Modern smartwatches offer much more than style. They come with voice assistants, can detect crashes, and support calls and texts. They also last a long time on a single charge. These watches are not just fashion items; they’re also widely used for tracking health and fitness, thanks to their advanced sensors and many apps.
Our DEVICE INSIDERS specialists thoroughly tested various top-rated smartwatches, examining aspects like battery duration, robustness, and functionalities
Additionally, they consulted with athletes, fitness gurus, and healthcare experts to understand their preferred smartwatch features. This approach provides insights into the most valued health and fitness tracking capabilities of these devices.
After conducting thorough tests and gathering expert opinions, we’ve concluded that the Apple Watch Ultra 2 stands out as the top smartwatch. Its excellence is attributed to its updated processor, extended battery life, ample storage, high-quality titanium build, sleep tracking, features focused on women’s health, and comprehensive workout metrics.
However, for those who don’t use Apple products, we also evaluated smartwatches from Samsung, including the latest Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, as well as models from Google, Garmin, and Amazfit. This comparison helps you find the ideal smart watch to suit your lifestyle and wrist.
Apple Watch Ultra 2: The best smartwatch
| pros | cons |
| Big, vivid screen | Lacks offline maps feature |
| Automatic emergency services notification in case of a crash | Potentially oversized for smaller wrists |
| Water-resistant up to 100 metres | |
| Additional buttons and a dual-speaker system | |
| Extended battery duration |
the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Specifications.
Screen: 49mm, OLED sapphire glass with a resolution of 410 x 502 pixels.
Battery Duration: up to 36 hours. Size: 49 x 44 x 14.4 mm.
Weight: 61.3 grams. Water and Dust Protection: Water-resistant up to 100 metres, IP6X-rated.
Cellular Connectivity: LTE support is available.
For eight years, the Apple Watch retained its original shape and design until 2022, when Apple introduced the innovative Apple Watch Ultra, specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts. The Ultra 2 enhances its predecessor by incorporating an upgraded processor, a significantly brighter screen, double the storage space, and utilising recycled titanium in its construction.
Apple Watch Series 9: The Best Smartwatch for iPhone Users.
| pros | cons |
| Temperature monitoring for sleep analysis and ovulation predictions. | The battery life falls short of two days. |
| Emergency alert system for crash detection, notifying first responders. | |
| Water resistance rating: WR50 | |
| Enhanced workout metrics |
The Apple Watch Series 9. Specifications
Screen: OLED with a resolution of 396 x 484 pixels.
Battery Duration: Approximately 18 hours. Size: 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm.
Weight: 38.8 grams (aluminium version). Protection Against Water and Dust: Can withstand up to 50 metres underwater, IP6X rating. Cellular Connectivity: LTE support is available
Launched in 2023, the Series 9 continues the Apple Watch tradition. Like the Ultra 2, it features a unique gesture control – tapping your index finger and thumb together – to manage your phone.
This lets you handle various tasks, such as taking calls, turning off alarms, controlling media, stopping timers, and more. The latest Series 9 has enhanced Siri capabilities, working even without a live connection. Additionally, its Crash Detection feature can sense car accidents, automatically reaching out to emergency services for assistance.
Google Pixel Watch: The Best Galaxy watches.
| pros | cons |
| Integration with FitBit | Restricted options for customising workout details |
| Sophisticated safety functionalities | Available in only a single size |
| Compact and very comfortable | |
| Enhanced battery performance |
Google Pixel Watch 2. Specifications.
Screen: AMOLED with 320 ppi.
Battery Duration: 24 hours with an Always-On Display (AOD).
Size: 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm.
Weight: 31 grammes (excluding the band).
Water and Dust Protection: Rated at 5 ATMs.
cellular connectivity: LTE option available.
The Google Pixel Watch 2, the upgraded version, boasts a key enhancement – extended battery life compared to its predecessor. This improvement stems from a slightly bigger battery and, importantly, a modern Qualcomm processor that powers the watch more efficiently.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 classics: The best smartwatch 2024
| PROS | CONS |
| More luminous and larger screen | The bigger screen might use up more battery life |
| Samsung’s distinct rotating bezel feature | |
| Enhanced with the latest One UI 5 software update |
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic: Specifications.
