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When buying a smartwatch now, there is really no need to focus solely on high-end flagships. After several years of development, many affordable models have already done a good job in health monitoring, sports tracking, and daily use. On the contrary, details like battery life and wearing comfort are more likely to affect the long-term user experience.

By 2026, Apple, Huawei, and Samsung all have many noteworthy products. However, the focus of each brand’s watches is different. The smartwatches selected this time were all based on at least a week of wearing tests, mainly looking at daily operation, health monitoring, sports tracking, and actual battery life, rather than just comparing specifications.

One more thing not to ignore: always check phone compatibility before buying. Apple Watch only works with iPhone, Samsung’s recent Galaxy Watch models are mainly aimed at Android users, and although some Huawei models support different phone systems, their features may vary. Let’s take a look at which smartwatches are more worth considering in 2026.

Best All-Around Smartwatch: Samsung Galaxy Watch 9

The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 shows little change in appearance, but the performance upgrade is indeed quite attractive. The new generation Snapdragon Wear Elite processor makes operations smoother, with app opening and menu switching feeling very responsive during testing, and the dual-band GPS also provides a better hardware foundation for sports positioning.

It is available in two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, with the 40mm version weighing only 31.5 grams and measuring 8.6mm in thickness, making its slim body perfect for daily wear. The screen display is clear, and the appearance continues Samsung’s familiar design style.

The health features are also quite comprehensive, covering sleep, heart rate, body composition, and exercise tracking. However, some advanced features require a Samsung phone to work, which is something you should clarify before buying.

Unfortunately, the battery life is a bit disappointing. The 40mm version is equipped with a 390mAh battery, which in the original test only lasted until around 3 PM the next day. If you want to monitor your sleep continuously, the charging schedule is still somewhat inconvenient.

The Galaxy Watch9 starts at 2,499 RMB in China. If you are already using a Samsung phone and care about performance and health features, it is a good choice. However, if you are only looking for a battery life upgrade, I don’t think it’s worth rushing to buy.

Best budget smartwatch under 100 RMB: Laisidi Q3

For the Laisidi Q3, I think its biggest appeal is the price. It costs only 89 RMB now, which is cheaper than many smart bands.

When I first tried it out, my requirements were actually very simple: just make it easy to wear daily. It features a 46mm round dial with a 1.28-inch IPS screen and a 240×240 resolution. The display quality definitely cannot compare to high-end AMOLED watches, but for checking the time, messages, and fitness data, I think it works just fine.

I particularly like its Bluetooth calling feature; once connected to the phone, I can answer incoming calls directly on the watch, and WeChat and QQ messages are also synced for notifications.

Health features include heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, and blood pressure monitoring. However, I only use the data from this budget-friendly watch for reference, and I definitely won’t rely on it for blood pressure readings. It also offers plenty of sports modes, covering daily activities like running, cycling, and hiking, which basically meets the tracking needs of an average user.

In terms of battery life, it features a built-in 260mAh battery, rated for 3 to 5 days of normal use, with magnetic charging taking about 2 hours. It also has an IP68 waterproof rating, so you don’t need to worry too much about daily sweat or getting it wet while washing your hands. Of course, the Q3 can hardly be called a professional sports watch, as there are compromises in its screen and health monitoring capabilities. But at the price of 89 yuan, if you just want to take calls, check messages, and record your workouts on the side, I think it is still quite worth considering.

The best choice for iPhone users: Apple Watch Series 12

If you are an iPhone user, the Apple Watch Series 12 is still one of my top recommendations. Compared to the bulkier Ultra 4, it is better suited for daily wear. Although the design hasn’t changed much from the previous generation, the health feature upgrades this time are truly impressive.

The most obvious change is the brand-new health sensing system. The Series 12 is equipped with the S11 chip, further increasing the frequency of heart rate monitoring, and heart rate variability has also been integrated into the Vital Signs app. The newly added Readiness Index is particularly noteworthy; it combines sleep, activity levels, and physical condition to provide a score, helping to determine whether high-intensity exercise is suitable for the day.

Daily operations remain smooth, with app switching and interface responsiveness feeling quite snappy. However, what truly attracts me is that the health data is richer than before, making it especially suitable for those with long-term exercise habits.

