interested in the return of the physically rotating bezel in the 6 Classic. 

While I liked the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro for its epic battery life and fast performance, I didn't like its reliance on the touchscreen during runs, and it didn't have much in the way of fitness exclusives. As someone who loves crowns on running watches, I'm more interested now in trying the 6 Classic's rotating bezel, instead. It'll even have Apple's popular crown beat for ease of use.

Optimism aside, Samsung's smartwatch health and fitness tech has had its fair share of issues. It only activated the new skin temperature sensor in mid-April, about eight months after the initial GW5 release date — not to mention the whole blood pressure monitoring mess that never resolved itself. Plus its GPS and heart rate data have never proved especially accurate compared to dedicated fitness watches.

There's also the simple fact (okay, it's my opinion) that Google is throwing Samsung, Fossil, Mobvoi, and the rest under the bus when it comes to wearable fitness. 

Google is so focused on pushing Fitbit Premium subscriptions on the Pixel Watch that it stopped paying attention to its own Google Fit app, let alone other Wear OS brands' proprietary software. While Apple can put all its focus on tailoring fitness features to Apple silicon, Google is juggling priorities and hanging its partners out to dry.

Wear OS 4 added new software and watch faces but nothing on the fitness front. Samsung had to handle the above upgrades entirely on its own. And other Wear OS watches are struggling to even update to the last Wear OS generation, let alone this one. It's a recipe for stagnation. 

I don't begrudge Google for trying to sell its own hardware with exclusive tech. Given that sweat allegedly makes the Pixel Watch's back fall off, though, it's hard to recommend as a running watch these days. Google itself is only just adding SpO2 to its watches, 8 months after launch. Maybe the Pixel Watch 2 will do better on the fitness front, too.

Samsung's smartwatch sales are perfectly good without pivoting back towards its Active watch days. But even though I've included the Galaxy Watch 5 on our list of the best running watches, it's only there for readers who can't give up on lifestyle features that Garmin or COROS watches lack, and because other Wear OS watches fall short of Samsung on fitness.

The Galaxy Watch 6, if it lives up to its predecessors' quality, should be the undisputed best Android watch of the year. That being said, I still think Samsung needs to pay more attention to the fitness side of its Health app before it can gain more relevance for athletes. So I really hope Samsung has more fitness tricks up its sleeve when it announces the Galaxy Watch 6 this summer.

I haven't been so excited about a tech announcement in a really long time, and that speaks volumes. 

Earlier this month, Google announced its Pixel Watch — the first smartwatch in its lineup of hardware devices, and I can't express to you how excited I was…and how excited the announcement made me feel. 

I know this might sound weird, but I really wanted to dig deeper into my feeling about this. Because, as you know (hi Twitter trolls!) I am an Apple user. My primary phone and watch are Apple, and I have a whole other editorial planned about how it doesn't matter that these are the products I use despite writing for Android Central. 

But what is most unique is that for the better part of a decade, I have been so accustomed to seeing how Google has failed at an ecosystem and how successful Apple has been. I have been so accustomed to thinking that anything Google announces isn't really…exciting. 

For the first time in over a decade, I can say that I have never been so incredibly excited about a smartwatch and, accompanying it, an incredibly gorgeous smartphone. 

I'm speaking about this from purely a design perspective. The Pixel Watch, in my opinion, is one of the most gorgeous Android smartwatches that I have seen in a long time. 

Not only is it sleek and sexy, but it, quite honestly, literally is the Apple Watch version of an Android Watch. 

I was curious as to why I was feeling so excited about something. Perhaps it is because Apple really hasn't made a major change in its Apple Watch design after eight iterations. The only real change is with its Apple Watch Ultra…and let's be real, that watch is really catered to the pro athlete.

If the watch dies, I would wear this watch 

There's this notion that Apple has created a lifestyle brand and that if you were wearing an Apple Watch and it dies, then users will still continue wearing it. Because it is a fashion statement. 

And I genuinely believe that the Pixel Watch has finally achieved that notion. Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for IDC's worldwide device tracker, agrees. 

"While I had not thought of this, I absolutely agree," he says. "The potential of the Pixel Watch to be a fashion statement or conversation starter is beyond that of any other smartwatch."

And in terms of design, I think this watch is absolutely stunning, even for women, which has been a letdown space for the smartwatch industry for a while. 

Former AC staff writer Ara Wagoner wrote back in January that the problem we have been having for the past five years is the same problem we’ve been facing for so many years — manufacturers don’t see a way to reduce bulk enough for a small, lightweight smartwatch without sacrificing features. 

I don’t necessarily think you need to have a super small watch, but the fact is that Google purposefully decided only to have one size for this watch. 

And that size caters to women and men, but in general, people who really like fashion.

This watch is going to open up new avenues

Whether or not you like that, I am obsessed with how this watch looks, I’m taking this solely from the perspective of the external appearance and not what is available on the inside, as in the software or hardware. 

And honestly, I think part of the reason why I’m so excited is that not only is it Google’s first “new” product in a long time, but because this product has been “long anticipated.”

Carmi Levy, a technology analyst, agrees, adding that Google has finally delivered something we all have been waiting for. 

“Few wearable devices have been as long-anticipated as the Pixel Watch. From the moment the original Apple Watch was introduced in 2015, consumers and analysts alike have been waiting for Google’s answer. While buying Fitbit in 2019 certainly moved the company more squarely into the wearable space, nothing short of a properly designed, appropriately branded device would satisfy fans of the company who have long contended Google won’t ever seriously contend until it introduces an answer to the Apple Watch. With the Pixel Watch, Google finally delivers that answer. And it’s an impressive first shot that nicely takes what it acquired with Fitbit and turns it into something potentially world-beating.”

“I suspect Google will sell every Pixel Watch it can to anyone who’s ever bought a Pixel phone. For consumers who haven’t already bought into the full Apple ecosystem, this is Google’s first and best attempt to capture their attention and claw back some wrist-based real estate,” he writes. 

And frankly, the Pixel watch really is “peak” Google design, but is it enough to entice more people to buy the product and veer those who have been sucked into the Apple ecosystem?

Levy doesn’t think so. In fact, he says that for Google, that’s not “the end game.”

“Google is selling to the 70% of consumers who are buying Android phones. And in a still-growing smartphone market, there’s ample room for Google to convert consumers who haven’t already committed elsewhere. Or who own earlier versions of Wear OS-powered watches and are underwhelmed at the current state of the non-Apple market,” Levy says. 

This watch will finally give us some competition

In my eyes, it's always been a dominating factor of the Apple Watch taking over and being the watch that cohesively binds the Apple devices together. 

But for once, it's possible for the Pixel Watch and Wear OS to make the market competitive. 

In his latest editorial, AC's Andrew Myrick writes: "Where does the Pixel Watch land? Well, it gives the market another option, which is never a bad thing. We're still awaiting the arrival of new smartwatches with Wear OS 3 out of the box, and we should be seeing more of those over the next few months. But Google's smartwatch is out now, and it's providing the true Apple Watch competitor for Android that we've wanted since the arrival of the Moto 360 and LG G Watch."

Myrick isn't wrong here. I think one of the biggest issues we're seeing with the smartwatch scene is the lack of cohesiveness between a watch and phone and, frankly, just the lack of competition. 

When we think of the Apple Watch, we know you're going to get it because it will pair well with your iPhone. 

And, from my understanding, for the longest time, that hasn't been the case for any Android watch until the Pixel Watch. 

Goddamn, that cohesiveness is sexy

We talk about how important it is for there to be a proper ecosystem that really seamlessly connects all your devices with one another. 

Truth be told, Apple has figured this out. 

But when we look at this new lineup, I can't help but froth at the mouth because of how sexy the cohesive experience is between the Pixel phone, the Pixel buds, and the Pixel Watch. 

Good lord, now that is exactly what I was expecting from this. Again, as I mentioned, it's not about the hardware or software but really the way that Google has presented this entire lineup of devices as a whole. 

Ars Technica's Ron Amadeo really summed it up nicely in a tweet: "Despite the price and wack SoC, I really do like the Pixel Watch. It's just too pretty to be mad at. It's also really fast. There'll be sales eventually, right?"

Yeah, I freaking hope there will be because, goddamn, as an Apple Watch user, it'd switch over to the dark side. 

Tech-tober is in full swing as if it weren't already obvious with the onslaught of announcements, device launches, and a random Amazon Prime Day part two thrown in the mix. But above all of the noise, there's something that has left me with a bunch of mixed feelings, and that's the Pixel Watch.

I was lucky enough to receive the Pixel Watch for Android Central's review, as this is (to me, at least) one of the biggest product launches in years. As I noted in the review, Google's wearable platform has been around for years, and we've been "left on read" as the development of the Pixel Watch progressed until now.

We've definitely been spoiled

But if you look around at the different reviews, you could say that the overall feeling is split between being pretty good or not. Pretty much all of those reviews, with the exception of one or two, point to battery life being a "complaint." I would argue that while battery life could definitely be better, it's not as bad as others are making it out to be.

Don't believe me? Take a look at the Apple Watch Series 8. Apple rates its most recent smartwatch to last "just" 18 hours on a single charge. Now, keep in mind, this isn't a first-generation product, as Apple has been in the wearable game since 2015. Would you believe that the Apple Watch Series 0 and Apple Watch Series 8 are rated for the same amount of battery life? 18 hours. And that's with being able to control everything from the silicon to the software, and everything in between.

Google's first attempt comes in with a 24-hour rating, offering six more hours of battery, while also being less expensive. But here's the real problem — we've been spoiled. Samsung's Galaxy Watch 5 is rated for up to fifty hours, which is crazy enough. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro? A staggering EIGHTY hours. Of course, these ratings are in perfect condition, going through a series of tests that are finely tuned in order to provide the best results possible, and aren't exactly achievable.

So when you think about the 24 hours offered by the Pixel Watch, it looks like a joke. In reality, that's not the case and is actually pretty solid. It's not great, hell it's not even good. It's just, solid. The Pixel Watch will be able to make it through the day with ease. You can throw it on the charger in the morning while you're getting ready, and leave with enough juice to make it through the day.

My new go-to Android wearable

There's a reason why I am so high on the Pixel Watch and why, even with the smaller screen and missing sensors, it has become my go-to wearable as I put the Pixel 7 Pro through its paces. Going back to what I said previously, it's very important to remember that this is Google's first attempt at a consumer-ready smartwatch.

I'll probably be laughed out of the room, but the mainstream smartwatch market needed the Pixel Watch to arrive. Ignoring the frustrations and issues with the availability of Wear OS 3 on non-Samsung wearables, the market is just stagnant. It's the same "problem" that we're seeing with the best Android phones, as you can only iterate on a slab of aluminum and glass so many times before it gets old. This is why foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 4, Vivo X Fold, and Surface Duo 2 are so intriguing.

But the difference there is that phone makers have a bit more to work with when it comes to smartphones. Now that the technology is available, OEMs can create devices that are both innovative and can appeal to a mass market. The same can't be said about the best smartwatches, with only a few companies really being able to introduce anything unique, such as the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar's ability to recharge using a solar charging lens.

So where does the Pixel Watch land? Well, it gives the market another option, which is never a bad thing. We're still awaiting the arrival of new smartwatches with Wear OS 3 out of the box, and we should be seeing more of those over the next few months. But Google's smartwatch is out now and it's providing the true Apple Watch competitor for Android that we've wanted since the arrival of the Moto 360 and LG G Watch.

The Pixel Watch, with its stainless steel chassis, not only looks fantastic, but it also performs much better than expected. And that's by using the same processor that was found in the original Galaxy Watch. Granted, Google did the right thing and load up the Pixel Watch with plenty of RAM, storage, and a dedicated co-processor. But I would go so far as to say that the only smartwatch currently capable of rivaling the Apple Watch in terms of fluidity is the Pixel Watch.

Sleek, smooth, and an excellent first-attempt

Both the Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro that I have are fantastic smartwatches in their own right, and a few frustrations are eased by the fact that I also own a Samsung smartphone. But there have been times when the interface would freeze up when trying to view a notification, or wouldn't respond to input when jumping around the interface. Of course, it's entirely possible that the next Pixel Watch update could burn the whole thing down, but so far, it's been an absolute joy to use.

Another aspect that should be appealing is that regardless of whether you own a phone like the OnePlus 10T, Pixel 7, or any of the best cheap Android phones, you're getting the same experience across the board. Obviously, it works with all Android phones, but what I mean is that you won't have to worry about some features not working just because you aren't using a Pixel. I understand that Samsung has a lion's share of the market in the Android space, but to lock health and fitness tracking features based on what phone it's paired to simply continues to boggle my mind.

While there are some things I would like to see from a Pixel Watch 2, I'll save those for another time. Seriously, if you have the budget and are looking for a new smartwatch, take the Pixel Watch for a spin. It's a really enjoyable experience, and you might come away liking it more than you would think. I know I have.

After years with only the Galaxy Watches for true competition, the Apple Watch Series 8 now has to contend with a new rival, the Google Pixel Watch. Both watches are exclusive to iOS and Android, respectively, so choosing which smartwatch to buy is as simple as knowing which phone you have. But maybe a new Android watch option is enough to consider switching ecosystems, or you just want to have bragging rights that your brand's watch is better. Whatever the case, we're breaking down how the Google Pixel Watch and Apple Watch Series 8 compare in specs, design, software features, and pricing.

Google Pixel Watch vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Pricing and models

The Google Pixel Watch comes in just one size (41mm) and finish (stainless steel made from 80% recycled material). As such, you only have two price options: $350 or $29.17/month for the standard Wi-Fi version or $400 or $33.33/month for the 4G/LTE version. 

The Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $400 for the 41mm Aluminum finish model with Wi-Fi or $430 for the 45mm version. You add an extra $50 for a Solo Loop band and an additional $100 for Cellular support. An upgrade to Stainless Steel will cost you $700, though it comes with Cellular built-in. And the Apple Watch Hermès will cost $1230. 

Google Pixel Watch vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Design and bands

Apple's squircle design is a classic at this point, but some people may find it stale. Starting with the Series 7 last year, it shrunk the bezels to give you more screen space with the same footprint. The Series 8 has a near-identical design, complete with the same upper-right crown, lower-right power button, and speaker grille — and even the same dimensions and weight.

Google's Pixel Watch design channels the usual circular look of most Android smartwatches, but Chris Wedel, our team member who got to test the Pixel Watch in NYC, said it "looks even more like a round Apple Watch in person." The rounded edge-to-edge design does mirror how the thin-bezeled Apple Watch screen extends over the edges a little. And you have a single rotating crown in the center-right and a recessed button above it.

As such, weighing the "quality" of the Pixel Watch and Apple Watch designs is pretty subjective. We think both watches have a premium look that other watches, like the Galaxy Watch 5, fall short of. But only you can decide if the Pixel or Apple Watch looks better. 

As for your band options, Apple has a wide variety focused on fitness, fashion, and an easy fit which are generally quite popular, though proprietary; our friends at iMore have a list of the best Apple Watch bands from both Apple and third parties if you're interested. 

Turning to the Pixel Watch bands, Chris Wedel got to try several of Google's proprietary watch bands. He described the Active band that comes in the box as having "a pleasantly soft feel" and just the right thickness to feel strong but not stiff. The two leather bands "feel high-quality and like they will wear nicely over time," and he liked the look of the woven and stretch bands, which "incorporate colors from the rest of the Pixel lineup into them." 

Unfortunately, because Pixel Watch bands are proprietary and the brand is so new, we haven't found any third-party band options to recommend as of yet.

Google Pixel Watch vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Specs, sensors, and battery life

Until we fully review the Pixel Watch, we can't say for certain how its four-year-old Exynos 9110 SoC is counterbalanced by its co-processor and the massive 2GB of RAM, more than the 1.5GB you get in the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Our brief hands-on with it made the Pixel Watch UI look quite fluid, but outside of demo conditions and first-party apps, we can't be certain how it'll run. We'll update this post once we know more.

Similarly, we haven't officially reviewed the Apple Watch Series 8 yet. Still, its S8 chip is virtually exactly the same as the S7 in last year's watch, so we can speak to its performance pretty definitively. Our reviewer said it "is fast and fluid in daily use, and I didn't see any slowdowns in the month I used the smartwatch," with the S7 chip giving it "an edge over its Android rivals."

Aside from the different geometric shapes, both watches have very comparable displays. Comparing the Pixel Watch display to the Apple Watch Series 8's, their pixels-per-inch are nearly the same (320 vs. 326), as is the max brightness (1,000 nits). The Apple Watch display has Ion-X protection that makes it shatter-resistant (according to Apple), but it's hard to say how that'll compare to Google's custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass without an expensive stress test. But only the Apple Watch has a dust resistance rating. 

As our specs table above shows, both watches have nearly the same sensors, GPS tracking, and connectivity software, including continuous heart rate and SpO2 tracking, as well as ECG testing for irregular heartbeats. They even share the same storage. Given all their similarities, it wouldn't be surprising to learn Google tried to emulate its rival's features in its own design.

Apple Watch Series 8 does have a temperature sensor for menstrual tracking that could, in theory, be used for other health monitoring in the future. In contrast, the Pixel Watch didn't get this feature — even though the Google-owned Fitbit Sense 2 did. 

Apple also wins with a Bluetooth 5.3 standard over Google's Bluetooth 5.0, which will generally make the connection between the watch and phone more energy-efficient and speedy. Its Ultra Wideband support offers better precision tracking for pinging your Watch's location inside a couch cushion or wherever. Google's one advantage here is that its LTE upgrade only costs $50, whereas you'll pay $100 for the privilege with Apple. 

In terms of battery life, Google estimates that its watch can last six hours longer than Apple's on a single charge. We can't confirm its claims until the review embargo lifts, so we'll simply point out that both watches will need daily charges regardless. To power demanding apps that would normally need a smartphone to work, you need a battery-guzzling processor and RAM. Apple does offer Low Power Mode through watchOS 9 now, so it should, in theory reach 36 hours with that active.

Once their batteries are low, the Pixel Watch can charge to 50% in 30 minutes, while the Apple Watch can hit 80% in 45 minutes. Both use USB-C charging, which makes refilling their capacity relatively breezy compared to other models.

Google Pixel Watch vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Features and fitness

A blow-by-blow breakdown of watchOS 9 vs. Wear OS 3 would require its own separate article, too long to briefly summarize here. Suffice it to say that all of the software you're used to on either phone interface makes an appearance on your watch. Google has Wallet, Maps, Assistant, and so on, while Apple has its own equivalents. And both operating systems support a wide range of third-party apps, though Apple may support more popular options because of its Watch's greater popularity up to this point.

The most important aspect of watchOS 9 is that it greatly enhanced the watch's fitness tracking software, adding tools like custom workouts, heart rate zones, new sports modes like triathalons, and new workout views showing metrics like Running Power and Form. Plus, you got better sleep tracking and AFib data history. All of this information is available for free, though you can pay for a Fitness+ subscription if you want guided at-home workouts.

For comparison, the Pixel Watch does have Google Fit for free workout data, along with third-party apps, but the biggest fitness boon it has is Fitbit Premium integration. This gathers your health and fitness data and produces reports telling you your Daily Readiness Score, Stress Management Score, a Wellness Report, and other data. And it also gives you guided workouts and general courses to help you improve over time. 

Apple's guided workouts have very high production values and can appear on your Apple TV or other televisions through AirPlay, with your Apple Watch workout data appearing in the corner. We've heard rumors Google could sync Wear OS with Google TV in the future, but we can't count on it happening soon. 

Where Fitbit Premium wins is in its ability to contextualize your current fitness and effort levels, warning you if you're over- or under-training. Apple just tells you to keep closing your rings day after day, without the algorithms to detect if you're doing too much.

Apple does have its own Collections, similar to Fitbit Guided Programs, that help you "Run Your First 5K" or "Improve Your Posture with Pilates." But Fitbit has more options, especially for harder training like "Abs and Core" or "Dance Cardio and Kickboxing."

We'll have to test the Pixel Watch to see how it compares to other Fitbits and to fitness smartwatches in general. But it could strike a good balance between a lifestyle and fitness watch if you're willing to pay for the monthly or annual subscription after the free 6-month trial runs out. Apple Fitness+ doesn't interpret your data as of yet but is probably the better option for workout videos, while the Pixel Watch has better outdoor workout guidance.

Google Pixel Watch vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Which should you buy?

The same statement from this article's beginning still applies. If you own an iPhone, buy an Apple Watch Series 8. If you own an Android phone, your best two options are the Google Pixel Watch and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5; Pixel 7 owners in particular will want the Pixel Watch.

Apple and Google's smartwatches have the best integration with their respective smartphones, and each has an optional fitness subscription that costs roughly the same. So which is better? Despite our love of all things Android, it's difficult to argue against the Apple Watch's unyielding quality year over year. But so far, our experiences with the Pixel Watch have been very positive, and Google apps on your wrist will have a universal appeal even to die-hard Apple fans. 

We'll be able to give a more definitive answer after our Pixel Watch review comes out, but we're optimistic it'll give the Apple Watch Series 8 a serious challenge. 

Samsung likely has a valid reason for not activating its temperature sensor in the Galaxy Watch 5 yet. But some experts suggest that Apple has come out on top with the new sensors in its Watch 8, because it’s no longer about who introduces something first — but rather who does it right that succeeds.