Screen: 1.5-inch 480×480 Super AMOLED for the 47mm model, and 1.3-inch 432×432 for the 43mm model.
Battery Life: Can last up to 40 hours.
Size: 46.5 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm for the 47mm version, and 42.5 x 42.5 x 10.9 mm for the 43mm version.
Weight: 59 grammes for the 47mm model and 52 grammes for the 43-mm model.
Resistance to Water and Dust: Rated 5ATM/IP68/MIL-STD-810H. LTE connectivity is available.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic features WearOS 4 and OneUI 5 Watch interface, offering a smooth user experience with various apps. It includes an upgraded Exynos W930 chip and increased RAM for better performance.
Key features include accurate fitness tracking with ECG, blood oxygen, skin temperature, and heart rate sensors. It’s also water-resistant, suitable for swimmers.
The watch has improved battery life, supporting more than 30 hours of usage, and benefits from quick USB-C charging.
This makes it a versatile option for both fitness tracking and smartwatch functionalities
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Samsung Galaxy 5 pro. The best smartwatch.
| pros | cons |
| Titanium case that’s light to wear | Its considerable size may not fit well on smaller wrists |
| Durable sapphire glass on an AMOLED screen | The process for blood pressure certification is more time-consuming than initially expected |
| Big battery for extended use | |
| Supports Google Wear OS 3 apps |
The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Specifications.
Screen: 1.4-inch Super AMOLED with a 450 x 450 pixel resolution.
Battery Duration: Lasts between two and three days.
Size: 45.5 x 45.5 x 15.0 mm.
Weight: 46.5 grams (excluding the strap).
Water Resistance: Rated at 5 ATM and IP68. Cellular Connectivity: LTE is available
Apple keeps updating the Apple Watch, but Samsung is also actively enhancing its products. The Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, although not the latest in Samsung’s lineup, boasts a range of advanced health tracking features.
These include blood oxygen level measurement, ECG, and sleep tracking, with a battery life that surpasses that of the Apple Watch. Features like body composition analysis, a skin temperature sensor, and premium materials are usually seen in high-end GPS sports watches that cost twice as much as the Watch 5 Pro.
I spent several weeks reviewing the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro in-depth and have continued using it for over a year
Apple Watch SE: The best smartwatch
| PROS | CONS |
| Elegant design | Battery life falls short of two days |
| Great value for a feature-rich smartwatch | Sleep tracking provides limited information |
| A wide range of health and fitness tracking options | |
| Strong support for a variety of third-party apps |
specifications.
Screen: OLED with a resolution of 368 x 448 pixels.
Battery Duration: Lasts up to 18 hours. Size: 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm.
Weight: 36.5 grams (aluminium version).
Water Resistance: Can withstand up to 50 meters underwater.
Cellular Connectivity: LTE feature available
In 2020, Apple took a unique step by launching a more affordable Apple Watch. Apple Watches are accessible to a wider range of family members. The latest Apple Watch SE begins at a price of only $249, making it a highly recommendable choice for iPhone users.
Garmin 3s watch.
| PROS | CONS |
| Stunning AMOLED screen | High cost |
| The battery lasts for over a week |
specifications.
Screen: AMOLED with a 390 x 390 pixel resolution.
GPS Battery Life: Up to 21 hours. Size: 41 x 41 x 12 mm.
Weight: 27 grams, 40 grams including the band.
Water Resistance: Rated at 5 ATM.
Cellular Connectivity: Does not have an LTE option
Garmin’s watches, like the Venu 3/3S, are mainly for sports and help you get fit and perform better.
They have some similar features to other smartwatches, but the Venu 3/3S is especially good for competing with the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch.
The Venu 3/3S is well-made, has a clear and bright screen, its battery lasts for more than a week, it lets you make and receive calls on your wrist, and you can use voice commands through a connected phone.
