<![CDATA[ Latest from TechRadar UK in Smartwatches ]]> https://www.techradar.com/uk/health-fitness/smartwatches Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:57:39 +0000 en <![CDATA[ From Prime Day Apple Watch deals to record discounts on Garmins, these are the 24 smartwatch deals you need to see right now ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/from-prime-day-apple-watch-deals-to-record-discounts-on-garmins-these-are-the-24-smartwatch-deals-you-need-to-see-right-now mMo6SrvVYyW8fgGdjhkmT4 Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:57:39 +0000

Amazon Prime Day is the perfect time to find yourself a new smartwatch. But while most people use the word 'smartwatch' in a very general sense, there is a massive variety in the category, and the right smartwatch has to fit your lifestyle and budget.

Do you want something that could pass convincingly for an analog watch that can also field notifications and make calls, or do you want a rugged trail companion that'll withstand everything from seawater to rock-scrambling? A cheap fitness tracker or a super-premium specialist golf watch?

Below are 24 deals on every kind of smartwatch, mainly from Amazon but here and there from other sites running anti-Prime Day sales, for you to peruse this week. It's likely the wearable you're looking for is here, whether you want a rugged Apple Watch Ultra 3 for Prime Day or a low-priced, high-performer like the Amazfit Active 2.

US deals

Save an impressive 30% on the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic, which features a rotating bezel that lets you scroll through the watch's options intuitively and resembles the look of a classic watch. It comes in one size (large, 46mm) with either a black or a white leather strap. View Deal

A 4.5-star smartwatch with super-accurate health and activity tracking, as well as AI features, we reviewed this watch and called it 'a triumph'. This larger 44mm version has a staggering 38% off, but the smaller 40mm versions start at $229.99 (was $349.99).View Deal

For one of Apple's latest smartwatches, $120 off is more than generous, especially if you're looking to upgrade for the latest watchOS 27 support, which comes with Siri AI goodies. This is the first time this month the Apple Watch Series 11 has dropped in price, but it's unlikely it'll see a bigger reduction this Prime Day.View Deal

As far as Apple's basic smartwatch range goes, not only is the SE 3 a speedy upgrade from its predecessor (it has the same chip as the Ultra 3), but it has the firmware to support watchOS 27. For less than $200, you can benefit from core fitness tracking features as well as the neat new tools that are on the way, which include Siri AI, all while not having to spend a shedload on an advanced model if you know you won't need all the nitty-gritty bells and whistles. We named this the best Apple Watch for most people, a safe and inexpensive option. View Deal

Are you a Garmin user who wants to try something different? The Apple Watch Ultra range is a solid Garmin rival if a) you like using your smartwatch without having to keep your iPhone nearby, and b) you know you'll want to get a kick out of its plethora of extreme sports features. As predicted, this model has seen another price drop just before Prime Day, hitting a record-low discount. It's the best watch of last year.View Deal

$250 off the five-star Garmin Fenix 8 in its smallest 43mm size and Whitestone colorway. Perfect for those who want serious power on smaller wrists (and adventure watches are usually big, lumpy affairs, so it's nice to have a smaller option), it still packs an impressive 10-day battery life, advanced training features, an LED flashlight, and full-color maps. View Deal

Here's a chance to get a whopping 50% off the original retail price of the excellent Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2). The 4.5-star smartwatch is an excellent buy for dedicated and enthusiast runners, thanks to its top-tier health tracking and GPS navigation features. You also get a clear AMOLED display with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens, and a titanium bezel. As far as premium smartwatches go, this value prospect is tough to beat.View Deal

You can save $20 on this already-cheap watch, making it an absolute steal. Beyond reliable fitness tracking, a nice screen, a stainless steel case, 10-day battery life, and free map software (not even Garmin will give you that at this price), you get the Premium super-tough sapphire glass, NFC payments, and a nicer strap than the base Active 2.View Deal

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a fantastic all-rounder fitness smartwatch with tons of workout plans, a crisp AMOLED display, onboard GPS, and 11 days of battery life. At this price, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better-performing watch for general fitness, health, and exercise tracking. A Fitbit beater.View Deal

Right now, you can save $50 on both 41mm and 45mm Garmin Venu 4 models, in a variety of colors: Black and Lunar Gold for the 41mm, Grey and Citron for the 45mm. Up to 10 days of battery life, great workout and wellness tracking, and lots of Garmin Connect IQ third-party app support. View Deal

Save a cool $80 on the Google Pixel Watch 4, one of the best Android watches overall. But the real star of this deal is that as it's an LTE watch, Best Buy are offering 2 years of LTE data absolutely free, so you can call, email, and check messages even without a phone nearby. Beat that, Amazon!

