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Apple Watch Ultra 3 review: A Garmin-rivaling powerhouse for adventurers, and a lovely daily driver

3:00 pm | September 16, 2025

It's been a hectic release cycle for Apple's wearables, with the heart-rate monitoring AirPods Pro 3, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 all dropping at once. However, we're here to talk about Apple's flagship fitness powerhouse: the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

It’s finally a proper upgrade for the most rugged, go-anywhere, climb-every-mountain Apple Watch. In 2024, it got a slight spec bump and a fresh paint job, but for 2025 Apple’s really rounding out the Ultra 3 in a way that makes it a compelling upgrade for folks with the first or second generation Ultra, especially the former.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has been tested extensively, both at Apple Park and beyond the environs of the launch event. TechRadar’s Senior Fitness & Wearables Editor Matt Evans and US Managing Editor for News, Jacob Krol, have pulled double-duty on this review, testing it to develop a complete picture of how the Apple Watch Ultra 3 operates as a daily driver. Spoiler alert: it's great.

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Price and availability

$799 in US
£749 in UK
AU$1,399

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available for $799 / £749 / AU$1,399. This is the same price as its predecessor in most regions, although the Ultra 3 is slightly cheaper in the UK – the Apple Watch Ultra 2 cost £799 in the UK, so the Ultra 3 is better value there.

It's the most expensive Apple Watch, and 5G comes as standard, with no option to downgrade unlike other models. Whether it's good value entirely depends: if you're a casual exerciser or gym-goer looking to stretch your budget, this is more watch than you'll need and we'd advise you to get the Series 11 or SE 3.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast looking for a top-flight watch with a longer battery life, this is a terrific option.

Value score: 4/5

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Design

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Review — (Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

Same 49mm case as Ultra 2
Slightly larger screen
Recycled Natural or Black Titanium finishes

In the same way that Apple is sticking with the rounded 'squircle' look of previous iterations for its Series 11 smartwatch, it’s clear that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 rocks its tried-and-tested design here. It still offers a supersized 49-millimeter display in a thicker, more durable titanium body.

The Ultra 3 comes in Natural Titanium or Black Titanium, and I’ve (Jake) been testing the latter, which looks especially sleek. You can pair it with a custom-match Ultra Milanese Loop – a personal favorite band of mine – with one of the new 2025 options, like the Trail Loop, which now features reflective material on the edges, or with older bands that fit the 49mm / 46mm / 44mm sizes.

One change Apple made here is using a 3D printing process to build the case from recycled titanium, though you won’t notice any difference in appearance. The display, however, is seriously improved. Like the Series 11 – and the Series 10 before it – the Ultra 3 now boasts an always-on Retina OLED display with an LTPO3 panel, giving it finer control over the refresh rate for additional smoothness in motion. This shines with watch faces like the new Flow, Waypoint, or Exactograph.

It also enables wide-angle viewing, so even when glancing to the side you have a better chance of reading what’s on the display – I’ve found this especially helpful when checking notifications with my arm extended or in low brightness. Apple has also slimmed down the bezels by 24% all around. While noticeable when comparing the Ultra 3 to the Ultra 2 side by side, it’s most apparent when viewing maps – like hiking trails – or photos on the 49mm display.

The Ultra 3’s display can flex its brightness from as high as 3,000 nits in peak sunlight to as low as 1 nit in darkness. Much of the interface uses the Liquid Glass design language introduced in watchOS 26; and even though it looks snappy, it’s also plenty fast for handling actions thanks to the S10 chip inside.

It still charges with the same magnetic puck included in the box, but now supports faster charging.

Design score: 5/5

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Apple Watch Ultra 3: Features

Emergency SOS instructions intuitive
Satellite connectivity genuinely useful
I'm loving the new Sleep Score software update

Satellite connectivity for communication makes a lot of sense on a device that you’re likely to be wearing into areas without cell service, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is the first Apple Watch to support satellite connectivity.

The headline feature Apple announced at its September launch event was Emergency SOS via Satellite, and while I hope you never need it, we have used the demo version available on the watch. Much like the iPhone’s satellite connectivity, it walks you through the process of sending an alert: identifying the issue, guiding you on how to point your wrist for a satellite connection, packaging the info, sending it into orbit, and beaming a response back down.

In the demo, you trigger SOS on the Ultra 3 by dialing 911, 999 or your country's emergency code. Once it realized there was no grid connection, it began sending an emergency text via satellite. The watch guided us through a questionnaire – we selected “lost or trapped,” confirmed it was just us, and noted no active injuries. This is especially handy if you’re lost on a trail. As a final step, you can also notify emergency contacts.

The watch then instructed us to move our wrist left until it locked onto a satellite. At that point, it packaged the watch’s location, questionnaire details, and the linked medical ID. A relay center receives this data and can send messages back down.

This was, of course, a demo, but it shows how impressively the system works. Notably, it can sometimes transmit data without you moving your wrist, which could be helpful if it’s triggered as a backup during crash or fall detection.

Emergency SOS via Satellite is available for free for two years in the United States – though Apple has a history of extending that – and in the UK and Australia, it’s also free, along with the additional Find My features, which also operate via satellite. I was able to test Find My myself, but in the US, Find My and Messages require an active cellular plan.

With Find My, you can send a basic message (with a character limit) via satellite and even update your Find My location. You’ll go through the same process of moving your Ultra 3 into the right path of a satellite as it passes overhead. With Find My, you’ll know the location was updated this way via a satellite icon on the map next to the person.

Satellite connectivity is a genuinely useful addition to the Ultra 3, and I’m keen to test the Messages and Find My functions more. Beyond this, the Ultra 3 also gets a number of new features as part of watchOS 26, including the Liquid Glass interface, new apps like Notes, and a new Wrist Flick gesture.

Just like the Series 11 and SE 3 – as well as some older models that can run watchOS 26 – the Ultra 3 also gets the new Sleep Score. This builds upon the watch’s ability to track sleep and detail time spent in each stage but now quantifies it with a score from 0 to 100. I’m really enjoying this feature so far, and it feels like it’s about time it arrived here.

The Ultra 3 also adds Hypertension Notifications, meaning that on a rolling 30-day basis, the watch can alert you to potential hypertension (high blood pressure) and recommends you see a doctor for a full diagnosis. This feature is FDA-approved for use in the US.

While the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is technically getting an upgrade to the S10 chip, it’s mostly a repackaged version of the S9 chip found in the Ultra 2. The good news is that the Ultra 3 still feels just as responsive as the other new Apple Watches and competing smartwatches on the market. I think you’d be hard-pressed to slow it down.

This is paired with a new 5G antenna and redesigned antenna band visible around the outer lip of the watch. Apple says it’s more efficient than the previous onboard antenna, and can use two bands at once when needed to improve reception.

Apple also redesigned the internals of the Ultra 3, and thanks to that, there’s a bigger battery inside. Apple rates the Ultra 3 for up to 42 hours with normal use.

Features score: 4/5

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Performance

Heart rate graph cropped screenshot — (Image credit: Future)

Battery life better than described
Very accurate heart rate
New Sleep Score is nice to have

Matt here! The Apple Watch Ultra 3 performs as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 did during extended testing: it’s simply good to use on a day-to-day basis. The screen is easily brightened, and at max intensity it makes other watches with otherwise-bright AMOLED screens seem dull. Sorry, Garmin Venu 4, you just don’t quite cut it here.

Speaking of, now I’ve had the opportunity to test the Apple Watch Ultra 3’s fitness credentials, I’m happy to say they pass muster. I tested it against an industry-standard heart rate monitor, the Polar H10, during a 20-minute stationary cycle and a 45-minute run, also comparing the GPS readings from the latter against a Garmin watch.

The Ultra 3 is successful in all respects, especially during heart rate monitoring. During both tests, the Ultra 3’s heart rate readings cleaved very closely to the Polar H10, with only 1bpm difference in the ‘average heart rate’ metric and very similar-looking graphs. I’ve not yet tested it underwater, but given that we had a diver conduct a test with the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and rated it fine for recreational dives, I’d be very surprised if anything changed here.

The Sleep Score being added to Apple Watches was long overdue, and it’s nice to see more contextual information available on the Apple Health app. The feature is really supported by the Ultra 3’s longer battery life, which during testing, allowed me to leap out of bed and into the day without needing to charge the watch at all. Apple’s battery life claims of 42 hours are accurate even with normal use, including a 45-minute run. With careful use and low-power mode, it’ll easily last several days.

I’ve not had to test the emergency satellite communication for real, but the demo features as described above work a treat. Really, it’s been a great experience, as you’d expect: I’ve loaded the watch up with my favorite third-party apps (Strava, Audible, Spotify, AllTrails, all the usual suspects) and it’s just a really solid daily driver with accurate metrics and a longer-than-ever battery life. If you’re looking to really push the watch’s capabilities, the extreme sports functionalities are there if you need them.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Garmin Venu 4 on the same wrist outdoors — (Image credit: Future)

Performance score: 5/5

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Scorecard

Category	Comment	Score
Value	The most expensive Apple Watch, and more than most will need.	4/5
Design	Utilitarian and functional, with the best display in smartwatches.	5/5
Features	Great, but not a huge amount to separate it from the Ultra 2.	4/5
Performance	Taken on its own merits, outstanding in every respect.	5/5

Apple Watch Ultra 3: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want the best Apple Watch

This is the top of the range, bar none, so if money is no object the Ultra 3 is the one to get.

You’re an extreme sports fan

Want satellite messaging in the wilderness, or a working dive computer without paying for a specialist device? The Ultra 3 has you covered.

You want more battery life

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 packs almost double the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 11, and more than the Ultra 2.

Don't buy it if...

You’re a casual exerciser

For most runners, hikers or gym bunnies, this is more watch than you’ll ever need.

You’re not intending to add to a data plan

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is 5G capable by default, and you’re paying for the extra infrastructure.

You don’t use an Apple phone

It sounds obvious, but if you’re not already using or intending to switch to iPhone with this purchase, you may as well get a Garmin or Samsung Galaxy Ultra.

Also consider

Garmin Fenix 8

The best system-agnostic adventure watch you can buy.

Read our full Garmin Fenix 8 review

Apple Watch Series 11

A cheaper option.

Read our full Apple Watch Series 11 reviewView Deal

Apple Watch Ultra 3: How we tested

Both Jacob and Matt, who share credit on this review, tested the Apple Watch Ultra 3 during and after its launch period. We wore it constantly, draining the battery down and charging it back up, and Matt performed fitness tests against a Polar H10 heart rate monitor and other smartwatches. We loaded the watches with third-party apps, tested its demo satellite navigation feature, and wore it to bed to determine Sleep Scores.

