10 Best Android Smartwatches of 2024: A Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right Android smartwatch can be challenging with so many options available. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic, a tech enthusiast, or someone who just wants to stay connected, there’s a watch for you. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Android smartwatches available on the market right now, complete with their key features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
The Galaxy Watch 6 series is the best all-around Android smartwatch for most people. It offers a premium design, excellent performance, and deep integration with the Android ecosystem, particularly for Samsung users. The display is bright and beautiful, and the return of the rotating bezel on the Classic model is a welcome feature for easy navigation.
Pros:
- Vibrant and incredibly bright AMOLED display (up to 2000 nits).
- Smooth and responsive performance with the new Exynos W930 chip.
- Excellent health and fitness tracking, including ECG and body composition analysis.
- Refined design and the return of the physical rotating bezel on the Classic model.
Cons:
- Battery life is still limited to about a day on a single charge with heavy use.
- Some features, like ECG and blood pressure monitoring, are exclusive to Samsung phones.
- Expensive, especially the Classic model.
2. Google Pixel Watch 2
Google’s second-generation smartwatch refines the original’s beautiful design while addressing key weaknesses. With a faster processor and improved battery life, the Pixel Watch 2 offers a more reliable and enjoyable experience. Its deep integration with Google services and Fitbit’s robust health-tracking platform makes it a strong contender for anyone in the Google ecosystem.
Pros:
- Sleek, minimalist, and highly comfortable design.
- Improved battery life that can last a full day with the always-on display.
- Best-in-class health and fitness tracking powered by Fitbit.
- Seamless integration with Google apps like Google Maps and Google Wallet.
Cons:
- Still only available in one size, which may be too small for some users.
- The proprietary watch band attachment system limits third-party options.
- Durability is not on par with some rugged competitors.
3. Garmin Venu 3
For those who prioritize fitness and battery life, the Garmin Venu 3 is an outstanding choice. It bridges the gap between a dedicated sports watch and a lifestyle smartwatch, offering advanced health metrics, accurate GPS tracking, and a stunning AMOLED display. Its multi-week battery life is a massive advantage over most competitors.
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life, lasting up to 14 days in smartwatch mode.
- Comprehensive and accurate health and fitness tracking.
- Bright AMOLED display with an elegant design.
- Built-in microphone and speaker for calls and voice assistants.
Cons:
- More expensive than many other smartwatches on the market.
- The Garmin OS has a smaller third-party app ecosystem compared to Wear OS.
- Lacks cellular connectivity option.
4. Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5
The TicWatch Pro 5 excels in one crucial area: battery life. Thanks to its unique dual-display technology, which overlays a transparent, low-power display on top of a vibrant AMOLED screen, this watch can last for several days on a single charge. It also features the powerful Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chip, making it fast and responsive.
Pros:
- Outstanding multi-day battery life (up to 80 hours in Smart Mode).
- Dual-display technology for at-a-glance information and power savings.
- Powerful performance with the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 processor.
- Robust build with military-grade durability.
Cons:
- Bulky design that may not suit smaller wrists.
- No cellular option available.
- Mobvoi’s software can sometimes feel less polished than Samsung or Google’s.
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch FE
The Galaxy Watch FE (Fan Edition) offers a proper Wear OS experience at a more accessible price point. It essentially repackages the popular Galaxy Watch 4 with a few tweaks, making it a great entry-level option for anyone who wants access to the full Google and Samsung health and app ecosystem without the premium price tag.
Pros:
- Very affordable for a full Wear OS smartwatch.
- Access to a vast library of apps on the Google Play Store.
- Includes core health features like ECG and body composition analysis.
- Durable design with sapphire crystal glass.
Cons:
- Uses an older processor and has shorter battery life than the Galaxy Watch 6.
- Smaller display with only one size option.
- Feels like an older-generation device in some aspects.
6. OnePlus Watch 2
The OnePlus Watch 2 is a strong contender, particularly for its exceptional battery life and solid performance. Its dual-engine architecture, combining a flagship Snapdragon chip for smart features and a low-power MCU for essential tasks, allows it to achieve multi-day battery life that rivals even some fitness trackers.
Pros:
- Incredible battery life, lasting up to 100 hours in some modes.
- Durable and robust design with a sapphire crystal display.
- Fast and fluid performance with its dual-chip system.
- Offers a seamless experience with OnePlus phones.
Cons:
- Limited to only one size option.
- The health features and ecosystem aren’t as comprehensive as Fitbit or Samsung Health.