45mm LTE version: was $499.99 now $419.99View Deal

More Prime Day deals in the US

UK deals

The Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) has a superb discount in the UK as well. Runners will not want to miss this best-ever offer on the 4.5-star smartwatch, which offers excellent health tracking and GPS navigation features. The vibrant AMOLED display and rugged titanium bezel make it easy to see and resilient. I ran a marathon with this, and at this price I'd buy it over any other Garmin. View Deal

In the UK there's a 20% discount on the Premium version of the five-star watch. Amazfit's health and fitness suite includes free maps, heart rate, sleep data, workout profiles, GPS and lots more, and NFC allows you to load your cards into its digital wallet. At this price is really is a steal. View Deal

Save a hefty 25% on the Black 41mm of the Garmin Venu 4. If you're looking for a bigger size, the 45mm is available for £365 in Grey and £368.49 in Citron yellow.View Deal

A lowest-ever price on the Garmin Vivoactive 5 means there's never been a better time to snap this up. Garmin's comprehensive training app has served me well for years, while the Vivoactive 5 at this price is an easy buy for Fitbit users who are used to cheaper price points. View Deal

£149 off the white 43mm Fenix 8 model. A five-button configuration and AMOLED touchscreen mean you can operate the watch while wearing gloves in adverse weather conditions. It's perfect for hikers, skiers, campers, and triathletes. View Deal

Save 25% on both smaller and larger models with LTE enabled, which means you can add them to your phone's data plan and install an eSIM for phone-free data use using only your watch. Very handy. View Deal

Save a cool 33% on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in all colorways, including the fetching Titanium Blue version introduced last year. While it's not the best choice for everyone, its power, longevity (up to 100 hours!) and rugged durability means it's well-made for adventurers and triathletes. Watch out, Garmin. View Deal

Folks in the UK have a seriously tempting offer here at First Class Watches, where you can save a huge £700 on the MARQ Golfer (Gen 2)! This is enormous, and I have never seen the premium watch as close to the thousand-pound mark as this. Considering this was a multi-thousand-pound watch not that long ago, this is a great deal for those on the premium device hunt.View Deal

Luckily for UK shoppers, this is the lowest price for one of Apple's latest and most advanced wearables. With that in mind, waiting around for another Prime Day price drop may not be the best idea if it's already record-low ahead of the big event. View Deal

Just like its US equivalent, shoppers in the UK can pick up the Apple Watch Series 11 for the same price, and its price history is similar. This device likes to yo-yo in price so it's difficult to tell when the next price drop will occur, so it may be worth scoring it now while you can, especially if you don't like to take risks when it comes to Prime Day. View Deal

This is the lowest price we've seen the SE 3 hit in the UK, but this is another listing that has a history of jumping between high and low price points. As mentioned earlier, we recommend the SE 3 for users who want a just-above entry level device, and the upside is that it will support watchOS 27 when it drops later this yearView Deal

This is the best price we've yet seen a Google Pixel Watch 4, bringing the top Android watch down to under $300 in all four colors. An absolute steal if you can get it.

45mm version: was $499 now $349View Deal

More Amazon Prime Day deals in the UK

]]> <![CDATA[ I've been saying this for months, but I think the Garmin Venu 4 is the best Garmin for most people — especially at this price point ]]> https://www.techradar.com/seasonal-sales/ive-been-saying-this-for-months-but-i-think-the-garmin-venu-4-is-the-best-garmin-for-most-people-especially-at-this-price-point 2yzhGAWUHUzSztfnZuoxDJ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:53:37 +0000

The Garmin Venu 4 is a great Garmin watch, but it doesn't necessarily look like a Garmin. Most people think of the lumpy black Fenix, Forerunner, and Instinct ranges, but the Venu series has always been a bit sleeker, just at home in the office as it is on the trail or in the gym.