First reviewed: September 2025

Apple Watch Series 11 review: Finally, a mainline Apple Watch that can go the distance

3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Series | Comments: Off

Apple Watch Series 11: One-minute review

The Apple Watch Series 11 looks a lot like the Apple Watch Series 10 – both have the same rounded-square design and come in 42mm and 46mm sizes, and both are just 9.7mm thick, making them the thinnest Apple Watches you can buy. You still get two speakers on the left, the Digital Crown and side button on the right, and ample water and sweat resistance.

The big highlight here is the display: an Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED that drops down to 1Hz, peaks at 2,000 nits for visibility in direct sunlight, and is protected by Ion-X glass that’s twice as scratch-resistant as the Series 10.

On the software side, watchOS 26 refreshes the interface with Liquid Glass elements and the new Flow watch face, while an updated Photos watch face maybe steals the show. With the latest watchOS, you get Notes on your wrist, and call screening makes it easy to dodge spam. Additionally, gestures build on the familiar Double Tap with a new Wrist Flick that lets you go back a step with – you've guessed it – a flick of your wrist.

Health tracking is as comprehensive as ever, with heart-rate alerts, ECG; wrist temperature, respiratory rate and cycle tracking, and hearing health, plus two additions. Hypertension Notifications, FDA-approved in the US and rolling out to more than 150 countries, use the optical sensor and Apple’s algorithm to flag possible high blood pressure. You will, of course, want to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis if you get an alert.

Sleep Score finally turns your sleep tracking data into something easily digestible, giving you a 0–100 rating with color-coded factors, and even retroactively scoring past nights. And blood oxygen tracking is back in the US after an August 2025 update.

Performance is powered by the same chip as the Series 10. Inside the Series 11 is the S10 chip with a dual-core CPU, GPU, and 4-core Neural Engine. In testing, both Apple apps and third-party ones like Flighty, Tesla, and Carrot Weather opened quickly and ran smoothly.

The bigger story is battery life: battery capacity is up 9% on the 42mm model and 11% on the 46mm. Apple rates both models for 24 hours of typical use and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode. In practice, I pulled my 46mm review device off the charger at 54% one night, slept with tracking enabled, and didn’t hit 1% until after 5pm the next day – so I got about 17 hours from half a charge. With light use, a full day and a half is very realistic.

A new 5G antenna for the LTE models makes using internet services faster when you're away from your iPhone. And the onboard mics continue to impress – even during a noisy, sold-out exhibition baseball game at Yankee Stadium, calls came through clearly, with the person on the other end hearing me well.

The Series 11 isn’t a radical redesign, but between the refined durability, new health features, and the much-needed battery gains, it feels like the most capable and balanced Apple Watch yet.

That said, if you’re rocking a Series 10, you likely don’t need an upgrade unless you’re eager for better battery life. Those coming from an older Apple Watch, like an SE or a Series 8 or earlier, will see a bigger difference in performance – although the new Apple Watch SE 3 is equally compelling in this respect.

Apple Watch Series 11: Specs

Apple Watch Series 11: Specifications

Component	Apple Watch Series 11
Price	From $399 / £369 / AU$679
Dimensions	42mm x 36mm x 9.7mm (42mm), 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm (46mm)
Weight	30.3g (42mm); 37.8g (46mm)
Case/Bezel	Aluminum with a metal back or Titanium (100% recycled)
Display	Always-on Retina LTPO3 display Wide-angle OLED at 374 by 446 (42mm) 416 by 496 (46mm). Ion-X scratch-resistant
GPS	L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou
Battery Life	24 hours, 38 hours in Low Power Mode
Connection	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, second-generation ultra-wideband chip, and 5G (Optional)
Water Resistance	WR50 and IP7X

Apple Watch Series 11: Price and availability

$399 / £369 / AU$679 for the 40mm
$429 / £399 / AU$699 for the 44mm
Cellular costs extra

The Apple Watch Series 11 42mm with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity starts at $399 / £369 / AU$679 for the entry-level aluminum finish. That's the same price as the Series 10 in the US, and a price cut if you're in the UK; however, there's a slight increase for Australia. The larger 46mm model with the same connectivity, also in aluminum, starts at $429 / £399 / AU$699 – that's the same price as last year in the US and Australia, while again UK gets a price cut.

Cellular connectivity, which now includes 5G access, will cost you a bit more. For instance, in the United States, the Series 11 is $100 more in either size, plus the cost of a monthly plan. The Apple Watch Series 11 in aluminum comes in a new Space Gray finish as well as Jet Black, Rose Gold, and Silver, and in Slate, Gold, or Natural Polished Titanium finishes.

The Apple Watch Series 11 is up for order now in the US, UK, Australia, and beyond, with an official launch date of September 19, 2025.

Value score: 4/5

Apple Watch Series 11: Design

Apple Watch Series 11 REVIEW — (Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

Ultra-thin build with improved durability
All your existing bands and chargers will work here
watchOS 26 refreshes the design

Other than the new colors for the aluminum and titanium finishes, the Apple Watch Series 11 is pretty much indistinguishable from the Apple Watch Series 10. Placing my 46mm Series 11 review device next to a Series 10 I see an identical rounded-square Apple Watch, aside from the updated paint job; this year, my testing unit is in Space Gray, whereas last year’s was in Jet Black.

The overall similarities here aren’t necessarily a negative. Apple, now 11 years into the Apple Watch, seems set on this look for the core of its smartwatch lineup, and it’s refining the formula rather than reinventing it. I also really liked the changes the Series 10 ushered in over the Series 9 last year – mainly thinning out the overall build and sloping the screen down the edges – so I'm very happy that Series 11 retains those.

Both the 46mm and 42mm models are just 9.7mm thick, meaning they barely protrude from your wrist and remain the thinnest Apple Watches yet; there were times when I forgot it was even there during my seven days of testing.

Just like the Series 10, the Series 11 measures 42 x 36 x 9.7mm for the smaller 42mm size, and 46 x 39 x 9.7mm for the 46mm size. Both models weigh ever so slightly more than the previous generation, but you’d be hard pressed to feel it on your wrist in daily use.

You still have two speakers on the left-hand side, with the Digital Crown and main button on the right. It’s all very familiar to anyone who’s used an Apple Watch before, and easy enough to get the hang of if you haven't.

Furthermore, while other smartwatch makers have experimented with different types of band attachments, Apple is sticking with what it's used since the original Apple Watch. That’s great news if you already have a collection of bands, or if you’re adding new ones. I’m especially fond of the new Nike Run Sport Loops; they’re comfy and fit well.

As well as sticking with the ultra-low profile, this year’s Apple Watch also keeps the excellent display that its predecessor introduced. It's an always-on Retina LTPO3 wide-angle OLED display – that’s a lot of tech jargon, but the gist is vibrant colors, deep contrast, and the ability for the refresh rate to drop to as low as a 1Hz. This means that watch faces like Flux and Reflections still update subtly in always-on mode.

The screen also gets plenty bright – up to 2,000 nits – for use in direct sunlight or under harsh artificial lighting, and the Ion-X glass layer is now twice as scratch-resistant as before. Considering the entire front of the watch is all screen, it’s a welcome improvement in durability, and it complements the WR50 and IP7X sweat and water resistance ratings, unchanged from the Series 10.

While the internals have been re-engineered, the outer build is mostly the same, extending to the rear. Here, you’ll find the main sensor stack, which protrudes slightly. A slightly different colored line around the rim denotes the antenna stack if you opt for a cellular Apple Watch Series 11.

As a whole, the Apple Watch Series 11 design is familiar, but still feels modern alongside other flagship smartwatches. It complements a variety of styles while still offering the smooth, fluid response you’d expect, and a large enough touchscreen to make watchOS 26 easy to navigate. Those wanting something entirely different may want to look to the Apple Watch Ultra 3, or wait for a future redesign.

Design score: 4 / 5

Apple Watch Series 11: Features

The new Glow watch face is engaging and shows off Liquid Glass well
watchOS 26 is filled with new features, including an useful new gesture
Sleep Score is a long-awaited arrival that's executed perfectly

Out of the box, the Apple Watch Series 11 runs watchOS 26 – a packed update that brings a fresh look to the core interface. And yes, Liquid Glass is finally on your wrist. You’ll see this in subtle navigation elements that are now translucent, as well as in watch faces.

The Photos face now lets you place numerals for time or complications above the image, giving a better sense of depth. However, the new Flow watch face might be the purest form of Liquid Glass on the Series 11 – or any Apple Watch. Think bubble-glass numerals with a lava-lamp-like liquid flowing behind them. True to Apple Watch form, you can customize these by color and typeface.

It’s a really fun addition, and joins more than a dozen built-in faces. watchOS 26 also brings the Notes app to your wrist, which I’ve found handy for jotting down quick thoughts or referencing notes created on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Call screening also comes to your wrist, especially helpful with a cellular plan, letting you see if it’s spam before answering.

The Series 11 also supports gestures like Double Tap, which lets you control navigation with a pinch between your forefinger and thumb – invaluable, in my opinion. The new Wrist Flick gesture, which lets you flick the watch backward to go back a step, is even handier for one-handed use.

Thanks to the sensor array and new software, the Series 11 covers all the expected health features: heart-rate tracking and alerts, ECG, wrist temperature, respiratory rate, cycle tracking, and hearing health.

A major new addition this year is Hypertension Notifications. Also available on the Series 9, Series 10, Ultra 2 and Ultra 3), this feature can alert you to possible hypertension – high blood pressure – over a rolling day. In the US, it’s FDA-approved as of September 15, 2025, and will be available in over 150 countries.

Hypertension Notifications use the optical heart-rate sensor to analyze pulse signals and morphology through Apple’s algorithm, validated by internal and external studies. If it detects signs of possible hypertension, you’ll get a notification – but of course you should still see a doctor to get checked out.

Sleep Score is another welcome new feature. The Apple Watch has long tracked sleep, but has never presented the data in a digestible way. Now, you’ll wake to a score from 0 to 100, rated from Very Low to Excellent. A color-coded ring breaks down bedtime, duration, and interruptions. It’s much more actionable, in line with devices like the Galaxy Watch, Whoop, and Oura Ring.

Best of all, Apple retroactively assigns a Sleep Score to your past tracked nights, making it easier to spot trends. Like Hypertension Notifications, it’s also available on other models that support watchOS 26.

