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The Best Smartwatches for Android in 2026

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Smartwatches have evolved beyond simple fitness trackers, becoming versatile devices for health monitoring, productivity, and style. Android users now have a range of options that cater to different needs, from fitness enthusiasts to tech-savvy professionals.

Although a new wave of 2026 smartwatches is still on the way, many of the models that launched through 2025 are already defining the Android smartwatch experience in 2026. Competition has only gotten tighter with the latest releases, so here is our roundup of the best smartwatches for Android users right now.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and 8 Classic

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

Samsung leads the Android smartwatch market with the Galaxy Watch 8 and 8 Classic. The Galaxy Watch 8 comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, while the Classic model features a 46mm case with a rotating bezel for a more traditional look. Both watches run Wear OS 6 with One UI 8 Watch on top and integrate seamlessly with Android devices.

Samsung designed the Galaxy Watch 8 series with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility in outdoor conditions. The lineup uses the new Dynamic Lug system, a redesigned one-click mechanism that makes swapping bands faster while improving comfort and stability.

The watches offer features like vascular load monitoring, AI-powered energy scores, and advanced sleep tracking. Samsung also redesigned the internal structure, making the Galaxy Watch 8 thinner and lighter than previous models.

Best for: Android users who want the best of Google and Samsung in one package.

Google Pixel Watch 4

Google Pixel Watch 4

The Pixel Watch 4 runs on Wear OS 6 and uses the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip, delivering faster performance and better battery life. The watch is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, with vibrant Actua 360 domed displays that reach a peak brightness of 3,000 nits.

Google included a Readiness Score feature, which combines heart rate variability and daily activity to provide personalized insights. The Cardio Load metric tracks the strain on the cardiovascular system throughout the day. The watch supports over 40 workout modes and integrates with the Gemini assistant for hands-free tasks like messaging and navigation.

Best for: Google users who rely on Assistant, Gmail, Maps, and YouTube Music.

OnePlus Watch 3

OnePlus Watch 3

The OnePlus Watch 3 suits people who prioritize a sharp, bright display and durability that can handle daily wear. It features a 1.5 inch LTPO AMOLED screen that peaks at 2,200 nits, plus a rotating crown that makes navigation feel more natural. The watch also supports 5ATM water resistance rated for 50 meters and carries an IP68 rating, while MIL-STD-810H certification adds an extra layer of rugged, military-grade durability.

OnePlus equipped the Watch 3 with advanced health sensors, including an eight-channel heart rate sensor, a 16-channel blood oxygen sensor, and a wrist temperature monitor. The 60-second health check-in feature gives a quick overview of vital metrics. The watch offers up to 120 hours of battery life in Smart Mode and supports fast VOOC charging for all-day use with just 10 minutes of charging.

Best for: Fashion-forward users who want serious stamina without sacrificing smarts.

Xiaomi Watch 5

Xiaomi Watch 5

Xiaomi continues to expand its wearable lineup with the Watch 5, currently limited to the Chinese market. It features a 1.54-inch AMOLED display with 1500 nits brightness, stainless steel casing, and sapphire glass. Straps range from titanium to fluororubber and leather. Xiaomi included over 150 sports modes, along with 80+ gym-based courses that provide animated 3D guidance.

The Watch 5 offers a one-touch health scan that monitors eight key indicators, including heart rate, stress, and sleep quality. The watch also supports full-color offline maps for outdoor activities like hiking and trail running. Its 930mAh battery powers the watch for up to 18 days in power-saving mode.

Best for: Tech-savvy users who don’t mind importing greatness.

Amazfit Balance 2

Amazfit Balance 2

Amazfit expanded its smartwatch lineup with the Balance 2, a device that combines durability and advanced health features. The watch has a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with scratch-resistant Sapphire glass and is water-resistant up to 10 ATM. Amazfit includes 170 sports modes, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness activities.

The BioCharge Score provides real-time energy insights by analyzing sleep, stress, and activity levels. The watch also supports HYROX training modes, which include interval planning and recovery tools. With a battery life of up to 21 days, the Balance 2 offers reliability for long-term use.

When paired with the Helio Strap, Amazfit creates a dual-device system that enhances heart rate tracking and fatigue analysis. The Zepp App syncs data from both devices without requiring a subscription.

Best for: Athletes, triathletes, and tracker nerds who want deep insights and no daily charging.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

Galaxy Watch Ultra

Samsung designed the Galaxy Watch Ultra for outdoor enthusiasts and extreme sports users. The watch features a Grade 4 Titanium frame and 10 ATM water resistance, allowing it to withstand harsh conditions. Samsung included dual-frequency GPS for accurate tracking and AI-powered metrics like Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cyclists.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, ensuring excellent readability in all environments. The watch offers the longest battery life in Samsung’s lineup, with up to 100 hours in Power Saving mode.

Best for: Extreme athletes and outdoor explorers who need rugged reliability.

Garmin Venu 4

Garmin Venu 4

Garmin released the Venu 4 as a versatile smartwatch that balances stylish design with advanced health and fitness tracking. The watch comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes and features bright AMOLED displays. Garmin included over 25 activity modes and adaptive coaching through the Garmin Fitness Coach.

The Venu 4 tracks HRV, Pulse Ox, and sleep metrics, providing detailed insights into recovery and stress levels. Garmin added accessibility features like a spoken watch face and color filters for users with color blindness. The watch also includes a built-in LED flashlight and offers up to 12 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.

Best for: Health-focused folks and accessibility-conscious users looking for style and substance.

In related news, you can also read our latest roundup of the best magnetic power banks in 2026.