Apple announced the Watch Series 8 during its annual fall event, and the new device includes two new temperature sensors - one on the back and another under the display. The two sensors will isolate your body temperature from the outside environment and will specifically help with ovulation tracking. 

While Apple successfully launched its device with temperature sensors, many Android enthusiasts have criticized Samsung for announcing temperature sensors in the Galaxy Watch 5 even though it has yet to turn it on. 

Carmi Levy, a technology expert, says that Samsung likely has a good reason for not activating the sensors, but from a consumer perspective, “it’s yet another example of an Android vendor introducing technologies that aren’t as fully baked as they could be.” 

“If Samsung can be accused of making any mistake, it would be its failure to devote enough engineering resources to finish the job, so to speak, by crafting end-to-end experiences that allow new hardware like temperature sensors to be fully functional in the hands of everyday consumers. Instead, the new hardware gathers dust. Even if Samsung technically beat Apple by introducing a temperature sensor before Apple, it ultimately loses the war. Bragging rights over who was first to introduce which sensor or feature is worth far less than they once were,” he says. 

Anshel Sag, a senior analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, says that Samsung knows exactly what it is doing. He adds that Samsung has “gotten to a point where [its sensors] become accurate enough, small enough, and cheap enough that they aren’t a concern if they don’t get utilized right away or approved for their intended use until a few years later.”

It’s all about the future of health

While Apple didn’t need to get FDA approval to use its temperature sensor for ovulation tracking, Levy says that these companies are going to be using sensors for more things related to tracking your health in the future. 

“Regulatory approval takes time - and is often based on lawmakers’ confidence in the providers’ ability to demonstrate expertise in the particular area. Apple’s strategy allows it to gradually build trust within regulatory circles in its technologies, all while it just as gradually shifts consumer sentiment toward a service,” he says. 

Sag says that more sensors mean more applications, which eventually improves the accuracy of measurements. It’s not just about ovulation tracking, but eventually detecting when someone has a fever or measuring actual calorie burn during a workout to give you more precise data. 

It’s not about who does it first, it’s about who does it right

By now, one can ask: how has Apple gotten away with introducing a feature like temperature sensors to track ovulation and making it sound like it’s the first feature of its kind on a smartwatch? And it’s not the first time Apple has made such a misleading claim.

Levy says it doesn’t matter that Apple does this because it’s not playing a feature-comparison game and that timing around when it introduces something is no longer relevant to the company. 

“Competitors who insist on doing side-by-side feature/value comparisons against the iPhone, Apple Watch, or any other Apple product are fighting a fight that wasn’t ever winnable,” he says. 

And in this case, Apple is rarely the first to introduce a particular feature to the market, Levy says, adding that even if Apple is introducing something that Android phones already have, “consumers simply don’t care.” 

“Apple’s value proposition has nothing to do with having the coolest new features before everyone else. Rather, it differentiates itself by the way it integrates these features into an overall end-user experience. Being the first on your block to be able to unlock your phone with your face means little if the sensor is unreliable and if the software that power it is riddled with glitches. Apple introduced Face ID years after equivalent Android flagship phones had the feature, but by the time it showed up on iPhones, all of the bugs had been worked out and it worked far more reliably,” he says. 

But let’s not act as if Samsung, which makes some of the best smartwatches, hasn’t done anything right. Neil Shah, vice president of research at Counterpoint Research, says that it’s about timing and seeing when there’s demand from users. 

“I believe it's all about timing and seeing when your technology, algorithms, and feature demand from the user base all come together to commercialize a particular feature. For example, Samsung is quite ahead when it comes to BMI and deployed it beautifully and will learn more as more users use it and can upgrade its algorithm,” he says. 

Apple’s focus is simply different from Android phone and watch makers

Shah notes that while Android phone makers are trying to compete with Apple, Apple’s focus has been more on the “experience.”

“[It is about] how tightly the hardware and software work to provide best-in-class integrated mobile experience,” he says. “This has also gone beyond with respect to consistent connected experience in terms of features and services across its devices - watches, iPads, Macs, HomePods, AirPods, and iPhones.” 

And it’s for this very reason that Apple can get away with ignoring market trends, he says. 

It’s because the company has significant control over its user base in terms of “ecosystem stickiness from owning multiple Apple devices and services.” 

“The switching costs and inconveniences are not worth it,” he says. 

Levy agrees, adding that Apple plays its own game based on rules that it gets to define. 

“While it can’t afford to completely ignore market trends - and particularly the ever-evolving needs of its customers and prospective customers - the current competitive advantage tilts heavily toward Apple because it sells integrated ecosystems and aspirational experiences to a far greater degree than competitors stuck selling individual devices, much as they always have,” he says. 

But, that being said, Apple can’t be complacent, Sag says, adding it needs to always be careful to not ignore the market for too long. 

“If it ignores them for too long, you get a repeat of what happened with the Galaxy S3 where Apple was slow to pick up 4G and 'phablets'...Apple lost a lot of share to Samsung and Android in that generation, and we quickly saw Apple respond with larger screens and 4G,” he says. 

There’s something else to be said about how Samsung and Apple are both behind other wearable devices in the space. The Garmins, Coros’, and Fitbits of the world have had temperature sensors on their own smartwatches for the past few years. Instead of Samsung and Apple leading the charge in the tech space, they are, actually, playing catch up. 

If you're looking for an Apple Watch alternative, it could mean one of two things. You're an iPhone owner who wants something different, with perhaps more fitness features or better battery life. Or, you're switching from iPhone to Android and you're looking for something that offers a comparable experience. The Apple Watch works exclusively with iPhone.

Regardless of the reason, we're here to help. The Apple Watch Series 10 is a reliable and polished device, but maybe you want something different. If you are sticking with iPhone, uou can always buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for its upgrades when it comes to durability, battery life, display size, and fitness tools. But it's not cheap.

Keep in mind that if you are staying with iPhone but want an alternative, no option but Apple Watch will give you access to the official apps, iMessage, and other Apple-specific tools. Our recommended smartwatches can only provide surface-level smarts...unless you switch from iOS to Android.

But there are plenty of Apple Watch substitutes that we love. Based on our reviews and experiences with these wearables, these are the best Apple Watch alternatives for Android or iPhone (some with limited functions), including both universal and Android-only options.

• Smartwatch deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Amazon | Samsung | Dell

At a glance

Spec overview

Best overall

It's essentially the Apple Watch for Android, and our Pixel 3 Watch reviewer praises the smartwatch for providing a similar level of quality in terms of performance, design, and UI. So, of course, it tops our list of the best Apple Watch alternatives, provided you have an Android phone.

Not many of the best Android watches have a functional rotating crown, so if you're switching from an Apple Watch, you'll appreciate the familiarity. The two sizes may have less space to view information, especially compared to the latest Apple Watch Series 10. But it's still much more screen than the previous-gen Pixel Watch 2, which our reviewer indeed called the "Apple Watch for Android."

It has a much different style with a rounded face, so it feels more like a fashion statement on your wrist.

You'll enjoy six free months of Fitbit Premium, with daily training recommendations and a Daily Readiness Score that Apple can't offer — a fair trade-off to Apple Fitness Plus. (Though Apple has recently added features like Training Load, which works similarly). You do also get guided workout videos, though admittedly without the music and production value Apple offers.

More important is that the Pixel Watch 3 has all the sensors of a Fitbit Sense 2, with all the stress, skin temperature, sleep, and AFib data you're used to, plus blood oxygen data that Apple no longer offers since the Massimo suit. Generally speaking, you can expect accurate data and a comfortably light fit at night.

On the software side, Wear OS apps shouldn't be too different from the watchOS apps you're accustomed to, and on-device Google Assistant should give you a better experience than you're used to with Siri. Google's Wear OS polish and Material You touch should make the transition easy and fun, and you can count on three years of software support. That's short of Apple's typical promise, but better than any non-Samsung alternatives.

Best budget

Moving onto iPhone 15 Pro or new iPhone 16 Pro owners (or those with older models) looking for cheap Apple Watch alternatives, we should look closely at Amazfit watches. One of the more reliable budget brands, Amazfit crams a ton of useful features into its watches. So long as you don't need messaging or apps, you should seriously consider the GTS 4.

If you're a fan of the squircle look, the GTS 4 design will appeal to you. Its 1.75-inch display is quite similar in size and resolution to the Series 9 41mm (1.69 inches), and the case itself is lighter and thinner, making it more comfortable to wear. You also get the rotating crown, useful for skimming through the watch's built-in apps.

With the Amazfit GTS 4, you get built-in dual-band GPS for accurate tracking, a mic and speaker for Bluetooth calling and Alexa voice commands, and PPG and SpO2 sensors for tracking your health. Amazfit takes your health and workout data and calculates data like training load, post-workout recovery time, and VO2 Max. That, along with automatic workout detection for indoor strength training and outdoor workouts, makes it useful for fitness fans.

Unlike many of our other picks, the Amazfit ecosystem doesn't have third-party apps, which extends the battery life but leaves you with a pretty limited OS. It's mainly meant for reading notifications, not responding to them. Plus, you won't find a tap-to-pay option here. If you can live with these compromises, you'll be able to save a good chunk of money compared to an Apple Watch!

Best fitness

The Garmin Venu 3 has most of the same perks as the Amazfit GTS 4 above, only in a much more polished form and with a much higher price, on par with what you'd typically pay for an Apple Watch. It tops our list of the best fitness watches, but it also has the same drawbacks in terms of lack of third-party apps and general "smarts."

Unlike most Garmin watches with their thick, plastic-heavy designs, the Venu 3 is comfortably thin, steel-bezeled, and has a gorgeous AMOLED display. It packs a mic and speaker for Bluetooth calling and your phone's voice assistant; the latter feature passes through your phone's assistant rather than offering its own, which limits some of its functionality but is still useful.

With its latest-gen Elevate sensor, the Garmin Venu 3 can take ECG and skin temperature readings, along with heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress. It has a new Sleep Coach that uses your data to recommend better sleeping habits, and an enhanced Body Battery graph that tells you how much specific activities like naps, workouts, or drinking affect your daily energy.

In terms of fitness, you get Garmin's patented multi-satellite system for very accurate location data, dozens of sports modes, custom indoor workouts with animations and muscle maps showing how to do exercises and their impact, and a recovery widget telling you how long to rest after an activity.

Our Garmin Venu 3 reviewer praised it for comfort, quality, and accuracy. He noted that Garmin improved the UI to make it more useable, but in truth, it's still a very simple and limited interface compared to an Apple Watch. You can technically send quick-reply messages to texts on the Venu 3, but only with an Android phone. Aside from a few compatible music apps like Spotify and Amazon Music, you won't find third-party apps, either.

Best Ultra 2 alternative

Although we're big fans of the Apple Watch Ultra 2, we know that most people aren't willing to drop $800 on a watch just to get better battery life. If you're looking for an Android smartwatch with long battery life, we'd recommend the OnePlus Watch 2R or TicWatch Pro 5. But for a true premium experience, look to the latest Galaxy Watch Ultra.

To be blunt, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is a near-clone of the Apple Watch Ultra. It has the same MIL-STD-810H-quality titanium, 3,000-nit display, 85db siren, three sporty band options, dual-band GPS, and doubled battery capacity over the baseline Galaxy Watch 7. It does have a circular display like other Galaxy Watches, but the design itself has that square look Apple fans are familiar with.

Our Galaxy Watch Ultra reviewer praised it as a "fantastic smartwatch" with "much stronger" health and fitness performance and "undoubtedly faster" performance than the Galaxy Watch 6. It also consistently delivered strong enough battery life to last two days with the always-on display (AOD) active or 100 hours in Power Saver, beating the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with its 36-hour life without AOD or 72 hours in best conditions.

Our biggest knock against the Ultra will disappoint former Apple Watch users: the third button looks like a crown but doesn't function like one, so you're stuck relying on touch controls when navigating the UI. Also, when you compare the Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple's squircle display gives you more app space. Still, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is one of the best Apple Watch alternatives we could find.

Best hybrid design

We've focused on smartwatches that can match the Apple Watch for app smarts or fitness tracking. But some people want an Apple Watch alternative that'll help them escape from "smarts" and simply provide health data and style. In that case, you should look closely at the Withings ScanWatch 2.

Seriously, just look at it. Aside from the circular portion of the screen dedicated to notifications and health data, it'll look to everyday folks like a normal, high-end watch with a stainless steel finish. If you're sick of that squircle look, the ScanWatch 2 will feel like a major style upgrade.

You'll still get a digital crown to rotate through data, but the small grayscale screen doesn't fit much data on it. You're mostly going to use it to check when to pull out your phone, but that may not matter if you don't use Apple Watch apps that often.

As for what the ScanWatch 2 tracks, you'll get heart rate, blood oxygen, HRV for stress, ECG for AFib detection, high and low heart rate warnings, and skin temperature data, as you'd expect. What's unique to Withings is that it takes 24/7 temperature readings, not just at night, giving you more insight into workout temperature variation, possible illnesses, and other insights.

Keep in mind that this watch doesn't have tap-to-pay, calling, or a voice assistant packed in. That may or may not be a deal-breaker, but most of the best hybrid watches have these sorts of limitations. With its 30-day battery life, the Withings ScanWatch 2 is all about blending in and only providing minimal info when you need it.

Best health tracking

The Fitbit Sense 2 essentially had its health sensors and software replicated by parent company Google for the Pixel Watch 2. While that took the top spot with its improved "smarts" and apps, many people will prefer the Fitbit Sense 2 as an Apple Watch alternative because it lasts six days instead of one, costs less, works with both iOS and Android, and has that thin squircle look for Apple fans.

We initially gave the Fitbit Sense 2 a mixed review because it launched with disabled features and without any Google apps, but we later got Google Maps and Google Wallet in post-launch updates, lessening the sting a bit. Still, this is a health and fitness watch first and foremost, relying on Fitbit Premium data to help you improve as an athlete (or simply lose weight) over time.

If you can accept its limitations, this watch will give you all the health data and notifications you could want, plus Bluetooth calling, Alexa voice assistant commands, Google Pay, and turn-by-turn navigation.

You can also turn to the Fitbit Versa 4 if you want the same design but a more affordable price; you do miss out on most of the health sensors like skin temperature and blood oxygen, but it does at least give you heart rate and fitness tools. The Fitbit Charge 6 is another option with almost all of the same sensors and an extra day of battery life, but you'll miss out on the mic and speaker and will have to get used to a much smaller display.

How to choose

Best Apple Watch alternatives: How to choose your new favorite smartwatch

As we said from the outset, your search for an Apple Watch substitute will vary based on what kind of smartphone you have. We tried to pick several fitness watches that work regardless, but these (by necessity) have limited smarts because longer smartwatch battery life requires compromises.

If you still have an iPhone but you're sick of Apple Watches, it depends on why you're switching. For better fitness tools, you can look at Garmin, Fitbit, or other running watch brands, for example. But there isn't an Apple Watch alternative with the same quality of apps and integration with an iPhone, since Apple keeps other brands from accessing them.

If you're a new or prospective Android phone owner, you should look at Wear OS watches first and foremost because they replicate the apps and smarts that you're used to. Unfortunately, your selection is pretty limited. Although OnePlus and Xiaomi have recently joined the Android watch ecosystem, Google and Samsung are your main options.

What you need to know

• Rumors could point toward Apple launching a "Pro" smartwatch.
• The new device could potentially come with a larger screen, improved battery, and better outdoor activity tracking.
• This Apple Watch Pro could be in more direct competition with Samsung's rumored Galaxy Watch Pro 5.

Rumors suggest Apple is stepping into the "Pro" watch game, bringing in a potential healthy competitor for Samsung.

While a potential name for this proposed Apple Watch Pro is still unknown, there is more to speak of regarding its supposed theme and design choices. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has brought some of these rumors to light, starting with the proposed Apple Watch Pro's appeal.

As you'd expect with a Pro model of any product, the Apple Watch Pro will likely sport a larger display. The device could also come with better tracking capabilities for outdoor activities and improved multi-day battery life. Gurman also suggests that Apple could be counting on the durability of this new proposed Pro smartwatch version to capture buyers.

Rumors of an Apple Watch Pro come as Samsung is also expected to launch its own Pro smartwatch model. Samsung is likely to announce a Galaxy Watch 5 Pro with similar improvements over the standard Galaxy Watch 5 series. We should have more information about this new device during the company's event on August 10.

The rumors surrounding this new device see it having a larger, longer-lasting battery that could run for three days before potentially needing a charge.

As we wait, and through the leaks, it already looks like the new Galaxy Watch 5 Pro could become one of the best Android smartwatches to launch this year, although there's plenty of competition on the Wear OS side, given Qualcomm's new Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chip.

Like the rumored Apple Watch Pro, Samsung's model is said to sport a larger display. Gurman suggests the Apple Watch Pro gaining some improvements to the chassis, with a more rugged design likely made from titanium. Samsung's new Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is also rumored to sport some changes as the device is rumored to ditch the rotating bezel found on the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.

Apple already makes impressive smartwatches that are often a staple for anyone carrying an iPhone, so we'll have to see how this new Pro model will entice users further. In the meantime, Samsung is revving the engines for its launch event in August and has begun offering up to $200 in Samsung Credit for reservations of its upcoming Galaxy devices through its website.

If there's one feature that every smartwatch should have, it's a heart rate monitor. Even without additional sensors like an ECG or EDA sensor, basic heart rate monitoring is something that everyone can enjoy. By keeping track of your heart rate on a daily basis, you can know when you need to slow things down, or when you might need to talk to your doctor. We've rounded up our favorite picks for those looking at the best heart rate monitor watch. 

Keep track of your heart rate with these watches

Ever since its unveiling and release in 2021, the Galaxy Watch 4 has been at the top of the list if you want the best Android smartwatch. It’s currently the only smartwatch that combines Google’s software prowess with Samsung’s top-notch hardware. It also remains the only option for those who want Wear OS 3, as we’re still waiting for other Android smartwatches to receive the update.

But when it comes to being a heart rate monitor watch, the Galaxy Watch 4 excels here as well. While the ability to monitor your heart rate has been possible since launch, a software update in late 2021 brought a new algorithm into the mix. There were some complaints about inconsistent readings and results, but the new accuracy algorithm seems to have cleared many of those up.

Some of the other health and fitness features for the Galaxy Watch 4 series include built-in ECG and blood pressure monitoring. The former is available in most regions, while the latter recently became available in Canada , but is still awaiting proper approval in the U.S.

When the Fitbit Sense was released, we were surprised by its exorbitant price tag compared to the rest of the best Fitbit wearables. However, all it took to change our minds was to look at the various health and fitness tracking sensors that are packed into this wearable.

The Fitbit Sense not only can keep track of your heart rate, but thanks to the ECG sensor, it also monitors your heart rhythm. In an effort to help keep your heart healthy and your stress levels in check, the electrodermal sensor provides an in-depth look at your heart and how it’s doing throughout the different activities you perform. Fitbit even went so far as to implement a skin temperature sensor, so you’ll know if your body temperature is too high.

From a hardware perspective, the Fitbit Sense looks like a home run. Unfortunately, in order to take full advantage of what the Sense has to offer, you’ll need to sign up for Fitbit Premium. There are still plenty of reasons to consider the Sense, but it’s just something to keep in mind if you want the full experience.

Polar is well-known for offering some of the best smartwatches for runners on the market. And with the company’s new Pacer Pro, this is easily one of the best smartwatches we’ve seen. It’s definitely geared towards those who love data points and want almost all of the metrics. Battery life is pretty great, as we found that it consistently lasts for up to 7-days, or 35 hours with GPS enabled.

Something that Polar is excelling at compared to the competition is in its ease of use. As noted in our review, the lack of a touchscreen isn’t a downside, as its more reliable and easier to navigate thanks to the five buttons found on the outside of the watch. But in terms of actually health and fitness tracking, the Pacer Pro does fall a bit short, which is why its lower on this list.

You won’t find any extra sensors such as a blood oxygen (SpO2) sensor or ECG sensor, nor will you be able to keep track of potential AFib issues. The Polar Pacer Pro is designed with runners in mind, and offers a different approach from the “traditional” smartwatch with its reliance on hardware buttons.

The biggest reason why we’ve included the Venu 2S vs Venu 2 Plus on this list is because of battery life. The Venu 2S lasts up to 10 days on a single charge, or 19 hours with GPS enabled, as opposed to the eight hours found with the Venu 2 Plus. Garmin continues to impress with its new smartwatches and fitness trackers, and that continues with the Venu 2S.

You’ll be able to track more than 25 different workout modes, along with over 1,600 different exercises courtesy of the Garmin app. In terms of health tracking, the Venu 2S offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring, and will even remind you to take a step back and perform some breathing exercises.

Unfortunately, the better battery life and lightweight design comes at a cost, as you won’t be able to respond to messages or take phone calls with the Venu 2S. If you need or want a Garmin that does both, then the Venu 2 Plus might be for you, but the Venu 2S is a great option for everyone else.

Unlike some of the other options on this list, you won’t be able to pair the Apple Watch Series 7 with an external heart rate sensor. However, there’s no denying the various health and fitness benefits offered by Apple’s wearable. The Series 7, in particular, offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring, resting heart rate, Cardio Fitness, and even a built-in ECG to detect potential heart issues.

Battery life is a fact that we’ve continued to complain about, but Apple has attempted to implement different features to make up for it. These include an Always-on Display, the ability to view Apple’s Activity widget right on your “Home Screen,” and much more. 