Consequently, I labeled it my 'best Garmin watch for most people' when I reviewed it in October last year, and that remains my opinion due to its status as the ideal all-rounder watch: enough features to satisfy everyone but die-hard trail enthusiasts and orienteers, and an understated look ideal for modern life. It was my opinion when the watch was full price, and it's definitely still my opinion now that it's hit a lowest-ever price during the Amazon Prime Day sales.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

Right now, the Garmin Venu 4 can be found on sale at Amazon US for $499.99 (was $549.99) with a $50 Prime Day discount for both 41mm and 45mm models, taking it to just $2 above its lowest price yet, according to our deals-checking tools.

But the real gem of a deal is in the UK: the Garmin Venu 4 41mm in Black is discounted to £354 (was £469.99), a 25% discount and the lowest price. Other colorways and sizes cost more, but all are discounted to some degree. The closest you can get to the Black model's price is the 45mm Grey color, which costs £365 (down from the same £469.99).

Check out the deals in full below. Not in the US or the UK? Scroll down for the best deals in your area.

Today's best Garmin Venu 4 deals

Right now you can save $50 on both 41mm and 45mm Garmin Venu 4 models, in a variety of colors: Black and Lunar Gold for the 41mm, Grey and Citron for the 45mm. Up to 10 days of battery life, great workout and wellness tracking, and lots of Garmin Connect IQ third-party app support. View Deal

Save a hefty 25% on the Black 41mm of the Garmin Venu 4. If you're looking for a bigger size, the 45mm is available for £365 in Grey and £368.49 in Citron yellow.View Deal

Are you after something a little cheaper? The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a similar all-rounder fitness tracker, albeit less premium and older than the Garmin Venu 4. Where the Venu uses metal, the Vivoactive uses plastic, and the Vivoactive uses an older heart rate sensor. It misses out on a few key smartwatch features such as the voice assistant and some more advanced workout metrics. However, it's currently very affordable and is a great budget alternative.

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a fantastic all-rounder fitness smartwatch with tonnes of workout plans, a crisp AMOLED display, onboard GPS, and 11 days of battery life. At this price, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better-performing watch for general fitness, health, and exercise tracking.View Deal

A lowest-ever price on the Garmin Vivoactive 5 means there's never been a better time to snap this up. Garmin's comprehensive and (still mostly free) app has served me well for years, while the Vivoactive 5 at this price is an easly swallow for Fitbit users used to cheaper devices. View Deal

More Prime Day deals in the US

More Amazon Prime Day deals in the UK

]]> <![CDATA[ The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 is likely to launch soon — which means now is the perfect time to score a discounted Samsung Galaxy Watch8 ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-samsung-galaxy-watch9-is-likely-to-launch-soon-which-means-now-is-the-perfect-time-to-score-a-discounted-samsung-galaxy-watch8 iGRV4BfKxawS3UAJ4N3Xin Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:52:54 +0000

The Samsung Galaxy Watch9 is probably coming out later this summer. I have no confirmation of exactly what new features are going to be in the watch, but I can tell you that I wouldn't recommend getting it at launch, unless you're a Samsung power user.

In fact, it's probably the perfect excuse to get one of last year's watches in the Amazon Prime Day sales instead.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 series (yes, it's always stylized without the space) is comprised of the mainline Samsung Galaxy Watch8, the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025 edition). All of these watches are good, but the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 in particular was labelled "a triumph" when I reviewed it last year, as its slimmer, more comfortable profile and redesigned shape helped it cleave closer to the wrist.

Combine that with its AI-powered features and easy-to-navigate operating system, and it's a really, really good watch, earning 4.5 stars in our review. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic was similar, but the extra bulk on it took off half a star, despite the intuitive nature of its rotating bezel.

Why you shouldn't wait for the 9 series

Right now, I'm seeing a lot of great deals on the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 series. In the US, you can get the Bluetooth-only Samsung Galaxy Watch8 discounted to £237.49 (was $379.99), a staggering 38% off. In the UK, the LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Watch8 can be found for just £299.99 (was £399.99) at Amazon, a 25% discount, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic with its rotating bezel is discounted to £337 (was £449).

All these deals are likely so good because of Samsung's annual release cycle. Samsung tends to hold its summer Unpacked event in July or August, at which it unveils its latest crop of phones, the best Samsung watches and other mobile devices. This means that Samsung stops selling its current-gen watches and they drop in price on third-party sites to incentivize people to buy, in order to clear away old stock.

Samsung's severe discounts in the Amazon Prime Day deals indicate that this is going to be the case again this year. We're likely to see the Galaxy Watch9 series rear its head sometime this summer, along with another watch such as the Samsung Galaxy Ultra 2.

