Every Android smartwatch has a Black Friday deal; this is how I’d select as a wearable knowledgeable

Just a couple of years in the past, I’d by no means used any Android smartwatch. Now have a look at my pile of Wear OS evaluate items above; I’ve spent weeks or months with every of the preferred Android watches, and fancy myself a Wear OS knowledgeable. With Black Friday offers in full swing, I’m right here to level you towards the watch you really want, not simply the perfect value or impulse purchase.

It’s my job this week to focus on Black Friday smartwatch offers, however they’re all on sale. The previous Wear OS 3.5 watches just like the TicWatch E3 ($79) or Pro 3 ($119) are the most cost effective; the last-gen Pixel Watch 2 ($145) and Galaxy Watch 6 ($139) fall within the center; and the newest Galaxy, Pixel, and OnePlus watches are all about $200–300, relying on which measurement you select.

This Android smartwatch Black Friday information will run by the {hardware}, software program, well being, and health variations throughout every main model, that will help you select the perfect match! And inside every model, I’ll assist you resolve if, for example, you will get away with a last-gen Pixel Watch, or for those who’d desire the Watch 6 Classic or Ultra.

Wear OS 3, 4, 5, and past

You can technically use virtually any health smartwatch with Android, and most of our favorites from Garmin, Fitbit, and others are on sale too! But this information will focus extra on Wear OS watches that combine instantly with Android telephones and apps.

Wear OS 3 or 3.5 watches just like the Fossil Gen 6 and TicWatch Pro 3 are very low cost proper now and nonetheless obtain the occasional safety replace, however their older {hardware} cannot accommodate the newer software program. I’ll stroll you thru whether or not Wear OS 4, 5, and future variations are price paying further for.

Wear OS 4 added the flexibility to backup and restore your smartwatch, in addition to switch it to a brand new cellphone with out having to manufacturing unit reset it and lose all of your apps and settings. It additionally made some energy optimizations equivalent to enabling XML watch faces, to assist your watch last more.

Wear OS 5 is the place Google and Samsung actually went all out. The software program turned way more environment friendly by pushing extra actions to the low-powered coprocessor. Content now reflows to make the most of bigger screens, whereas watch faces added some key metrics like climate forecasts and objective progress; Google added new instruments like Recorder, Google Home controls, and a digicam viewfinder, whereas health apps might now help extra in-depth and responsive exercises. Samsung watches additionally added AI-enabled Energy scores and advised replies, plus new gestures and sleep apnea detection.

We do not know but what Wear OS 6 will convey to the desk, however the present focus appears to be on battery effectivity, new health methods, Google app integrations, and extra AI capabilities. If you will get a smartwatch with Wear OS 5, or as a consequence of obtain Wear OS 6+, you then’ll know it is constructed to final.

Samsung Galaxy Watch (7, Ultra, Classic): Pros and cons

Samsung watches have the best gross sales amongst Android smartwatches, almost certainly as a result of it is the top-selling Android cellphone model and folks just like the interaction between Galaxy units. However, Samsung’s measurement and international attain have allowed it to promote a higher selection of watch designs, launching Ultra, Classic, Pro, and FE fashions within the final three years.

Samsung Galaxy Watches’ strengths:

• Exynos {hardware} is optimized for quick efficiency
• Classic, Ultra each provide distinctive seems for Android watches
• Most Wear OS updates (4 years) and speediest behind Google
• Samsung Health AI insights are helpful and at present free (although possibly not in 2026+)
• Latest fashions have correct HR and Location Services monitoring

Samsung Galaxy Watches’ weaknesses

• Mainline watch design is not that engaging; lack of crown is polarizing
• Need to pay high greenback for constant multi-day battery life (Ultra)
• Galaxy Watch FE is only a reskinned Watch 4 with previous tech
• Some options require Galaxy cellphone (AFib detection, sleep apnea)

Current offers: As of publication, the Watch FE ($126), Watch 6 ($139), Watch 7 ($202), Watch 6 Classic ($239), and Watch Ultra ($434) all have vital Black Friday reductions. They’re most cost-effective on Amazon, however for those who purchase from Samsung, you may commerce in any look ahead to $100 further off, or most Galaxy Watches for $200–300 off, making most of them near free.

My suggestion: The Galaxy Watch 7, Watch Ultra, and Watch 6 are all on my greatest Android watch information, and we have given every glowing critiques with a couple of caveats. Any of those are price shopping for, particularly if in case you have a Galaxy cellphone.