While you can use Apple’s own Health app with an iPhone, the company has worked with some of the best fitness app developers to provide seamless integration. By doing so, you’ll be able to have your workout data synced between platforms, without worrying about too much of a headache.

Naturally, the biggest downside to the Apple Watch is that you need an iPhone. It won’t work with any of the best Android phones at all, but you could always pick up something like an iPhone SE (2022) or even an older refurbished iPhone just to set everything up.

Unless you're well-versed in the world of fitness smartwatches, you might not recognize the Amazfit brand. But the company has been steadily pushing out new and exciting wearables over the past few years. With the company's flagship offering, the GTR 3 Pro, you're getting a minimalist design paired with plenty of "oomph" in the fitness tracking department.

Packed into the GTR 3 Pro, you'll find over 150 different sports modes to choose from, along with heart rate monitoring. As we found in our review, it offers "a deviation of under 10%" compared to the Series 7. But Amazfit also makes it easy to share your workout data with third-party fitness apps like Google Fit and others.

There are plenty of other features onboard the GTR 3 Pro, including a digital assistant thanks to Amazon Alexa. However, you won't be able to download many third-party apps to the watch itself. Plus, the included band isn't great for those who want to go for a run or hit the gym.

Not all smartwatches are created equal

There are so many different smartwatches and fitness trackers on the market now that it could make your head spin. When deciding on what heart rate monitor watch is right for you, it's important to determine exactly what it is that you're trying to keep track of. Of course heart rate monitoring is key, but some smartwatches offer different functionality compared to others.

It's for this reason that we've picked the Galaxy Watch 4 as the best of the best. Samsung has been regularly pushing updates for its flagship smartwatch, aiming to not only improve the overall experience, but also to ensure that you're getting the best health and fitness tracking metrics possible. There are plenty of first and third-party bands to switch between, and if the regular Watch 4 is too small for your liking, there's always the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic which features the same sensors and same great software experience.

Samsung will likely unveil the Galaxy Watch 5 this August. Leaks concerning the new watch have been surprisingly scant, but Samsung may boost the battery life and add a new temperature sensor for more accurate health and sleep tracking. Interestingly, Samsung will reportedly abandon the "Classic" design and release a massive "Pro" watch in its place.

The base Galaxy Watch 4 essentially took over Samsung's Galaxy Watch Active brand, relying on a capacitive touch bezel instead of a rotating one. Now the 2022 model will fully rely on the original athlete-friendly design instead of the classic smartwatch look. 

Despite that, I'm concerned that Samsung isn't taking the "Active" legacy of its watch as seriously as it should.

Don't get me wrong: the Galaxy Watch 4 has a solid track record on health tracking. Not counting the blood pressure sensor restricted in some countries, Samsung's $250 watch can track heart rate variability for stress measurements, blood oxygen, ECG for AFib, and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis for measuring muscle/fat percentages. 

Add in a temperature sensor, and the Galaxy Watch 5 will basically offer all the health sensors as the Fitbit Sense except EDA, only with a massively improved UI and no Premium subscription to price-lock the data. 

On the fitness side of things, Samsung Health doesn't lack the essentials. You'll find plenty of sports modes on the watch, plus third-party options like Strava. Running tracking will check your sweat loss, VO2 Max, and cadence. And although the Galaxy Watch 4 may not last a full day with GPS and sleep tracking, the Galaxy Watch 5's battery improvements should help on this front. Especially if you buy the alleged "Pro" model, which could match the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra with its 3-day battery life.

So what's the problem? For starters, the sensor-packed Galaxy Watch 4 actually had a pretty underwhelming launch. The common consensus from fitness reviewers was that the GPS tracking and heart rate data were inconsistent compared to most fitness trackers, while the BIA sensor would vary from one reading to the next and often miss the mark. Samsung made some algorithm adjustments down the line that improved the matter, at least.

My coworker Chris Wedel had his own lackluster experience with the Galaxy Watch 4 LTE version, which regularly overheated during short tracked runs or even when idling. Again, Samsung eventually found a way to patch the LTE thermal issues, but not before Chris returned it and looked elsewhere for his workout needs.

Overall, if Samsung had called this watch the Galaxy Watch Active 3, people would have scrutinized these problems a lot more closely. But because it's primarily an Android smartwatch and was competing with Wear OS watches instead of Garmin or Fitbit, it got a pass.

This year, things are different in my mind. Google will release the Pixel Watch, another Wear OS 3 device for Android users with Fitbit Premium integration. And we learned at WWDC 2022 that Apple's watchOS 9 will add a metric ton of new features: heart rate zones, running form analysis, mid-run pace guidance, custom intervals, and triathlete mode.

I've already written about possible Fitbit features on Pixel Watch that could make it an excellent hybrid lifestyle-fitness watch, and Apple is taking the same approach by giving its users more specific metrics than closing rings. 

The Verge argued Apple is coming for Garmin with these new features but will fail due to short battery life. But I think it's safer to say Apple wants its casual-athlete users to feel like they can access "pro athlete" features whenever they want — users who are already used to daily recharging and don't mind the inconvenience.

Samsung and Apple don't directly compete anymore, now that Galaxy Watches don't work with iOS. But I'd argue Apple is competing more with Wear OS 3 than Garmin here, trying to sell a more complete lifestyle package with an athletic undercurrent. And an appealing iOS-only Apple Watch will keep its users from switching to cheaper Samsung phones.

Samsung has offered some of Apple's "new" features since its Galaxy Watch Active 2 days, including Running Analysis of your form and customizable heart rate zones. It's not that Samsung Health is deficient. But as Apple excels at doing, it's repackaging features in a visually appealing, easily accessible way instead of burying features in-app and expecting users to find them.

So with Apple doubling down on Fitness+ and Google bringing Fitbit to not only the Pixel Watch, but also other Wear OS watches down the line, Samsung needs to consider how it will respond. 

It's possible Samsung will simply add the Fitbit Wear OS app as well, but that would mean making its customers subscribe to another company's service. And considering it took nearly a year for Google Assistant to become available on the Galaxy Watch 4, we can't count on new Fitbit features to ship before the Pixel Watch arrives, if not well after.

Samsung should instead take charge of its own destiny and revamp its on-display workouts a bit to reveal more data. Provide free running metrics that give a Garmin-lite experience — even if neither Apple nor Samsung can offer the same depth of expertise or battery life — and add a proper triathlete mode to go with the IP68/ STD-810G protection.

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 will stop receiving software updates this fall, and Samsung may never release a new Active watch. But Samsung can easily call upon its fitness expertise and offer a Galaxy Watch 5 with the same data and decently better battery life than the Apple Watch Series 8, and give its Active users something to look forward to.

It just needs to remind people that it cares as much about fitness tracking as health tracking. And, ideally, make sure the Galaxy Watch 5 sensors are in better shape at launch this time around. If it does, Samsung could easily have one of the best running watches of 2022 on its hands.

What you need to know

• The latest trends for smartwatch market share have been released for Q1 2022, with a 13% increase in yearly smartwatch sales.
• Samsung has maintained its second-place hold, with a 16% increase year-over-year.
• Xiaomi continues to break records each quarter, rising to the top 4 for the first time.
• Fitbir has continued to fall over several quarters as we wait for new Sense or Versa smartwatches.

Smartwatch sales continue to grow, according to the latest market share numbers from Counterpoint Research. However, that growth comes at a slower pace in the first quarter of 2022 as Fitbit wavers and Galaxy smartwatches maintain a lead over most other OEMs besides Apple.

The latest report from Counterpoint shows that despite not matching the Q4 record high, the smartwatch market has grown as a whole by 13% year-over-year as wearables become increasingly popular. Leading the charge, of course, is Apple, which grew slightly to 36%. Following not-so-closely is Samsung with 10% share and Huawei with 7.2%.

Samsung has managed to hold onto the second place spot since Q3 2022 following the launch of the Galaxy Watch 4, displaying a 46% YoY growth in shipments. This has also propelled Wear OS's market share, which will undoubtedly be assisted by the launch of newer devices and updates later this year. However, Xiaomi could threaten to overtake Samsung, having entered a top 4 position for the first time and "breaking its shipment record every quarter."

Garmin and Huami's Amazfit have managed to hold onto market share between 4% and 5%, while Fitbit is considerably low at 2.7% share. This is likely due to the lack of a traditional smartwatch successor, with the Google-owned company instead focusing on its fitness trackers. We expect Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 to finally launch sometime this year, but they will likely arrive without Wear OS.

The biggest smartwatch launches aren't expected to happen until Q3 of this year, including the next Apple Watch and successors to some of the best Android smartwatches. Google has already teased its own Pixel Watch alongside plenty of Wear OS partners expected to launch devices later this year, which should help give both Wear OS and smartphone sales a healthy boost.

Ever since Google I/O 2022 concluded, I’ve had plenty of thoughts to share in terms of what’s to come from the Google campus. But there’s something that you should know and it’s that I primarily use an iPhone and Apple Watch on a daily basis. I’m one of those people who truly believe in the Apple ecosystem, and it actually just makes my job easier. 

Being able to hand things off between my Mac and iPhone or iPad is just sublime, while the Apple Watch remains my favorite smartwatch — at least for the time being. As I explained before, there’s a big reason why the Pixel Tablet was my favorite announcement made during the Google I/O 2022 keynote. 

Google finally seems to be kicking things into gear with its “Better Together” plans. And if the plan succeeds, I could end up relegating my Apple hardware to “backup gear.” 

Better Together

I’m not going to re-hash everything that I’ve already touched on, but Google seems to be making the right moves in an effort to create the cohesive Android-powered ecosystem we’ve been longing for. The Pixel 6a solves the need for an excellent budget phone, and as long as the Tensor 2 is as good as the original, the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro will satisfy the mid-range and budget markets. 

Android 13 Beta 2 introduces some long-overdue changes to the interface of apps on tablets, and we hope to see this make waves throughout the developer community. And despite the fact that the Pixel Tablet won’t be available until next year, we should still be able to enjoy these changes this fall with some of the best Android tablets. 

Then there’s the Pixel Watch, and it’s really here where I feel that my continued use of Apple products may halt. Everything that Google showed off on stage at I/O 2022 reaffirmed my desire to have a Google-created smartwatch. Even after reports surfaced that it would be using a comically-outdated processor, I’m still holding onto hope. 

It all hinges on the watch

For me, the determining factor of whether I leave Apple’s walled garden behind hinges on the Pixel Watch. I’m not expecting Google to break the mold completely, but from what we’ve seen from the promotional videos and different images, that’s what Google is trying to do. 

From a design perspective, the Pixel Watch looks like it will be a masterpiece. It perfectly blends aluminum with glass, without looking too big and bulky once it’s on your wrist. I’m not the biggest fan of the first-party watch bands, but it’s still a unique take and I’m sure adapters will arrive allowing us to use pretty much whatever other bands we want to. Plus, Google is likely to offer up a slew of fun watch band colors to pick from. 

Moving onto the health and fitness features, I think I’m most excited about Google’s new Health Connect APIs. This was created in partnership with Samsung to make it easier than ever to access your health data, regardless of what app or service you are using. For years, trying to sync Fitbit data with Google Fit has been a pain, and that’s just one example. There are workarounds, but they can be too cumbersome and I would prefer to have an implementation that “just works.” And Health Connect could be just the ticket.

This is extremely important because of the deep Fitbit integration that appears to be built into this “unique” version of Wear OS. There was even a Fitbit complication that was shown off, so it would only make sense for Google to create a tool to sync your data across different services. Recently, Google began making it possible to link your Fitbit and Google Fit data with Assistant in order to show you activity metrics on the Nest Hub. It may seem like a small step, but it’s much more important than you think.

I want to believe

For one reason or another, I prefer to use one ecosystem of devices at a time. My iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and MacBook Pro all work seamlessly together. The same can be said for the Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, my beloved Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, and custom-built Windows PC. 

But I continue finding myself wanting to use my Pixel 6 Pro more and more. And while I have a Fitbit Sense paired to it, along with the best Chromebooks, that’s only solving part of the puzzle. The Sense, while a fantastic smartwatch, feels out of place. Phone Hub works great on my Chromebook and is getting even better, but it doesn’t quite offer the same functionality as using the Your Phone app with my Z Fold 3. 

I want to believe that Google has finally reached the point where it’s coordinating all of its focus and efforts into providing a cohesive and seamless ecosystem. All of the pieces appear to be falling into place, and as long as the Pixel 7 and Pixel Watch deliver on that promise, it might actually be the first time in a long time that I take my SIM out of the iPhone 13 Pro Max and start using Android all of the time.

There are a lot of “ifs” and “maybes” here, so I’ll throw another “but” into the equation. Everything that Google is showing and telling us looks good on paper, BUT, if the execution doesn’t match up, then we’re right back at square one. And that likely won’t be good for the Pixel ecosystem of devices. 

Most Garmin watch designs cater to "serious" athletes, with buttons instead of touchscreens and weeks of battery life in lieu of app support. The Garmin Venu 2 Plus bridges the gap between Garmin and typical lifestyle watches, with a gorgeous touchscreen and better smartphone integration — and a price to match. Still, it's a Garmin watch, with nowhere close to the utility and third-party support of an Apple Watch. But depending on your priorities, either the Apple Watch Series 7 or Venu 2 Plus could serve your needs very well.

Garmin Venu 2 Plus vs. Apple Watch Series 7: Different priorities

The important thing to remember when comparing the Garmin Venu 2 Plus to the Apple Watch Series 7 is that both companies have a very different focus. Garmin watches will display notifications, process your workout results and health data, and perform other small tasks, but lack the power, storage, and perfect synchronization of an Apple Watch with an iPhone.

Only an Apple Watch would let you actually respond to texts on your watch, see album artwork while streaming music, see street maps on your wrist, and use other iOS-specific tools. And it also supports a variety of great 3rd-party watchOS apps. But in exchange, you really do have to recharge your Apple Watch daily, and it'll only last 7 hours of GPS tracking, not counting any other use during the day like phone calls or music storage.

With the Garmin Venu 2 Plus, you can answer calls, ask your voice assistant questions, and store music playlists. It doesn't do much that's more advanced, but in exchange, it can last across 24 hours of GPS tracking or 9 days of idle tracking. It's designed for all-day workouts or days of consistent use without a recharge. 

For some, having a watch that'll never die on the job is more important; for others, it's all about the features and hardware. It's not about one being "better" than the other. But if you do want to compare their exact properties, we have the Garmin Venu 2 Plus vs. Apple Watch Series 7 specs below.

Comparing Series 7 and Venu 2 Plus hardware

To briefly summarize the differences, the Venu 2 Plus only comes in one size and is much heavier than the default aluminum Apple Watch 7. With a plastic appearance and a thicker bezel, it's not nearly as stylish as the Apple Watch. Nor do you get quite as much screen space, as its circular shape cuts off text on the top and bottom.

Though Garmin (5ATM) and Apple (WR50) label it differently, both watches are rated to work 50 meters underwater. Only the Apple Watch is rated IP6X for solid dust resistance; plus, it reportedly got a redesigned "crack-resistant front crystal." With the Venu 2 Plus, Gorilla Glass 3 gives it some solid scratch resistance. You'll probably want a Garmin Venu 2 screen protector or Apple Watch Series 7 screen protector, whichever you buy — given how expensive both devices are.

Both watches have the same sensors, except that the Apple Watch Series 7 also has an electrocardiogram (ECG), which matters if you want to measure for irregular heartbeats. On the flip side, only the Venu 2 Plus has the battery power to use the pulse ox sensor either "All Day" or during "Deep Sleep," whereas the Apple Watch makes you test manually.

Both watches support NFC for tap payments and built-in GPS for workout tracking without a phone. The Series 7 specifically supports Beidou and QZSS, other GPS-competing standards that are primarily used in Asia. It also has Ultra Wideband, which can detect your missing Watch nearby if it falls into a couch cushion. Garmin's exclusive feature is ANT+, which helps its devices pair with many fitness accessories and sensors.

Most importantly, you can buy an Apple Watch 7 LTE version for an extra $100, letting you leave your phone at home. The Venu 2 Plus can measure workouts and stream music without a phone but still relies on a smartphone for calls and voice assistance.

As previously mentioned, the Apple Watch Series 7 will only last you a day at most, much less if you use it actively and especially if you do buy an LTE version. Thankfully, it charges quickly via USB-C, jumping to 80% in 90 minutes. That's about how long it'll take to recharge the Venu 2 Plus fully, but that requires keeping Garmin's proprietary pronged charger on hand.

The Series 7 has much more raw storage, but most of that is reserved for apps. You can only download up to 8GB of music to your device. That will equal about 1,500-2,000 songs depending on the file quality, whereas Garmin estimates 650 songs will fit on the Venu 2 Plus. 

Controls, modes, and apps

While the Venu 2 Plus is among the best Garmin smartwatches available, it's not a traditional Garmin watch. Most Garmin watches rely solely on buttons, which may seem less futuristic but are much more reliable while working out than sweaty swipes on a screen. But some people still prefer touch, which is what makes the Venu 2 Plus so great: it has three buttons and touch navigation, the best of both worlds.

Each button has dedicated tap or hold functions, giving you six options to access with a simple click without bothering with swiping through menus. The middle button, missing from the standard Venu 2, can be configured for whatever shortcut you want, whether it's pulling up your assistant, Garmin Pay, music playback, or other tools. And once you're on the right tool, touch controls make it easy to swipe through workout summaries.

Plus, because it's an AMOLED display, you can add custom watch faces like the one shown above. That's not something most fitness watches support.

The Apple Watch Series 7 has a digital rotating crown, a side button, and a touchscreen. It too has shortcuts configured to when you tap, hold, or double-tap those buttons, calling Siri, triggering Apple Pay, or activating SOS, among other nav tools. The crown is especially useful and intuitive for navigating through screens.

As for the actual software, Garmin watches mostly focus on sports modes. The Venu 2 Plus has 25 preloaded sports apps that fall into running, swimming, cycling, outdoor recreation, and gym workout categories. 

The latter is arguably where the Venu 2 Plus shines, as it lets you create customized workouts with over 1,600 exercise types and upload them to your watch, where you can then see an animated demonstration of how to complete the exercise.

Once you complete a workout, you'll see a simple summary on the watch and much more detailed metrics on the Garmin Connect app. Through the Venu 2 Plus, you can check a Health Snapshot of your daily heart rate, pulse ox, breathing, and stress; a Body Battery rating of your current energy levels; women's health tracking; hydration levels; fitness age; and workout suggestions from your automatic Garmin Coach. All of this data, which Fitbit and other brands would charge you for, costs nothing.

The Apple Watch Series 7 gives you detailed data through Apple Health, also for free, with 17 sports modes. It will pair with third-party services like Strava, so you're not stuck to a single platform. And it has its famous daily rings that encourage you to move, exercise, and stand throughout the day, gameifying your health. While Apple's metrics aren't as detailed as Garmin's, you could argue it's more accessible and encouraging for everyday people.

Your Apple Watch, of course, only works with an iPhone. And Apple wants you to pay for Apple Fitness+, which takes data from your Watch and connects it to thousands of indoor workouts you're meant to watch through your Apple TV or iPhone/iPad. So if you primarily work out at home and frequently use Apple products, the Apple Watch Series 7 is tough to beat.

Of course, the Venu 2 Plus is compatible with all Android phones, supports Google Assistant instead of Siri, and offers workouts without a monthly fee — though they're not video-guided like Apple's. If you're capable of creating your own workouts and tend to exercise away from home, Garmin will cost less in the long run and won't lock you into a specific device ecosystem.

Garmin Venu 2 Plus vs. Apple Watch Series 7: Which should you buy?

The Garmin Venu 2 Plus takes Garmin's free workout metrics and long battery life and puts them in a package that's a little more mainstream. Most Garmin watches have non-touch memory-in-pixel displays and no caller support. The Forerunner 945 LTE gives you more advanced features while the Instinct 2 Solar offers near-endless battery life, but neither is as accessible for everyday people as the Venu 2 Plus. 

If you're used to lifestyle watches, it may still feel very limited compared to an Apple Watch, but not quite as bad as other athlete-focused devices.

The Apple Watch is a much better all-around device, assuming you plan to have an iPhone for years to come. It pairs more naturally with your phone, so checking notifications there will mark them as read on your device — something a non-Apple watch cannot offer. And while the Venu 2 Plus display is truly bright and visible in direct sunlight, it can't match the Series 7 for its 1,000-nit maximum.

But can you live with its 18-hour battery, which means delaying a workout for an hour if you forgot to charge it? And even if Apple supports more apps, that matters more for daily use; if you care more about getting fit, you may prefer Garmin for its detailed metrics. 

Or perhaps you'd prefer a stylish, lighter watch with apps that incentivize keeping it on all day, whereas the Venu 2 Plus' Garmin software is too limited to excite you. As we already said, it depends on your preferences.

Analysts are stumped trying to figure out whether or not Google purposefully left its supposed Pixel Watch at a restaurant. Whether it was intentional or not, they believe it produced a great marketing buzz for Google, which it really needs if it wants to outshine Samsung and Apple ahead of its I/O event. 

On Saturday, Android Central first reported live images of a potential Google Pixel Watch prototype. The source said that the watch prototype was left at a restaurant in the U.S. “for a few weeks.” They added that they were “expecting the people that left it to return, but that never happened.”

