Smartwatches for Android and iOS in 2026: which ones are the best to choose
February 21, 2026
In 2026, smartwatches are no longer just devices that show time and notifications - they are full-fledged assistants for health, sports, communication, and even safety. However, choosing the ideal model heavily depends on your smartphone: the Apple ecosystem offers deep integration with the iPhone, while Android users get the maximum capabilities from Google Wear OS devices, Samsung, or universal Garmin models.
Today, the top of the rankings includes Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 for iPhone owners, Google Pixel Watch 4 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 for Android users. These models combine stylish design, accurate health sensors (heart rate, SpO₂, sleep, ECG), battery life from 1 to 5 days, and a huge number of applications.
In this article, we will break down which watch will best suit you personally - depending on your budget, sports needs, smartphone ecosystem, and desired battery life without recharging. Let's start with the main contenders of 2026.
1. Apple Watch Ultra 3
Apple Watch Ultra 3 GPS - this is a model from the premium series, designed for people who often use their watch in challenging conditions: outdoor sports, travel, outdoor work. The case here is large - 49 mm, made of titanium, making it durable and relatively lightweight compared to other materials of this size. Cellular support allows you to make calls, send messages, and listen to music without your phone nearby, provided you have a SIM card or eSIM.
The watch is designed for longer use without recharging - up to 42 hours in normal mode. Among the sensors there is an altimeter for measuring altitude and a thermometer for monitoring body temperature. The Anchor Blue Ocean Band strap is made for active use - it stays securely on the wrist during movement and is not afraid of water.
Key points and specifications:
Case material: aerospace-grade titanium
Connectivity support: GPS + Cellular (includes 4G and 5G)
Battery: Li-Ion, up to 42 hours in typical usage mode
Sensors: altimeter and thermometer
Strap: Anchor Blue Ocean Band in blue color
2. Apple Watch Series 11
Apple Watch Series 11 GPS 46mm - this is the base 46 mm model without the ability to work independently of the iPhone. It is suitable for people who always carry their phone with them and do not want to overpay for cellular connectivity in the watch. The case is aluminum, in Jet Black color - dark, scratches are practically invisible on the dark background.
Battery life is standard for most Apple Watch models - about 18 hours with normal use. It includes an altimeter and thermometer, just like the higher-end models. The Black Sport Band strap is simple and comfortable for daily wear, size M/L fits most adult wrists.
Key points and specifications:
Case material: aluminum
Connectivity support: GPS only (no 4G/5G)
Battery: Li-Ion, up to 18 hours in typical usage mode
Sensors: altimeter and thermometer
Strap: Black Sport Band size M/L
3. Apple Watch SE 3
Apple Watch SE 3 GPS - this is the youngest model in Apple's current lineup. The case is 40 mm, aluminum, in Starlight color - light, warm beige shade. Cellular support allows you to use the watch independently of your phone when needed.
This is a good option for those who want basic Apple Watch features (notifications, calls, fitness tracking, payments) without overpaying for premium materials or extra features. The battery lasts up to 18 hours. Sensors include an altimeter and thermometer. The Starlight Sport Band strap is light, soft, size S/M fits narrow wrists or women/teenagers.
Key points and specifications:
Case material: aluminum
Connectivity support: GPS + Cellular (4G/5G support)
Battery: Li-Ion, up to 18 hours in typical usage mode
Sensors: altimeter and thermometer
Strap: Starlight Sport Band size S/M
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Galaxy Watch Ultra - this is a model with a titanium case, designed for those who want a watch with increased durability and longer battery life. It supports 4G, so it can work without a phone nearby - make calls, receive messages, or use the internet. Titanium makes the case resistant to impacts and scratches, while the weight remains reasonable.
The watch is designed for longer use - up to 48 hours in normal mode. It includes a thermometer for measuring body temperature. Suitable for people who are actively involved in sports or simply want reliable Android watches without frequent charging.
Key points and specifications:
Case material: titanium
Connectivity support: 4G
Compatibility: Android
Thermometer: yes
Battery type: Li-Ion
Battery life (typical usage): up to 48 hours
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Galaxy Watch 7 - this is the base version of the Galaxy Watch 7 in a smaller 40 mm size and green color. The watch works only via Bluetooth, so a phone is always required nearby for full functionality. The case is compact, fits well on narrow wrists or for those who do not like large models.