However, I wouldn't wait for these watches at the expense of a great deal on the 8 series. The Galaxy Watch8 underwent a major redesign last year, indicating 9 is going to be an iterative generation with smaller design changes.

What's more, if you wait for the 9, you'll end up buying it at full price when it launches. Therefore, if it's only going to be a marginal improvement, you're better off buying a cheap Galaxy Watch8 than you are a more expensive 9.

Convinced? Check out the best Samsung watch deals of Prime Day right now.

Samsung Galaxy Watch US deals

A 4.5-star smartwatch with super-accurate health and activity tracking, as well as AI features. This larger 44mm version has a staggering 38% off, but the smaller 40mm versions start at $229.99 (was $349.99).View Deal

Save an impressive 30% on the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic, with its rotating bezel that lets you scroll through the watch's options in an intuitive way, and resembles that of a classic dive watch. It comes in one size (large, 46mm) with either black and white strap options. View Deal

Samsung Galaxy Watch UK deals

Save 25% on both smaller and larger models with LTE enabled, which means you can add them to your phone's data plan and install an eSIM for phone-free data use using only your watch. Very handy. View Deal

Save a cool 33% on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in all colorways, including the fetching Titanium Blue version introduced last year. While it's not the best choice for everyone, its power, longevity (up to 100 hours!) and rugged durability means it's well-made for adventurers and triathletes. Watch out, Garmin. View Deal

More Prime Day deals in the US

More Amazon Prime Day deals in the UK

]]> <![CDATA[ The golf watch I covet the most is discounted just in time for prime golf season — and I'm seriously tempted ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-golf-watch-i-covet-the-most-is-discounted-just-in-time-for-prime-golf-season-and-im-seriously-tempted pNEgT6nxCTwdTAfngBGyj Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:40:16 +0000

There have only been a handful of devices that I've tested in nearly 10 years of reviewing gear that I have hated having to give back — and the Garmin MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) is one of them.

It is simply the best golf watch I have ever tested or used out on the course, and I wish I had one myself. It has the best features, the best display, the best design and build, the best and most intuitive controls, and is a thing of beauty while out on the course. It's also the best golf watch that Garmin makes to be used on the daily as a wonderful smartwatch too.

However, it's a seriously premium watch, with a seriously premium price tag to boot. But right now folks in the US and the UK can save a hefty chunk on the fantastic golf watch that might make the difference. Seriously, if you've been at all tempted by the MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) in recent years, then these prices — particularly the UK one — is absolutely worth paying attention to.

US price - A chunky $300 discount on the MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) in the US makes a sizable dent in the watch's price tag, and I think it could be a real tempter for anyone who's been saving up to go premium on their next golf device.

The fused carbon fiber variant that I went hands-on with is also discounted by $300 at Garmin but is more expensive at $2,800.View Deal

UK price - Folks in the UK have a seriously tempting offer here at First Class Watches, where you can save a huge £700 on the MARQ Golfer (Gen 2)! This is enormous, and I have never seen the premium watch as close to the thousand-pound mark as this. Considering this was a multi-thousand-pound watch not that long ago, this is a great deal for those on the premium device hunt.View Deal

MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) alternatives

If the price tag of the MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) is a bit steep for you still, or you're interested in another premium watch like the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition, then you can check out a host of the latest prices and deals on a bunch of my favorite golf watches below.

More Prime Day deals in the US

More Amazon Prime Day deals in the UK

]]> <![CDATA[ I ran a marathon with the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2), and now it's under £300 — I'd buy it over any Garmin at this price ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/i-ran-a-marathon-with-the-garmin-epix-pro-gen-2-and-now-its-under-gbp300-id-buy-it-over-any-garmin-at-this-price WGpr2bEYMduHcUJBEuV3EU Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:37:56 +0000

I've got a special love for the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2), as I've said elsewhere on this site. It's the watch I used to train for and eventually run the London Marathon, and I'd recommend it to every hobbyist runner out there. It's now cheaper than it's ever been, and considering the amount of features it's got, I'd recommend buying it even though it's not Amazon Prime Day yet.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

However, the deal's not even on Amazon: it's actually at jewelry retailer H Samuel, which has been selling the now-discontinued running favorite for so long that I was sure it would have run out of stock by now. However, the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) is now on sale for £299.99 at H Samuel (was £349.99, formerly £739.99).