Leaks of potential prototypes happen often, but what doesn’t happen often is for the prototype to be left at a restaurant, accident or not. This particular leak is very reminiscent of when Gizmodo reported in 2010 about the iPhone 4 prototype that was lost and found at a bar. The phone was camouflaged to look like an iPhone 3GS. 

Google has had a track record of squashing some rumors and getting ahead of the game, like the time word got out that Google allegedly canceled the then-unannounced Pixel 5a and the company stepped in to contradict the incorrect leakers that same day. In the process, it confirmed the existence of the device ahead of schedule. 

Similarly, without even announcing a launch date (and also killing rumors) for the Pixel 6, the company teased the phone by placing it in two exhibits at its retail store in New York City. While at the time you weren’t able to touch the phone, the exhibit gave people a chance to get a real-life look at the phones.

This time around, the company chose to stay silent. 

It's hard to tell if this leak was intentional

Anshel Sag, a senior analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, is leaning more towards the Pixel Watch leak being intentional, “simply because it was there for weeks and nobody tried to come back for it, which is fairly suspect when you think about it.”

“If this is a marketing ploy, I do think it’s benefitting Google, and frankly, I think Google should take control of the narrative and give a teaser or a date when to expect it,” he says. 

Avi Greengart, president and lead analyst at Techsponentialk, adds that Google has often published select details of its Pixel phones itself in days leading up to formal launch events, and that is a deliberate marketing strategy to build excitement and is also an “acknowledgment that it is not going to keep every detail quiet regardless.”

“However, that does not mean that Google wants unreleased products to be left in taxis and bars,” he says, adding that he thinks this watch was left by mistake and not a deliberate attempt to attract attention ahead of launch. 

“As hard as it is to believe, Google is staffed by humans, and humans lose things all the time. There’s probably no point in trying to stuff this watch genie back in its bottle at this point. However, the goal of PR is to control the narrative and shape opinion about your product, and leaving stuff for bartenders and their friends to dissect undercuts that, not to mention that it is a huge failure for competitive intelligence and IP security,” he says. 

Android Central reached out to Google for comments on how leaks affect the company and how the company addresses situations like this particular leak. Google did not respond in time for publication. 

Sag says that Google really needs good press for the Pixel Watch, and they need to get people excited about it and deliver. 

“Google had a strong start in wearables and has fallen off in recent years and I believe this is its chance to come back and give Apple some real competition with help from Samsung,” he says. 

Can the Pixel Watch throw a punch at Samsung’s and Apple’s watches? 

Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for IDC's worldwide device tracker, doesn’t think this was an intentional marketing ploy. He adds that Google and other companies have other ways they could have gotten feedback that didn’t resort to a leak. 

But despite that, he believes that this watch could “go toe-to-toe with Apple and Samsung when it comes to design and features.”

Ubrani notes that the lack of broad distribution and availability will likely hold it back from becoming a bestseller and competing with incumbents in market share. 

According to data from Counterpoint Research, the global smartwatch market registered a strong 24% year-over-year growth in 2021, mainly driven by greater demand for the best cheap smartwatches under $100. 

New information has surfaced, indicating that the Pixel Watch could be priced around the $300-$400 region. That’ll put it in direct competition with the Apple Watch Series 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. 

That being said, Apple was still successful at maintaining a dominant position of 30.1% market share last year, the report says. Samsung surpassed Huawei to become the second-largest smartwatch vendor in 2021. Its market share went up from 8.9% in 2020 to 10.2%, led by the Galaxy Watch 4 series. The company’s move to Wear OS worked surprisingly well, and it recorded its highest shipments ever in Q3 2021. Samsung’s smartwatch shipments were up by more than 200% in the July-to-September period. 

Like Ubrani, Neil Shah, vice president of research at Counterpoint Research, says for Google to head to the same level as Apple and Samsung, the company needs to figure out how far and wide it plans to sell the watch. And from the way the Pixel phones have been marketed, it is quite limited. 

“The volume and market share success will depend on if Google wants to expand distribution and compete with its own partners,” he says. 

Sag notes that the only way Google can compete with Apple and Samsung, which are both “extremely entrenched players,” is to go down two different paths. 

“One path is to embrace Android openness and to make the Pixel Watch the preferred smartwatch for Android by making any Google assistant-enabled device compatible with its full potential. The other path is for Google to go down the Pixel-exclusive route, making certain features only available on the Pixel Watch that other Android and iOS devices can’t or won’t have because of the deep integration with Pixel phones,” he says.  

If this is the final watch design, it is a big win for Google

While we can’t be sure if this is the final watch design, we do know that according to a box that the watch reportedly was found in, the “markings and packaging are not final.”

We also know that the product is for “internal testing and development.”

That being said, from the images, we can see a sleek watch design with barely any bezels. The watch case itself is a bit bulbous, which many users on Twitter have commented on. 

Sag says the design is very “futuristic and sleek” and that hasn’t really been achieved by anyone else. 

“I like that it embraces the roundness of the watch itself. I believe it will stylistically go very well with a Pixel 6/7 design,” he notes. We don’t know when the watch will launch, but it’s likely it will be announced during Google I/O in May and launched alongside the Pixel 7 launch later this year. 

Ubrani notes that this design is a win for Google and that it has the chance to set itself apart from other brands. 

“In a world full of squares and squircles, a round watch face like the Pixel Watch will certainly stand out. It also looks to set itself apart from the typical Wear OS watches from the likes of Samsung and Fossil, which often look like a smartwatch pretending to be a traditional watch. My only hope is that the design will remain as elegant once the screen is turned on,” he says. 

Ubrani notes that while there has been a stark difference in commentary online, with some loving the design and others hating it, it will only matter once people are able to see it on the wrist and experience it in person. 

“[Doing so], some of their fears will subside and overall the design will be accepted and welcomed similar to what happened with the Pixel phones and other smartwatches from the past,” he says. “Pictures don't always do justice…but what matters more is how it sits on the wrist and perhaps for many consumers it won’t protrude as they think.”

We have seen a few new images surface of the watch being worn by the original source that reached out to Android Central. They are still images, so feelings could change when more people see the watch in person. 

Shah notes that if this is the final form factor, then it is an attractive and differentiated design. 

He notes that if Apple has settled on the rounded rectangle design, then the Android camp is settling on a circular or spherical form factor. 

“This could help any Android Wear watches stand out vs. Apple watches,” he says. 

In the past year, I've worn watches or trackers from Fitbit, Garmin, Apple, Samsung, and Amazfit, and each has its own special way of prodding me about all my responsibilities during the day while also warning me I've been sitting too much. And boy, do I love it!

It buzzes when I've sat too long, every time a coworker Slacks me, or whenever some app wants my attention. If my phone slips into a couch cushion, not to worry — my watch will display every work email or missed text until I track it down!

It also can give you exacting feedback on whether your workouts have had any real impact on your health. Like how Garmin can tell you the aerobic or anaerobic training effect of my runs or how my fitness age has risen much faster than my chronological age since the start of the pandemic.

As someone obsessed with 100-percenting video game achievements and performing above average when it comes to my running demographic, gameifying my health certainly had the desired effect of making me obsess over these numbers — and it has no doubt done the same for a lot of other people, too.

I also appreciated how, on one particularly busy day, my Garmin Venu 2 Plus told me my stress levels seemed high and that I should try deep breathing. It's that kind of constructive feedback people love, like telling someone with baggy eyes that they look tired and should get more sleep.

Then you have the Galaxy Watch 4, which can use its BIA sensor to determine your body fat percentage and muscle mass in just 15 seconds. Add in Samsung's blood pressure sensor, which has yet to get FDA approval in the United States, and that little wristwatch could tell you every problem your body is experiencing in real-time. How helpful!

Okay, so if you somehow didn't pick up on the sarcasm, I'm not actually a fan of all this.

Smartwatches have gotten so much smarter at tracking your health, notifying you of any problems, and extending your smartphone's hold over your attention span. But I'd argue that's not a good thing, and it's only going to get worse.

Our minds aren't built to handle failure

This week the FDA approved Fitbit's algorithm to identify and notify you about Irregular Heart Rhythm due to atrial fibrillation (AFiB), which affects over 30 million people worldwide and puts you at high risk for strokes. It's the latest brand to receive approval, following Apple, Samsung, Withings, and others.

The fact that most mainstream fitness brands can detect this problem for vulnerable users is wonderful! But it's also part of a recent push to make your smartwatch so life-saving that it feels risky not to wear one.

Look at those recent Apple Watch Series 7 911 commercials, with real-life examples of people using theirs to signal for help. They're much more somber than the usual frantic, colorful Apple commercials we're used to, but anecdotally, several older family members have bought or asked me about buying an Apple Watch simply because of those commercials and the promise of fall detection.

In order to make themselves an essential part of your daily life, smartwatch brands will continue to cram in more and more health sensor acronyms — PPG, BIA, ECG, etc. — so as not to appear behind the rest. Every year, you can learn more about yourself from home than ever before, no doctor required.

That's great for gym rats and people who are in perfect shape! For everyone else, this level of information can be demoralizing at best or dangerous at worst.

Consider the elderly or handicapped targeted by these ads. Reminders to get up and move certainly don't help people who have difficulty walking or are wheelchair-bound; it only reminds them of what they can't do anymore. 

And sitting and staring at a constant reminder of your too-high pulse isn't liable to make it any lower. Something like the Mobvoi TicWatch GTH Pro, which calculates the "stiffness" of your arteries and determines whether your heart is receiving enough blood, may give life-saving readings, but it could also give people with prior heart conditions serious, constant anxiety.

Always-on health monitoring will spot potential emergencies so their wearers can consult a doctor and cut issues off before they escalate. But even minor hypochondriacs will take any negative reading as a sign that the sky is falling — despite these readings not necessarily being all that accurate.

For one thing, not all sensors require FDA approval. For example, the Apple Watch 7's Pulse Oximeter, which Apple specifically says is "only designed for general fitness and wellness purposes" and not for medical purposes. But a poor O₂ rating will still send your brain spiraling over your poor fitness or possible COVID exposure, regardless of how accurate it is.

Even if you do get accurate body data from your Galaxy Watch 4's BIA or Withings scale, not everyone responds positively to a constant reminder of negative results. Working out and not receiving immediate results will prompt many to either shut down mentally and give up on their fitness routine or take more extreme measures like starvation diets that harm more than help — all because of some numbers on your wrist.

Finding the right balance

For years, I ran without a watch. I simply moved at whatever pace felt right and kept my eyes forward and my head in the zone. In fact, my old running coaches encouraged us to tape over our watch displays to avoid running to hit a specific pace.

I know that my self-competitiveness and a watch face showing my real-time pace are a bad match, compelling me to run harder than I should before tiring myself out prematurely. But despite that, and despite all the other problems I mentioned above, I love wearing a fitness smartwatch while running. 

It lets me stay loosely tethered to the real world with quick-glance notifications and skip ahead on my running playlist while keeping my phone in my pocket and my head in the zone. And as I mentioned, I'm the kind of competitive gamer-athlete that tries to beat my previous Strava segment PRs for "achievements" during every run. It keeps me going fast when my body wants to slow down.

So I'm not going to stop wearing fitness trackers. But I have more or less decided that my watch comes off my wrist the moment I step back inside (except when I'm reviewing one). Even if it means my health data isn't as thorough as it should be or if I'm missing out on guilt-tripping move alerts when deadlines don't let me move away from my desk. 

I have to set boundaries and trust my own mind to drive myself to get healthier, rather than an unrelenting device that doesn't accept anything less than perfect habits.

What you need to know

• We asked our readers about the main reason why they purchased a smartwatch.
• Of the votes, 50% said that it was about the convenience that comes with owning a smartwatch.
• Fitness tracking came in second with 22% of votes, while health features came in third with 17%.

Over the weekend, we wanted to know why our readers purchased smartwatches. This came up based on a conversation we had in our last podcast about the state of Wear OS following the launch of the Galaxy Watch 4 and how it compares to WatchOS on the Apple Watch.

Out of more than 1500 responses, 50% said that convenience was the biggest reason for owning a smartwatch. This could refer to notifications, music controls, smart home controls, access to the virtual assistant, and more. This could even relate to fitness tracking, which received 22% of the votes, as untethered smartwatches are able to make phone calls and send texts without needing the phone nearby, a handy feature while on a run.

We received plenty of responses from our readers, letting us know why they purchase smartwatches. On Twitter, one reader says that their primary reason is the convenience of not pulling out their phone for every notification. The ability to change watch faces on the best Android smartwatches is also a plus, something you can't do on a traditional smartwatch.

Another reader on Facebook agrees that convenience is a major factor, especially during the height of the pandemic, and says this is especially true for features like contactless payments:

"I would argue that the biggest convenience beyond seeing messages is the payment function. This became especially good for me during the height of the pandemic when we weren't sure about touching things. Now, I use it all the time and haven't really carried cash in a long time as a result."

Others point out how they're suitable for fitness tracking, particularly devices from companies like Garmin that last for a week or more on a single charge, and how they make good style accessories. However, there's no denying that smartwatches have become much more useful as companies continue to pump more features into them and can significantly supplement your smartphone experience. This is likely what led to the rise in smartwatch sales in 2021.

Hopefully, Google can really take advantage of this momentum with the upcoming Wear OS 3 update.

The Apple Watch occupies a cult-like status among iPhone users, and I didn't understand why this was the case until I started using the Apple Watch Series 6 last year. But once I did, it was immediately clear why the smartwatch was so popular; it had features I actually wanted to use, the hardware was gorgeous, and watchOS was cohesive in a way that Wear OS and Tizen never were.

Simply put, the Apple Watch is in a league of its own. Because of its dominant lead in this segment, Apple hasn't changed much with this year's Apple Watch Series 7: the screen is larger and has thinner bezels, there's IP6X dust resistance, and faster charging. You still get ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, all the workout modes you need, a bright OLED panel, and all-day battery life with wireless charging.

Samsung and Google redoubled their efforts with Wear OS 3, combining their strengths to create a unified smartwatch platform. While the resultant Galaxy Watch 4 is the best Android smartwatch you can get today, it still doesn't manage to feel quite as well-rounded as the Series 7. So if you're looking for a high-end smartwatch that has all the health and activity monitoring features you need, the Apple Watch Series 7 is the obvious choice, with the same caveat as last year — it doesn't work with an Android phone.

Apple Watch Series 7 Price and availability

The Apple Watch Series 7 was introduced alongside the iPhone 13 series, and is now available globally. You can pick it up with an aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium case, and this year it is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes.

The Apple Watch Series 7 is available in two variants: a GPS-only model or a version with GPS + Cellular connectivity. Based on case materials, sizing options, and bands, you can pick up the Series 7 for as low as $399 — same as last year — or go all the way up to $1,759 for the 41mm stainless steel case with Hermès signature Gourmette Double Tour band.

The standard 41mm aluminum model with a Sport Band, Sport Loop, or Solo Loop costs $399, with the 45mm variant debuting at $429. That's for the GPS-only model; if you want built-in cellular connectivity, you'll need to pay another $100, so that's $499 for the 41mm and $529 for 45mm.

Over in the UK, the 41mm aluminum option starts off at £369 ($500), with the cellular model going up to £469 ($635). The 45mm variant is £399 ($540), and you'll have to pay £499 ($676) for cellular connectivity. In India, the 41mm aluminum variant starts off at ₹41,900 ($565), and the cellular option is ₹50,900 ($686). The 45mm model is ₹44,900 ($605), and the cellular variant (the one I'm using) is ₹53,900 ($726).

Apple Watch Series 7 Design

With the Apple Watch Series 7, Apple has focused its attention on the bezels. Although the smartwatch is nearly identical in size to its predecessor — it's now sold in 41mm and 45mm models versus 40mm and 44mm — you get a screen that's 10% bigger, and this is down to the thin bezels. That's evident once you start using the Series 7; there's just a little bit more screen real estate, and that's always a good thing on a smartwatch.

The thinner bezels means the screen now extends over the edges a little, with the glass curving along the sides. The larger screen and thinner bezels are the biggest differentiator here, but from a design point of view the Apple Watch Series 7 doesn't look any different to its predecessor.

Both share a similar aesthetic, and you can even use existing bands with the Apple Watch Series 7 without any issues. The only external difference other than the thin bezels is the speaker grille; instead of a split design, it's now a single unit. You'll find the crown on the right, the power button just underneath, and a bevy of sensors at the back.

The Series 7 even shares the same dimensions, with just the screen size changing this time around. It is also slightly heavier, but not noticeably so. As for the case materials, you get the same set of options as last year; the Series 7 is available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. The aluminum option is what most users will end up buying, and you can pick it up in Starlight, Midnight, Green, Blue, and Red color variants.

I'm using the 45mm green model with a matching Sport Band, and it looks quite elegant. The band itself is similar to previous iterations, and it is comfortable for all-day use, including workouts. You can switch out bands fairly easily, and there are hundreds of options available from Apple and third-party manufacturers.

While there isn't a drastic change in the design from previous years, the thinner bezels and larger screen does make a difference in day-to-day use. The overall aesthetic is refined, you get plenty of options when it comes to aftermarket bands, and the fit and finish is among the best in this category.

Apple Watch Series 7 Hardware and battery life

The Apple Watch Series 7 comes with a 1.90-inch LTPO OLED screen with a resolution of 484 x 396. The overall brightness goes up to 1000nits, and the screen is just as vibrant and detailed as last year. Unlike iPhones, you get an always-on mode with the Series 7, with the screen dimming marginally to preserve battery life. The aluminum model gets Ion-X protection for the glass layer, and Apple notes that it is more shatter-resistant than previous generations.

Other upgrades include IP6X dust resistance, which makes the Series 7 weather the elements a little better. You also get 50m water resistance that allows the smartwatch to track water-based activities, and it has exercise modes for swimming.

As for monitoring, the Series 7 has a lot to offer; there's ECG and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring, and it has a third-generation optical heart sensor with 24/7 heart rate monitoring. The always-on altimeter that debuted last year is here as well, along with fall detection.

The Apple Watch Series 7 is among the best in its segment when it comes to health and activity monitoring, delivering useful insights, challenges that you can undertake with your friends, and a lot more. For blood oxygen and heart rate monitoring, the smartwatch takes readings throughout the day, and you can view the data from the Health app on your iPhone. You can also manually measure your blood oxygen level and take an ECG by pressing your finger to the digital crown, with the readings stored on your phone.

A differentiator for the Apple Watch Series 7 is the S7 system-in-package. Just like how the A15 Bionic gives the iPhone 13 series an edge over its Android rivals, the S7 does the same for the Series 7. In day-to-day use, there is no difference to the S6 on the Series 6 from last year; and looking at the hardware itself, I don't see any difference in the performance side of things.

That said, the Series 7 is fast and fluid in daily use, and I didn't see any slowdowns in the month I used the smartwatch. The S7 has a W3 wireless chip with dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, and a U1 chip for ultra wide-band connectivity.

As for battery life, I averaged a day and a half worth of use out of the Series 7, and even though the smartwatch has a marginally bigger battery at 309mAh, there wasn't any tangible gain over last year. The bigger deal is faster charging; Apple says that the updated charging architecture allows the Series 7 to go from zero to 80% in just 45 minutes.

However, I didn't see a noticeable difference in charging times, with the Series 7 taking roughly the same time as its predecessor. This year's iPhones stood out because of the sheer gains in battery life, but you don't get that with the Series 7. Yes, it lasts a little longer than the Series 6, but you still don't get two-day battery life with the always-on mode enabled.

Apple Watch Series 7 Software

The Apple Watch Series 7 comes with watchOS 8 out of the box, and a key difference this year is that the UI elements are bigger to take full advantage of the increased screen real estate.

For me, the best part of using the Series 7 is the activity rings; when setting up the smartwatch, you can set goals for exercise, calories, and activity, and you can see the progress throughout the course of the day. The gamification element gives me added motivation to close the rings, and the challenges are fun to do as well.

The Series 7 has the best watch faces of any smartwatch, with a diverse set of options that cater to a mainstream audience. While you can't install third-party faces, there is plenty of customizability on offer with the default watch faces, and you can use your own photos if you want.

Another area where watchOS wins out is third-party apps, with all popular services accounted for. It also does a great job with notifications and calls, and as I used the cellular-enabled version, I was able to pair my iPhone 13 Pro Max's data line with the smartwatch with relative ease. The few calls I made using the Series 7 were passable, and while the quality isn't nearly as good as using your phone, it works adequately well.

The one area where the Series 7 doesn't measure up is sleep tracking. I wanted to see better insights in watchOS 8, but that isn't the case; it is still pretty limited in this regard next to its rivals. You only get to see amount of time slept and the respiratory rate, with no statistics on sleep phases or overall quality of sleep. Xiaomi's entry-level Mi Band 6 delivers more insights in this area, and I don't understand why Apple continues to ignore building out sleep tracking.

Apple Watch Series 7 The competition

The obvious challenger to the Apple Watch Series 7 is Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4. Samsung's exclusivity with Wear OS 3 means this is the only smartwatch series to run Google's latest wearable OS at the moment, and that attracts a premium. The hardware itself is fantastic, you get ECG as well as blood pressure and blood oxygen monitoring, and you get tight integration with Samsung phones. The downside is that most of the health-tracking features are limited to Samsung phones, so if you're using a phone from a different manufacturer, you miss out.