Blood oxygen tracking also returns in the US, after its August 2025 reinstatement. The Series 11 (and other supported models) can once again take blood oxygen readings, with results viewable in the Health app.

Just like the Series 10, the Series 11 features redesigned speakers, with dozens of precision holes forming two grilles on the left side. They sound similar to the Series 10 – passable for a song or voice memo.

The real standout is the onboard microphones, which still pick up your voice clearly even in noisy environments – at a noisy Yankee Stadium, my brother on the other end of a call could hear me without issue.

Features score: 4 / 5

Apple Watch Series 11: Performance

Finally, a larger battery inside an Apple Watch
The Series 11 can last for up to 24 hours and supports fast-charging
It's the same S10 chip as the previous generation, but feels responsive

No, the processor here isn’t new, but the bigger battery is. Both the 42mm and 46mm models now pack larger batteries – about 9% bigger on the 42mm, 11% on the 46mm. Apple claims this extends the runtime from 18 hours to 24 hours with regular use, and up to 38 hours in Low Power Mode.

So how does it perform? On Sunday night, I picked it up from the charger at 54%, wore it through sleep tracking, woke up with 42% left, and it didn’t hit 1% until after 5pm following a full day of use. That’s about 17 hours from half a charge.

It’s much closer to 24 hours overall, depending on usage, and stretches further than any previous Apple Watch Series (or SE). With the Series 11, I can often push to a day and a half, or use fast charging to top up quickly.

Beyond the bigger battery, the LTPO display helps conserve energy by dynamically adjusting brightness and refresh rate. During workouts, metrics update quickly, while in always-on mode, updates slow down to save power.

The S10 chip is still plenty powerful, with its dual-core CPU, GPU, and 4-core Neural Engine. Apps – both first-party (Notes, Photos, Maps, Mail) and third-party (Flighty, Tesla, Parcel, Carrot Weather) – all opened quickly and ran smoothly.

Battery efficiency on the LTE model also benefits from the new 5G antenna, which ensures fast performance as carriers phase out 4G. Messaging, app data, and calls all felt as quick as when paired to an iPhone. You can spot the antenna band on the underside.

The biggest difference generation over generation is endurance. With the Series 10, you needed to recharge before bed or in the morning if using sleep tracking. The Series 11 stretches that to a day and a half, which makes a real difference in daily use.

It still runs watchOS 26 swiftly and keeps up with competitors, while continuing to expand health and activity tracking. And with the return of blood oxygen monitoring in the US, it feels even more complete.

Performance is excellent – not night and day better than the Series 10, but the addition of a larger battery is a game changer.

Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Apple Watch Series 11: Should I Buy?

Value	Comparable to previous models.	4/5
Design	A sumptuous new screen and a new 5G antenna.	4/5
Features	watchOS 26 is stuffed with goodies.	4/5
Performance	Very good, with a battery that lasts longer than ever.	4.5/5

Buy it if…

You have an older Apple Watch

If you've been waiting to upgrade until Apple rolled out longer battery life, for blood oxygen tracking to return in the US, or until your watch slowed down, now's a great time get a new oneView Deal

Don’t buy it if…

You have an Apple Watch Series 10

Considering most of the new features are also coming to the Series 10 – Sleep Score, watchOS 26, and Hypertension Notifications – you're likely good to skip this yearView Deal

You don't need all the health features

The Apple Watch SE 3 is a lot cheaper and offers almost all of the same features aside from ECG, Hypertension, and Sleep Apnea, in a slightly bulkier build with an always-on display.View Deal

Apple Watch Series 11: How I Tested

I've been reviewing Apple Watches, as well as smartwatches and fitness trackers as a whole, for many years, and I bought the very first Apple Watch back in 2014. Eleven years down the road, after unboxing the Apple Watch Series 11, I began setting it up and then wore it for a week to test it, and put it through its paces for this review.

I aimed to test every facet of the Series 11, including the new features such as the promised up to 24 hours of battery life, new functionality as part of watchOS 26, and the new Sleep Score feature. I also compared it against the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, as well as the new Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 3.

To test workouts, I completed several outdoor walks and runs as well as yoga and stretching, comparing metrics against those from other Apple Watches and the Oura Ring. Considering the wide-angle virtues of the display, I also tested the Series 11 in various viewing conditions.

Through my review period I aimed to use the Apple Watch Series 11 in the same way an average user would.

First reviewed September 2025.

I wore the Apple Watch SE 3 for a week and it’s the best Apple Watch for most people

3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: Apple Watch, SE | Comments: Off

Apple Watch SE 3: One-Minute Review

What if I told you Apple has managed to trickle down nearly all the major features you’d expect from an Apple Watch into an entry-level model that doesn’t break the bank and still feels right at home in the lineup?

That’s exactly what I found after testing the brand-new Apple Watch SE 3 for nearly a week.

The SE 3 doesn’t reinvent the wheel – it’s very much a classic Apple Watch. It comes in two sizes, 40mm and 44mm, and two colors. It still has the Digital Crown, uses the same charger, and sits on the wrist just like before. But it finally fixes one of the biggest complaints with the SE line by adding an Always-On display.

No, the display doesn’t slope at the edges like the newer Series models, but that’s not really a drawback here. The SE 3 still looks and feels like a classic Apple Watch, with an aluminum build, tougher Ion-X glass, and solid sizing that make it both durable and practical – especially for parents buying one for kids. The bezels are a bit thicker, and brightness tops out at 1,000 nits, which can make it harder to see in direct sunlight, but for everyday use, the screen gets the job done.

Performance is where the SE 3 really shines. With the same S10 chip that powers the Series 11 and Ultra 3, watchOS 26 feels just as smooth here as it does on those higher-end models. Apps open instantly, navigation is quick, and gestures like Double Tap and the new Wrist Flick add a nice layer of convenience. Sure, you don’t get every health feature – there’s no ECG, Blood Oxygen, or Sleep Apnea tracking – but the essentials are here: heart rate tracking with alerts, the new Sleep Score with retroactive trends, activity tracking, and temperature sensing for cycle tracking.

Compared to the SE 2, this is a big step forward. It’s faster across the board, handles daily tasks with ease, and finally supports fast charging. Battery life is still rated at 18 hours, but with Low Power Mode you can stretch it closer to 32 if needed. In my testing, it comfortably lasted a full day, even with sleep tracking. The new 5G antenna adds efficiency if you opt for the LTE model, though speeds feel about the same as before.

At $249 / £219 / AU$399 for the 40mm version, there’s never been a better Apple Watch from a pure value perspective. And if you don’t need the ultra-modern slimmed-down looks of the Series 11, the rugged features of the Ultra 3, and can live without ECG, Blood Oxygen, or Sleep Apnea tracking, then the Apple Watch SE 3 is likely the model for you.

Apple Watch SE 3: Specs

Apple Watch SE 3: Specifications
Component	Apple Watch SE 3
Price	From $249 / £219 / AU$399
Dimensions	40 x 34 x 10.7mm (40mm), 44 x 38 x 10.7mm (44mm)
Weight	26g (40mm) or 32.9g (44mm)
Case/Bezel	Aluminum
Display	Always-On Retina LTPO display with OLED, Ion-X scratch-resistant.
GPS	L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou
Battery Life	18 hours of battery life or 36 hours in Low Power mode
Connection	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE 5G (Optional)
Water Resistance	WR50 and IP7X

Apple Watch SE 3: Price and Availability

$249 / £219 / AU$399 for the 40mm
$279 / £249 / AU$449 for the 44mm
Cellular 5G connectivity costs extra

As the entry-level model, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the most affordable Apple Watch in the lineup. It starts at $249 / £219 / AU$399 for the 40mm version with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but jumps to $279 / £249 / AU$449 for the 44mm.

If you want cellular connectivity, the 40mm Apple Watch SE costs $299 / £289 / AU$489, or $329 / £319 / AU$539 for the 44mm. Note that activating service will be an additional monthly cost with your carrier.

Regardless of size or connectivity, you’ll be able to pick between Starlight or Midnight. The Apple Watch SE 3 is available for pre-order now and launches on September 19, 2025.

Value score: 5/5

Apple Watch SE 3: Design

Apple Watch SE 3 Review — (Image credit: Jacob Krol/Future)

The Apple Watch SE now has an always-on display
It can run more complex watch faces
It doesn't use the Series 10 / 11 body, but an older model

The Apple Watch SE 3 doesn’t stray from Apple’s proven formula and looks much like an Apple Watch Series 9 or older. It features an aluminum shell with a nylon composite back – so yes, you can put the rumor of an all-plastic build to rest once again – and comes in two sizes: 40mm or 44mm.

The bezels around the LTPO OLED display are thicker than those on the Series 10 or 11, which curve down at the edges. But considering the price, that feels like a fair compromise – especially since it’s an Always-On display. Even when it’s not in use, it dims the brightness and slows the refresh rate so you can still see the time and any complications you’ve set.

The display also protected with the latest Ion-X glass, bringing the screen's durability on par with the Series 11 and making it four times more durable than the SE 2. Considering many parents choose the SE for kids, that extra toughness is a major win.

This removes one of the biggest reasons for skipping the SE in favor of a pricier model: you no longer have to give up the Always-On display. Once you’ve used it, you really can’t go back. In a meeting or a class, you can simply glance down – or check a notification – without raising your wrist.

While it feels smaller compared to the 46mm Series 10 or 49mm Ultra 3, it still provides plenty of room for navigation. You can scroll through Photos, swipe through Maps, check an extended forecast, and even view Notes (a new perk of watchOS 26). The Flow watch face, with its bubble Liquid Glass typeface set against a lava lamp-like background, runs smoothly. The display is harder to view in direct sunlight and fairly reflective, and it tops out at 1,000 nits of brightness.

Like any other Apple Watch, the SE 3 has the Digital Crown – a key interface control – and the main button on the right-hand side. It also features a two-speaker grille, like the Series 11, and you can play music, listen to podcasts, or take calls on speakerphone. It’s not on par with AirPods Pro 3, but it’s surprisingly loud.

The band system hasn’t changed, but is a little complex. The SE 3 40mm will work with bands designed for older Apple Watches up to 41mm in size. The 44mm SE 3 will work with bands for itself, older 45mm Apple Watches, and any Apple Watch Series 10 or 11.

Those larger bands can also be used with other large watches like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 – but it doesn't work the other way around, as Ultra 3 bands can't be used for the SE 3. Phew!