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The post The Best Smartwatches for Android in 2026 appeared first on Gizmochina.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Galaxy Watch Ultra: Battery, Display, and Performance Compared

apple watch ultra 3 vs galaxy watch ultra

Ultra smartwatches are no longer just fitness trackers; they’re built as rugged companions for extreme workouts, outdoor adventures, and everyday productivity. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra represent the very best from Apple and Samsung, blending premium materials with serious health and performance features. But with similar durability claims and flagship specs, and now a much wider price gap, choosing the right one isn’t simple. This comparison breaks down where each watch truly excels and which one offers the best overall value.

Major Features:

FeatureApple Watch Ultra 3Samsung Galaxy Watch UltraWinner
Display Brightness1.98″ LTPO3 OLED, 3000 nits1.5″ Super AMOLEDApple — far brighter outdoors
Build & DurabilityGrade 5 titanium, IP6X, 40m diveGrade 4 titanium, IP68, 10ATMApple — stronger dust & dive rating
Health SensorsDepth gauge, precise temp, VO2 maxBioActive, temp, ECGApple — more advanced adventure tools
Battery Capacity599mAh590mAhTie — nearly identical capacity
Software EcosystemwatchOS 26 (Apple ecosystem)Wear OS 5/6 (Android ecosystem)Depends on phone used
Price$800 / ₹89,900$500 / ₹45,000Samsung — significantly better value

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Design and Display

Build & Comfort

Apple Watch Ultra 3 features a 49mm titanium (grade 5) frame with sapphire crystal protection and a ceramic/sapphire back. It carries IP6X dust resistance, 100m water resistance, 40m dive certification, and MIL-STD-810H compliance. At 61.6g, it feels solid and purpose-built for rugged adventures.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra uses grade 4 titanium with sapphire protection and a ceramic/sapphire back. It offers IP68, 10ATM (100m) water resistance, and MIL-STD-810H durability. At 60.5g, it is slightly lighter and more compact on the wrist.

Display Brightness & Visibility

Apple’s 1.98-inch Retina LTPO3 OLED reaches an impressive 3000 nits peak brightness, making it extremely readable under harsh sunlight.

Samsung’s 1.5-inch Super AMOLED delivers sharp 480×480 resolution and excellent contrast, but brightness levels are lower than Apple’s peak output.

Verdict

Apple dominates outdoor visibility with its ultra-bright 3000-nit panel. Samsung feels slightly more compact and balanced for daily wear. For extreme environments, Apple has the edge.

Health and Fitness Tracking

Sensors & Tracking Accuracy

Apple Watch Ultra 3 includes heart rate, ECG (region dependent), SpO2, VO2 max, body and water temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy), depth gauge (±1m), always-on altimeter, and satellite Emergency SOS. Its depth and diving tools make it particularly appealing to serious explorers.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra offers heart rate, ECG, SpO2, body and water temperature, BioActive sensor suite, barometer, and altimeter. It covers all essential health metrics with reliable performance for everyday athletes.

Workout Modes

Both watches support extensive fitness tracking with multi-GNSS positioning (L1+L5 GPS support). Apple leans toward adventure and diving precision, while Samsung integrates tightly with broader Android fitness ecosystems.

Verdict

Apple stands out for advanced depth tracking and satellite safety tools. Samsung remains comprehensive for mainstream fitness users.

Performance and Software

UI Smoothness

Apple Watch Ultra 3 runs watchOS 26 (upgradable to 26.3) powered by the Apple S10 dual-core chip. Animations are fluid, and system optimization is typically seamless within Apple’s ecosystem.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra runs Wear OS 5 (upgradable to 6.0) with One UI Watch 8 on the 3nm Exynos W1000 penta-core chipset. Multitasking benefits from up to 2GB RAM and 64GB storage options.

App Support & Features

Apple offers 64GB storage and strong ecosystem integration with iPhone, plus UWB (Gen 2) support.

Samsung provides 32GB or 64GB storage options and deep integration with Android devices. Wear OS brings broader Google app compatibility.

Verdict

Apple delivers refined ecosystem cohesion, while Samsung offers stronger hardware versatility and Wear OS flexibility. Choice largely depends on smartphone pairing.

Battery and Connectivity

Battery Life

Apple packs a 599mAh battery with wireless charging reaching 0–80% in 45 minutes. Fast top-ups are convenient for active users.

Samsung houses a 590mAh battery with 10W wireless charging. Capacity is similar, and efficiency depends on OS optimization.

GPS, Bluetooth, LTE

Both support eSIM for LTE connectivity. Apple includes GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi, NFC, and satellite Emergency SOS.

Samsung supports GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, Bluetooth 5.3, dual-band Wi-Fi, and NFC.

Verdict

Battery capacities are nearly identical. Apple adds satellite connectivity and QZSS support, giving it a slight advantage for remote travel.

Pricing

Apple Watch Ultra 3 is priced around $800 / ₹89,900.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra now comes in at approximately $500 / ₹45,000.

Verdict

The price gap is substantial. Samsung undercuts Apple by roughly $300 globally and over ₹40,000 in India. While Apple offers brighter display tech and satellite features, Samsung delivers flagship durability and performance at a dramatically more accessible price. In terms of pure value, Samsung clearly wins.

Disclaimer:
Prices are approximate and may vary based on country, region, and applicable taxes.

Conclusion

Apple Watch Ultra 3 suits adventurers, divers, and dedicated iPhone users who want maximum outdoor capability and advanced safety tools.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is ideal for Android users seeking premium durability and flagship performance without paying ultra-premium pricing.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 remains the more feature-rich and adventure-focused smartwatch. However, with Samsung’s aggressive pricing, the Galaxy Watch Ultra becomes the smarter buy for most people. It delivers flagship durability, strong performance, and comprehensive health tracking at a significantly lower cost. Unless satellite SOS and extreme brightness are must-haves, Samsung offers the better overall value.

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Please Note: When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

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