If you need a smartwatch that pairs well with all Android phones, your best option is the TicWatch E3. It has a good design, plenty of useful features geared at activity and health monitoring, and at $200 it offers good value.

Apple Watch Series 7 Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You want a high-end smartwatch with a gorgeous design
• You need a large OLED screen that gets bright outdoors
• You need integration with your favorite services
• You want best-in-class activity and health monitoring

You shouldn't buy this if...

• You use an Android phone
• You need multi-day battery life

Most of what I wrote for the Apple Watch Series 6 review holds up for the Series 7. At a fundamental level, not much has changed; the innards are effectively identical, there aren't any new groundbreaking software features, and the battery life is no different. The thinner bezels and larger screen are nice, but the biggest issue from the Series 6 is here as well — you can't use the Apple Watch with an Android phone. So if you like what this smartwatch has to offer, you will need to buy an iPhone.

4.5 out of 5

Google and Samsung are trying to change the Wear OS narrative with the new-look platform, but for now, the only hardware that's running the new software is the Galaxy Watch 4. I've never been a fan of Samsung's wearable hardware — instead preferring Wear OS smartwatches from Mobvoi, Fossil, and Skagen — so I'll reserve judgement on Wear OS 3 until it shows up on a non-Samsung device.

But for now, if you want the best smartwatch money can buy and you're willing to use an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 7 is the obvious choice. That said, there isn't a whole lot that's new here, so if you want to save some cash, a better deal would be the Series 6. Considering the lack of any marquee additions this year, your best option is to pick up the Apple Watch Series 6 while it's still on shelves.

Apple Watch Series 7

Bottom line: The Apple Watch Series 7 continues to be the default choice for iPhone owners looking for the latest smartwatch for health and activity monitoring. The new design with thinner bezels and larger screen is a great addition, but if you're using the Series 6, there's not enough here to justify an upgrade. But if you're on the Apple Watch Series 4 or older, you will love all the new features.

• From $399 at Apple
• From $399 at Best Buy

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy right now for many reasons. Not only is it classy, but it's packed with useful features. It's the first Wear OS 3 watch, too. You'll enjoy smooth performance, advanced health sensors, and more.

Apple Watch Series 7

While the Apple Watch Series 7 isn't a huge departure from its predecessor, users might appreciate some subtle improvements. For starters, the bezels are thinner, and the displays are larger. You also get a full keyboard, five color options, and a USB-C charging cable for fast charging.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic vs. Apple Watch Series 7: Pick your upgrade

Choosing between Apple and Samsung is like choosing between apples and oranges. They're both smartwatches, but they cater to different crowds. If you're an Android user who's looking for a solid upgrade that offers a stylish aesthetic, you'll probably lean toward the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. It comes in two sizes, has advanced health sensors, and runs on the new Wear OS 3 platform. You can rest assured this is one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy right now.

It goes without saying that iOS users will likely be more interested in the Apple Watch Series 7. After all, iOS users can't take advantage of Android smartwatches and vice versa. There are some minor improvements with the Series 7, but the health sensors and tracking features have not changed. If you're all about having the newest wearable tech, then you might be content with the minor upgrades.

The new-and-improved Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic brings a lot to the table

The Galaxy Watch lineup has been around for a while now. Samsung always makes an effort to improve each new release, but the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic takes it to a whole new level. An upgrade from the Galaxy Watch 3, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic brings a lot to the table. There are two case size options: 42mm and 46mm. Most users will love the physical rotating bezel that allows for smooth and easy navigation.

Both cases are available in a sleek yet durable stainless steel finish. If you want a lightweight aluminum model, you'll have to consider the standard Galaxy Watch 4, which comes in 40mm and 44mm variants. Additionally, the standard model has a capacitive bezel instead of a physical one. Keep in mind the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic only comes in black and silver.

When comparing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and Apple Watch Series 7, battery life is a key factor to consider. It may not be significantly better, but the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic does offer better battery life than its competitor. Rather than 18 hours, you'll get around 40 hours of battery life. This means you can expect to charge every other day or so, depending on your usage. The drawback is that you won't have a fast charging cable, so you can expect it to take longer to reach a full charge.

Many watches claim to offer faster and better performance, but they never live up to these claims. Fortunately, this isn't something you have to worry about with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. The new model offers 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. When you pair that with the new Exynos SoC that provides a 20% CPU improvement, you'll have a front-row seat to the ultra-smooth performance.

One of the biggest improvements has to do with the health sensors. The Galaxy Watch lineup is no stranger to advanced health tracking, but there's more to it with the new models. The Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is equipped with a three-in-one BioActive sensor that houses multiple chips in one. You'll still be able to take numerous measurements, including ECG, heart rate, blood oxygen, and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).

On that note, the BIA is a new addition. This feature is designed to provide users with a better understanding of their overall well-being. You'll be able to view key health metrics such as body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, basal, and metabolic rate. Once you weigh yourself on a scale, you enter your weight into the Body Composition app and take a reading. Simply place your middle and ring fingers lightly against the side keys with your palm facing up. In 15 seconds, you'll receive your reading.

We'd be remiss not to mention the introduction of Wear OS 3 on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic. You'll have access to new features that aren't available on the company's previous platform, Tizen OS. For instance, you can use Google Assistant and Google Pay. You'll also have access to a wider app selection, thanks to the Google Play Store.

The Apple Watch Series 7 offers a few improvements, but are they worth it?

If you've only just started to enjoy your Apple Watch Series 6, you might be stressing over whether you should upgrade to the new Apple Watch Series 7. Some people upgrade regardless of how big or small the improvements are, but others may want to decide if it's really worth it. That may be a topic of much debate among Apple users. There aren't any new health sensors or fitness features, so that's something to keep in mind.

One of the most significant improvements on the Apple Watch Series 7 is the physical design. Apple has introduced larger case sizes this time, including the 41mm and 45mm options. With these bigger cases, users will also have slimmer bezels and larger display areas. You'll also have five different color options when choosing an aluminum model: midnight, starlight, green, blue, and (PRODUCT)RED.

While a larger display may not seem like a big deal, there are some other benefits. For example, Apple increased the always-on display brightness by 70% when indoors. It can also fit 50% more text on its display than its predecessor. Another improvement that stems from the more prominent display is a full QWERTY keyboard. Thanks to the QuickPath feature, you can either tap or slide from one letter to the next when typing.

If you're a rugged adventurer, you'll appreciate that the Apple Watch Series 7 offers a front crystal that's 50% thicker than past models, which means better strength and durability. There's also an IP6X rating, which means the watch is dust resistant. So while it's not as impressive as the military-grade durability rating on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, it's an improvement in the Apple world.

As far as functionality goes, the Apple Watch Series 6 now provides faster charging thanks to the new USB-C cable. While this doesn't change the disappointing 18-hour battery life, it does mean you can take your dead Apple Watch from 0 to 80% in 45 minutes. So when you're in a hurry, a mere 8 minutes of charging will get you 8 hours of battery life.

When you put all these minor improvements together, it might be enough for some people to consider upgrading to the Apple Watch Series 7. With that said, you won't get any new sensors or tracking perks on this model. If you've been perfectly happy with your Apple Watch Series 6, it may not be worth the extra money.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic vs. Apple Watch Series 7: Which should you buy?

One of the main determining factors when choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and Apple Watch Series 7 will come down to your preferred operating system. Some Apple users may be willing to buy the Series 7 for the few upgrades it offers. You get a refined design with a larger display, a full keyboard, faster charging, and better brightness indoors. However, if these features aren't important to you, then you might want to stick with your older Apple Watch.

For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic will likely be a worthwhile investment. You get a better design, improved health sensors, and you'll be one of the first Wear OS 3 users. It's more expensive than the standard Galaxy Watch 4 model. The only difference between the two is you get larger case sizes and physical bezels with the Watch 4 Classic. If you're a fan of smarts and style, this might just be the watch for you.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

Android users eager to try the new Wear OS 3 platform will love the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. It also has some excellent health and fitness tracking features as well as improved sensors. It comes in two sizes and has a digital rotating bezel for easy navigation. There are several smart features, too, like contactless payments and optional LTE.

Apple Watch Series 7

If you're an iOS user, you might be interested in the new Apple Watch Series 7. There aren't any significant upgrades this time, but there have been some minor improvements. You'll have a thinner bezel and larger display, for starters. It now comes with a USB-C charging cable for faster charging. The aluminum models are now available in five different colors.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. Apple Watch Series 7: A close call

While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Apple Watch Series 7 are two very similar smartwatches, there is one major difference that will affect your decision. Are you an Android or iOS user? This is important because the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 does not offer iOS compatibility, and the Apple Watch Series 7 does not provide Android compatibility.

With that out of the way, these watches offer similar features and health sensors. If you're serious about tracking your health and fitness, both of these watches will serve your purpose. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 offers better battery life and is one of the best Android smartwatches on the market right now. You'll get faster charging with the Apple Watch Series 7, but the overall battery life is shorter. For Android users, we highly recommend the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 provides endless details

Whether you've owned a Galaxy Watch in the past or the new model has you curious enough to see what the hype is all about, you won't be disappointed. The physical design is similar to its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. For example, it's available in both 40mm and 44mm case sizes. Both variants have a digital rotating bezel that makes it easy to navigate through menus.

Previously, you could opt for either aluminum or stainless steel finish. However, the Galaxy Watch 4 is only available in aluminum, so you'll have to check out the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic if you want a stainless steel model. This model comes in larger case sizes (42mm and 46mm). Additionally, the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has a physical bezel rather than a digital one.

As far as storage is concerned, there's been an upgrade this time around. Now, the Galaxy Watch 4 offers 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. It's also equipped with an Exynos SoC that delivers a 20% CPU improvement compared to previous models for better performance. This is great and all, but it still doesn't beat the 32GB of storage on the Apple Watch.

While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 does offer more than double the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 7, it takes longer to reach a full charge. It's nice to have almost two days of battery life, but if you need to charge in a hurry, you may not hit 100% as quickly as you'd like. When it comes to charging, the Apple Watch Series 7 beats the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4.

Rather than having multiple chips for each health sensor, the Galaxy Watch 4 has a cutting-edge 3-in-1 BioActive sensor. This technology was designed to combine key sensors into one chip that can take numerous measurements. You'll have three necessary sensors in one: optical heart rate, electrical heart, and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).

As a result, the Galaxy Watch 4 can measure your heart rate, take ECG readings, and check blood oxygen levels. It's also worth noting the new BIA feature brings some new measurements to the table. You'll get a closer look at your overall health with key metrics, including body fat percentage, skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, and so on.

Sleep tracking has also improved on this model. Now, the watch is capable of detecting snore sounds while you're sleeping. Samsung is hoping to provide users with a better understanding of their sleep patterns. If you've been looking for information to help you improve your sleep quality, this feature might be able to help.

The Apple Watch Series 7 is now larger and sleeker

Compared to the Apple Watch Series 6, there aren't any major updates to the Apple Watch Series 7. Sure, there are a few minor improvements worth mentioning, but you'll have to decide if they're worth the hefty price tag. If you've been waiting for a sleeker design and larger display, you might be willing to splurge. If not, you may still view the Series 6 as the best Apple Watch you can buy.

Let's start by covering the obvious changes. The Apple Watch Series 7 is available in two larger case sizes: 41mm and 45mm. These cases are slightly bigger than the predecessor's cases. They're also more extensive than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 cases. You'll also notice that the bezels are thinner on the Series 7 models. While this might seem trivial, it does lead to some other improvements.

For example, the display borders were reduced to only 1.7mm, and the watch shape was redefined. Not to mention that the display is 70% brighter indoors and can fit 50% more text on the screen than the predecessor. The Apple Watch Series 7 offers both a larger display and a full QWERTY keyboard. Simply tap or slide from letter to letter with the QuickPath feature.

The Apple Watch Series 7 offers some new watch faces, too. The Dynamic Contour face features the watch face numbers along the outside of the screen. The numbers will animate when raising your wrist for easy viewing. While the Modular face isn't entirely new, it now displays more information thanks to the increased screen size. If you opt for the Modular Duo face, you'll have two places for big complications that provide more details.

Another design improvement has to do with durability. The Apple Watch Series 7 features the company's most crack-resistant crystal. It's also the very first Apple Watch in the lineup to receive an IP6X rating, which means it should be dust-tight. So whether you drop your watch in the sand or dirt, you won't have to worry about damage.

One of the most useful upgrades is the fast charging capabilities. The Apple Watch Series 7 comes with a new fast-charging USB-C cable. You can take your watch from zero charge to 80% in only 45 minutes. To put that in perspective, 8 minutes of charging is sufficient for 8 hours of sleep tracking. While this doesn't improve overall battery life, it helps you reach a full charge relatively quickly.

With all of these improvements in mind, it's important to note that the Apple Watch Series 7 has the same sensors as the Series 6. This means there aren't any new health or fitness tracking features. So unless you're particularly fascinated with the design improvements and fast charging feature, there aren't a ton of reasons to upgrade.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. Apple Watch Series 7: Which should you buy?

Operating systems aside, there's a case to be made for both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Apple Watch Series 7. Both options are packed with useful features, including health and fitness tracking perks and numerous mart perks. If you want longer battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 wins that round. The Apple Watch Series 7, on the other hand, offers faster charging. Unfortunately, you'll still have to charge your watch daily.

Another factor to consider when choosing a wearable is the type of design you prefer. These two watches couldn't be more different in that area. If you prefer a more modern look, you might prefer the Apple Watch and its rectangular design. Not to mention the larger display and thinner bezel, which make it even sleeker. Some users prefer the look of a traditional circular watch. In this case, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is the better choice. It goes without saying that it's also the superior option for Android users.

When I upgraded from the Galaxy Watch Active to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, I expected an upgrade in just about every way. Wear OS 3 brought us Google Play apps and services while the One UI Watch skin gave us the software fit and polish Samsung is known, and there are more health tracking features than ever, even if the most advanced ones are limited to Galaxy phones. Unfortunately, the battery has only lasted about 24-36 hours on a charge, and recharges are slower than the Watch Active, too.

Meanwhile, Apple's upcoming Apple Watch Series 7 is packing a new USB-C-plugged wireless charger that works with Power Delivery for faster speeds. The Apple Watch Series 7 might not be sporting any processor or sensor upgrades, but battery improvements are more important to the product and the people who use it. I just wish Samsung had realized that, too.

Smartwatches are meant to be worn all the time. They're swim-proof and water-resistant, so we don't have to take them off when swimming, doing dishes, or going through our nightly makeup remover and facial cleanser routine. They have dust proofing so you can keep them on while mowing the lawn or tending the garden. And these days, they pretty much all have sleep tracking. That's why the amount of time a watch has to spend off your wrist needs to be as short as possible.

Apple is very, very cognizant of this, given that it usually lasts less than a full day and thus needs to top back off before bed and again in the morning, and recharging a dead Apple Watch today means taking it off for 2-3 hours. That's why the switch to a faster charger — with a USB-C plug compatible with the iPhone's 20W charger, no less — was crucial for Apple, allowing it to cut charge times down dramatically, getting your Apple Watch back on your wrist where it belongs.

While Apple could have increased capacity, maintaining its slim profile was paramount. When speaking to Gene Munster, Managing Partner at Loup Ventures, he believed Apple was right to prioritize charging speeds:

That strategy could work out quite well for the Series 7 when it launches, but for the Galaxy Watch 4, it's a little too late for Samsung to learn from it. It might be helpful on the Galaxy Watch 5, but that'll be little comfort to Galaxy Watch 4 users who have to charge more often and for longer periods.

With my Galaxy Watch Active, it'd usually be around 25% to 35% in the morning, so I'd throw it on the charger and take my 10 to 20-minute shower. Then, after getting dried and dressed again, the Watch Active would be back to at least 85% and ready for a full day of notifications and heartrate tracking. With the Galaxy Watch 4, I have to leave it on the charger for a solid hour every morning or more, and many other users have resulted to charging twice a day to keep it topped up.

The combination of keeping the same battery capacity as the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and the increased power usage by Wear OS leaves the power situation on the Galaxy Watch 4. Further compounding this problem, Samsung still uses a 2W wireless charger that plugs into a basic USB-A port, with no fast-charging option other than pointing a table fan at it to keep charging speeds from being throttled for heat so quickly.

The slow charging gets even more apparent once you try other smartwatches. When Micheal Fisher reviewed the Fossil Gen 6, he was quick to notice how much faster the Gen 6 charged than the Galaxy Watch 4, and I've experienced the same on my Gen 5E. The two-hour recharge on the Galaxy Watch 4 is almost as bad as the Apple Watch, but with the Series 7, that will change and leave Samsung alone at the bottom.

In recent years, Samsung has been extra careful when it comes to charging speeds and heat buildup, limiting the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3 to 15W wired charging, as well as a number of its A-series phones. This caution helps the slow charging speeds make some sense, but it doesn't excuse it. Users shouldn't need to factor in two charging times a day for a watch that advertised two-day battery life, and while optimizations can help the battery last a little longer, that slow charging speed is here to stay.

The Galaxy Watch 4 is still the best Android smartwatch you can buy today, and I have no intention of returning mine over a battery that comfortably lasts a full day out and about. Having to charge it more often just means I'll have to pay more attention to my phone when I'm home, as my watch's primary function is to vibrate me out of my focus when I get a push notification from work or family. Samsung needs to do better in the future, or this might be the last Samsung wearable I give my money to.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4

The Galaxy Watch lineup has always been impressive, but the new models are a slightly different breed with Wear OS 3. The sleek design is similar to previous models, including the smooth capacitive rotating bezel. There are also electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood oxygen (SpO2) sensors, as well as the new Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) feature.

Apple Watch Series 6

While owning an iPhone is the most obvious reason to choose an Apple Watch, the Series has other attractive perks that health enthusiasts might enjoy. You get ECG and SpO2 sensors, for starters. You can also use the new Apple Fitness+ service for more workout options. Unfortunately, you'll only get 18 hours of battery life.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. Apple Watch Series 6: Survival of the fittest

While it's not completely unheard of for an iOS user to consider buying an Android smartwatch (guilty as charged), there are some instances where you don't have much of a choice. For example, when comparing the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and the Apple Watch Series 6, your operating system will determine your final decision. Android users can't enjoy the Apple Watch, and iOS users can't enjoy the Galaxy Watch 4.

That doesn't mean there isn't an important discussion to be had about the competition that now exists between the two watches. Both offer great app support, smooth performance, attractive designs, and a wide array of health and fitness features. You'll have longer battery life with the Galaxy Watch 4. For some, it'll be hard to pass up the first smartwatch powered by Wear OS 3.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is a worthy competitor with a few weak spots

If you're familiar with the previous models, the Galaxy Watch 4 probably won't look drastically different to you. It shares many similarities with its predecessor, the Galaxy Watch Active 2. Once again, it's available in a 40 or 44mm case size and has a digital rotating bezel. This time, the Galaxy Watch 4 only comes in aluminum.

If you're interested in a stainless steel variant, you'd have to opt for the pricier Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, which has a physical rotating bezel instead of a digital one. The case sizes for the Watch 4 Classic are 42 and 46mm. Keep in mind the stainless steel models are considerably heavier than the aluminum ones.

It's worth noting that the only difference between the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Watch 4 Classic is the physical design. You'll have all the same internal specs and features, including 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. This is an improvement from the previous Galaxy Watch models, but it still doesn't compare to the 32GB you get with an Apple Watch.

Aside from the new Wear OS experience, the Galaxy Watch 4 Series is powered by an Exynos SoC, which promises a 20% CPU improvement in comparison to previous models for smoother performance and better efficiency.

Samsung has done a good job of adding key health/fitness features to its watches over the years. The Galaxy Watch 4 models continue that trend. Rather than adding more individual sensors to the watch, you now have a 3-in-1 BioActive sensor. This technology combines key sensors into a single chip that will take various measurements. The chip consists of three sensors, including optical heart rate, electrical heart, and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA).

The BioActive sensor can record your heart rate, ECG readings, and blood oxygen levels. The BIA feature is new to the game, designed to measure your overall health by recording several key metrics, like skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, and body fat percentage.

While sleep tracking has been a standard feature on the Galaxy Watch Series for a while now, there have been some additional improvements this time around. In addition to advanced sleep tracking, your compatible smartphone can also detect snore sounds while you're asleep. The idea is to have a clear understanding of your sleep patterns so that you can work on improving your rest if needed.

This all seems like great news for Android users, but there are some important caveats to keep in mind. For starters, users must have the Samsung Health Monitor app installed on their compatible smartphones to use many of these new features. Considering that the app can only be downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy Store, which is only found on Galaxy phones, this poses an issue for Android users without Samsung phones. While the lack of iOS compatibility may disappoint some users, bigger problems need to be solved moving forward.

The Apple Watch Series 6 is still the best option for iOS users

If we can count on one thing remaining the same with each new Apple Watch release, it's definitely the design. The Apple Watch Series 6 comes in two case sizes: 40 and 44mm. There are numerous color options, including blue, red, gold, silver, and graphite. The Apple Watch Series 6 models are also available in different finishes. Your options are aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium finishes.

Under the hood, you have a new S6 processor. Apple states this processor will enable the watch to run smoother and for longer. To be exact, these models are designed to run 20% faster than the Series 5. Another factor that has remained the same over the years is the short battery life. You'll get 18 hours of juice at best, so prepared for daily charging.