In terms of appearance, it continues to offer two sizes, 42mm and 46mm, with a design that offers no surprises. The battery life is also officially rated for a maximum of 24 hours; if you are used to wearing it at night to track your sleep, you will basically still need to find time to charge it every day.

The Apple Watch Series 12 starts at 2,999 RMB in mainland China. If you are still using the Series 9 or an earlier model, it is indeed worth considering this time. However, if you already have the Series 11, I don’t think it’s necessary to rush into an upgrade just for a few new health features. There are plenty of reasons to consider upgrading, as the addition of health features and the boost in speed alone are strong enough justifications.

Best Outdoor Sports Smartwatch: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2

The changes in the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 are quite noticeable this time. The exterior retains its familiar rugged style, but the body is thinner, and the wearing comfort has been improved. The titanium case, paired with IP69K and 10ATM protection, has also passed the EN13319 diving equipment certification, and can even record diving data at depths of up to 40 meters.

The screen is one of my favorite upgrades. The 1.52-inch AMOLED display, with its peak brightness boosted to 5000 nits, makes viewing workout data much easier under bright outdoor light. The Snapdragon Wear Elite processor also ensures smoother operation, making app switching and notification viewing highly responsive.

The sports features are equally comprehensive. The dual-band GPS performed stably during testing, with no noticeable positioning interruptions even when passing through dense urban areas with high-rise buildings. It covers trail running route navigation, diving monitoring, and heart rate and blood oxygen recording, making it better suited for outdoor sports than a standard smartwatch.

The battery life is still a bit disappointing. Although the battery capacity has increased to 800mAh, actual testing shows it only lasts about two days, and the gap remains significant compared to professional sports watches that last one to two weeks.

The Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is priced at 5,299 RMB in China, which is indeed not cheap. If you frequently run, hike, or dive, its professional features are very appealing. However, for just tracking daily workouts and sleep, I think the Galaxy Watch 9 is already enough.

The best durable Apple smartwatch: Apple Watch Ultra 4

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 has almost no changes in appearance this time, still featuring a 49mm titanium case, with a familiar button layout and wearing experience. If you are already using the Ultra 3, it might be hard to find a reason to upgrade based on looks alone. However, the internal upgrades are quite interesting.

The brand-new S11 chip, paired with the health sensing system, enables more frequent monitoring of heart rate and heart rate variability. The newly added Readiness Index is also highly practical, as it combines recent activity, sleep, and vital signs to assess your body’s condition for the day. For those who train regularly, this offers much more valuable insights than simply tracking workout duration.

Outdoor capabilities remain a strong suit. The 3000-nit screen, dual-band GPS, and 100-meter water resistance are all retained, and it also supports recreational diving up to 40 meters deep. Daily operation is very smooth, though the perceived performance upgrade is not as noticeable as the battery life improvement compared to the previous generation.

Battery life is a satisfying aspect this time. The official rating is up to 50 hours, and it can reach 84 hours in low power mode. In the original actual experience, it only needs charging after about two days of normal use, which is much more hassle-free than a regular Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch Ultra 4 starts at 6,499 RMB in mainland China. If you are still using the Ultra 2 or older models, it is worth considering this time. However, if you already have the Ultra 3, I don’t think there is a rush to upgrade, as the design and core outdoor features haven’t changed much.

Best Value Smartwatch: Huawei WATCH FIT 5 Pro

Although the Huawei WATCH FIT 5 Pro leans more towards being a sports watch, I find it more practical than many high-priced smartwatches. The starting price of 2099 yuan isn’t particularly cheap, but its battery life is indeed an advantage. Officially, it lasts up to 10 days with light use and 7 days with normal use, and can even hold out for 4 days with the Always-On Display enabled.

The screen is equally uncompromising. The 1.92-inch AMOLED display reaches a peak brightness of 3000 nits, making it much easier to view workout data during outdoor runs. Weighing about 30.4 grams without the strap, and paired with the woven strap in the Danxia Orange version, its lightweight design is even better suited for long-term wear.