Charging is unchanged, too: the SE 3 uses the rear sensor stack with the included USB-C magnetic disc charger.

If you’re upgrading from the SE 2, the case sizes are identical: 44mm by 38mm by 10.7mm, or 40mm by 34mm by 10.7mm. Color options are now just two – Starlight or Midnight – and I do wish Apple offered more variety. Of course, you can add personality through first- or third-party bands.

It might not be the most modern-looking Apple Watch, but the SE 3 still holds its own against other smartwatches. And at the same MSRP as the previous generation, with more features included, it’s likely the best value in the entire lineup.

Design score: 4 /5

Apple Watch SE 3: Features

Gestures come in really handy on the SE 3
It offers most, but not all, of the health features that the Apple Watch is known for
The new Sleep Score is a major standout

I’ve been testing the Apple Watch SE 3 alongside the Series 11 and the Ultra 3, and while that might seem like an easy way to spot differences, all three are powered by the same Apple-made S10 chip. Specifically, it’s a 64-bit dual-core processor with a GPU and a 4-core Neural Engine, and it ensures watchOS 26 runs smoothly.

This means the most affordable SE 3 is nearly as capable as the most expensive Ultra 3 or the mid-range Series 11. After a quick setup, I was greeted with Apple’s iconic “hello” in Liquid Glass and could take a tour of watchOS 26. That’s especially helpful since the SE 3 may be someone’s first Apple Watch.

Navigation is simple: your home screen is your chosen watch face, which you can long-press to edit or swap. Click the main button on the right to pull up Control Center for quick settings, or press the Digital Crown to view all your apps. Everything runs quickly here.

Two gesture controls stand out. Double Tap lets you pinch your forefinger and thumb to perform actions like answering a call, opening an app, or controlling music. Wrist Flick, new with watchOS 26, lets you flick your wrist back to return to the interface. After using it daily, I’ve wondered why it wasn’t available before.

The S10 chip also enables several health features, although compared to the Series 11 or Ultra 3, you’re missing Hypertension Notifications, Blood Oxygen tracking, ECG, and Sleep Apnea Notifications on the SE 3.

The SE 3 does offer Sleep Tracking with the new Sleep Score, which gives you a rating – Very Low, Low, OK, High, or Excellent – and a score from 0 to 100. If you’ve tracked sleep before, it retroactively assigns scores to show trends. It uses the same second-generation heart rate sensor stack as the SE 2, providing monitoring with alerts for low, high, and irregular rhythms. You also get full activity tracking and temperature sensing from a wrist sensor, which upgrades cycle tracking with retrospective ovulation estimates.

Overall, the SE 3 delivers the core health and activity tracking you’d expect from a smartwatch. In side-by-side use with the Series 11 and Ultra 3, it produced similar results for workouts, sleep, and heart rate.

Beyond the new media playback function, it also gets the voice isolation feature for calls that debuted with the Series 10. This means you can comfortably take calls in noisy environments, like at a ballpark or a botanical garden, without worrying the person on the other end won’t hear you. It does an excellent job of focusing on your voice and blocking background noise.

Features score: 4.5/5

Apple Watch SE 3: Performance

It offers the same performance as the Series 11 or Ultra 3
watchOS 26 runs very well here with fluid and responsive interactions
You get basic fast charging

The Apple Watch SE 3 performs in line with the Series 11 and Ultra 3. Swapping and customizing watch faces happens smoothly, applications open quickly, and navigation around watchOS 26 feels fluid with the Liquid Glass updates.

It’s also noticeably faster than the SE 2. Apple says it’s up to 30% faster with the GPU and has 60% more transistors in the CPU. It’s a lot of jargon, but in practice, it runs laps around the SE 2 in day-to-day use—opening apps, scrolling through photos, starting workouts, and running third-party apps.

This responsiveness makes sense considering the SE 2 was released three years ago and powered by the S8 chip. The S10 ensures watchOS 26 runs well across the board, from activity and workout tracking to health monitoring.

It also helps extend battery life, which on my SE 2 has been showing its age. Apple rates the SE 3 for up to 18 hours, the same as the SE 2, but with a newer lithium-ion battery and Low Power Mode support. If enabled, you’ll lose some functionality, including the Always-On display, but it can stretch runtime to 32 hours.

In TechRadar’s testing with the SE 2, it often exceeded the 18-hour window. With the SE 3, depending on use, it can similarly last a full day with moderate use, including sleep tracking. As with the Series 10, you’ll likely need to recharge once in the morning or evening.

The new 5G antenna on the LTE-enabled model may improve efficiency. It adds 5G alongside 4G LTE, and in my tests, it performed well for messages, calls, and emails when not connected to my iPhone, though speeds were about the same as previous Apple Watches.

Finally, fast charging has arrived on the Apple Watch SE, and it’s a welcome addition. According to Apple, with the included charger and a 20-watt power brick, you can go from 0% to 80% in about 45 minutes. In practice, it was closer to an hour when charging from completely dead, but it hit 30% in about 15 minutes, which is enough for a quick top-up before bed or in the morning.

All in all, the Apple Watch SE 3’s performance doesn’t leave you wanting more. Its speed and responsiveness are in line with the Series 11 and Ultra 3, just in a smaller build with thicker bezels.

Performance score: 5 /5

Apple Watch SE 3: Should I Buy?

Value	Simply outstanding.	5 / 5
Design	An older model Apple Watch with a screen durability upgrade.	4 / 5
Features	watchOS 26 shines here.	4.5 / 5
Performance	On par with a more expensive watch.	5 / 5

Buy it if…

You're getting your first Apple Watch

There's never been a better entry point into Apple's wearable ecosystem, as you'll get everything you expect and then some more here.View Deal

You don't need every possible feature

The Apple Watch SE 3 effectively trickles down all the major features you'd expect from an Apple Watch, but does miss a few of the more advanced ones. As long as you're cool with missing those, this is the Apple Watch for you.View Deal

Don’t buy it if…

You need advanced health features

The Series 11 or Ultra 3 offer more robust features, including Hypertension Notifications, ECG, and Sleep Apnea DetectionView Deal

You want a more impressive screen

The Series 11 screen not only gets brighter, but it slopes down the edges for better off-axis viewingView Deal

Apple Watch SE 3: How I Tested

I've been testing and reviewing smartwatches for many years and was an early adopter of the original Apple Watch, buying one on launch day in 2015. Since then, I've reviewed many smartwatches, including multiple Apple Watches and the previous SE models. My testing of the Apple Watch SE 3 began after unboxing it and setting it up with my iPhone.

I used it for nearly a week, testing all aspects of the device, including the new software features introduced in the watchOS 26 update and the upgraded hardware—most notably the S10 chip. I aimed to run down the battery under both moderate and heavy usage.

I compared it against the Apple Watch SE 2, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2, as well as the new Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. For workout and activity tracking, I tested it not only against other Apple Watches but also against an Oura Ring, a Galaxy Watch 7, and a Pixel Watch 3.

First reviewed September 2025.

I wore the Apple Watch SE 3 for a week and it’s the best Apple Watch for most people

3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: Apple Watch, SE | Comments: Off

Apple Watch SE 3: One-Minute Review

That’s exactly what I found after testing the brand-new Apple Watch SE 3 for nearly a week.

Apple Watch SE 3: Specs

Apple Watch SE 3: Specifications
Component	Apple Watch SE 3
Price	From $249 / £219 / AU$399
Dimensions	40 x 34 x 10.7mm (40mm), 44 x 38 x 10.7mm (44mm)
Weight	26g (40mm) or 32.9g (44mm)
Case/Bezel	Aluminum
Display	Always-On Retina LTPO display with OLED, Ion-X scratch-resistant.
GPS	L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou
Battery Life	18 hours of battery life or 36 hours in Low Power mode
Connection	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE 5G (Optional)
Water Resistance	WR50 and IP7X

Apple Watch SE 3: Price and Availability

$249 / £219 / AU$399 for the 40mm
$279 / £249 / AU$449 for the 44mm
Cellular 5G connectivity costs extra

Regardless of size or connectivity, you’ll be able to pick between Starlight or Midnight. The Apple Watch SE 3 is available for pre-order now and launches on September 19, 2025.

Value score: 5/5

Apple Watch SE 3: Design

The Apple Watch SE now has an always-on display
It can run more complex watch faces
It doesn't use the Series 10 / 11 body, but an older model

Those larger bands can also be used with other large watches like the Apple Watch Ultra 3 – but it doesn't work the other way around, as Ultra 3 bands can't be used for the SE 3. Phew!

Charging is unchanged, too: the SE 3 uses the rear sensor stack with the included USB-C magnetic disc charger.

Design score: 4 /5

Apple Watch SE 3: Features

Gestures come in really handy on the SE 3
It offers most, but not all, of the health features that the Apple Watch is known for
The new Sleep Score is a major standout

Features score: 4.5/5

Apple Watch SE 3: Performance

It offers the same performance as the Series 11 or Ultra 3
watchOS 26 runs very well here with fluid and responsive interactions
You get basic fast charging

Performance score: 5 /5

Apple Watch SE 3: Should I Buy?

Value	Simply outstanding.	5 / 5
Design	An older model Apple Watch with a screen durability upgrade.	4 / 5
Features	watchOS 26 shines here.	4.5 / 5
Performance	On par with a more expensive watch.	5 / 5

Buy it if…

You're getting your first Apple Watch

There's never been a better entry point into Apple's wearable ecosystem, as you'll get everything you expect and then some more here.View Deal

You don't need every possible feature

Don’t buy it if…

You need advanced health features

The Series 11 or Ultra 3 offer more robust features, including Hypertension Notifications, ECG, and Sleep Apnea DetectionView Deal

You want a more impressive screen

The Series 11 screen not only gets brighter, but it slopes down the edges for better off-axis viewingView Deal

Apple Watch SE 3: How I Tested

First reviewed September 2025.

Apple Watch Series 11 review: Finally, a mainline Apple Watch that can go the distance

3:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: Apple Watch, Apple Watch Series | Comments: Off

Apple Watch Series 11: One-minute review

The Series 11 isn’t a radical redesign, but between the refined durability, new health features, and the much-needed battery gains, it feels like the most capable and balanced Apple Watch yet.