One of the main reasons the Apple Watch Series 6 is a worthy competitor against the new Galaxy Watch 4 is the health-focused features. You'll now have tracking for blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels as well as built-in sleep tracking. The latter was a long time coming, but it has finally made its way to the Apple Watch. There's also an always-on altimeter that can continuously track your indoor and outdoor elevation changes in real-time.

The Apple Watch Series 6 rounds out its health focus with some useful fitness features. The company launched a new subscription service called Apple Fitness+. This service offers a plethora of workout options that can be easily accessed from your different Apple devices. During a workout, you can see your real-time metrics on your screen of choice.

An Apple Watch wouldn't be an Apple Watch without a variety of smartwatch perks. You can opt for a model with LTE connectivity, which means you'll be able to send messages, takes calls, and stream media without your phone's connection. Other smartwatch perks include NFC for Apply Pay and Siri voice assistant. Of course, you'll have excellent third-party app support, thanks to the company's robust app store.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 vs. Apple Watch Series 6: Does Android finally have its Apple Watch competitor?

It's a polarizing topic, especially since the Galaxy Watch 4 is a brand-new release that still needs to be properly tested and reviewed. However, it's safe to say that the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 series is in a perfect position to compete with the Apple Watch. Of course, they each have their drawbacks, but Android users (preferably those with Samsung phones!) will likely be pleased with all the Galaxy Watch 4 has to offer.

With all that said, iPhone users don't really have much of an option when choosing between the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Apple Watch Series 6. As of now, there's no iOS compatibility for the Galaxy Watch 4 models. However, we don't know when or if that will change, so the Apple Watch Series 6 is the better choice for iOS users by default.

Garmin Forerunner 945

If you consider yourself a serious runner, then you'll probably need much more than a basic lifestyle watch. The Garmin Forerunner 945 offers premium features and advanced training metrics that will probably meet all of your needs. It's expensive, but it may just be worth it.

Apple Watch Series 6

If you're an iOS user seeking a lifestyle smartwatch that's perfect for daily wear, the Apple Watch Series 6 might be the best option for you. You get solid app support, activity/sleep tracking, plenty of storage, Apple Pay, optional LTE connectivity, and more.

Garmin Forerunner 945 vs. Apple Watch Series 6: Two very different watches

Some smartwatches are similar in many ways, while others are more different than they are alike. If you're choosing between the Garmin Forerunner 945 and the Apple Watch Series 6, you'll soon realize how different these two wearables are.

Without a doubt, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is the best Android smartwatch for serious runners. Whether you're a passionate runner or a serious athlete, this watch has everything you need. On the other hand, if you're an iOS user seeking a fashionable lifestyle smartwatch that offers the basics with a few bonus perks, you might prefer the Apple Watch Series 6 instead.

Run as fast as you can with the Garmin Forerunner 945

It's easy to see why the Garmin Forerunner 945 is one of the best running watches you can buy. It might be one of the most expensive options from Garmin, but there's justification for the hefty price tag. If you're more than just a casual runner, you'll likely have key metrics you'll want to track to monitor your progress and work on improving your overall performance.

First, let's talk about the Garmin Forerunner 945's design. If you were hoping for something eye-catching and luxurious, you're going to be let down. This watch is made for runners, after all. It comes in a simple 47mm black plastic case with a 1.2-inch sunlight-visible, transflective display. There are no additional color options or sizes to pick from. Fortunately, the 22mm interchangeable Garmin Forerunner 945 bands allow you to change up the look of your watch as you see fit.

One area where the Garmin Forerunner 945 really shines is battery life. In smartwatch mode, it'll last for up to two weeks on a single charge. There are other battery modes available. For example, you'll get 36 hours of battery life in GPS mode and 10 hours in GPS with music mode. This is more than enough for most people, and it will certainly impress runners who can't be bothered with charging their watch daily.

Let's get to the good stuff. Runners and other athletes will appreciate all of the premium perks. The Garmin Forerunner 945 provides access to onboard full-color mapping. Most importantly, you can access these maps when you're offline. If you spend a good chunk of time running outdoors or doing any other type of exploring, this feature will definitely come in handy.

The Forerunner 945 also comes with many other features that Garmin is known for, including onboard GPS, heart-rate monitoring, built-in sports apps, activity/sleep tracking, blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring, stress tracking, and Body Battery energy monitoring. You also get onboard music storage for up to 1,000 songs and NFC for Garmin Pay.

With that said, this smartwatch was designed to offer detailed tracking that's geared toward runners. You'll have several premium features, including advanced training metrics, running dynamics, VO2 max, performance condition, and more. You'll enjoy PacePro Technology, which provides grade-adjusted guidance when you're running a course. The built-in recovery time advisor tells you how long you should rest before your next intense workout. These are just a few of the features that will take your tracking experience up a notch.

Go about your day with the Apple Watch Series 6

Some people want a standard smartwatch that's efficient for handling the basics of daily wear. If that's what you're looking for and you also happen to be an iOS user, you'll love the Apple Watch Series 6. However, don't think that you'll miss out on health/fitness features. The Series 6 offers a wide range of tracking features that will be more than sufficient for most users. Other benefits include optional LTE connectivity, excellent app support, ample internal storage, and various design options.

The design might be one of the most attractive things about the Apple Watch Series 6, especially in comparison to the Garmin Forerunner 945. You can choose from 40mm and 44mm case sizes. You also get to choose your case material, which is available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. There are even some new color options this time around, including blue, red, gold, and graphite.

Unfortunately, one aspect that remains the same is the poor battery life. This watch will only last for up to 18 hours before it needs to be charged again. However, one benefit of choosing the Apple Watch Series 6 is optional LTE connectivity. If you choose the larger model and opt for LTE connectivity, the price will slowly but surely become more expensive.

Some of the other features you'll find on the Apple Watch Series 6 include built-in GPS, activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, Apple Pay, blood oxygen monitoring, and ECG readings. Another bonus is the option to sign up for the company's new subscription service, Apple Fitness+, which offers a library of video-led workouts for fitness enthusiasts. You can access these workouts from any Apple device, and you'll be able to see your real-time metrics while you exercise.

Garmin Forerunner 945 vs. Apple Watch Series 6: Which should you buy?

In this case, the smartwatch you end up choosing will have a lot to do with your intended purpose as well as your preferred operating system. If you're an Android user and/or a serious runner, the Garmin Forerunner 945 is the better option between the two. It offers some premium features that will take your running experience to the next level. Let's not forget that the battery can last for 14 days, which puts the Apple Watch to shame.

However, if you're an iOS user and you're not a serious runner, the Apple Watch Series 6 might make more sense for you. It's more affordable, and you get a much more attractive design. You also get to choose between two sizes, an array of colors, and your preferred case material. If you're seeking basic features in an efficient lifestyle watch, the Apple Watch Series 6 is a good choice.

Garmin Venu 2

If you're worried about whether the Garmin Venu 2 will measure up to the original, you'll be pleasantly surprised. It now comes in two sizes, offers double the battery life, and gets a handful of new features. As long as you're willing to pay for it, there are plenty of goodies to go around with this new smartwatch.

Apple Watch Series 6

Those who are already committed to using Apple devices will benefit from the Apple Watch Series 6. It's got some new features, including native sleep tracking. You'll also have the option to use the always-on display feature now. It comes in two sizes and also offers optional LTE connectivity.

Garmin Venu 2 vs. Apple Watch 6: Playing for different teams

Searching for the best Android smartwatch will bring up many different results, including the new Garmin Venu 2. This wearable is bringing some serious heat in terms of creating competition for the existing market. While the Apple Watch Series 6 isn't an Android smartwatch, it is definitely a top competitor if you're an iOS user that's torn between choosing an Apple Watch or an Android wearable.

At the end of the day, Android users aren't going to be able to opt for an Apple Watch. This means the Garmin Venu 2 is the clear winner by default. However, most users will be more than satisfied with this new watch. If you're an iOS user seeking the most seamless experience possible, you'll be better off with an Apple Watch Series 6.

The Garmin Venu 2 zeroes in on important details

Two of the most recent releases to hit the market are the Garmin Venu 2 and 2S. The features are exactly the same, so the only difference between these two models is size. The standard Venu 2 comes in a 45mm plastic case, while the smaller 2S comes in a 40mm plastic case. Depending on the model you buy, there are a variety of color options to choose from. Both watches offer a quick-release band system, so finding replacement Garmin Venu 2 and 2S bands will be a breeze.

The previous Venu model was only available in one size, so opting for two sizes is an automatic improvement. You still get a lovely AMOLED display and an attractive stainless steel bezel. Another major upgrade is that the Garmin Venu 2 models offer double the battery life. The smaller model can last for up to 10 days, while the larger one can go for 11 days. You'll also have a rapid charging feature and a battery saver mode for good measure.

Garmin has always been good about offering a robust health/fitness tracking suite, but the Venu 2 is raising the bar. Sleep tracking has been improved with the addition of a sleep score feature. Every morning, you'll receive a numeric sleep score from 1 to 100, which is based on the quality and quantity of your sleep from the night before. You can also review these stats directly on the watch rather than having to launch the Garmin Connect app on your phone.

The original Venu already has a wide range of built-in sports apps, but you get even more with the successor. The Venu 2 introduces some new sports apps to the mix, including HIIT, indoor climbing, hiking, and bouldering.

Another fitness tracking improvement that deserves recognition is the new fitness age feature, which can estimate whether your body is younger or older than you are. Your fitness age is determined using your chronological age, weekly vigorous activity, resting heart rate, and BMI or body fat percentage.

You still get all the core features that Garmin is known for, including onboard GPS, heart-rate monitoring, female health-tracking, stress monitoring, Pulse Ox (blood oxygen monitoring), Body Battery, and so much more. You can record workouts at the gym or when you head outside for a run. You can access Garmin Coach for customized training plans. You can also take advantage of on-screen workouts that are easy to follow along with on your watch.

The Venu 2 doesn't leave out any of the key smartwatch features that users love. You'll still have NFC for Garmin Pay, smartphone notification support, and onboard music storage for hundreds of songs. Android users will have the option to send quick replies from their watch. As an iOS user, I would miss out on a feature like this, but I still think the Venu 2 is one of the best Garmin smartwatches available right now.

The Apple Watch Series 6 delivers a seamless experience

At this point in the game, we're conditioned to expect a fairly similar watch design from Apple. It hasn't changed too much over the years, and most users aren't complaining. The most recent addition offers subtle improvements that some people have been patiently waiting for. The question you'll have to ask yourself is whether a few upgrades are worth the price tag.

The Series 6 comes in two sizes: 40 and 44mm. There's a rainbow of colors to pick from, including blue, red, gold, and graphite. The case materials have been narrowed down to aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. You'll be happy to know that both of these models are compatible with interchangeable bands. You'll appreciate the new S6 processor, which claims to make the device run smoother and for longer. For reference, this processor is said to run 20% faster than the Series 5.

As always, the Apple Watch Series 6 battery life is nothing short of disappointing. Model after model, we're left with a sorry 18 hours of battery life for the Apple Watch. Having to charge your smartwatch every single day can be irritating, especially if you want to wear it to bed for sleep tracking. There's no denying that the Garmin Venu 2 beats the Apple Watch 6 in this department.

With that said, some features on the Apple Watch Series 6 will make it more appealing to health enthusiasts. You'll now have built-in sleep tracking on the watch. Previously, you had to download third-party apps for this. You'll also have tracking for blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels. The Apple Watch Series 6 is certainly one of the best smartwatches for measuring blood oxygen saturation levels. It can also take electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, which will detect irregular heartbeats that could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Another way that the Apple Watch Series 6 competes with Android wearables such as the Venu 2 is with its new subscription service, which is called Apple Fitness+. Users will have access to a library of workouts that can be accessed from most Apple devices. While you're working out, you'll be able to view your real-time metrics during the session and see how you're performing.

Finally, the Apple Watch is known for offering an array of smartwatch features that create a seamless experience for iOS users. One of the most popular features is the optional LTE connectivity, which allows you to utilize all of the features on your wearable without your phone's connection. You can use apps, make calls, send texts, and stream music. You'll also appreciate having NFC for mobile payments with Apple Pay. If you have a question, want to check the weather, or need to set a reminder, Siri can get it done.

Garmin Venu 2 vs. Apple Watch 6: Which is best for you?

If you're already an Android user, we recommend the Garmin Venu 2 as the best option between these two. Keep in mind that this smartwatch is compatible with Android and iOS, so it's open to pretty much everyone. That's not the case with the Apple Watch, which is specifically designed for iOS users.

Sure, it might mean a more seamless experience than notifications and such, but the Garmin Venu 2 is much better for folks who want in-depth health and fitness tracking. The Apple Watch Series 6 has its share of these features, and introducing Apple Fitness+ might make it even more appealing to workout enthusiasts. With that in mind, the Garmin Venu 2 is still a worthy competitor in this arena. It's slightly more expensive, but it just might be worth the money if you're a fan of its features and design.

Best answer: No, the Apple Watch is designed for exclusive use alongside an Apple iPhone, iPad, or other device within the Apple ecosystem.

How does the Apple Watch work?

The Apple Watch is a premium smartwatch designed by Apple to work seamlessly with the Apple iPhone or other Apple devices. That includes the most recent Apple Watch Series 6 models, as well as other available versions like the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 3.

Unfortunately, the Apple Watch is not like Samsung Galaxy smartwatches, which do offer specific advantages with Galaxy smartphones, but also work with other Android devices and even iPhones. The Apple Watch, conversely, does not work with Android at all.

If you own an Android smartphone, you're better off steering clear of an Apple Watch since it won't sync with the device. That means you can't use the app to keep track of progress, upload data, and more since this process only works with an iPhone.

That said, when used with an iPhone, the Apple Watch offers a really seamless experience between the pair of tech devices.

What can you do with the latest Apple Watch?

For those who do own an iPhone, the latest version of the Apple Watch is the Series 6, which offers features like an always-on Retina display, GPS so you can log runs without bringing your phone with you, and cellular connectivity so you can also keep on top of calls and other notifications directly from the Watch.

It can track all of the basic fitness and activity stats along with blood oxygen, ECG, and continuous heart rate with notifications should irregularities be detected. Choose from a variety of optional bands to personalize the style.

What other smartwatches can you use with an Android device?

If you're still looking for a great smartwatch for your Android phone, don't fear. There's a wide range of amazing Apple Watch alternatives that work seamlessly with Android smartphones (as well as iPhones) from brands like Fitbit, Garmin, and Samsung, and many of them offer similar features to the latest Apple Watches so you won't be missing out.

Smartwatches like the Fitbit Sense, Garmin Vivoactive 4, and Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 are all solid alternatives to the Apple Watch if you own an Android device. And they work with iPhones as well, should you wish to opt for something different.

They also all offer a similar experience on Android, some with even better specs. The Fitbit Sense, for example, can track blood oxygen, ECG, and continuous heart rate as well, along with skin temperature. The Garmin Vivoactive 4, meanwhile, has a battery that lasts for up to eight days per charge, far longer than the Apple Watch, and it tracks body battery to tell you the best times to get active or, conversely, to get rest. In addition to tracking ECG, blood oxygen, heart rate, and more, the Galaxy Watch 3 also provides real-time VO2 max feedback to give you an idea of your levels of endurance.

Bottom line: Don't be discouraged that you can't use an Apple Watch on Android. There are plenty of other worthwhile options from which to choose.

What you need to know

• Facebook is reportedly developing a smartwatch based on Google's software that it plans to sell in 2022.
• The watch will integrate Facebook's social features and include fitness tracking features.
• Facebook also hopes to launch augmented glasses in 2023 that will pair with the smartwatch.

Facebook is reportedly working on a smartwatch, according to sources familiar with the company's plans. According to The Information, the smartwatch is currently in development and will reportedly go on sale next year. While not much is known about the wearable, sources state that it could run "an open-source version of Google's Android software" which would suggest it will be based on Wear OS.

The unnamed smartwatch will reportedly feature cellular connectivity and focus primarily on Facebook's messaging services. The smartwatch will also feature health and fitness tracking, meaning it could very well compete with some of the best fitness trackers on the market. Facebook will apparently allow owners of the watch to connect with third-party fitness services like Peleton and wants to highlight social features through tracking workouts with friends and other such activities.

This isn't the first time Facebook has strayed into the Android space, as the company partnered with HTC on a smartphone many years ago, running its own Android launcher that focused on messaging. Neither the phone nor software were well-received, and Facebook abandoned the launcher that same year although some of the software like Chat Heads were more widely adopted into the platform.

Facebook is also reportedly planning to launch augmented glasses, which would differ from its popular virtual reality products like the Oculus Quest 2 remain popular. The glasses would not launch until 2023, but Facebook reportedly to deeply integrate the glasses with the watch in future iterations.

It's not exactly surprising that Facebook wants to build a smartwatch. The company was hoping to purchase Fitbit before Google acquired the company. Of course, even launching a smartwatch may not be an easy feat for the social media giant. Facebook's position around user data has been under much scrutiny lately, particularly as it pertains to its ownership of its social media and messaging apps, Instagram and WhatsApp. Amazon recently released its own fitness tracker, the Amazon Halo, which has been criticized for its invasive health features.

Sources state that if the watch goes on sale, it could retail at a price close to the cost to produce it, similar to the Oculus. The company would also release a follow-up in 2023, which could coincide with its plans for augmented glasses. Still, given the early development of the smartwatch, Facebook could still dismiss the product before it ever sees the light of day.

Fitbit Versa 3

If you were a fan of the previous Versa models, you'll love the Fitbit Versa 3. It offers many of the perks you've been patiently waiting for. Some of the key features include built-in GPS, longer battery life, improved heart rate technology, a built-in mic/speaker, and so much more.

Apple Watch Series 3

The Apple Watch Series 3 is quite a bit older than the Fitbit Versa 3, but it still has a lot to offer. Not to mention that it's more affordable, too. You'll have built-in GPS, health and fitness tracking, heart-rate monitoring, excellent app support, and optional cellular connectivity.

Apple Watch Series 3 vs. Fitbit Versa 3 How do they compare?

If you're in the market for a wearable, you'll have a wide array of options, including the Apple Watch Series 3 and the Fitbit Versa 3. Those who want the best Android smartwatch out there will more than likely prefer the Fitbit Versa 3. On the other hand, if you're an iPhone user, there are many reasons to consider buying the Apple Watch Series 3.

While the OS plays a critical role in your decision, other key factors will come into play as well. Do you want the new model with advanced technology and upgrades? If so, you can't go wrong with the Fitbit Versa 3. If you don't mind an older model for the sake of saving a few bucks, the Apple Watch Series 3 is a solid choice for iPhone users.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is affordable and efficient

It can be challenging to keep up with all of the different Apple Watch models. The Apple Watch Series 3 just had its third birthday, so it's not one of the newer models on the market right now. The plus side is that it's available at a discounted price due to being an older model, so it's a great option for budget shoppers. You'll also appreciate having two size options: 38mm and 42mm. You can also choose whether you want a Silver or a Space Gray aluminum case.

You'll have all of the essential smartwatch features, like onboard GPS, heart-rate monitoring, activity/sleep tracking, smartphone notifications, music storage, 5 ATM water resistance, and mobile payments. Historically, Apple Watches have never been great when it comes to battery life. While you can usually squeeze 18 hours of battery life out of it, you can plan to charge it daily.

One perk that the Apple Watch Series 3 offers is optional cellular connectivity. Keep in mind that the price goes up when you opt for this feature. If you're always on the go and want your smartwatch to keep you connected at all times, it might be a worthwhile perk. This feature isn't available on the Fitbit Versa 3, so it's the one advantage the Apple Watch Series 3 has over its competitor.

While newer models, like the Apple Watch Series 6, offer advanced health features such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor and blood oxygen monitoring, things are a bit more basic on the Series 3. You won't have access to either of these, but you will have all day-heart rate monitoring.

It may not have ECG, but the Apple Watch Series 3 offers an FDA-approved irregular heart rhythm notification. This means that your watch will always be monitoring your heart rate in the background. You'll receive a notification if any irregularities are detected, which could be a sign of a heart condition called atrial fibrillation (AFib).

The Fitbit Versa 3 is loaded with fitness perks

If you want a smartwatch that is overflowing with health and fitness features, you'll love what the Fitbit Versa 3 brings to the table. If you're familiar with the previous models, you'll be relieved to learn that you still have the same core features that make these watches so great. If you need a refresher, the Fitbit Versa 3 comes with 20+ goal-based exercise modes, heart-rate tracking, advanced sleep monitoring, female health tracking, and Fitbit Pay. In addition to Amazon Alexa, you'll also have Google Assistant. Both of these features work flawlessly thanks to the built-in microphone and speaker.

You'll have improved battery life on this new model as well. You can expect about 6 days of battery life with typical use. Even when your smartwatch does die, the fast charging feature will prove useful. You can put your Fitbit Versa 3 on the charger and get a full day of battery life in about 12 minutes.

Compared to its predecessor, you'll notice the Fitbit Versa 3 maintains the company's signature squircle design. This model offers a bigger display area, softer lines, improved comfort, and increased responsiveness. The 40mm aluminum case comes in Midnight/Soft Gold, Black/Black, and Pink Clay/Soft Gold.