Among the sensors there is a thermometer, Bluetooth version 5.3 provides a stable connection. Li-Ion battery, standard battery life for such models. Suitable for daily use - notifications, fitness tracking, payments - without the need for independent connectivity.
Key points and specifications:
4G/5G support: no
Bluetooth: 5.3
Compatibility: Android
Thermometer: yes
Battery type: Li-Ion
6. Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic
Galaxy Watch8 Classic - this is a version with a classic design and a larger 46 mm black case. The watch is aimed at Android users and works via Bluetooth 5.3, so a smartphone is required for full functionality. The larger case makes the screen easier to read, suitable for men or those accustomed to large watches.
There is a thermometer among the sensors, Li-Ion battery. The model is well suited for daily wear when you want something more substantial than regular sports bands, but without mobile connectivity.
Key points and specifications:
4G/5G support: no
Bluetooth: 5.3
Compatibility: Android
Thermometer: yes
Battery type: Li-Ion
7. Garmin Fenix 7S Pro Solar
Fenix 7S Pro Solar - these are watches for people who engage in serious sports or spend a lot of time outdoors. They feature solar charging, so the battery can last longer when exposed to sunlight. The case is smaller (7S), comfortable for women or those who do not want a large watch on their wrist.
Compatible with Android, includes an altimeter and thermometer. Features a flashlight with multiple modes - regular light, red for night, strobe. Many training functions: HRV status, sleep analysis, animated exercises on the screen, adaptive training plans, worldwide TopoActive maps, phone/watch finder, music control.
Key points and specifications:
Solar charging: yes
Altimeter: yes
Thermometer: yes
4G/5G support: no
Compatibility: Android
Flashlight: adjustable intensity, red signal mode, strobe
Other features: HRV status, sleep overview, animated workouts on screen, phone and watch finder, adaptive training plans, music control, training forecasts, preloaded worldwide TopoActive maps
8. Garmin Fenix 8
Fenix 8 - this is one of the largest models in the series, with an AMOLED screen that is clearly visible even in bright sunlight, and sapphire glass over a titanium case. Sapphire makes the screen highly scratch-resistant, while titanium adds durability with relatively low weight. The watch is certified to EN13319 diving standard, so it can be used underwater at certain depths without issues.
There is no mobile connectivity support here; it works only via Bluetooth with a smartphone. It includes a voice assistant for hands-free control of some functions, an altimeter for measuring altitude, and a thermometer for body temperature. Suitable for people engaged in extreme sports, diving, mountaineering, or those who simply want a large screen and reliable case for extended outdoor use.
Key points and specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Material: sapphire + titanium
4G/5G support: no
Compatibility: Android
Altimeter: yes
Thermometer: yes
Voice assistant: yes
Diving certification: EN13319
9. Garmin Fenix 8 Pro
Fenix 8 Pro - this is a model with a 47 mm titanium case and AMOLED screen. The size is medium between the smaller and largest Fenix 8 versions, so it fits well on most wrists. Titanium makes the watch durable and damage-resistant, while the AMOLED screen is bright and sharp.
Unlike base Fenix 8 models, this one supports mobile connectivity (4G/5G), allowing calls, messages, and internet access without a phone nearby. The battery lasts up to 15 days in typical usage mode - one of the longest durations among smartwatches. It includes an altimeter and thermometer. Suitable for those who want to combine long battery life, independent smartphone-free operation, and a rugged case for an active lifestyle.
Key points and specifications:
Screen: AMOLED
Material: titanium
4G/5G support - yes
Compatibility: Android
Altimeter: yes
Thermometer: yes
Battery life (typical usage): up to 27 days
10. OnePlus Watch 2R
OnePlus Watch 2R - this is a mid-range model with an emphasis on battery life and a basic set of functions for daily use. It works only with Android smartphones and supports Always On Display (the screen always shows time and basic information without significant battery drain). The thermometer allows measuring body or ambient temperature. Up to 4 days of battery life in typical mode means you do not need to charge it every day, which is convenient for people who forget to charge devices.