This offshoot of Garmin's ultra-powerful Fenix line is now less than the price of a Garmin Forerunner 170 Music, an Apple Watch Series 11, or a Google Pixel Watch 4. Check out the deal in full below.

Today's best Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) deal in the UK

An incredible, better-than-half-price deal on an incredible watch. I gave the Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) 4.5 stars in my review, and at under £300, I'd buy this over a similarly-priced Forerunner watch in a heartbeat.View Deal

Don't let its age fool you: its up-to-date parts sport accurate metrics. Even though it will now receive only security updates and bug fixes rather than new features, its hardware is rock-solid. It packs Garmin's most powerful heart rate sensor, the Elevate V5, which is also used on the current-gen Fenix 8.

It's great for skiing and golfing, with thousands of preloaded route maps. I actually used its mapping software during marathon training, as I created a street map of my London route in the Garmin Connect app, loaded it onto my watch, and it guided me turn by turn around a 20-mile route. If I went off-course, it rerouted me.

All this with fantastic battery life, health tracking, and a rugged, adventure-proof exterior. It's even got Garmin's LED torch in its casing.

It's definitely the best-value Garmin right now: I'd get it now rather than wait for it to sell out. However, you might not be looking for a large, rugged watch: you might be after something slimmer, like a Fitbit or an Apple Watch. In which case, I have another deal I can recommend: the Garmin Vivoactive 5 is now £149.99 (was £209.99) at Amazon, the lowest price ever.

A lowest-ever price on the Garmin Vivoactive 5 means there's never been a better time to snap this up. Garmin's comprehensive and (still mostly free) app has served me well for years, while the Vivoactive 5 at this price is an easly swallow for Fitbit users used to cheaper devices. View Deal

More Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) deals

More Amazon Prime Day deals in the UK

]]> <![CDATA[ Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and Ultra 2 design and details leak — and there's no sign of a new Classic ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/samsung-galaxy-watch-9-and-ultra-2-design-and-details-leak-and-theres-no-sign-of-a-new-classic qag5JocqeHL3PhV9ZNHyuF Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:25:29 +0000 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:09:03 +0000
  • A leaker claims there will be a Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 this year instead of a Watch 9 Classic
  • They shared renders of the Ultra 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9
  • They also claimed there will be beige, black, and silver colors for them

This year it looks like we might get a successor to the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, as a new leak has revealed fresh details along with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9.

Over on X (via 9to5Google), leaker Galaxy Techie has claimed that these are the two new Samsung smartwatches we’ll see this year — and that there won’t be a Classic. That post has also now suspiciously been removed.

That’s at odds with some earlier leaks which suggested we might get a Classic instead of or as well as a new Ultra, so we’d take this with a pinch of salt. But it would make sense, since Samsung usually only launches new Classic models every other year, and we already got one last year with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic.

A successor to the 2024 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is certainly due — and according to this source, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 will have a slightly boxier design than its predecessor, along with thinner bezels and an orange outline on the side button, rather than it being all orange.

Three colors and some software changes

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

(Image credit: Future)

The leaker also claims that both the Samsung Galaxy Watch 9 and the Watch Ultra 2 will have new band designs and colors, listing beige, black with a bluish band, and silver with a green band variants — though it’s unclear whether they mean both models will come in all three of those shades.

Finally, they’ve also shared some renders which — while lacking in detail — do give us a look at the possible design of these wearables, along with the redesigned Samsung Health app and what looks to be a new watchface picker, as you can see above.

In any case, we probably won’t have to wait much longer to get an official look at whatever wearables Samsung is cooking up, as this year’s Galaxy Watches will probably launch in July.

]]> <![CDATA[ Got a Samsung phone? This is my highest-rated Samsung Galaxy Watch, and you should look out for it on Prime Day — and it's not the Ultra ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/got-a-samsung-phone-this-is-my-highest-rated-samsung-galaxy-watch-and-you-should-look-out-for-it-on-prime-day-and-its-not-the-ultra V4HVGTgiWAadJzxxCQEewJ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:00:00 +0000 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:11:21 +0000

If you've got a Samsung phone and you're looking for a smartwatch, a Samsung Galaxy Watch is an ideal purchase — and Amazon Prime Day is a great time to buy.

While Samsung doesn't lock you into its own ecosystem in the same way Apple does — Samsung phones interface well with any of the best Android watches — having a Samsung watch enables you to access certain features like ECG scans, blood pressure estimations and camera viewfinder functionality, which only work when Samsung phones and watches are paired.

