Best smartwatches of 2025: Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Pixel, Xiaomi, Huawei

Fall 2025 is the moment when technology no longer looks like an experiment—it’s simply part of daily life. When choosing a smartwatch, what really counts is how it behaves after a week, a month, a year—not just on paper. The priorities are clear: accurate and stable sensors, comfort, solid battery life, and tight integration with your phone’s ecosystem. The Pepelac News team ran a compact study and pinpointed the standout models.

Apple Watch

For those in the Apple camp, first-party Apple Watch remains the safest bet. There’s a full lineup to suit different tastes and budgets. It’s the default leader for iPhone owners: the current Watch 11 or Watch Ultra 3 are strong examples, while the Watch FE fits those who’d rather avoid something too pricey or overly advanced on the wrist.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8

An optimal Android pick, especially paired with a Samsung phone: a bright display, flexible interface, and a deep bench of fitness modes. Wear OS can hesitate under heavy load, but overall users are satisfied. Expect roughly a day of battery life.

Google Pixel Watch 4

Full reviews are still ahead—few journalists and creators have tested it so far—but it’s already clear Google is leaning into AI, contextual suggestions, and deep ties to its own services. This is for those who want a watch that feels like it’s thinking alongside them.

Samsung Galaxy Watch FE

A more affordable Galaxy Watch with core features and steady performance. The case is simplified and the sensor set is leaner, but the essentials for daily wear remain. Owners highlight its straightforward experience, reliability, and strong value.

Xiaomi Watch 2

A Chinese alternative in the premium lane. Xiaomi’s Watch 2 has earned praise for its vivid display, advanced health tracking, GPS, and excellent endurance—over four to five days of real-world use, according to feedback. In 2025 it benefits from the stability of Google’s Wear OS and a rich selection of sports modes. Many note the price undercuts Western rivals with comparable capabilities.

Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro

Huawei holds its ground among Chinese brands. The Watch GT 6 Pro doubles down on durability, battery life, and in-house software. Reviews commend the accuracy of ECG and GPS, up to seven days on a light schedule, and sensible notification controls. The caveat is dependence on Huawei’s ecosystem and potential wrinkles when pairing with iOS.

How to choose?

For iPhone users, the answer is straightforward: Apple Watch. For Android, go with the Galaxy Watch 8 or a Xiaomi model if you’re optimizing for price. Looking specifically at Chinese options, Xiaomi’s Watch Ultra 2 brings premium features at a more attractive cost, while Huawei suits those who prize endurance and dependability. Pixel Watch 4 is worth keeping an eye on as an intriguing AI-driven direction.

And a simple rule helps: the best watch is the one you forget about. It should be comfortable, stable, and helpful—never irritating.