Apple Watch Series 11: Specs

Apple Watch Series 11: Specifications

Component	Apple Watch Series 11
Price	From $399 / £369 / AU$679
Dimensions	42mm x 36mm x 9.7mm (42mm), 46mm x 39mm x 9.7mm (46mm)
Weight	30.3g (42mm); 37.8g (46mm)
Case/Bezel	Aluminum with a metal back or Titanium (100% recycled)
Display	Always-on Retina LTPO3 display Wide-angle OLED at 374 by 446 (42mm) 416 by 496 (46mm). Ion-X scratch-resistant
GPS	L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou
Battery Life	24 hours, 38 hours in Low Power Mode
Connection	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, second-generation ultra-wideband chip, and 5G (Optional)
Water Resistance	WR50 and IP7X

Apple Watch Series 11: Price and availability

$399 / £369 / AU$679 for the 40mm
$429 / £399 / AU$699 for the 44mm
Cellular costs extra

The Apple Watch Series 11 is up for order now in the US, UK, Australia, and beyond, with an official launch date of September 19, 2025.

Value score: 4/5

Apple Watch Series 11: Design

Ultra-thin build with improved durability
All your existing bands and chargers will work here
watchOS 26 refreshes the design

Design score: 4 / 5

Apple Watch Series 11: Features

The new Glow watch face is engaging and shows off Liquid Glass well
watchOS 26 is filled with new features, including an useful new gesture
Sleep Score is a long-awaited arrival that's executed perfectly

Features score: 4 / 5

Apple Watch Series 11: Performance

Finally, a larger battery inside an Apple Watch
The Series 11 can last for up to 24 hours and supports fast-charging
It's the same S10 chip as the previous generation, but feels responsive

Performance is excellent – not night and day better than the Series 10, but the addition of a larger battery is a game changer.

Performance score: 4.5 / 5

Apple Watch Series 11: Should I Buy?

Value	Comparable to previous models.	4/5
Design	A sumptuous new screen and a new 5G antenna.	4/5
Features	watchOS 26 is stuffed with goodies.	4/5
Performance	Very good, with a battery that lasts longer than ever.	4.5/5

Buy it if…

You have an older Apple Watch

If you've been waiting to upgrade until Apple rolled out longer battery life, for blood oxygen tracking to return in the US, or until your watch slowed down, now's a great time get a new oneView Deal

Don’t buy it if…

You have an Apple Watch Series 10

Considering most of the new features are also coming to the Series 10 – Sleep Score, watchOS 26, and Hypertension Notifications – you're likely good to skip this yearView Deal

You don't need all the health features

The Apple Watch SE 3 is a lot cheaper and offers almost all of the same features aside from ECG, Hypertension, and Sleep Apnea, in a slightly bulkier build with an always-on display.View Deal

Apple Watch Series 11: How I Tested

Through my review period I aimed to use the Apple Watch Series 11 in the same way an average user would.

First reviewed September 2025.

Google Pixel Watch 4 review: Big design changes make for a great smart companion

7:00 pm | August 20, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: AI, Google Pixel Watch | Comments: Off

Google Pixel Watch 4: One-minute review

Google's latest crop of hardware, released at its Made by Google 2025 event, including phones, earbuds, and of course, the Google Pixel Watch 4. Similar to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or Apple Watch Series 10, the latest generation of the Pixel Watch 4 is less about earth-shattering changes and more about refinements to a working formula.

Google is sticking with the now-iconic and really quite lovely polished pebble circular build that comes in two sizes – the addition of a 45mm option alongside the 41mm model was the big change last year. That means more choice for you if the Pixel Watch sparks your interest, and ultimately lets you get the one that’s the right size for your wrist.

Google is also mostly sticking with the same prices as last year (there's a small increase for the 45mm version in Australia). And despite the outward similarities there are some significant upgrades here, including a healthy dose of AI smarts powered by some new silicon, a forthcoming AI coach that’s part of a larger Fitbit rollout, replaceable parts, a refreshed user interface, and a new domed display that’s physically raised to the touch.

It's a slick piece of kit, and one we really like using for the most part. It looked great, although it was thick on the wrist it was comfortable, and the Material 3 Expressive software design is a joy to use. Fast charging works as described, and the battery on our 45mm unit stands up to its 40-hour claim with moderate use. The Fitbit app, which got a redesigned this year, is intuitive and works very well, although it's irritating that some features are locked behind the Premium paywall.

Testing the PW's heart rate against a chest strap during a workout showed a small amount of inaccuracy: not enough to bother those who just want an estimate of how well they're doing during the day, but enough to make serious athletes looking for pinpoint accuracy slightly wary of trusting the Pixel Watch 4 in the same way they do Apple or Garmin when looking at heart-based metrics.

Google Pixel Watch 4: Specifications

Component	Google Pixel Watch 4
Price	Starting at $399 / £349 / AU$579
Dimensions	41 x 41 x 12.3mm / 45 x 45 x 12.3mm
Weight	31g / 36.7g without straps
Caze/bezel	Recycled aluminum
Display	320ppi always-on display AMOLED with up to 3,000 nits brightness
Operating System	Wear OS 6.0
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor with an ML coprocessor
Memory	2GB of RAM
Storage	32GB
GPS	GPS (Dual-Frequency), Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS
Battery life	Up to 72 hours with battery saver enabled or up to 40 hours with always-on display enabled
Connection	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE
Water resistance	WR50, IP68

Google Pixel Watch 4: Price and Availability

From $349 / £349 / AU$579 for the 41mm
From $399 / £399 / AU$669 for the 45mm
Cellular connectivity costs extra as usual

If you’re looking to upgrade from, say, a Pixel Watch 2 or 3, maybe another Android smartwatch, or even getting your first one, there is a wait for when you’ll actually receive a new Pixel Watch.

Unlike other gadgets that have seen price hikes year over year, the Pixel Watch 4 sticks with the same price as the Pixel Watch 3. Meaning it’s priced at $349 / £349 / AU$579 for the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or $449 / £449 / AU$749 for cellular connectivity. The larger, 45mm Pixel Watch 4 is $399 / £399 / AU$669 for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, or $499 / £499 / AU$839 for connectivity.

Beyond accessing the internet with the cellular connectivity model, you’ll also need to spend more to get emergency satellite functionality on the Pixel Watch 4. There isn’t an extra monthly or annual cost – at least for two years, that’s what Google provides out of the box – but it needs to make use of the bands found in the cellular version of the watch. That could be a reason alone to get it right there.

Value score: 4.5/5

Google Pixel Watch 4: Design

Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on — (Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

Domed display
New Material 3 Expressive software look
Redesigned charger

The first thing I noticed during my hands-on time with the Pixel Watch 4 was that the display itself is not flat like on the Pixel Watch 3. Sure, we’ve seen smartwatches on which the display slopes down the sides towards the watch case, such as the Apple Watch Series 10, but the glass display here is actually domed to the point where, as you swipe across the screen, you’ll feel the surface rise or lower.

This makes the sides of the display and the graphics appearing on the edges even more sloped, a feature the new Material 3 Expressive interface uses in its animations. However, it also noticeably increases the thickness on your wrist. The domed 360 Actua display still looked rich and vibrant with crisp text or numbers, and it got considerably brighter in the demo room, which wasn't brightly lit. Google says it can hit up to 3,000 nits, a jump of 1,000 nits compared to the Pixel Watch 3.

The third-generation Pixel Watch got a larger display than its predecessor, and the fourth-gen model goes bigger again, with 16% smaller bezels and 10% larger active display area, which Google says is made possible by the domed display.

We think the physical touch and interaction with the watch might take some time to get used to, but the new design delivers a theoretically more durable surface – as is the case with some dome shapes – and more space to hit touchpoints or see items presented on your wrist is certainly a win. It enhances what we described in our Pixel Watch 3 review last year as the 'polished pebble' effect of the Pixel Watch’s looks.

The Pixel Watch 4 still boasts Corning Gorilla Glass to protect against drops or scratches, and the rest of the build here is aerospace-grade aluminum. It’s also water-resistant up to 50 meters. Another major change this year is a redesigned back, which has resulted in the moving of the charging ports in order to make this smartwatch repairable and serviceable.

Yes, you’ll notice several screws, which allow the battery to be replaced for a more sustainable design. This isn’t something that's common for major smartwatch brands, as most devices are sealed units, so it’s a welcome step in the right direction from Google.

This also means a pretty significant change in charger design, as you’ll no longer place this on a proprietary puck with prongs as you would the Galaxy Watch, Apple Watch, or any Pixel Watch before this. The Pixel Watch 4 charges on its side in a dock, and if you’re charging it on a nightstand this should make it easier to use the smartwatch as a small alarm clock – it’s even perfectly positioned so that you can tap the crown to snooze.

Google is also taking advantage of these charger and design changes to speed up refueling. You can now charge the Pixel Watch 4 from 0% to 50% in just 15 minutes, and Google is promising longer battery life for both sizes – up to 30 hours for the 41mm and up to 40 hours for the 45mm. Your mileage will, of course, vary depending on usage, but it’s a good step beyond the Pixel Watch 3.

Design score: 5/5

Google Pixel Watch 4: Features

On-wrist Gemini
Usual suite of health and fitness features
Tons of third party apps

Gemini powers a ton of new features. Google’s new Smart Replies feature looks like a welcome innovation, especially if you’re tired of suggested replies that often lack context and are unsuited to the conversation. The Pixel Watch 4’s silicon can power an on-device large language model to generate appropriate suggested replies based on what a message says.

We’ve already seen Gemini arrive on-wrist courtesy of the Galaxy Watch 8, but Google is serving up something special for its watch, and that’s a ‘raise to talk to the AI assistant’ functionality. Simply raise your wrist, and a glowing bar appears at the bottom of the display, which indicates that Gemini is listening and that you can start your request. You don’t need to say ‘Hey Gemini' – Google has us pretty well trained in that department – and it worked well in practice, quickly pulling up the weather.

Google’s shipping the Pixel Watch 4 with a familiar suite that includes general activity, heart-rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), and sleep tracking. You can also take an ECG or Electrocardiogram, and there’s an improved Skin Temperature sensor for more accurate readings. You can also track over 40 workouts with the Pixel Watch 4.

The real big potential leap, though, is a promised ‘personal AI health coach’ that’s powered by Gemini and set to arrive at some point in October as a preview in the United States at first. It should go beyond ‘Workout Buddy’ on the Apple Watch and some AI features on the Galaxy Watch, but we don’t know exactly what it entails just yet. Google is promising it to be a coach of sorts that bases recommendations on your health data and that you can chat with, maybe something similar to that of Oura Advisor.

While the Pixel Watch 4 doesn’t usher in a tremendously radical redesign, it’s mostly about polishing and the addition of a healthy dose of AI functionality – something that Google is a big fan of. It’s likely that you don’t need to rush out for it if you already have a Pixel Watch 3, as you'll get many of the same features and the same smorgasbord of third-party app availability there.