The company has also changed the band system. The Fitbit Versa 3's new infinity bands are designed for better flexibility and comfort. It's easy to swap them out for new ones, too. Unfortunately, previous Versa bands are not compatible with this new system. You don't have to worry as there are plenty of affordable Fitbit Versa 3 bands to choose from.

Some new perks are available on these models, which make your experience even more enjoyable. Let's start with the Active Zone Minutes feature, which Fitbit released earlier this year. Your watch will alert you when you reach your personalized target heart rate zone during an activity. You'll also have improved heart-rate monitoring with the new PurePulse 2.0 technology. The company says this is the most advanced heart rate technology on a wearable device. This feature also gives you high and low heart rate alerts. We can't forget to mention the SpO2 sensor for monitoring your blood oxygen levels.

The Versa 2 came with Amazon Alexa built-in, which is also available on the Versa 3. This model also comes with Google Assistant, which is a nice addition. No matter which voice assistant you prefer to use, the built-in mic/speaker makes it easy to use. The mic/speaker also comes in handy when you want to take a quick Bluetooth call on your wrist.

Apple Watch Series 3 vs. Fitbit Versa 3 Which should you buy?

Ultimately, your decision will come down to a few important factors. Naturally, iPhone users will have a better experience with an Apple Watch, especially when navigating apps and notifications. It's also worth noting that Android phones aren't compatible with Apple Watches, so that might narrow things down rather quickly for some users.

Aside from those considerations, you'll also want to think about what type of experience you want from your watch. If you want a wearable that keeps them in the loop with cellular connectivity, the Apple Watch Series 3 is an ideal choice. It's also the cheaper option, which is useful if you're on a budget.

However, if you don't mind spending a bit more and you're not worried about having cellular connectivity on your watch, the Fitbit Versa 3 is a newer and better option. You'll have advanced health and fitness tracking, improved heart-rate monitoring, blood oxygen monitoring, and 6 days of battery life.

Fitbit Sense

It's hard to rival the Apple Watch but the new Fitbit Sense is a fierce competitor, to say the least. It includes some new data-driven sensors that keep you in tune with all aspects of your health. You also get much better battery life, a lower price tag, and a free Fitbit Premium trial.

Apple Watch Series 6

If you're already entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 6 is a good choice. You'll need an iPhone to use it, after all. This robust smartwatch offers plenty of storage, a giant app selection, optional LTE connectivity, mobile payments, and new health/fitness perks.

Fitbit Sense vs. Apple Watch Series 6 Two worthy wearables

When it comes to choosing between the Fitbit Sense and the Apple Watch Series 6, it will come down to what type of smartwatch experience you're seeking. These two devices offer many similar features, but they're also different in some very important ways. It might seem obvious, but if you're an iPhone user, the Apple Watch Series 6 will offer the most seamless experience.

Those who are seeking the newest technology and most advanced features for tracking your health and fitness will probably fall head over heels with the new Fitbit Sense. The stand-out features are the new EDA and ECG sensors along with a new skin temperature sensor. It's also the more affordable option and offers significantly better battery life than the Apple Watch Series 6. However, Apple isn't trailing too far behind this time. It also offers blood oxygen monitoring, an ECG sensor, and native sleep tracking.

Fitbit Sense vs. Apple Watch Series 6 The Fitbit Sense taps into all aspects of your health

The first thing you'll notice about the Fitbit Sense is that it remains true to the company's well-known squircle design. A closer look will show some attractive upgrades. The case is made of aerospace-grade aluminum and stainless steel with a biosensor core to provide users with a polished, high-tech look.

Another major design change, which can also be found on the new Versa 3, is the introduction of the new infinity bands, which are geared toward comfort and flexibility. The convenient quick-release attachment makes it much easier to swap out interchangeable bands when you want to try out a new look. Unfortunately, this new system is not compatible with any of the company's previous bands.

While there are a lot of new features on this health-focused watch, you'll also enjoy a fair share of familiar features. The Fitbit Sense is similar to the Versa 3 in many ways. You'll have 20+ goal-based exercise modes, 24/7 heart-rate tracking, sleep monitoring, female health tracking, Fitbit Pay, and Amazon-Alexa as well as Google Assistant.

You also have a built-in mic and speaker, which allows you to take Bluetooth calls on your watch and hear voice assistant responses. Some of these perks weren't enabled at launch, but a new update activated Google Assitant, audible replies with Alexa, voice calls, and much more.

The design isn't the only improvement. The Fitbit Sense offers the first electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor on a smartwatch. This feature will measure electrodermal activity responses, which can be accessed by placing a palm over the face of the device. Watch as your device detects small electrical changes in your skin's sweat level. You'll get a better understanding of how your body responds to stress. Take advantage of on-wrist and in-app stress management tools to track your progress and start living a healthier, happier life.

The Fitbit Sense has the company's latest PurePulse 2.0 technology with a new multi-path heart rate sensor and updated algorithm, which will deliver advanced heart rate data. This technology supports another heart health feature: personalized high and low heart rate alerts. Another new perk is Active Zone Minutes, which is a newer Fitbit feature that alerts you when you've reached your personalized target heart rate zones during exercise.

There's also a skin temperature sensor that will detect changes that may be a sign of illness, a fever, or a new menstrual phase. Additionally, there's a new electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor that will analyze your heart rhythm for signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib). This feature can be accessed by holding your fingers on the corners of the watch and staying still for 30 seconds. You'll receive a reading that can be downloaded and shared with your physician.

Fitbit Sense vs. Apple Watch Series 6 The Apple Watch Series 6 is one intelligent smartwatch

The Apple Watch has come out with a similar design year after year. It always has some new additions or improvements. This model is available in two case sizes: 40 and 44mm. The new Apple Watch Series 6offers some striking new color choices, including blue, red, gold, and graphite. You'll have your pick of aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium finishes. Both models are compatible with interchangeable bands. The Apple Watch Series 6 comes with a new S6 processor, which makes the device run smoother and for longer. In fact, the company says that it runs 20% faster than the Series 5.

There are some new features that put the Apple Watch Series 6 in a perfect position to compete with the Fitbit Sense. Previously, it lacked monitoring for blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels and a native sleep tracking app. Fortunately, Apple has added them both into the new edition. You also get an always-on altimeter that will continuously track your elevation changes in real time, both indoors and outdoors.

Many users will appreciate the improved focus on fitness, too. The Apple Watch Series 6 introduces an all-new service called Apple Fitness+, which features new workouts that can be accessed from various Apple devices. You'll be able to view your real-time metrics during the workout session.

The bad news is that battery life continues to be quite disappointing. You'll still have the usual 18 hours of battery life, which pales in comparison to the six days offered by the Fitbit Sense. With that said, there are some areas where it succeeds. For example, the Apple Watch Series 6 offers endless options for third-party app support that will enhance your smartwatch experience.

On that note, this wearable is also ideal for users who are solely focused on smartwatch features. You have optional LTE connectivity, which allows you to use all aspects of your device without your phone being present. Whether you're accessing apps, making a call, or streaming music, you can do it all. The built-in GPS and compass make it easy to navigate unfamiliar areas. You have access to emergency calls as well. It offers mobile payments with Apple Pay. When you have a question, Siri is available to help.

Fitbit Sense vs. Apple Watch Series 6 Which should you buy?

While these two smartwatches deliver some of the same benefits, it's the differences that will guide you to your ultimate decision. If you've been picky about choosing a wearable because you want to get your money's worth in terms of health and fitness features, the Fitbit Sense may be the perfect solution. The new ECG, EDA, and skin temperature sensors take your health tracking to the next level. You also get Active Zone minutes, improved heart-rate monitoring, longer battery life, and more voice assistant options.

The Apple Watch Series 6 has definitely stepped up its game with health/fitness features, including the blood oxygen sensor and the built-in sleep tracking app. It's also offering Apple Fitness+. For a limited time, new users will get three months free when they purchase an Apple Watch Series 3 or later. As you might've gathered, this is the better choice for Phone users. The good news is you have some new perks to look forward to as well. Be prepared to pay more for it (especially if you choose the larger model or you add LTE connectivity) and you'll need to charge it daily.

Garmin Vivoactive 4

If your primary focus is fitness when it comes to choosing a smartwatch, and you participate in some serious form of training, you can't go wrong with a device like the Garmin Vivoactive 4. It has a ton of sports-specific features, logs just about every stat under the sun, and provides detailed reporting so you can keep track of progress. Plus, it comes in at an (relatively for what you get) affordable price tag.

Apple Watch SE

If you've been pining for an Apple Watch but can't stomach the high price tag, the Apple Watch SE is by a mile the best option to consider. It features the same processor as the new high-end Apple Watch Series 6 but only comes in an aluminum housing and with the elimination of some "nice-to-have" features. But all of the goodies you'd expect from an Apple Watch are there, making it the perfect choice for budget-conscious iOS users.

Apple Watch SE vs Garmin Vivoactive 4: Specs breakdown

When it comes to looking at the best Android smartwatches, Garmin is a leader in fitness and, in particular, specific sports like running, golf, and swimming. The Apple Watch SE is no slouch in the category either, but it's more for the general user. While it seems like a no-brainer for an Apple user to choose the Apple Watch SE, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 doesn't cost much more and provides a versatile experience that ventures outside of the Apple ecosystem. So looking at the Apple Watch SE vs. Garmin Vivoactive 4, which is better?

Before getting into the details, let's first take a look at how they measure up against one another in terms of the core specs.

There's a lot of similar things about these two smartwatches, but where they differ is in the nitty-gritty details.

Apple Watch SE vs Garmin Vivoactive 4: Ready to get active

Both of these devices are viable, great workout companions. They both come with a variety of pre-loaded sports that you can track along with features that can help motivate you. That includes coaching, but with the Apple Watch SE, you need a subscription to Apple Fitness+, which is coming later in 2020, but allows you to view real-time stats on the Watch screen while following the actual workout from a separate device. You at least get the first year of Apple Fitness+ free with the purchase of a new Apple Watch. And the Apple Watch SE does conveniently pair with compatible gym equipment, which is a plus.

Garmin offers on-screen coaching so you can work out using animated video on the watch screen itself to guide you, doing everything from cardio to strength, yoga, and even Pilates. With Garmin Coach, you can even get a personal running coach for free.

Fans of the Apple Watch have come to know and love the Activity Rings, which track your daily progress towards getting enough exercise, move minutes, and standing time. As you get closer to reaching the goal, the rings slowly close in. It's really motivating, and this same experience extends to the Apple Watch SE. You can see your progress from the Garmin Vivoactive 4 as well, but it isn't quite as compelling an experience.

In addition to sports and activities, the Vivoactive 4 tracks hydration, adjusting goals based on how much you sweat each day, respiration, blood oxygen saturation level, stress, menstrual cycle tracking, heart rate, and sleep. It also tracks something called body battery energy, which checks your energy levels throughout the day to advise you of the best times to rest or to exercise. You can also use Garmin Connect to build your own workouts and download them to the watch, which is pretty neat for those who already have their own tried and true routines.

That puts the Vivoactive 4 miles ahead of the Apple Watch SE when it comes to fitness tracking. Two of the features the Apple Watch SE loses compared to the premium Series 6 Watch are blood oxygen monitoring and ECG. The Apple Watch SE, however, does track heart rate, sleep, menstrual cycle, and stress. It even includes the handy Breathe app that will help you center yourself if you get too worked up. The Vivoactive 4 has a similar feature with its stress tracking that will send you reminders to relax and includes short breathing exercises.

Apple Watch SE vs. Garmin Vivoactive 4: The look on your wrist

Both watches look like smartwatches but the Garmin can better be disguised as a standard wristwatch with its classic round face versus the Apple Watch SE's square face.

The Vivoactive 4 comes in either 40mm or 45mm sizes with a slate stainless-steel bezel, black case, and silicone band. There are six colors to choose from, along with a variety of interchangeable bands.

The Apple Watch SE employs the same design as the more premium Apple Watch Series 6, which gives it a look of elegance. It comes in 40mm or 44mm sizes and is made of 100% recycled aluminum — there's no stainless-steel option with this version. Grab it in one of three color options: silver, gold, or space gray, and choose from a wide selection of bands.

With both watches, you can further customize the look via a variety of watch faces. The Apple Watch SE has a ton from which you can choose in the app store, including ones that highlight certain apps. However, note that the Apple Watch SE does not have an always-on display, which means you can't just lift your arm up to glance at what's going on in real-time. That can also impede the fitness experience, if you have to keep waking up the screen to check your heart rate, for example, while engaged in a vigorous workout.

The Apple Watch SE's screen, however, is a bit larger and, more important, significantly higher resolution than the Garmin Vivoactive 4's screen. That means you'll get a much more pleasant experience when reading messages, viewing apps, and enjoying customized faces.

To customize the look at the watch face with the Garmin Vivoactive 4, use the Connect IQ store to browse and select from custom options. You can also add data fields, apps, and widgets.

Apple Watch SE vs. Garmin Vivoactive 4: Music and more

Both smartwatches come with built-in GPS, which means you can leave your phone at home and still track routes when you go for a run. The Apple Watch SE, however, also comes in an LTE version, which would allow you to even use phone features without your actual smartphone nearby.

You can get smartphone notifications on both devices, including e-mails, text messages, incoming calls, and other app alerts. With the Garmin Vivoactive 4, there is an advantage for Android device users in that you can send preset replies to e-mails and messages right from the device.

The Apple Watch SE has 32GB of storage space for music and works seamlessly with Apple Music, so you can download you favorite songs and podcasts without needing your phone. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 can hold about 500 songs, which is more than enough to ensure you have a nice selection of tunes for every workout. You can also stream playlists from Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music and listen through wireless headphones with the Vivoactive 4, but you will need your phone.

Both devices work with a ton of third-party apps for fitness tracking and more. Apple is a leader when it comes to the apps experience on the Watch and the SE is no exception. You can download apps for everything from the weather to calendars, and reminders. You can also use an Apple Watch SE as a walkie-talkie to communicate with other compatible Apple Watches, and use it as a remote trigger for your smartphone camera shutter. Apple's new Family Setup option also allows you to get Apple Watches for other family members. Just pair their Watches with your device to keep track of everything in one place.

That said, you can also download tons of apps to the Garmin Vivoactive 4 through the Connect IQ platform, including watch faces, data fields, widgets to get information at a glance, and apps to track things like outdoor fitness activities. It works with apps for things like weather updates, tracking runs, maps, and more.

Both allow for mobile payments via their own respective platforms, and the Apple Watch SE is compatible with the Siri voice assistant.

Apple Watch SE vs. Garmin Vivoactive 4: Safety and security

Increasingly, smartwatches are integrating features that take safety and security to another level, not only focusing on measuring things like heart rate, pulse, and stress, but also providing useful reminders and aiming to help in the event of an emergency.

The Apple Watch SE has fall detection and emergency SOS to reach out to emergency services in the event of an accident. All you need to do is press and hold the side button. The Garmin Vivoactive 4 has a similar feature that, when it's paired with your phone, will send your live location to specified contacts in the event of an issue thanks to built-in incident detection.

Another neat feature the Apple Watch SE adds is reminders to wash your hands. It can also send you a notification if it detects that the noise level is too high in your environment, ideal for those with hearing issues or young children in tow.

Apple Watch SE vs. Garmin Vivoactive 4: Keep it going

One of the most important considerations when it comes to choosing a smartwatch is battery life. If you workout a lot or find tracking things like sleep overnight is just as important as tracking activity during the day, you want a watch that will last as long as possible before it needs to be recharged.

In this respect, the Garmin Vivoactive 4 is miles ahead; it gets up to an impressive eight days of battery life per charge. Keep in mind that this pertains to using the watch in its most basic form. If you add GPS to the equation, the battery life drops considerably to just 18 hours. Add music playback as well and it drops to a measly six hours. That said, chances are you aren't going to be using GPS and music 24/7.

By contrast, the Apple Watch SE will always need to be charged daily as its rated battery life is only about 18 hours with mixed usage.

Apple Watch SE vs. Garmin Vivoactive: Which do you choose?

Both of these smartwatches are great options that aren't the cheapest out there but also aren't the most expensive. And they both offer compelling features for the price. But when it comes to the Apple Watch SE vs. the Garmin Vivoactive 4, it seems like they would be for completely different types of customers.

If you're serious about fitness, engage in adventure sports, and really want a smartwatch that can be a guiding force on your wrist, you're better off going with the Garmin Vivoactive 4. While the Apple Watch SE offers really compelling features, too, it's the step-down version of the more premium Apple Watch Series 6 that loses functions that could be critical to fitness enthusiasts, like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring.

For those who are firmly in the iOS camp, the Apple Watch SE is a great option. However, if you're also looking for a Watch to be a companion device for sports and other physical activities, you might be better off saving up and splurging on one of the more premium watches.

Otherwise, for an extra $50 or so, you can upgrade to the Garmin Vivoactive 4 and get a ton of additional fitness-focused features, like on-screen coaching and workouts, body battery energy monitoring, hydration tracking, and even the ability to build your own workouts. Plus, the battery will last a whole lot longer.

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music

As the name suggests, the Forerunner 245 Music is designed for runners (and music lovers). You can expect much more than basic health/activity tracking from this watch. It features many advanced metrics, including training status, and you can store music directly on your watch.

Apple Watch SE

If you've been longing for an Apple Watch but have stayed away due to the expensive price tag, your time has come. The Apple Watch SE is much more affordable and still offers many essentials, like LTE, GPS, activity/sleep tracking, new Apple Fitness+, and more.

Apple Watch SE vs. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Two very different watches

When deciding between the Apple Watch SE and the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, there are several factors to consider. Most importantly, what are your reasons for buying a smartwatch in the first place? This question seems simple enough, but it will help guide your decision.

If you want a wearable that's ideal for daily use and filled with smart features, you'll want to go with the Apple Watch SE. Of course, this watch is also geared toward existing iOS users. On the other hand, if you're an Android user or you're more interested in a smartwatch that focuses on fitness features, the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music will be the better choice.

The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music takes care of your fitness needs

Spoiler alert: the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music has more to offer in terms of health/fitness tracking than the Apple Watch SE. Some of the key features include built-in GPS, 24/7 heart-rate monitoring, a blood oxygen sensor, stress tracking, and sleep monitoring. The intuitive software is also designed to track your daily movements and workout sessions while interpreting the data into easy-to-read breakdowns. As a side note, the only difference between the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music and the standard model is the addition of music storage and Wi-Fi connectivity, which do cost a bit more.

While some users might miss having a crisp AMOLED touchscreen, Garmin's choice to use a transflective display makes the Forerunner 245 Music a better fitness watch. You might be shocked to learn that relying on side buttons is much easier when you need to make a quick selection or switch display during a run. Additionally, the low-reflectivity display is readable at all times. Plus, you'll typically average about a week of battery life between charges, which is pretty impressive. This watch is compatible with 20mm quick release watch bands so you can change them as you see fit.

You'll find that the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music's software is much more robust for setting up your training routines, mapping your running routes, and tracking your workout. Some of the sport modes include trail running, treadmill running, indoor and outdoor cycling, pool swimming, yoga, and more. You can view general data right on the watch, but you'll want to access the Garmin Connect app to view the more intricate details of each workout.

If you often find yourself training for a run, you'll love what this watch can do. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music offers performance analytics to help you set and achieve your goals. You can take a look at important metrics that tell you how effective your training is, including training status, training load, and training effect.

If you want to go a step further, pair it with a compatible heart rate strap or the compact Running Dynamics Pod. This will allow you to measure cadence, stride length, ground contact time and balance, vertical oscillation, and vertical ratio. This information is crucial for understanding your form and overall progress as you get ready for your next big race.

The Apple Watch SE is a great choice for iOS users

As you may already know, the type of phone you use can have a big impact on your smartwatch choice. When it comes to iOS users, Apple Watch will always be the superior option. However, not everyone wants to break the bank for one of these devices. Fortunately, the Apple Watch SE solves that problem for a lot of people. It might be a lesser version of other models, but it still has a lot to offer.

The Apple Watch SE takes features from the Series 4 and 5 models with a few key differences to keep costs low. You'll have the bigger display from the Series 5, but it doesn't come with the always-on feature. You also won't have the electrocardiogram (ECG ) sensor or blood oxygen monitoring. Unless you're an extremely health-conscious individual or have a medical need to monitor these metrics, this may not be a major drawback.

The good news is that the Apple Watch SE has an always-on altimeter for all-day elevation tracking, which is also available on the new Series 6. Other notable features include low/high heart rate alerts as well as irregular heartbeat alerts. You'll have access to the company's new subscription service, Apple Fitness+, which features an array of workouts that you can access from any Apple device. Your real-time metrics will be displayed as you work out, so you don't have to rely on your watch the whole time. You'll enjoy three months of the new service for free when you purchase an Apple Watch (a Series 3 or later).

While the Apple Watch SE does run on watchOS 7, it does still have the S5 processor. This may not be the new S6 processor that the Apple Watch Series 6 has, but there's still a recognizable difference in performance. You'll notice that basic daily tasks such as scrolling through options and launching different apps are still quick and seamless on the Apple Watch SE.

Apple Watch SE vs. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Which should you buy?

After discovering just how different these two smartwatches are, you're probably leaning in one direction or the other. Android users and serious runners who want a fitness-focused device will be better off with the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. You'll have plenty of important metrics, including training status, training load, training effect, and more.