- The design is large and may not be comfortable for all users.
7. Amazfit GTR 4
The Amazfit GTR 4 is a beautiful, budget-friendly smartwatch that looks and feels premium. While it runs on its own Zepp OS instead of Wear OS, it offers a huge range of sports modes, a bright AMOLED display, and a remarkable battery life that can last for weeks. It’s an excellent choice for fitness tracking and everyday use.
Pros:
- Elegant, premium design with a circular AMOLED display.
- Outstanding battery life, lasting up to 14 days with typical use.
- Extensive fitness tracking with over 150 sports modes.
- Built-in GPS with dual-band positioning for high accuracy.
Cons:
- Lacks the deep app ecosystem of Wear OS devices.
- Does not have built-in cellular connectivity.
- The software can sometimes feel less refined than competitors.
8. Fossil Gen 6
The Fossil Gen 6 is a stylish and classic-looking smartwatch that runs on Wear OS. It offers a great balance of fashion and technology, with a sleek design and fast charging capabilities. While it’s not the newest model, it’s a solid choice for those who value aesthetics and are looking for a reliable Wear OS experience.
Pros:
- Elegant, classic watch design and a variety of styles.
- Very fast charging technology.
- Smooth performance powered by the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ platform.
- Access to the full suite of Wear OS apps and features.
Cons:
- Battery life is a major weak point, often not lasting a full day.
- The software is an older version of Wear OS.
- Lacks some advanced health sensors found on newer models.
9. Garmin Vivoactive 5
The Vivoactive 5 is a sleek and affordable option from Garmin that focuses on health and fitness. It features a bright AMOLED display, a lightweight design, and many of Garmin’s renowned tracking features. While it’s less of a “smartwatch” and more of a “fitness watch with smart features,” its impressive battery life and reliable performance make it a great option.
Pros:
- Very bright and clear AMOLED display.
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear and sleep tracking.
- Excellent battery life, lasting up to 11 days.
- Includes key Garmin features like Body Battery and nap detection.
Cons:
- Lacks an altimeter and has limited third-party app support.
- Doesn’t have a built-in microphone or speaker.
- Not as feature-rich as the Venu series.
10. Withings ScanWatch 2
The Withings ScanWatch 2 is a hybrid smartwatch that combines the timeless elegance of an analog watch with smart technology hidden beneath. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants smart features without a digital display. It offers a month-long battery life and accurate health tracking in a beautifully subtle design.
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life, lasting up to 30 days.
- Classic, analog watch design that is discreet and stylish.
- Accurate health tracking, including heart rate and ECG.
- Water-resistant for swimming and daily use.
Cons:
- The small PMOLED display is limited and hard to read at a glance.
- Lacks a vibrant, full-color display for apps and notifications.
- Does not support third-party apps like Spotify or Google Pay.
Comparison Table: Key Specs and Features
| Model | Display | Processor | Battery Life (Typical) | Health Sensors | Price (Approx. USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 | 1.5″ Super AMOLED | Exynos W930 | ~40 hours | HRM, ECG, BIA, SpO2 | $300 – $400 |
| Google Pixel Watch 2 | 1.2″ AMOLED | Qualcomm SW5100 | ~24 hours | HRM, ECG, SpO2, cEDA | $350 |
| Garmin Venu 3 | 1.4″ AMOLED | Proprietary | Up to 14 days | HRM, ECG, SpO2 | $450 |
| Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 | 1.43″ Dual-Display | Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 | Up to 80 hours | HRM, SpO2, Skin Temp. | $350 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch FE | 1.2″ AMOLED | Exynos W920 | ~40 hours | HRM, ECG, BIA, SpO2 | $200 |
| OnePlus Watch 2 | 1.43″ AMOLED | Snapdragon W5 + BES 2700 | Up to 100 hours | HRM, SpO2 | $300 |
| Amazfit GTR 4 | 1.43″ AMOLED | Proprietary | Up to 14 days | HRM, SpO2 | $200 |
| Fossil Gen 6 | 1.28″ AMOLED | Snapdragon 4100+ | ~24 hours | HRM, SpO2 | $250 |
| Garmin Vivoactive 5 | 1.2″ AMOLED | Proprietary | Up to 11 days | HRM, SpO2 | $300 |
| Withings ScanWatch 2 | Analog + PMOLED | Proprietary | Up to 30 days | HRM, ECG, SpO2, Skin Temp. | $350 |