Features score: 4/5

Google Pixel Watch 4: Performance

Zippy and fast day-to-day
Battery charges fast and lasts as described
Heart rate accuracy fine, but not as accurate as an Apple Watch Ultra 3 or Garmin Venu 4

The Pixel Watch 4 felt like a modern-day smartwatch that was responsive and zippy fast. Under the hood it’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform and a next-gen ML CoProcessor, both of which ensure that the new Material 3 Expressive interface design runs well here. It was easy enough to swipe between tiles, and we especially liked the more vibrant nature of the colors, which you can, of course, customize. Overall, this watch feels speedy compared to previous years.

We tested Gemini with a message that referenced delays on my local train service, and the Pixel Watch 4 delivered an appropriate response. It took a few seconds, but it’s much better than the list found on previous Pixel Watches, the Galaxy Watch, or the Apple Watch. However, we also had a couple of mishaps: it once directed me to a disused train station, not the closest operating one.

We tested the heart rate tracking against an accurate chest-mounted heart rate monitor, the Polar H10, during a four-mile run. The Google Pixel Watch 4 had an average heart rate difference of around 13bpm during our tracked test. Not awful, but the Garmin Venu 4 had a 5bpm difference, while the Apple Watch Ultra 3 had just 1bpm difference to the chest strap.

It's more accurate than the Garmin Instinct 3, which had 18bpm difference, but worth understanding that during our test, the Pixel Watch 4 was more in 'ballpark' territory rather than 'pinpoint accuracy', and perhaps best used as a guideline for activity-based metrics rather than gospel.

However, the watch was extremely comfortable to wear despite its thickness, very useful day-to-day, easy to navigate and a joy to use. Battery performed as described, and charging was very fast. I loved the redesigned charger, especially as the watch feels like it now has a nightstand place.

Performance score: 4/5

Scorecard

Category	Comment	Score
Value	Same price as last year, a win!	4.5/5
Design	Iterates on the iconic pebble with smart choices, like the domed screen & new charger.	5/5
Features	All the third party apps you want, workout tracking and AI.	4/5
Performance	Some early glitches & accuracy quibbles, but generally a joy to use.	4/5

Google Pixel Watch 4: Should I buy?

A close up of the Pixel Watch 4 being unscrewed for repairs — (Image credit: iFixit)

Buy it if...

You want the best Wear OS watch

Love Android? This is going to give you the best Wear OS experience.

You're a Fitbit user

This automatically shot to the top of our pick for "best Fitbit watch" thanks to its use of Fitbit integrations.

You're an AI pioneer

Love Gemini? You've now got it on your wrist to perform tasks like smart replies.

Don't buy it if...

You need athlete-level tracking

The Google Pixel Watch 4 wasn't as accurate at measuring our heart rate during a workout as a Garmin Venu 4 or Apple Watch Ultra 3.

You use an iPhone

It sounds silly, but unless you're planning a switch to Android, there's no need to buy this watch.

Also consider

Component	Google Pixel Watch 4 (41mm)	OnePlus Watch 3 (43mm)	Garmin Venu 4 (41mm)
Price	From $399 / £349 / AU$579	From $499 / £269.99 / AU$TBC	From $549.99 / £469.99 / AU$949
Dimensions	41 x 41 x 12.3mm	43.2 x 43.2 x 11mm	41 x 41 x 12 mm
Weight	31g without straps	37.8 without straps	46g with band
Caze/bezel	Recycled aluminum	Stainless steel	Stainless steel/Polymer
Display	320ppi always-on display AMOLED	466 x 466px 1.3-in AMOLED display	390 x 390px 1.2-in AMOLED display
Operating System	Wear OS	Wear OS	Garmin OS
GPS	GPS (Dual-Frequency), Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS	Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, QZSS	GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, SatIQ
Battery life	Up to 72 hours with battery saver enabled or up to 40 hours with always-on display enabled	Up to 60 hours, 7 days in power saver	Up to 10 days
Connection	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Water resistance	WR50, IP68	5ATM	5ATM

OnePlus Watch 3

An excellent WearOS alternative, in 43mm and 47mm sizes.

Read our full OnePlus Watch 3 review

Garmin Venu 4

One of the best smartwatches for fitness tracking.

Read our full Garmin Venu 4 review

How we tested

We wore the Pixel Watch 3 for days, tracking our sleep, performing ECG tests and working out with a chest-mounted heart rate monitor. We also tested AI systems like smart replies and on-device Gemini searches. We loaded our favorite third-party apps onto the watch, like Strava and Spotify, drained the battery down and examined the speed of its fast charging.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 might look similar to its predecessor, but the changes under the hood could make a big difference

7:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Comments: Off

Google Pixel Watch 4: Two-minute review

Google has released its latest crop of hardware at its Made by Google 2025 event, including phones, earbuds, and its next-generation smartwatch, the Google Pixel Watch 4. Similar to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or Apple Watch Series 10, the latest generation of the Pixel Watch 4 is less about earth-shattering changes and more about refinements to a working formula.

Google Pixel Watch 4: Specifications

Component	Google Pixel Watch 4
Price	Starting at $399 / £349 / AU$579
Dimensions	41 x 41 x 12.3mm / 45 x 45 x 12.3mm
Weight	31g / 36.7g without straps
Caze/bezel	Recycled aluminum
Display	320ppi always-on display AMOLED with up to 3,000 nits brightness
Operating System	Wear OS 6.0
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor with an ML coprocessor
Memory	2GB of RAM
Storage	32GB
GPS	GPS (Dual-Frequency), Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS
Battery life	Up to 72 hours with battery saver enabled or up to 40 hours with always-on display enabled
Connection	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE
Water resistance	WR50, IP68

Google Pixel Watch 4: Dome sweet dome

I think the physical touch and interaction with the watch might take some time to get used to, but the new design delivers a theoretically more durable surface – as is the case with some dome shapes – and more space to hit touchpoints or see items presented on your wrist is certainly a win. It’s something I’m eager to spend more time exploring, and it enhances what I described in my Pixel Watch 3 review last year as the 'polished pebble' effect of the Pixel Watch’s looks.

Google Pixel Watch 4: A faster experience

While I only spent about half an hour with the Pixel Watch 4, it felt like a modern-day smartwatch that was responsive and zippy fast. Under the hood it’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform and a next-gen ML CoProcessor, both of which ensure that the new Material 3 Expressive interface design runs well here. It was easy enough to swipe between tiles, and I especially liked the more vibrant nature of the colors, which you can, of course, customize. Overall, this watch feels speedy compared to previous years.

Google’s new Smart Replies feature looks like a welcome innovation, especially if you’re tired of suggested replies that often lack context and are unsuited to the conversation. The Pixel Watch 4’s silicon can power an on-device large language model to generate appropriate suggested replies based on what a message says.

I even tested it with a message that referenced delays on my local train service, and the Pixel Watch 4 delivered an appropriate response. It took a few seconds, but it’s much better than the list found on previous Pixel Watches, the Galaxy Watch, or the Apple Watch.

While I didn’t get to try any of the health and activity features, Google’s shipping the Pixel Watch 4 with a familiar suite that includes general activity, heart-rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), and sleep tracking. You can also take an ECG or Electrocardiogram, and there’s an improved Skin Temperature sensor for more accurate readings. You can also track over 40 workouts with the Pixel Watch 4.

It’s shaping up to be a pretty strong smartwatch, and while the Pixel Watch 4 doesn’t usher in a tremendously radical redesign, it’s mostly about polishing and the addition of a healthy dose of AI functionality – something that Google is a big fan of. It’s likely that you don’t need to rush out for it if you already have a Pixel Watch 3, but those with an older model may want to consider an upgrade. We’ll be back with more once we’ve had time to put it through its full paces and see how the changes perform in the real world.

Google Pixel Watch 4: Pricing and Availability

If you’re looking to upgrade from, say, a Pixel Watch 2 or 3, maybe another Android smartwatch, or even getting your first one, there is a wait for when you’ll actually receive a new Pixel Watch.

Google is taking orders right now for the Pixel Watch 4 – it begins on August 20, 2025 – but the smartwatch won’t officially launch until October 9, 2025. That’s when the first shipments should arrive, depending on demand, and when you’ll find it available at retail locations.

Garmin Venu X1 review: The most innovative Garmin watch in years, and a genuine Apple Watch Ultra rival

11:00 am | August 9, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: AMOLED, LED | Comments: Off

Garmin Venu X1: One-minute review

When you think of the best Garmin watches, you think of thick, G-Shock-style rugged adventure watches, not a sleek full-screen bezelless smartwatch that sits slim on your wrist. The Garmin Venu X1 bucks the trend, offering a complete redesign, and it’s fun to get to grips with the Garmin experience in what feels like a whole new way.

Personally, I loved it. I’ll discuss the design and display, which of Garmin’s usual suite of metrics and features it gets, and how it performs, in detail below, but it’s an eminently usable watch that has very quickly become a fixture in my usual rotation. The slender nature of the watch and curved stainless-steel backing hugs the wrist and makes it comfortable, and that gorgeous full-color AMOLED display is perfect for viewing maps.

The battery life is a concern in comparison to more typical Garmins, however: if you’re used to a two-week battery, the always-on display will crush the Garmin Venu X1’s longevity down to just a few days. However, without the always-on display you’ll get a week (far more than even the best Apple Watch), even with multiple battery-sucking hour-long GPS workouts.

The other slight concern is the redesigned operating system. The list of widgets (or ‘glances’ in Garmin speak) are navigated via a combination of touchscreen and buttons, and have received a Liquid Glass-style facelift to make use of Garmin’s Apple Watch-style screen. However – and to keep the comparison going – sometimes the framerate can lag, and without Garmin’s five-button configuration or an Apple-style digital crown, swiping around can be cumbersome (especially mid-workout). It doesn’t spark joy, to quote Marie Kondo, in the same way that Apple’s form factor does.

Nevertheless, I’ve been wearing the watch for weeks, and I’ve finished my testing, and it’s still on my wrist – and once I’ve finished testing my next watch, I’ll probably strap it back on again. It’s light, it looks good, it’s comfortable, it lasts longer than an Apple Watch (with the latter two factors helping to make it practical to wear overnight for better sleep tracking), and it’s just a damn good watch. I still can’t get over how good full-color maps look on its enormous screen.

