If you own an Android smartphone—such as a Samsung Galaxy device or Google Pixel for example—then you’ve probably wondered at some point if you should grab a wearable device to go along with it. After all, they do serve as nifty little extensions of your device, with useful functions such as health tracking and finding your phone when you’ve misplaced it, for example.
One consideration however is that they do tend to be pretty expensive, with devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra going beyond 600 bucks, which is basically the same price as a midrange smartphone. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of some of the best bang-for-your-buck smart wearables for your Android phone. We should note that these should have no compatibility issues regardless of brand, and will work on your device via their respective apps. Check them out!
Best Budget Smart Wearables
Editor’s Choice: OnePlus Watch 2
Display: AMOLED, 1.43 inches | Memory and Storage: 2GB RAM + 32GB internal storage | Design: Stainless steel chassis with 2.5 Sapphire crystal display | Platform: Google Wear OS | Battery: Up to 100 hours; 12 days with power-saving mode
Sure it’s not the newer OnePlus Watch 3, but given that it’s seeing price drops now, the OnePlus Watch 2 does fall within the “budget” category, as it goes for a much lower price these days. Back when it first launched, the OnePlus Watch 2 fixed a lot of complaints that were found on its predecessor, a lot of which revolved around its rather lacklustre software experience.
OnePlus has gone above and beyond with the Watch 2, and we can even go so far as to say that it excels Google’s own Pixel Watch line of wearables, in more ways than one. As a Wear OS device, it bags our award for best overall smartwatch thanks to its relatively-durable and premium design, capable battery life that can outlast most other Wear OS watches, and a gorgeous display that makes for a visually-impressive user experience.
Of course you can also opt for the OnePlus Watch 2R which doesn’t differ that much in price, although it comes with a less-premium look and feel compared to the regular Watch 2.
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Best Affordable Option: Samsung Galaxy Fit 3
Display: AMOLED, 1.6 inches | Memory and Storage: 16GB internal storage | Design: Aluminium chassis | Platform: Proprietary Samsung OS | Battery: Up to 100 hours; 12 days with power-saving mode
Up next we have the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3, which carries on Samsung’s line of more wallet-friendly fitness trackers. That being said, the biggest highlight of the Galaxy Fit 3 is its price, which sits well below a hundred bucks. And while it’s admittedly under-powered compared to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup, its main point of existence is to give users decent features without spending too much.
As such, the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 comes with a bright 1.6-inch vertical AMOLED touch screen which outsizes displays from competing devices, making it easier on the eyes especially when you need to check your notifications. There’s also a 208 mAh battery that can last for up to two weeks, all your usual health and fitness tracking features, all wrapped up in a sleek-looking aluminium case.
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Best Rugged Option: TicWatch Atlas
Display: AMOLED, 1.43 inches | Memory and Storage: 2GB RAM + 32GB internal storage | Design: Aluminium chassis | Platform: Proprietary Samsung OS | Battery: Up to 100 hours; 12 days with power-saving mode
For folks who are after a more rugged-looking device, the TicWatch Atlas might be a better fit. Sure, it’s not exactly a Garmin or Galaxy Watch Ultra, but we reckon that the Atlas’ nylon composite shell (with metal accents) can still withstand most knocks and bumps. You’re also getting 5ATM water resistance and MIL-STD-810H certification with this one, so it’ll mostly be safe for those weekend treks.
As for its display, the Atlas features a 1.43-inch OLED display with Sapphire Crystal protection, 2GB RAM and 32GB storage for all those apps you need to install, and a 628 mAh battery that can last for up to half a week, something that competing devices still struggle with.
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Best Non-Google Option: Huawei Watch GT 5
Display: AMOLED, 1.43 inches | Memory and Storage: 128MB | Design: Metal chassis | Platform: Huawei Harmony OS | Battery: Between 9 to 14 days maximum
Like the Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 from earlier, the Huawei Watch GT 5 is another wearable that ditches Google’s Wear OS in lieu of its own proprietary Harmony OS from Huawei. What sets it apart from other non-Wear OS devices is that it comes with a more comprehensive set of features, a common limitation found on most basic fitness bands.
The GT 5 also comes with a more traditional look befitting of most sports watches (as opposed to a fitness band look), as well as Huawei’s own suite of health and fitness software services. It also comes with impressive battery life, outlasting pretty much all Wear OS options on the market right now.
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Runner-up: Fitbit Versa 4
Display: AMOLED, 1.58 inches | Memory and Storage: 4GB internal storage | Design: Aluminium chassis | Platform: Fitbit OS | Battery: Between five to seven days
While Google has pretty much nerfed a lot of features on its Fitbit line of devices (instead opting to put all the good stuff on its Pixel Watches), the Fitbit Versa 4 nevertheless comes with all the essentials for less than 200 bucks. you’ve got a bright touch display, long battery life, direct access to Fitbit health tracking services, and integration to select Google services as well.
Additionally, you might be wondering why we opted for this instead of the Sense 2—for the price that you’re going to spend on the Sense 2, you’d be better off getting a Wear OS watch instead. Again, one big appeal of the Fitbit Versa 4 is its wallet-friendly entry point.
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