While Apple Fitness+ might be sufficient for some iOS users, it's not nearly as detailed as what you get with the Forerunner 245 Music. However, if you're buying a smartwatch for everyday use, the Apple Watch SE could be exactly what you're looking for. You'll have seamless notifications, excellent app support, mobile payments, and optional LTE connectivity.

It's easy to see that these watches are made for two different types of users. The Apple Watch SE will easily be the best pick for iOS users who are seeking a smooth wearable experience that's packed with smart features. However, we recommend the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music to those who want to go deeper when tracking their health and fitness.

Garmin Venu

The Garmin Venu only comes in one size and it doesn't have optional LTE connectivity, but it can closely monitor important aspects of your health and fitness. You'll have everything you need, including built-in GPS, activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, more than 20 sports apps, blood oxygen monitoring, and much more.

Apple Watch SE

If you're an iOS user who has been longing for an Apple Watch that won't break the bank, your time has come. The all-new Apple Watch SE is a slimmed-down version of the real thing, but it offers unmatched value that is a rare find within the world of Apple devices. You'll have GPS, heart-rate monitoring, Apple Fitness+, and optional LTE connectivity.

Apple Watch SE vs. Garmin Venu More similarities than differences

The smartwatch world never stops growing and choosing between two similar models can be tough, especially if you're deciding between the Apple Watch SE and Garmin Venu. On the surface, these two devices couldn't look more different. However, if you're a fan of wearables, you know the physical design isn't the only factor to consider.

Start by asking yourself what type of smartwatch experience you desire. Are you an iOS user who wants an affordable device with key smartwatch features? You'll likely find yourself favoring the new Apple Watch SE. If your main focus is fitness but you'd still like to enjoy a premium smartwatch experience, you might be better off choosing the Garmin Venu.

You can have it all with the Garmin Venu

After spending a bit of time with the Venu, it's not hard to see why it's one of the best Garmin smartwatches on the market right now. While having an always-on AMOLED display isn't a show-stopping feature, it's a big improvement for a company that typically offers a standard transflective display on most of its devices. It's also quite impressive that you can still squeeze up to five days of battery life out of this watch.

The display isn't the only feature that the Garmin Venu offers over the Apple Watch SE. It also has a Pulse Ox sensor, which can measure your blood oxygen saturation levels. However, it's worth reiterating that these two smartwatches have more in common than differences. You'll find built-in GPS, 5 ATM water resistance, activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, smartphone notifications, and mobile payments on both devices.

It's safe to say that the Venu gives users more options for how they want to exercise with their watch. It comes with over 20 preloaded sports apps that you can choose from. You can also access preset workouts from Garmin Connect, various training plans from Garmin Coach, or you can create your own personalized workouts if that's more your speed.

One feature that's unique to the Garmin Venu is Body Battery energy monitoring. The watch will closely monitor your energy levels during the day by gathering important data from sleep, stress, activity, and heart rate variability (HRV). This gives you a much better idea of when is the ideal time to rest and when you should schedule workouts.

While there is certainly an intense focus on health and fitness, the Garmin Venu is still a smartwatch. You won't have optional LTE connectivity, but it excels in other key areas. You'll have smartphone notifications on your wrist, plenty of music storage to enjoy tunes without your phone connected, and mobile payments with Garmin Pay.

The Apple Watch SE is a decent halfway point

One of the most interesting releases to hit the market recently is the Apple Watch SE. Usually, you'd have to settle for a device that has aged a few years to get it at this price point. However, the company is making its wearables more accessible by offering this slimmed-down model.

It may cut a few corners, but the Apple Watch SE is still a solid smartwatch at a reasonable price. You'll get the always-on altimeter that is also present on the Series 6. There's also support for low/high heart rate alerts and irregular heartbeat alerts. These might not be major selling points for some people, but if you're investing in a smartwatch for a seamless on-wrist experience with activity/sleep tracking, notifications, and mobile payments, then you'll appreciate how the Apple Watch SE does things. Other improvements include fall detection, a louder speaker, and support for the new Family Setup feature.

The Apple Watch SE runs on watchOS 7 and it has the S5 processor. It's not the newest and fastest processor on the block, but if you're upgrading from an older model, you'll surely notice a difference in performance. The little things you do every day will be smooth and quick, from launching your go-to apps to scrolling through menus.

The new Apple Fitness+ subscription service is another perk you'll have on the Apple Watch SE. This feature makes it easy for you to access workouts from your preferred Apple device. You'll have the option of viewing your real-time metrics on the device of your choice while you exercise, so you don't have to keep glancing at your watch. The company is currently offering a free 3-month trial of the service when you buy an Apple Watch Series 3 or later.

What will you be missing? Despite the larger display, it doesn't have the always-on feature. It also lacks the electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor as well as blood oxygen monitoring. If you can get by without these, then this is a smartwatch worth considering.

Apple Watch SE vs. Garmin Venu Which should you buy?

While a major factor in your decision will come down to whether you're an Android or iOS user, there are some other points to consider as well. If you've avoided the Apple Watch until now due to the steep price tag, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the Apple Watch SE.

There's no denying that this release is a slimmed-down version of the more robust models the company offers, but it's an Apple Watch nonetheless. You'll have to be okay without the ECG sensor, always-on display, and blood oxygen monitoring. That being said, you still get the always-on altimeter, GPS, heart-rate monitoring, Apple Fitness+, smartphone notifications, Apple Pay, and more.

On the other hand, some users might be better off going with the Garmin Venu. Whether you use an Android phone or you're simply more attracted to what this robust smartwatch has to offer, you won't be disappointed. With the exception of LTE connectivity, it does everything that the Apple Watch SE does. You'll have on-screen workouts, more than 20 sports apps, Garmin Coach, Garmin Pay, GPS, heart-rate tracking, blood oxygen, and a bright always-on display. This is the better option for fitness-focused users who want to get the most out of their device.

Fitbit Versa 3

The newest Fitbit Versa received some significant upgrades from the previous version, like onboard GPS, Active Zone Minutes, improved heart rate monitoring, and an upgraded case and band design. It's a price increase over the Versa 2, but still cheaper than the Apple Watch SE.

Apple Watch SE

Some may dismiss the Apple Watch SE at their own peril, but it's primed to be the most popular Apple Watch of the year. It brings forward much of the design and specs of the Series 4 and 5 at a price $200 lower than the Series 6. But it only works on iOS.

You might think it a bit odd to pit the Apple Watch SE vs. the Fitbit Versa 3 here on Android Central since you can't even use an Apple Watch with an Android phone. But these two smartwatches have a lot more in common than you might realize. Plus, we know many of our readers either also carry an iPhone or have a friend or family member who does. That's why it's important to understand how it matches up against one of our favorite smartwatches for Android users.

Apple Watch SE vs. Fitbit Versa 3: How they stack up

These two smartwatches look an awful lot alike, at least from a distance. The Apple Watch SE comes in a broader range of options, but the Fitbit Versa 3 also has its own advantages.

Apple Watch SE vs. Fitbit Versa 3: Apple advantages

When it comes to ecosystem integration, the Apple Watch SE wins hands-down here; at least if you have an iPhone. With an iOS device, you get industry-leading software smoothness and integration, the best wearable processor available, and tons of buy options.

Apple watches are available not only with adjustable bands (and oh, how many bands to choose from) but in different case sizes as well. You can opt for a GPS-only watch (which is all you get with Fitbit), or GPS + LTE for making calls and texts on the go or streaming audio from your data plan (although that's an additional expense).

Even though Apple has broken with tradition (or at least, that's the perception) of only offering expensive products, it has continued introducing more wallet-friendly options over the past few years. The Apple Watch SE certainly fits in nicely among a lineup that includes the standard 10.2-inch iPad, regular AirPods, and iPhone SE.

This version is not the cheapest Apple Watch ever (that distinction goes to the still-available Apple Watch Series 3), but it is the most affordable new watch the company has released. Respect and recognition should be given to Apple where it is due. However, at its cheapest, the SE is still nearly $50 more expensive than the Versa 3. Once you consider a 44mm model with LTE and accessories, that price difference increases by $100 to almost $500 depending on the band you choose.

Another major bummer is that the Apple Watch SE and its siblings won't work with Android phones, much to our dismay. I can name dozens of Android faithful that would happily rock an Apple Watch over just about anything that Wear OS, Fitbit, or other Android smartwatches can offer, but it's just not meant to be.

Finally, Apple had to make a few sacrifices to bring the price down on the Apple Watch SE, and one of those sacrifices is a lack of an always-on display. You may scoff at this omission, but once you've had an always-on display like the one available on the Fitbit Versa 3, you don't want to lose it.

Apple Watch SE vs. Fitbit Versa 3: Fitbit Versa-tility

The Versa 3 is the best Versa yet and the standard-bearer in its popular line of Versa smartwatches, but it's no longer the top dog in Fitbit's world. That honor goes to the new Fitbit Sense holistic health smartwatch.

Even though it's not technically the top-of-the-line, it should still be the most popular Fitbit smartwatch due to its balance of style, features, and price. The Versa 3 also has quite a few advantages over the Apple Watch SE, including battery life, voice assistant access, and OS flexibility.

Compared to the Apple Watch SE's paltry 18-hour battery life, the Versa 3 can last up to six days or more on a single charge! And while Siri is useful for iOS and WatchOS users, nothing beats the flexibility of having not one, but two voice assistants at the ready. Versa 3 users can choose between Amazon's Alexa or the Google Assistant, which they can access on their wrist thanks to the built-in microphones and speakers. And now that the EU seems to have paved the way for Google's Fitbit acquisition to be approved, we expect more good Googly features in the future!

As Android users, what ultimately matters the most to us is whether we can use a smartwatch with our phone, and guess what? The Versa works not only on iOS but also on Android. In fact, you could argue that it works even better on Android since on Android, you can do things like responding to messages and notifications. In contrast, you can only see the notifications on iOS.

All that being said, there are a few drawbacks to the Versa 3 when compared to the Apple Watch SE. For one, the software experience of Fitbit OS pales in comparison to how smooth Watch OS is on an Apple Watch (though to be fair, all watch operating systems fall short here).

Additionally, while you can download music from apps like Pandora and Deezer to your Fitbit Versa 3, and even control Spotify from an app on your wrist, the Versa 3 does not have LTE. Hence, there is no music streaming available. The same goes for on-the-go communication. Without your phone, you're incommunicado.

Apple Watch SE vs. Fitbit Versa 3: Which should you choose?

It's hardly a surprise as an Android site that we would favor a watch that, you know, actually works with an Android phone. Of course, that's not the only reason we're siding with the Fitbit Versa 3 here, but it's the deciding factor. With the Versa 3, you get nearly all of the benefits of an Apple Watch, plus a few extras, for much less.

It is also worth noting that both watches come with a limited free trial of each company's respective fitness services. The Fitbit Versa 3 comes with six months of Fitbit Premium, which is then $9.99/month, whereas the Apple Watch SE comes with three months of Apple Fitness+, and then users can opt to continue for $9.99/month.

Galaxy Watch Active 2

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is a major upgrade from its predecessor. You'll have ECG, blood pressure monitoring, optional LTE, Running Analysis, heart-rate monitoring, and more. Let's not forget about the improved sensors and better GPS accuracy! It's no wonder this smartwatch is such a hit.

Apple Watch SE

The Apple Watch has been a top competitor in the wearable industry for quite some time. Not everyone is willing to pay the hefty price tag, though. The good news is that Apple Watch SE is more affordable and still has some great features, like activity/sleep tracking, GPS, and heart-rate monitoring.

Apple Watch SE vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Similar cost, different features

When deciding between the Apple Watch SE and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, the main factor to consider is whether you want as many features as possible or if you'd be happier with simply scoring a great deal. Another important factor when choosing the best smartwatch is, of course, whether you're an Android or iOS user. After all, Android users aren't going to find an Apple Watch to be very useful. On the flip side, iOS users will have a smoother and more seamless experience with an Apple Watch.

The price tags are also very similar, so if you're interested in having a smartwatch with extra features, it makes sense to go with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. You'll have an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor for detecting irregular heartbeats, blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring, and always-on display. None of these features are present on the Apple Watch SE, but this is also the most affordable new wearable from the company. If you can live without the features it lacks, it's an unbeatable deal.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 dives deeper

If you take a look at the company's current lineup, you'll quickly see that the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is one of the best Samsung smartwatches. Everything you'd expect from a fitness watch is present. Some examples include onboard GPS, activity/sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, automatic workout recognition, and 5 ATM water resistance. There are more advanced features for you to take advantage of for those who really want to dive deep into their health and fitness, which we'll cover.

Starting with the basics, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 has a bold and bright AMOLED display with a convenient always-on option if you want to use it. Depending on your usage, the battery life will hover around two days or so.

This watch comes either in an aluminum or a more expensive stainless steel case. You can also choose between a 40mm and a 44mm case size. Both models feature a quick-release attachment system, so there are plenty of Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 bands to choose from when you want to switch things up.

Upon comparing the Galaxy Watch Active and the Galaxy Watch Active, you'll see there have been some significant upgrades. The new model offers improved GPS accuracy, a more accurate LED-based heart rate monitor, and an advanced accelerometer. Additionally, Running Coach now offers real-time pace metrics. This provides you with a breakdown of what to expect from your workout before you begin. Whether you're running, jogging, or walking, the feature coaches you via audio cues. You can listen to them right on the watch speaker or with Bluetooth headphones.

More importantly, a recent update brings some of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 features over to the Watch Active 2. The Running Analysis feature is designed to help you improve your form, prevent injuries, and became an overall better runner. Users can also measure VO2 max, which indicates the maximum amount of oxygen that you can utilize during intense exercise.

This update also adds fall detection to the list of features. This means that when a potential fall is detected, you can promptly send an SOS notification to your pre-designated contacts. Those who heavily rely on using their watch to communicate will be happy to know that on-wrist communication is better. For instance, you won't have to take out your phone when you get a notification. You can view photos and emoticons from the watch. Of course, it'll be even better with LTE connectivity.

The Apple Watch SE handles the basics at a low price

To put it simply, the Apple Watch SE is essentially a lower-cost model that pulls features from the Apple Watch Series 4 and 5, but there are a few exceptions. It has the Series 5 larger display, but it lacks the always-on feature. You also won't have access to the ECG sensor or blood oxygen monitoring. However, you will get the always-on altimeter that debuted on the Series 6 as well as support for heart rate and irregular heartbeat alerts. If you're buying a smartwatch to enjoy a standard wearable experience with notifications and workout tracking, this is an excellent deal.

The Apple Watch SE runs on watchOS 7 with the S5 processor. It may not be the newer and faster S6 processor that you'll find on the Apple Watch Series 6, but there's still a noticeable difference. Simple tasks you perform daily, such as scrolling through menus and launching apps, is quick and smooth on the Apple Watch SE.

One feature that's not exclusive to this model but deserves recognition is the introduction of Apple Fitness+. It's nice to see the company is trying to keep up with the competition. As mentioned in the Apple Watch SE review, having this app on your home screen is quite the motivation tool.

The new subscription service offers workouts that can be accessed from virtually any Apple device. You can view your real-time metrics on the screen while you're exercising, so you don't have to keep glancing at your watch. Apple is offering three months of the new service for free when you buy an Apple Watch (a Series 3 or later, to be exact).

As noted in our initial hands-on, some people may be wondering just how great the value is for this model. Why not save some money and get an Apple Watch Series 3 instead? Will the larger and brighter display, improved performance, and new sensors really be worth it? Considering the Series 3 is already a few years old, it may not continue receiving watchOS updates for much longer. If you can afford it, splurging on the Apple Watch SE will be worthwhile. You'll also get a louder speaker, Family Setup support, and fall detection.

Apple Watch SE vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 Which should you buy?

When making your final decision, you'll want to think about which operating system will suit you best as well as how many features you need to be content. For a closer look at your overall health and fitness, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the better option. To recap, it offers a few key features that the Apple Watch SE can't provide: ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and always-on display. Naturally, this is the best choice for Android users.

While you can still use an iPhone with the Galaxy Watch Active 2, many users are going to prefer the benefits of the Apple Watch SE. Not only is it one of the most affordable new releases from Apple, but it still has a good amount of useful features that make it a worthwhile purchase. The perks include optional LTE connectivity, GPS, heart-rate monitoring with low/high alerts, activity/sleep tracking, notifications, and Apple Fitness+.

We might be partial to the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 for a few reasons, but it's not hard to see why one might want to take advantage of the Apple Watch SE.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2

If you were left wanting more after the original Galaxy Watch Active was released, you'll be more than pleased with its successor. You can look forward to improved sensors and better GPS accuracy, an innovative digital rotating bezel, and an updated Running Coach feature.

Apple Watch Series 6

Those who already committed to the Apple ecosystem will likely lean toward the Apple Watch Series 6. It's going to provide the most seamless wearable experience for iPhone users. You'll enjoy endless app selection, optional LTE connectivity, and new heath/fitness updates.

It should come as no surprise that the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 and the Apple Watch Series 6 are direct competitors in many ways. They're both overflowing with features that are changing the smartwatch game as we know it, so how do you choose between the two? Most people automatically sway one way or the other when it comes to Samsung versus Apple, but it's safe to say that these new devices are turning it into a neck-and-neck competition that's worthy of a second thought.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 6 How do they differ?

You won't have any trouble telling these two smartwatches apart. In terms of design, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and the Apple Watch Series 6 couldn't be more different. Samsung offers a more traditional watch appearance with a round display while the Apple Watch has a more modern rectangular display. With that said, both of them use OLED panels. Keep in mind that LTE versions are available for both, but for the sake of this comparison we'll be looking at the larger standard models with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 has an AMOLED display, which gives you plenty of brightness when you need it and the option to turn it down when you don't. It's up to you whether you want to use the always-on feature or not. If you go without, you'll be able to squeeze some more battery life out of it. You can expect around a day or two depending on your usage. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is available in aluminum and a more expensive stainless steel case. You can pick between a 40mm and a 44mm case size.

The Apple Watch display works differently. It uses an LTPO (low-temperature polycrystalline oxid) OLED display. The display truly is always on and will dim from time to time rather than shutting off completely. The watch is still able to deliver its signature 18 hours of battery life. This model comes in stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium with 40 and 44mm size options.

If you love tracking all aspects of your health, you'll be pleased to learn that the Apple Watch Series 6 now has built-in sleep monitoring. Previously, you had to down a third-party app to track your sleep data. You'll find that native sleep tracking is also available on the Galaxy Watch Active 2.

Another perk you'll find on both of these smartwatches is the electrocardiogram (ECG) feature, which can detect an irregular heartbeat that may indicate a more serious health condition. Your reading can be easily shared with your physician, too. You also get blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring on both wearables.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 6 Consider your needs

An exciting new feature on the Apple Watch Series 6 is a new subscription service called Apple Fitness+, which offers new workouts that you can easily access from various Apple devices. What's more, you'll be able to see your real-time metrics on the screen during the workout so that you don't have to continuously glance at your watch. When you buy the watch (a Series 3 or later), you'll receive three months of Apple Fitness+ for free.

While there aren't too many major changes from its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 6 does have the new S6 processor. Apple states that this improvement will allow the device to run faster and for longer. If we're talking numbers, this new processor should result in the watch running 20% faster than the previous model.

As for the Galaxy Watch Active 2, it's safe to say this device has a lot of upgrades and differences when you compare it to the predecessor. You'll have a more accurate LED-based heart rate monitor, an advanced accelerometer, and improved GPS, to name a few of the improvements.

The Running Coach has also improved, which now offers real-time pace metrics. You'll get a breakdown of what you can expect from your workout session before you start. Whether you're running, jogging, or walking, the feature coaches you via audio cues. You'll be able to listen to them on the watch speaker or with connected Bluetooth headphones.

The latest update has made some of the Galaxy Watch 3 features available on the Watch Active 2. You'll have the Running Analysis feature, which helps you become a better runner, improve your form, and prevent injuries. You can also measure VO2 max, which indicates the maximum amount of oxygen that you can utilize during intense exercise.

The Fall Detection feature is present as well. If a potential fall is detected, you'll have the option to send an SOS notification to up to four pre-designated contacts. On-wrist communication has also improved. Rather than having to rely on your phone when receiving a notification, you can now view emoticons and photos right from the watch.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs. Apple Watch Series 6 Which should you buy?

If you're purchasing a smartwatch for the first time, this could either be one of your toughest or easiest buying decisions yet. It's no secret that most people have a preference — Android or iOS — and that preference may carry over to wearables as well. No matter which side you're on, both of these smartwatches have plenty to offer. You'll enjoy several features with both, including fitness tracking, GPS, ECG, SpO2 monitoring, mobile payments, smartphone notifications, and more.

On the other hand, if you're simply trying to decide if it's a worthy upgrade from the predecessor to the successor, you'll need to ask yourself what your priorities are. If you want the latest and greatest even when there aren't many new features or changes, you're probably going to splurge on the Apple Watch Series 6. It's available for pre-order now with items shipping on the Sept. 18 release date.

The Galaxy Watch Active 2 has made a lot of positive changes, including the digital rotating bezel, new-and-improved sensors for better accuracy, ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and an updated Running Coach feature. All things considered, they're both excellent options. When it comes to selecting an overall great device that proves to be a decent upgrade from its predecessor, we're going to have to go with Samsung.