smartwatch
While most high-end smartwatches cost as much as a smartphone, there are plenty of affordable options that are packed with useful features and work just as great. Image Credit: Unsplash/Artur Luczka

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What’s on your wrist? The right timepiece doesn’t just help you tell the time – it enhances your outfit, makes you feel good, and gives others a window into your personality and style.

Smartwatches take it a step further, by bringing intelligent analytics to your workouts, measuring your heart rate and other health markers, delivering notifications and keeping you connected.

Editor's tip
Smartwatches are up to 20 per cent off right now on Amazon, so choose from top brands and more.

While the Apple Watch is the go-to wearable for iPhone users, Android phone users will find there are plenty of options that look great, and cost far less. Our budget-friendly list of smartwatches tops out at Dh600, but still includes all the features you’re looking for – from fitness metrics to the ability to make calls and listen to music. We focused only on items that were rated highly by reviewers.

Discover your new smartwatch below, and get it as early as tomorrow with Amazon Prime.

1. Best Overall: Fitbit Versa 4

Pros

  • Sleek design
  • Larger display than predecessor
  • Excellent battery life
  • On-board GPS

Cons

  • No third-party apps

If you’re looking for a full-feature experience, at an affordable price, you’ll love the Fitbit Versa 4. It was released in 2022, and it boasts all the features you'd require from a smartwatch, without burning a hole in your pocket. Its fitness metrics are on point, with heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), workout, and sleep tracking keeping you well-informed. The Versa 4 also has Fitbit’s Active Zone Minutes feature, which monitors the time you spend in the fat burn, cardio or peak heart rate zones while exercising. This model also features on-board GPS (global positioning system), so you can leave your phone behind for outdoor activities. Unfortunately, the Versa 4 lost support for third-party apps, and you can't use Google Assistant, either, but you can access Amazon's Alexa voice assistant. The watch includes a built-in speaker and mic so you can answer calls from your Android phone. With six days of battery life and fast charging capabilities, it makes for an excellent budget smartwatch.

Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh49.92 for 12 months with select banks.

Warranty: Amazon offers one-year extended warranty by Salama Care for Dh35, and two-year extended warranty for Dh57.

2. Best Android Watch: Samsung Galaxy Watch6

Pros

  • Comprehensive app support
  • Excellent fitness features
  • Small and lightweight
  • Acts as remote shutter
  • IP68-rated for water and dust resistance

Cons

  • One-day battery life

A powerful smartwatch that runs Google’s Wear OS, the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 offers a host of useful apps and excellent smartphone integration. It has one of the most accurate sleep tracking metrics on any smartwatch, along with other comprehensive health and activity tracking features. The IP68-certified watch is swim-proof up to 50m, and is resistant to dust and water. It’s also been tested to withstand drops, temperature extremes and more. The circular Super AMOLED screen is vibrant, and although its 40mm screen is on the smaller side, its display quality does not disappoint. Reviewers say Samsung’s One UI Watch interface is intuitive, with a rich variety of widgets to keep the watch face interesting. Unlike its predecessor, the Watch6 can act as a remote shutter for your Z Flip5 smartphone. Although Samsung Pay is installed by default, you can switch to Google Wallet if you prefer – something other Android phone users will appreciate. Unlike most smartwatches, you can also make calls with this watch, not just answer them. However, its battery life is mediocre, lasting only a day before it needs to be recharged.

Warranty: Amazon offers one-year extended warranty by Salama Care for Dh29, and two-year extended warranty for Dh47.

3. Best Design: CMF by Nothing Watch Pro 

Pros

  • Stylish design
  • Includes most basic features
  • Excellent battery life

Cons

  • No app store
  • No Wi-Fi

If you own a Nothing Phone, you’ll find the CMF Watch Pro shares its design philosophy, although instead of its iconic red colour, you’ll see orange being used as the main accent colour here. It features a large, 1.96-inch AMOLED display, and has Bluetooth, built-in GPS and plenty of health and fitness metrics, along with 110 sport tracking modes. There are also eight always-on options to choose from. The watch tracks your heart rate, steps, sleep, blood oxygen, stress and more. Do note that there’s no Wi-Fi on this device, so you will have to pair it to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This also allows you to make and answer phone calls directly from the watch. The Watch Pro can last up to 13 days with typical use, without a recharge, or a staggering 45 days with its power-saving mode enabled. Reviewers say that despite its flaws, this wearable tech has everything they need in a smartwatch, at a surprisingly affordable price.

Warranty: Amazon offers one-year extended warranty by Salama Care for Dh18, and two-year extended warranty for Dh29.

4. Best Value: Fitbit Charge 6 

Pros

  • Comes with Google Maps and Wallet
  • Accurate fitness tracking
  • New side button
  • Comfortable wearable

Cons

  • Small screen

Thanks to Google’s acquisition of Fitbit, you’re looking at a whole slew of features in the Charge 6. It has built-in Google Maps, Google Wallet and YouTube Music, along with a number of health tracking features. There’s a new physical side button, and the fitness tracker has the ability to auto-detect six popular workouts, in case you forget to manually switch it on: running, walking, biking, elliptical, rowing and spinning. The full list of over 40 sports modes can be accessed right from your wrist, or via the Fitbit app. The Charge 6 also has a Sp)2 pulse oximeter sensor, sleep and heart rate tracking. Although the screen is bright and has gentle curves that seamlessly blend into its strap, it’s on the smaller side, according to reviewers, who often find it difficult to read data in the middle of a workout.

5. Best Budget: Amazfit Bip 5 

Pros

  • Large, bright display
  • Excellent battery life
  • Slew of useful features
  • IP68-rated for water and dust resistance

Cons

  • No always-on option

If you’re looking for a feature-packed smartwatch without a hefty price tag, Amazfit’s Bip 5 is the one to get. Firstly, it has one of the largest smartwatch displays – a 1.9-inch LCD – and is bright enough to read outdoors. Next, it’s IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, and it can last up to 10 days with typical usage without needing a recharge (or up to five days with heavy usage). In terms of fitness, the smartwatch offers 120+ sport modes, and has on-board GPS for accurate speed and position tracking. It collects sleep data, monitors your heart rate and blood oxygen levels, tracks your steps and alerts you with texts and notifications once synced with your phone. Reviewers love that they can not only answer calls but also make them, right on the watch. Alexa is also available to answer any query you may have. Do note, that the Bip 5 does not have an always-on option – you’ll have to raise the watch or press the button on the side to turn the screen on.

Warranty: Amazon offers one-year extended warranty by Salama Care for Dh18, and two-year extended warranty for Dh29.

Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.