Amazfit GTR 4
| PROS | CONS |
| Stunning AMOLED screen | Lacks support for Google Assistant |
| Attractive, polished design | |
| Attractive, polished design | |
| Comprehensive support for health and wellness features | |
| Affordable pricing |
specifications.
Screen: 1.43-inch AMOLED with 466 x 466 pixels resolution.
Battery Duration: up to 14 days. Size: 46 x 46 x 12.4 mm.
Weight: 34 grams (not including the strap).
Water Resistance: Rated at 5 ATM.
Cellular Connectivity: Does not include LTE option
Alexa Integration: The smartwatch features Alexa voice control, enabling you to control music playback, manage notifications, and more. However, it does not support mobile payments and has a limited app store.
Amazfit is a brand known for offering impressive features in smartwatches that cost less than $200.
The Amazfit GTR 4 is a stylish smartwatch that supports Amazon Alexa and allows you to answer calls through a Bluetooth connection to your phone, similar to other smartwatches that don’t have their own cellular connection
Garmin vivomove trend watch
| PROS | CONS |
| Great battery performance due to its hybrid design | Only available in a 40mm size |
| Traditional analog hands combined with a digital screen | Restricted support for third-party applications |
| Can be charged wirelessly |
specifications.
Screen: resolution of 254 x 346 pixels.
Battery Life: Lasts up to five days.
Size: 40.4 x 40.4 x 11.9 mm.
Weight: 43.3 grams.
Water Resistance: Rated at 5 ATM.
Cellular Connectivity: Does not include LTE option
Garmin’s Vivomove series combines the classic look of a regular watch with modern digital functions. Watches like the Vivomove Trend are perfect for people who like a smartwatch that looks simple and classic
The Garmin Vivomove Trend is a hybrid smartwatch that combines a classic look with modern features. It offers customizable widgets for tracking various metrics like steps, intensity minutes, and temperature.
The watch also supports automatic sleep tracking and provides a sleep score, helping users monitor their sleep patterns and quality. Additionally, the Vivomove Trend includes blood oxygen tracking during sleep, though this feature is not enabled by default to conserve battery life.
The heart rate metrics are obtained using the optical heart rate sensor on the watch. These features make the Vivomove Trend a versatile choice for those looking for both style and functionality in a smartwatch.
Polar Grit X Pro smartwatch
| pros | cons |
| Sturdy and tough design. | A bit big in size |
| Tracks various activities | Doesn’t support non-contactless payments through NFC. |
| A bit big | It doesn’t store music on the device. |
The Polar Grit X Pro is tailored for adventure enthusiasts, functioning as a durable outdoor watch. Its robust construction can endure various weather conditions, boasting water resistance up to 100 meters and a scratch-resistant sapphire glass watch face. With integrated maps and turn-by-turn navigation, along with overnight recovery tools, users can assess their readiness for workouts. While primarily a sports watch, it doesn’t fall short on smartwatch capabilities, allowing for phone notifications, music playback control, and continuous 24/7 heart rate monitoring
| Smartwatch | Price | Battery life | Display size |
| Apple Watch Ultra 2 | $799 | 36 hours | 49mm |
| Apple Watch Series 9 | $399 | 18 hours | 45mm |
| Google Pixel Watch 2 | $350 | 24 hours | 41mm |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic | $400 | 40 hours | 43mm and 47mm |
| Apple Watch SE | $216 | 18 hours | 44mm |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro | $380 | 72 hours | 46mm |
| Garmin Venu 3S | $450 | 10 days | 41mm |
| Amazfit GTR 4 | $200 | 14 days | 46mm |
| Garmin Vivomove Trend | $270 | 5 days | 40mm |
| Polar Grit X Pro | $530 | 7 days | 47mm |
Which watch is best for me if I am an iPhone user?
iPhone users? The Apple Watch is your king. Don’t mix with Android; they don’t speak the same language.
Garmin and Amazfit watches? Cool kids! They play nice with both Android and iPhone. No worries! ✌️
Android phone? Get a Samsung Galaxy Watch from any series. They’re like best buds with other Androids.
