Your phone allows you to answer calls, make and receive texts, and give commands to a voice-activated assistant. But sometimes it is more convenient to perform those things on your wrist, which is where a smartwatch comes in.
The Apple Watch is the gold standard for smartwatches, but it is only compatible with Apple iPhones. If you own an Android phone, you have a lot more smartwatch alternatives, but there is also a lot more opportunity for misunderstanding. Most of the watches we have seen are too slow, cumbersome, or lacking in functionality to be worthwhile purchases. After testing hundreds of smartwatches for Android phones, including the most recent versions, we determined that the Samsung Galaxy Watch7 is the best option for the majority of Android phone users.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch7‘s robust shell comes in two sizes and is one of the most comfortable watches we have tested. The Watch7 runs the most recent Wear OS software and includes additional health and fitness capabilities such as sleep apnea detection, metabolic health monitoring, and an AI-based Energy Score that combines workout and sleep information. You can also use your fingers to engage with some watch features without touching the screen. Unfortunately, like its predecessor, the battery only lasts one day and requires hours to fully recharge.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 looks similar to the original Pixel Watch, but with slimmer bezels. The 41 mm and 44 mm variants have equal features, but the 44 mm watch has a longer-lasting battery. The Pixel Watch 3 has a new OLED display that can reach up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness. It also runs the most recent version of Google’s Wear OS 5, which includes additional health-related functions and improved connection with Google’s ecosystem. It retains the previous version’s unique band connector, which is only compatible with the bands provided by Google.
The OnePlus Watch 2R may last many days on a single charge while also providing important health tracking—all at an inexpensive price. Its 46 mm shell houses a big 1.43-inch OLED display with a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits, and it runs a hybrid system made up of two chips and two software setups, including Google’s Wear OS 4 and Google Assistant.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra incorporates a few extra capabilities than the Watch7 into a larger, more robust smartwatch. It offers fitness monitoring for triathletes, bikers, swimmers, and strong endurance users, with twice the battery life of the Watch 7. Many people are put off by its large size, heavy weight, and high price, but the features and battery life may be worth the premium.
Google Pixel Watch 4
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Google Pixel 9
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