Comparing the Watch 7 vs. Watch 6, they don’t seem to be all that completely different other than the newer Exynos chip, further storage, and improved Location Services and HR information. I would profit from the Watch 7 as a result of I’m a runner, however the Watch 6 is greater than adequate for informal athletes, particularly at that value and with three years of updates remaining. That’s my first suggestion.

You may also pay somewhat further for the Watch 6 Classic, however provided that you are actually invested in its fashion and the bodily rotating bezel. Since Samsung deserted the Watch 5 Pro, it might simply do the identical for the 6 Classic now that it has the costly Ultra; which means now’s your probability to get one.

I really like my Galaxy Watch Ultra for its doubled battery life, 3,000-nit show, and cooler design than different Galaxy Watches. But even at a deal value, it is costly; you may reduce the worth all the way down to $189 with the appropriate trade-in, however on the full $434, it is tougher to advocate when you will get one other Galaxy Watch for lower than half that.

Google Pixel Watch (3 and a couple of): Pros and cons

While the unique Pixel Watch was a long-delayed, enjoyable however flawed smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 2 and Watch 3 fastened its flaws by including a correctly quick Snapdragon chip (PW2), an array of Fitbit sensors (PW2), and a brilliant, thin-bordered show in two sizes (PW3). Without these deal-breakers, the Pixel Watch has grow to be a fantastic Pixel cellphone companion.

Google Pixel Watches’ strengths:

• First to obtain quite a lot of Google-specific apps and methods, with three OS updates
• Probably essentially the most non-traditional and crowd pleasing Android watch design
• Fitbit well being information is commonly spot-on, and its health software program retains enhancing
• All-around robust efficiency and improved battery life with Wear OS 5

Google Pixel Watches’ weaknesses:

• Rounded show is pretty susceptible to wreck, lacks sapphire glass
• Tends to be the costliest and least ceaselessly discounted, with the one Wear OS well being subscription
• No alternate or “Ultra” variations with enhanced battery for energy customers

Current offers: The Pixel Watch 3 45mm ($329) is simply $70 off, however the LTE model ($329) is $170 off, that means you would possibly as nicely get the free mobile perk. The Pixel Watch 3 41mm ($279) is a bit more reasonably priced, whereas the Pixel Watch 2 ($145) has a powerful low cost.

My suggestions: Several Android Central staffers use the Pixel Watch 3 as their each day smartwatch regardless of having different free choices available; that is why I titled my Watch 3 evaluate “Our favourite smartwatch.” They desire Google’s colourful UI and inventory Wear OS software program to Samsung’s One UI Watch — to not point out the Pixel Watch’s extra engaging look and crown controls.

That being mentioned, the Pixel Watch 3 and a couple of aren’t for everybody. They have unique integrations with Pixel cellphone apps and instruments, which can be a deal-breaker or draw for you. Fitbit caters to athletes, however the lack of steel across the show does not lend itself to rugged sports activities circumstances. And different Wear OS watches final days longer.

If you are weighing the Pixel Watch 3 vs. Watch 2, it actually comes down as to if or not you need to soar from a thick-bordered 1.2-inch show to a brighter, smoother 1.28- or 1.43-inch show. The newer watch has different upgrades like sooner charging and UWB that the linked information runs by; the visible downgrade is what issues most, however it’ll prevent about $130. Not a foul commerce!

OnePlus Watch (2 & 2R): Pros & cons

OnePlus’ first Wear OS watch, the OnePlus Watch 2, was a collaborative effort with Google, utilizing Wear OS for the primary Snapdragon chip however a coprocessor working its proprietary RTOS for background duties. The OnePlus Watch 2R has the identical internals, solely a plainer and fewer rugged design for a lower cost. Both have OnePlus’ trademark fast-charging tech and robust efficiency, but additionally some flaws that extra polished Wear OS watches lack.

OnePlus watches’ strengths:

• The battery life will blow you away
• Military-grade sturdiness and basic fashion (Watch 2 solely)
• Surprisingly first rate health accuracy with dual-band Location Services
• Very affordably priced
• Two promised Wear OS updates

OnePlus watches’ weaknesses

• No smaller show possibility or working crown
• No assure on how shortly Wear OS updates will arrive
• OHealth is naked in comparison with Samsung Health or Fitbit
• No LTE possibility exterior of China

Current offers: The OnePlus Watch 2 ($199) has a higher low cost than the Watch 2R ($169), and it is also the one watch at present accessible on Amazon. The Watch 2R ships instantly from OnePlus and comes with a free fluoroelastomer band within the field.

