Can I use a Samsung Galaxy Watch with an iPhone?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and newer Galaxy Watch models officially require a Samsung Android phone for full functionality. They do not work with iPhone. If you have an iPhone, choose Apple Watch SE 2, Fitbit Versa 4, Amazfit GTR 4, or Garmin Vivoactive 5 — all of which work with iPhone and Android.

Does the Apple Watch SE have ECG?

No — the Apple Watch SE 2 does not include ECG or blood oxygen monitoring. Those features are exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. The SE 2 includes crash detection, emergency SOS, heart rate monitoring, and fitness tracking. For ECG on Apple Watch at a lower price, you would need the Series 9 (not in budget range) or a refurbished Series 7/8.

What is the difference between smartwatches and fitness trackers?

Smartwatches run apps, display rich notifications, and handle phone calls on your wrist. They typically have larger displays and more processing power. Fitness trackers are simpler, thinner, lighter, and have much better battery life — optimized for health metrics over smart features. If you primarily want health tracking, consider a fitness tracker. If you want smart features alongside health tracking, a smartwatch is the right choice.

Which budget smartwatch has the best battery life?

The Amazfit GTR 4 lasts up to 14 days on a charge — the longest battery life of any smartwatch in this guide. Garmin Vivoactive 5 claims 11 days. Samsung Galaxy Watch FE claims 40 hours (under 2 days). Apple Watch SE 2 gets about 18 hours. If battery life is your primary concern and you're willing to sacrifice some smart features, Amazfit dominates this category.

Is the Google Pixel Watch 2 worth buying if I don't have a Pixel phone?

Yes — the Pixel Watch 2 works with any Android phone running Android 9 or later, not just Pixel phones. However, some Pixel-specific features (including deep integration with Pixel camera and certain emergency features) work best with Pixel phones. The Fitbit integration, Wear OS experience, and Google Assistant functionality work fully with any compatible Android phone.

Best Budget Smartwatches of 2026: Premium