Key points and specifications:
4G/5G support: no
Compatibility: Android, iOS
Always On Display: yes
Thermometer: yes
Battery life in typical usage: up to 4 days
Display: round AMOLED
11. OnePlus Watch 3
OnePlus Watch 3 - this is a more premium model with an Obsidian titanium case (dark gray/black titanium). It is also compatible only with Android, features an altimeter for measuring altitude above sea level and a thermometer. Additionally, the watch tracks many health and activity parameters: movement speed, calorie expenditure, activity time, UV index, body fat percentage. This makes it convenient for people who exercise or simply want more detailed statistics.
Key points and specifications:
4G/5G support: no
Altimeter: yes
Thermometer: yes
Case material: Obsidian Titanium
Monitoring functions: movement speed, calories, activity time, UV index, body fat percentage
Display: AMOLED with high peak brightness
12. Garmin Descent Mk3i
Garmin Descent Mk3i - a specialized model for diving and water sports. 43 mm case with bronze PVD coating on titanium (durable, corrosion-resistant coating), French Gray silicone strap (gray). The watch features SubWave system for underwater communication between divers, color bathymetric maps (depth, bottom relief), over 4000 preloaded dive spots worldwide, multiple dive modes. Also includes a 3-axis compass, altimeter, and thermometer. Suitable for serious divers, not for regular pool swimming.
Key points and specifications:
Case size: 43 mm
Material: Bronze PVD Titanium
4G/5G support: no
Compatibility: Android
Altimeter: yes
Thermometer: yes
Underwater communication: SubWave sonar
Diving maps: color bathymetric maps + over 4000 dive locations
Dive modes: multiple profiles
Compass: 3-axis electronic
13. Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Series 9 - this is a mid-range model in Apple's lineup with the GPS version (no cellular). It features a 45 mm aluminum case in Midnight color (dark black) and a Midnight Sport Loop strap. The watch is equipped with an altimeter for measuring altitude and a thermometer for temperature. The Li-Ion battery lasts up to 18 hours in typical mode - meaning it usually lasts a day of active use, but you'll need to charge it in the evening. Suitable for those who want full integration with iPhone but do not need independent mobile internet.
Key points and specifications:
Case size: 45 mm
Case material: aluminum
4G/5G support: no
Altimeter: yes
Thermometer: yes
Battery life in typical usage: up to 18 hours
Battery type: Li-Ion
Strap: Midnight S. Loop
Compatibility: iOS only
14. Apple Watch SE 2 2024
Apple Watch SE 2 2024 - this is a more budget-friendly version in Apple's lineup, with GPS and no cellular connectivity. 40 mm aluminum case in Starlight color (light golden/beige), Starlight Sport Band strap size S/M. It includes an altimeter and thermometer, Bluetooth 5.0 for stable phone connection. Li-Ion battery, like in higher models, lasts about a day. This is a good option for those who want basic Apple Watch features (notifications, activity tracking, heart monitoring) but do not need the latest features or a large screen.
Key points and specifications:
Case size: 40 mm
Case material: aluminum
4G/5G support: no
Altimeter: yes
Thermometer: yes
Bluetooth: 5.0
Battery type: Li-Ion
Strap: Starlight Sport Band size S/M
Compatibility: iOS only
Conclusion
In 2026, smartwatches have already become part of daily life for many people - from simply viewing notifications to serious training tracking and health monitoring. The choice depends primarily on your smartphone: for iPhone, there is virtually no alternative to Apple Watch (Series 11, Ultra 3, SE 3, and other models), as only they provide full ecosystem integration. For Android users, the situation is broader - Samsung Galaxy Watch 7/8, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Google Pixel Watch 4, as well as the Garmin Fenix series offer various options depending on priorities.
If you are looking for a balance between design, convenience, and everyday functionality - pay attention to models with Wear OS or watchOS. For long training sessions, hikes, or precise sports analysis, Garmin often performs better due to longer battery life and specialized tools. Budget options also exist, but they usually have fewer sensors or lower accuracy.
The main thing is to determine what matters most to you: battery life, GPS accuracy, mobile connectivity support, case materials, or simply comfortable wear. Try the watch on if possible and check whether it feels comfortable specifically for you. Then the choice will truly be successful, without unnecessary compromises.