My suggestion: The important purpose to purchase the Watch 2 is for its 3–4-day battery life, matching or beating the Galaxy Watch Ultra however for lower than half the worth. In trade, you miss out on Samsung or Google perks like ECGs, pores and skin temperature readings, standalone mobile, crown or bezel controls past display screen swipes, and so forth.

I additionally do not suppose I’d like utilizing OHealth as my common health information; for those who select the Watch 2, I’d advocate counting on a third-party Wear OS possibility like Strava as a substitute.

According to a leaker, the OnePlus Watch 3 arrives in January alongside the OnePlus 13. If that is true, then it’s possible you’ll need to wait on shopping for the Watch 2. This new launch might herald the lacking Wear OS 5 replace for the older watches; if the Watch 3 additionally launches with Wear OS 4, that’ll reveal one thing about whether or not or not OnePlus can sustain with Google and Samsung on software program.

Mobvoi TicWatch (E3, 3, 5, Enduro, Atlas): Pros and cons

TicWatch is the one Wear OS model left standing that does not have its personal ecosystem of units and focuses solely on smartwatches. It releases new watches yearly like clockwork, and we have virtually all the time given them optimistic critiques. But ever since Wear OS 3, Mobvoi has fallen a few yr behind different manufacturers on updates whereas shedding entry to options like Google Assistant.

Mobvoi TicWatch strengths:

• Enduro and Atlas have sturdiness, battery lifetime of GW Ultra for a lot much less
• Unique dual-panel show can stretch battery over a month
• Performance is reliably quick, with entry to Play Store suite

Mobvoi TicWatch weaknesses:

• Will in all probability stay a yr behind Google and Samsung for updates, with no signal of Google Assistant
• Current watches haven’t any assured quantity of updates
• Most fashions are available one massive, heavy measurement

Current offers: The TicWatch E3 ($79), Pro 3 Location Services ($79), and Pro 3 Ultra ($119) are all about as low cost as a Wear OS watch is prone to be. For newer fashions with up to date software program, the TicWatch Pro 5 ($209) and Pro 5 Enduro ($244) are each over $100 off, whereas the latest Atlas ($279) is reasonably priced for those who examine it to the Galaxy Watch Ultra or Pixel Watch 3 45mm.

My suggestion: The Mobvoi Wear OS 4 replace has a big selection of optimizations and health options. Older smartwatches just like the TicWatch E3 and Pro 3 will not obtain it, so learn that record and resolve for those who can stay with out these perks before you purchase a last-gen mannequin. Personally, I would not purchase the older fashions, however that is as a result of I’m keen to spend somewhat extra on a smartwatch.

As for the newest fashions, we solely rated the TicWatch Pro 5 increased than the 5 Enduro as a result of the software program replace subject wasn’t totally clear in 2023, and we anticipated the watches to get Google Assistant like Fossil watches did. By and enormous, you are shopping for TicWatches for a similar purpose as OnePlus watches: for the reasonably priced battery life and rugged designs, and for those who’re much less involved about cutting-edge good options.

Look at it this fashion: do you really use smartwatch apps, or do you solely use smartwatches to verify notifications and work out? If the latter, then maybe you do not want a Pixel or Galaxy watch with years of options to return, and you will be proud of an reasonably priced TicWatch as a substitute.

We technically did not cowl each Wear OS smartwatch, however I do not advocate shopping for the Fossil Gen 6 — additionally on sale for Black Friday — as a result of Fossil does not help Wear OS anymore, other than the occasional safety replace. And for those who discover another Wear OS watch in inventory just like the Citizen CZ Smart, the identical precept applies (skip it).

The Xiaomi Watch 2 and a couple of Pro aren’t bought within the United States, and we have but to evaluate them; in the event that they occur to be on sale in your area, then most of my OnePlus execs and cons will in all probability apply. On paper, they’re very related watches.

Otherwise, no matter Android smartwatch you are in search of, it is in all probability on sale proper now! So hopefully this information will assist you concentrate on what you want (or do not want) out of your subsequent low cost smartwatch.