Do You Actually Need a Smartwatch?
I resisted getting one for years. Seemed unnecessary when my phone was always nearby. But after borrowing my sister’s Apple Watch for a week, I got it. Being able to check notifications without pulling out my phone constantly, tracking runs without carrying anything extra, paying for stuff with my wrist at the coffee shop - turns out it’s actually useful.
That said, the whole smartwatch market is confusing. Here’s what I’ve learned after testing way too many of these things.
The Ones Worth Buying
Apple Watch Ultra 2
This thing is overkill for most people, and I mean that sincerely. My coworker has one and he basically just uses it to check texts. But if you’re into hiking, trail running, or diving - it makes sense. The battery actually lasts multiple days which is wild for an Apple Watch.
The titanium build feels indestructible. I’ve seen someone bang theirs against a rock while climbing and it didn’t even scratch. The screen gets ridiculously bright too, like you can read it in direct sunlight no problem.
The main issue? It’s massive. On smaller wrists it looks like you strapped a hockey puck to your arm. Also obviously only works with iPhones, and yeah, it’s expensive.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
If you have an Android phone, this is probably what you want. I’ve been testing one for a few months and it’s solid. Health tracking is comprehensive - sleep, heart rate, body composition, all that stuff.
Battery finally lasts more than a day which was my main gripe with older Galaxy Watches. The sapphire display hasn’t scratched at all despite me being careless with it.
Some features work better with Samsung phones specifically, which is annoying if you have a Pixel or something else. The app selection isn’t as good as Apple Watch but it’s getting better.
Apple Watch Series 10
This is the safe choice for iPhone owners. Thinner than before, does everything you’d expect. My wife has one and it just works. Sleep tracking, fitness stuff, notifications - nothing flashy but nothing broken either.
The battery life is still mediocre at around 18 hours. I genuinely don’t understand why Apple can’t figure this out when Garmin watches last weeks. But it charges fast, so if you remember to charge it while showering or whatever, you’re fine.
If you have an iPhone and want a smartwatch without overthinking it, just get this one.
Garmin Fenix 8
Okay so this isn’t really a smartwatch in the traditional sense. It’s more like a sports computer you wear on your wrist. My running buddy swears by his and the battery life is genuinely insane - like almost a month on a single charge in some modes.
GPS accuracy is better than anything else I’ve tried. If you’re training for a marathon or do triathlons, the depth of fitness analytics is unmatched. Works with both iPhone and Android too.
But it’s chunky, not particularly pretty, and the “smart” features are basic. You can get notifications but forget about app ecosystems. This is for serious athletes who prioritize training data over everything else.
Google Pixel Watch 3
Clean design, Fitbit health tracking built in, and the Google Assistant is actually useful on this thing. If you’re a Google person with a Pixel phone, it integrates nicely.
The problem is the battery could be better and some features really only shine if you have a Pixel specifically. But it looks nice and the health tracking from Fitbit is genuinely good. Worth considering if you’re in that ecosystem already.
Quick Comparison
| Watch | Battery | Works With | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Ultra 2 | 36 hrs | iPhone only | [Check Price] |
| Galaxy Watch 7 | 40 hrs | Android | [Check Price] |
| Apple Series 10 | 18 hrs | iPhone only | [Check Price] |
| Garmin Fenix 8 | 29 DAYS | Both | [Check Price] |
| Pixel Watch 3 | 24 hrs | Android | [Check Price] |
Which One Should You Get?
Honestly it mostly comes down to what phone you have.
iPhone user? Apple Watch Series 10 for most people. Ultra 2 if you actually do extreme sports or just want the nicest one.
Samsung phone? Galaxy Watch 7.
Pixel? Pixel Watch 3, though the Galaxy Watch 7 works too.
Serious athlete who cares more about training data than apps? Garmin Fenix 8 regardless of what phone you have.
Size Matters
Try them on at a store if you can. The 40-42mm sizes work better on smaller wrists, 44-45mm is average, and 46mm+ can look big on anyone who isn’t built like a linebacker. I have medium wrists and the 44mm Apple Watch looks right to me.
Final Thoughts
iPhone users should get the Series 10 unless they have a specific reason not to. Android users have more choices but the Galaxy Watch 7 is the safest bet.
If you’re patient, Black Friday usually brings decent discounts on these. I’ve seen 20-30% off in previous years.
Prices fluctuate a lot with these, so double check before buying.