Garmin Venu X1: Price and availability

$799 / £799 / AU$1,399
One size
Around the same price as the Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Garmin Venu X1 is available in all regions, priced at $799.99 / £679.99 / AU$1,499. That’s around the same price as the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which is priced at $799 / £799 / AU$1,399.

Like the Apple Watch Ultra 2, the Garmin Venu X1 comes in just one size, as opposed to most other Garmin watches that are available in multiple sizes. However, the Ultra 2 does have one major feature the Venu X1 doesn’t: LTE support.

LTE support means you can add the Ultra 2 to your phone’s data plan (this usually costs extra), and allows you to make calls, send messages and even stream music directly without being connected to your phone. The Venu X1, despite being in the same premium price bracket as the Ultra 2, doesn’t have this functionality.

Then again, neither do other Garmin watches such as the Garmin Fenix 8, which actually costs more than the Venu X1. The difference between the two is that the Venu X1 is positioned as a smartwatch competitor, rather than an adventure watch.

Value score: 4/5

Garmin Venu X1: Design

Gorgeous, bright AMOLED display
Slim profile, highly unusual for Garmins
Stainless steel curved backing for comfort

The Garmin Venu X1 is slimmer than any other Garmin I’ve yet tried, and I’ve tried a lot. No chunky adventure watch here: Garmin has opted for a practically bezel-less slender watchwith just 7.9mm of thickness. The slim profile combines with the metal backing, which is curved to follow the wrist, for a fit that I found very comfortable, though people with smaller or larger wrists than mine might not find it quite as good a fit.

Most other smartwatches have straight backs, relying on straps to bind their boxy cases to your wrists, which can cause the sensor to dig into your wrist. I found the Garmin Venu X1 very comfortable indeed, more so than the Apple Watch Ultra series.

While the back is cambered, the wide display isn’t curved at all, unlike the Apple Watch Series 10. Instead, it’s completely flat, slightly reducing glanceability in theory, but the screen is big and bright enough that it doesn’t really matter. The display (a 51.2mm AMOLED Sapphire Glass display) is among the best I’ve ever seen on a smartwatch.

The velcro strap included with the watch isn’t particularly stylish, but it’s perfectly adequate performance-wise. It’ll need cleaning, as it’s fabric, and it got a bit dirty even during my first month of training.

The only real design flaw I’ve identified after using this watch for a month is Garmin’s operating system, which has had a bit of a facelift to better suit Garmin’s biggest, brightest display. It looks fine, but to navigate it you have to scroll through with two buttons and the touchscreen, as there’s no digital crown and only two buttons, unlike on most of Garmin’s other watches.

This is something that’s always been a problem with the Venu series for me; however, it’s by no means a dealbreaker. Occasionally you’ll need to swipe between screens during a workout, from heart rate and time to maps for example, with the touchscreen – and this can become smeared with sweat and dirt. However, it’s not enough to be a serious problem with the watch; it’s just a minor gripe.

Design score: 4.5/5

Garmin Venu X1: Features

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Garmin Venu X1 worn during run on separate wrists — (Image credit: Future)

Garmin’s top-tier training features
Full-color offline maps
LED torch

First up, all of Garmin’s best features, including Morning Report, Training Readiness score, Endurance and Hill scores, Garmin Coach, full-color maps, work brilliantly here, and the watch functions well as a workout companion that’s much lighter than the chunkier Forerunners and Fenixes, making it ideal for runners and swimmers as you’ll practically forget you’re wearing it.

The added comfort and reduced weight are especially beneficial for sleep tracking. The watch is so much more comfortable than watches with thicker profiles, which means it’s easier to wear in bed. You can get all your recovery metrics, such as sleeping heart rate variability and sleep quality, from the watch directly, rather than not wearing it (or even removing it in frustration during the middle of the night because it’s stopping you nodding off, as I’ve done with some chunky watches) and relying on Garmin’s estimations.

That massive display is transformative when viewing complex information such as multiple glances at once, or full-color maps. You can’t use the touchscreen for precision movements such as responsive pinches to zoom in and out, like you would on a phone, but the maps screen is still ideally suited for getting turn-by-turn directions on city walks, or long runs using the Create a Course functionality.

The Garmin Venu X1 offers a generous 32GB of onboard storage for music and GPX maps, and supports offline playback from apps such as Spotify. It’s also packing Garmin’s useful LED torch, with a red mode for wearing at night as a safety light, and three levels of white light. It can be used for anything from finding your way to the bathroom in the dark to signalling for help atop a mountain, perhaps when you’ve taken a wrong turn after a hike.

The torch uses a fair amount of battery, though, so if you’re going to be out overnight you might want to disable the always-on display to conserve power – more on that in a moment.

Features score: 5/5

Garmin Venu X1: Performance

Garmin Venu X1 vs Apple Watch Ultra 2 — (Image credit: Michael Sawh)

Good battery life without always-on display
Easy to wear
I enjoyed training in it

I wore the Garmin Venu X1 for around a month, draining the battery completely, charging it multiple times and doing lots of running and resistance training while wearing it. I also competed in a 12K trail-running event, using the Primary Race training tool to fine-tune my plans for the day. I slept with it, took it out on the roads, and wore it during gym and yoga sessions.

I’ve seen some criticisms stating the battery is very bad with always-on display enabled, and they’re right: with this functionality on, you’re only getting a few days of battery life. However, as someone who found the raise-to-wake functionality more than suitable and sensitive enough for my needs, I’m living with the watch just fine. During testing, the battery lasted around a week with multiple GPS workouts, which is pretty much as advertised.

Using it as a running watch, I found that it’s one of the best I’ve tried this year. It’s not as powerful or rugged, or quite as feature-rich, as the Fenix 8, but it’s a much better all-rounder watch. I used the voice command functionality to set kitchen timers and so on, and it’s certainly easier than swiping through the OS. However, it’s not quite as seamless as the Apple Watch’s nigh-on futuristic raise-and-speak functionality, as it still takes a swipe and tap to set up.

As Garmin’s attempt at an Apple Watch, the Venu X1 very nearly succeeds, and it’s a lovely watch to wear and train with in its own right. However, I think that in order to truly succeed both as a training watch and a smartwatch, it needs to leave more of its Garmin trappings behind – among other things, Garmin needs to completely redesign the interface, and enable users to access its voice command feature with one fewer swipe.

Performance score: 4/5

Scorecard

Category	Comment	Score
Value	A premium watch with premium features, but not outrageous value.	4/5
Design	A beautiful screen with a transformative slim, light chassis.	4.5/5
Features	Garmin’s best features packed into a slender package.	5/5
Performance	A terrific running watch, but not quite the complete smartwatch package, and so-so battery life with always-on display.	4/5

Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You’re on Android

This powerful watch is the closest thing to a system-agnostic Apple Watch Ultra 2.

You want comfort

This slender watch is extremely light and comfortable for workouts, sleep tracking and daily wear.

You’re a power user

Are you a serious runner, cyclist, hiker or triathlete? You’ll love this watch.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

This is not a cheap watch, even by Garmin standards.

You like the traditional Garmin look

There are plenty of Garmin watches with the usual rugged aesthetic to choose from.

You need a two-week battery life

The Garmin Venu X1 lasts anywhere from two to nine days.

Also consider

Component	Garmin Venu X1	Apple Watch Ultra 2	Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Price	$799.99 / £679.99 / AU$1,499	$799 / £799 / AU$1,399	$649 / £599 / AU$1,299
Dimensions	41 x 46 x 7.9 mm	49 x 41 x 14 (mm)	47.4 x 47.4 x 12.1mm
Weight	41g	61g	60.5g
Case/bezel	Titanium/Polymer	Titanium	Titanium
Display	51.2 mm AMOLED Sapphire Glass display	49mm poly-silicon always-on OLED Retina Display	480 x 480 full-color AMOLED
GPS	GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS	Dual-frequency (unspecified)	Dual-frequency GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo
Battery life	Up to 8 days	36 hours	590mAh, up to 100 hours
Connection	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi
Water resistant	Yes, 5ATM	Yes, WR100 (diveproof)	10ATM + IP68

Apple Watch Ultra 2

The best all-rounder running smartwatch for iPhone users.

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

As above, but for Samsung and Android phone users.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review

How I tested

I wore the Garmin Venu X1 for a month, draining the battery multiple times and testing it against the Apple Watch Ultra 2. I used the Primary Race tool to complete a trail running event, slept with it, showered with it and completed gym, running and a variety of other workouts with it. I used its maps functionality in conjunction with running routes created on Garmin Connect.

Garmin Venu X1 review: The most innovative Garmin watch in years, and a genuine Apple Watch Ultra rival

11:00 am |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: AMOLED, LED | Comments: Off

Garmin Venu X1: One-minute review

Garmin Venu X1: Price and availability

$799 / £799 / AU$1,399
One size
Around the same price as the Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Garmin Venu X1 is available in all regions, priced at $799.99 / £679.99 / AU$1,499. That’s around the same price as the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which is priced at $799 / £799 / AU$1,399.

Value score: 4/5

Garmin Venu X1: Design

Gorgeous, bright AMOLED display
Slim profile, highly unusual for Garmins
Stainless steel curved backing for comfort

Design score: 4.5/5

Garmin Venu X1: Features

Garmin’s top-tier training features
Full-color offline maps
LED torch

Features score: 5/5

Garmin Venu X1: Performance

Good battery life without always-on display
Easy to wear
I enjoyed training in it

Performance score: 4/5

Scorecard

Category	Comment	Score
Value	A premium watch with premium features, but not outrageous value.	4/5
Design	A beautiful screen with a transformative slim, light chassis.	4.5/5
Features	Garmin’s best features packed into a slender package.	5/5
Performance	A terrific running watch, but not quite the complete smartwatch package, and so-so battery life with always-on display.	4/5

Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You’re on Android

This powerful watch is the closest thing to a system-agnostic Apple Watch Ultra 2.

You want comfort

This slender watch is extremely light and comfortable for workouts, sleep tracking and daily wear.

You’re a power user

Are you a serious runner, cyclist, hiker or triathlete? You’ll love this watch.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

This is not a cheap watch, even by Garmin standards.

You like the traditional Garmin look

There are plenty of Garmin watches with the usual rugged aesthetic to choose from.

You need a two-week battery life

The Garmin Venu X1 lasts anywhere from two to nine days.