The sports features are what attract me most. In addition to running, cycling, and trail running, it also supports route navigation, with an officially rated maximum battery life of 25 hours in trail running mode. The micro-workout feature is also quite interesting, offering 30 sets of simple exercises. Taking a few minutes to move around during a long day of sitting at the office is much easier to stick to than complex training courses.

Of course, its third-party app ecosystem is not as rich as the Apple Watch. If you care more about battery life, fitness tracking, and wearing comfort rather than installing various apps on your watch, the WATCH FIT 5 Pro is definitely worth considering.

Best for quick health checks: Huawei WATCH 6

What attracts me most to the Huawei WATCH 6 this time is not the fitness features, but that health checks have become more convenient. Especially for those who frequently monitor their heart rate, blood oxygen, and overall body condition, there is no longer a need to open different detection items one by one.

The upgraded X-TAP smart window is indeed interesting. A light press for 3 seconds can initiate a mini health check, completing the measurement in 60 seconds and providing up to 20 health indicators, including heart rate, blood oxygen, ECG, and vascular health information. However, some items need to be activated in advance, so you might not get complete data every time.

The design still features a round dial, with the 46mm version equipped with a 1.5-inch AMOLED screen and a peak brightness of 3000 nits. However, the 60-gram body weight is not exactly light; if you have a relatively thin wrist, the 38-gram 42mm version might be a better fit.

In terms of battery life, the 46mm version lasts up to 4.5 days in the all-around mode, and about 3 days with the Always-On Display enabled. Switching to power-saving mode can extend the battery life, but the micro-checkup feature will also be limited, which is something to keep in mind.

The Huawei WATCH 6 (China version) starts at 2,799 RMB. If you are more focused on health monitoring and want to quickly check your body data at any time, I think it is more attractive than smartwatches that simply stack up sports features.

Best Diving Smartwatch: Huawei WATCH Ultimate 2

The Huawei WATCH Ultimate 2 feels more like a traditional high-end timepiece to me. The amorphous zirconium alloy case paired with a ceramic bezel, especially the Ocean Blue version, makes the blue and white color scheme highly recognizable. However, it weighs 80.5 grams excluding the strap, so it will definitely feel quite substantial for daily wear.

What truly interests me is the diving feature. The WATCH Ultimate 2 supports 20ATM water resistance, with a maximum diving depth of up to 150 meters, and can record data such as water depth and diving time. Compared to ordinary smartwatches, it clearly places more emphasis on professional underwater scenarios.

The newly added Dolphin sonar communication is also quite unique. It allows divers to send preset messages underwater at a distance of up to 30 meters, and in case of an emergency, it can also send an SOS distress signal, which can be forwarded through other compatible watches. However, the underwater environment is complex, and the actual communication performance will be affected by noise and obstructions, so it cannot be completely relied upon for safety.

Of course, this watch is not without its drawbacks. The body is somewhat heavy, and the third-party app ecosystem is not particularly rich. The Chinese version starts at 6,499 yuan, with the Weihai Blue version priced at 7,499 yuan.

If you only need it for daily fitness tracking, there is absolutely no need to spend this much money. However, for those who dive frequently and appreciate traditional watch designs, I think it truly has its own unique appeal.

Smartwatch with excellent battery life: Xiaomi Watch 5

What attracts me most about the Xiaomi Watch 5 is its battery life. It is equipped with a 930mAh battery, officially rated for up to 6 days of use in performance mode, and can reach up to 18 days in power-saving mode. For those who dislike frequent charging, this is indeed a significant advantage.

In terms of performance, it adopts a dual-chip architecture with the Snapdragon W5 and BES2800, balancing daily operations and low-power requirements. The watch also supports standalone apps like WeChat and Alipay, offering richer features than ordinary sports watches.

What I find particularly interesting is the gesture control. The newly added electromyography sensor can recognize actions like pinching and rubbing fingers, which can be used to answer calls, turn off alarms, or control compatible Xiaomi devices. Although these operations are not indispensable every day, they are indeed useful when it is inconvenient to touch the screen with both hands.

The appearance is not that fresh. The round dial paired with a stainless steel case makes the design quite traditional, and the body is not exactly lightweight.

The Xiaomi Watch 5 launches in China starting at 1,999 yuan. If you want relatively complete smart features but don’t want to charge your watch every day, I think it is a choice worth considering.

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