Also consider

Component	Garmin Venu X1	Apple Watch Ultra 2	Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Price	$799.99 / £679.99 / AU$1,499	$799 / £799 / AU$1,399	$649 / £599 / AU$1,299
Dimensions	41 x 46 x 7.9 mm	49 x 41 x 14 (mm)	47.4 x 47.4 x 12.1mm
Weight	41g	61g	60.5g
Case/bezel	Titanium/Polymer	Titanium	Titanium
Display	51.2 mm AMOLED Sapphire Glass display	49mm poly-silicon always-on OLED Retina Display	480 x 480 full-color AMOLED
GPS	GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS	Dual-frequency (unspecified)	Dual-frequency GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo
Battery life	Up to 8 days	36 hours	590mAh, up to 100 hours
Connection	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, LTE	Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi
Water resistant	Yes, 5ATM	Yes, WR100 (diveproof)	10ATM + IP68

Apple Watch Ultra 2

The best all-rounder running smartwatch for iPhone users.

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

As above, but for Samsung and Android phone users.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review

How I tested

I wore this $80 / £80 AI-powered Apple Watch rival for two months, and I still love it

5:00 pm | August 2, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: Fitbit Charge, Garmin Forerunner, GPS | Comments: Off

Amazfit Bip 6: One minute review

I was eager to get my hands on the budget-friendly Amazfit Bip 6 to see if it matches up to the likes of the CMF Watch 2 Pro or Amazfit Active 2, our five-star best cheap smartwatch pick. When we reviewed the Amazfit Bip smartwatch back in 2019, we praised its amazing value, stylish design, and excellent companion app. Now at version 6, the Bip 6 is better than ever.

Across the board, the Bip 6 delivers. A sleek design, copious number of workout options, and onboard GPS all contribute to delivering a smartwatch that rivals many of the best smartwatches and fitness trackers. That’s not all the Bip 6 can do though, and it’s not quite all positive. However, considering its low price, it certainly delivers where it counts.

Amazfit Bip 6: Specifications

Price:	$79.99 US / £79.90 UK / AU$169
Dimensions:	46.3 x 40.2 x 10.45mm
Weight:	27.9g without strap
Case/Bezel:	Aluminum alloy and fiber-reinforced polymer
Display:	Size: 1.97-inch AMOLED 390x450px PPI 302
GPS:	Yes
Battery life:	Up to 14-days battery life
Connection:	Bluetooth
Water resistance:	5 ATM

Amazfit Bip 6: Price and availability

$79.99 US / £79.90 UK
An impressively good watch for the price

The Amazfit Bip 6 smartwatch is one of a growing number of budget-friendly smartwatches that deliver surprisingly good specs. You can pick it up for only $79.99 US / £79.90 UK with available colorways including black, red, and stone. By way of comparison, the five-star Amazfit Active 2 costs $99.99 US / £99.99 UK. AU pricing is TBC.

Value score: 4.5/5

Amazfit Bip 6: Design

1.97-inch AMOLED display
Liquid silicone strap
5 ATM water resistance

Let’s turn our attention to the design and build quality of this watch. Straight out the box, I was amazed by how good it looked. I had seen pictures of it, but because of the low price I was expecting to receive a poorly-built smartwatch. Sorry for my pessimism, Amazfit, you’ve ended up exceeding my expectations.

The frame is made of aluminum alloy while the case is fiber-reinforced polymer. It’s ever-so-slightly larger than the Bip 5, although not noticeably. I appreciated how flush it sat on my wrist and is light enough to blend into the background, even when exercising.

This smooth, bevelled metal case houses a gorgeous 1.97-inch AMOLED display which is an upgrade from the TFT on the previous iteration. This results in higher contrast, vibrant colors, and lower power consumption. And at a peak brightness of 2000 nits, I had no problem viewing the screen in even the brightest of lighting conditions.

The screen has a 380 x 450 resolution and 302 PPI, which isn’t far short of the Apple Watch Ultra. All of this is protected by 2.5D tempered glass so you don’t have to worry about it smashing – within reason, that is.

The watch is operated with two buttons located on the right-hand side of the case. They are large enough to be easily locatable but not big enough to get in the way. Personally, I love wearing a smartwatch with a crown button because it helps me navigate through the long list of workout options. As much as I missed it on the Bip 6, I soon got used to swiping the touchscreen instead.

The liquid silicone strap is comfortable, although a little awkward to put on. This is because the process of tucking the strap away actually clamps the watch in tighter. This made it difficult to reliably find the right position for the catch time after time. To provide a high level of choice and individuality, the strap can be purchased in a variety of different colors including black, charcoal, stone, red, and blush.

The Bip 6 has a water-resistance grade of 5 ATM, which means it can withstand water pressure down to 50 meters. Despite this, it’s not designed to be taken swimming for long periods of time or for intense water sports. I’m not doing either of those but have worn it in the shower and not encountered any problems at all.

Design score: 4/5

Amazfit Bip 6: Features

24/7 Health monitoring and over 140 activity modes
Make and answer calls
Track progress through the Zepp app

As well as an AMOLED display, 5ATM water resistance, and on-board GPS, the Bip 6 delivers an impressive range of health monitoring and more activity modes than you could shake a stick at, alongside functionality for making and answering phone calls.

First up is Amazfit's BioTracker technology, enabling round-the-clock health monitoring. This includes heart rate, blood-oxygen levels, stress levels, and sleep quality. There’s nothing out of the ordinary or particularly special but strong for a budget smartwatch.

Things get a little more exciting when we get into activity modes. Not only are there over 140 of them including running, cycling, and swimming, but there’s also a dedicated HYROX race mode. I’ve never actually partaken in one of these races but if you’re into HYROX,this would be the ideal smartwatch for you. Tracking through the series of 1km runs and various functional fitness tests would be a nightmare on any other smartwatch, but with the Bip 6 all parts of the set order of exercises are handled for you.

Thanks to a built-in microphone and Bluetooth technology, the Bip 6 is able to make and answer calls like a pro. You’ll also be able to receive notifications and reply to texts using Zepp Flow.

Health tracking and activity records can be accessed through the watch but the most extensive insights are available through the Zepp app. If you’d like even more advanced wellness information then you’ll have to subscribe to Zepp Aura inside of the Zepp app itself.

Features score: 4/5

Amazfit Bip 6: Performance

Single-frequency GPS, but accurate
Zepp flow streamlines using the phone
Positive user-experience

In terms of using the smartwatch, everything was very positive. The watch wakes up quickly and reliably when the wrist is rotated and the interface is adequately responsive. The watch lost pairing with the app a few times but re-pairing was quick and painfree. Data such as notifications and weather information were also delivered promptly and effficiently.

The Bip 6 also features built-in GPS, although it’s only single frequency at this price. Despite the lack of dual-frequency GNSS technology I found the Bip 6 to be both reliable and accurate. If you need super accurate tracking even through densely built-up areas then you’ll be better off with a dual-frequency watch such as the Garmin Forerunner 255 instead. That being said, I did take the Bip 6 into a dense forest and it had no problems picking up GPS within seconds.

During walks, runs, and cycling, I tested the Bip 6 alongside the Suunto Race S which is my usual tracking preference. I was pleasantly surprised to find that many of the results were comparable, including heart rate, pace, distance traveled, and more. I also love how granular the Zepp app presents all this data, with in-depth graphics, plenty of stats, and bar chart dials. Being able to compare similar types of workouts over a period of time was also very helpful.

The Bip 6 also supports offline maps which helps when you know signal is going to be sketchy. By downloading unknown routes ahead of time, I was able to guarantee that navigation wouldn’t be a problem.

It is possible to play music while working out, but you’ll have to download music to the watch first. The lack of support for music streaming services like Spotify means you’ll have to be prepared ahead of time and preload your favorite music onto the watch. I like that it’s possible to listen to music through the watch, but the lack of convenience is a negative for the overall experience.

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Battery life is impressive, especially given the price of the watch. The battery capacity has actually been raised from previous models from 300mAh to 340mAh, boosting overall performance and offering 14 days battery life with typical usage. By tracking around one or two activities per day, I found the watch actually lasted between 15 and 20 days.

As soon as I increased that and made use of the GPS more frequently, I quickly found that the battery life dropped to nearer 10 days. Recharging was possible through the custom Amazfit charging attachment that connects to the back of the watch. My only gripe was that there was no USB-C cable included, so you’ll need to source that yourself. A full recharge from empty took 120 minutes.

Finally let’s talk about Zepp Flow. This feature allows users to operate the watch using simple voice commands. Once I became familiar with the range of accepted commands, I found myself hardly using the GUI and associated buttons. I was able to adjust settings, check health data, start workouts, and reply to notifications with ease.

If Sam Altman and Jony Ive have their way, then the future of devices will look very different to what we have today. Devices will likely become entirely unobtrusive and operated solely with the voice. The Bip 6, with Zepp Flow, appears to be a step in that direction and Amazfit has absolutely nailed the implementation. I am excited to see how it pushes this design even further in future iterations.

Performance score: 4/5

Amazfit Bip 6: Scorecard

Category	Comment	Score
Value	You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more capable smartwatch at this price point.	4.5/5
Design	A great-looking watch that is comfortable to wear.	4/5
Features	The Bip 6 does all the basics well with little to set it apart from the rest.	4/5
Performance	Accurate GPS and seamless operation using Zepp Flow.	4/5
Total	A well-rounded smartwatch that offers a lot given the budget-friendly price.	4/5

Amazfit Bip 6: Should I buy?

Buy if it...

You want your money to go further
At $79.99 US / £79.90 UK you’ll be amazed at how much performance and quality you get for the price.

You like simple and sleek design
The Bip 6 looks more premium than the price tag would suggest. The materials give away its budget status but it still looks nice.

You want GPS tracking
With onboard GPS you’ll be able to track your workouts to your heart’s content.

Don't buy it if...

You’re put off by paid subscriptions
Access to wellness and personalized reports will require Zepp Aura, a subscription-based service.

You need the very best GPS
With single frequency GPS you might find you have problems in densely built-up areas.

Also consider

Fitbit Charge 6

A little bit more expensive but still relatively affordable

Read our full Fitbit Charge 6 review

Garmin Forerunner 165

A more expensive watch, but a better outdoor companion.

Read our full Garmin Forerunner 165 review

How I tested

Having worn the Amazfit Bip 6 for two months, I’ve had plenty of opportunity to get a proper feel of what the watch is like in reality. My testing has covered all elements of the watch including ‘smart’ features alongside the health and fitness tracking parts. I’ve also had it on at night to give the sleep tracking a rigorous test. This is a watch that I’ll continue to enjoy wearing, not only from a comfort point of view but also from a performance perspective.

First reviewed: July 2025

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