If you're in the market for a Samsung Galaxy Watch you might be tempted to get the biggest and baddest entry, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, which earned four stars in our Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review; but it isn't the Galaxy watch I'd recommend for everyone.

For one thing, it's big. Sitting on a chunky titanium 'cushion', protruding 12.1mm and weighing 60.5g, it's an obtrusive and unique-looking watch, and it certainly stands out. Without other size options (unlike the rival Garmin Fenix 8, which comes in three sizes), it's clear that it's not built with smaller wrists in mind, which means it locks out a big potential user base.

It's also a premium-priced adventure-focused watch, and the majority of Galaxy Watch Ultra owners don't use or need all of its rugged survivability extras or impressive navigation features. Yes, it can withstand knocks much better than other watches in the range, and its programmable Quick Button is useful, but most casual exercisers looking for a useful fitness tracker that also lets them screen calls and read messages will cope just fine with a less-powerful watch.

That's not to say the Ultra doesn't have its fans: if you're having an in-tents weekend (sorry) in the wilderness once a month, and you want a Samsung watch to guide you through muddy hikes and rocky scrambles, the Ultra is certainly the Galaxy Watch to get.

Check out the deals below for the best prices:

Save 15% on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in all colorways, including the fetching Titanium Blue version introduced last year. While it's not the best choice for everyone, its power, longevity (up to 100 hours!) and rugged durability means it's well-made for adventurers and triathletes. Watch out, Garmin. View Deal

There's no deal yet on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra deal on Amazon, but we're expecting that to change as Prime Day draws closer. At present, the best deal is at Samsung itself, where you can save £50 with code WJ26.View Deal

Which watch to buy instead?

Rather than the top-tier Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, for those looking for a Samsung smartwatch to monitor general wellness, track regular exercise and use some communications features (email, WhatsApp, call screening, music control and so forth), I recommend the Samsung Galaxy Watch8.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 got 4.5 stars in our review, and I labelled it "a triumph" and "unequivocally the best mainline Galaxy Watch in ages" in part thanks to its cool redesign. It retains that squircle cushion, but it's a lot thinner and more comfortable than the Ultra or the Classic, and sits nice and flush on the wrist, making it easier to wear all the time, even during sleep, to ensure you get those nice recovery metrics.

You do lose some battery life, the Dive mode, and toughness as the Ultra's titanium case is downgraded to armor aluminum, but it's almost 4mm slimmer than the Ultra, and you get the same dual-band GPS, running coach and advanced wellness features as the Ultra: body composition scanning that's accurate compared to a smart scale, blood pressure estimations, and ECG feature to check for arrhythmia.

It's available in LTE and Bluetooth-only versions, which means you can choose to pay extra to add it to a phone's data plan, or save some money and buy Bluetooth-only. The Ultra is LTE-enabled by default, so you're paying for that connectivity whether you want it or not.

Best of all, the Samsung Galaxy Watch8 is also already discounted as the Amazon Prime Day sales get closer. You can check out the best deals on it below:

A 4.5-star smartwatch with super-accurate health and activity tracking, as well as AI features. Both 40mm and 44mm versions start at $290, saving you nearly 20%. The LTE versions start at $339.99 (was $399.99).View Deal

Like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, you can claim an impressive cashback deal (£75 this time) at Samsung UK using the code WJ26 at checkout. This deal is available on all options: 40 and 44mm, LTE and Bluetooth. View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ I'm using an Apple Watch SE 2, but I'm disappointed it won't be getting watchOS 27 — these are the models I'm considering upgrading to this Amazon Prime Day ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/im-using-an-apple-watch-se-2-but-im-disappointed-it-wont-be-getting-watchos-27-these-are-the-models-im-considering-upgrading-to-this-amazon-prime-day 6bpTbVTCap6wmW7jbpbpHm Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:54:04 +0000 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:54:09 +0000

I'm still using my Apple Watch SE 2, and while it's an easy-to-use device that gets me through my day I was bitterly disappointed to learn that Apple is shutting it out of the upcoming watchOS 27 rollout, along with a slew of other devices.

Luckily, Amazon Prime Day is just around the corner and there are already early deals on the best Apple Watches. If you're in the same boat as me and want to get a kick out of watchOS 27 but your device is being shunned, stay put.

• Browse all the early Prime Day deals

The best part about these early deals is that each of Apple's new wearable models have a discount in some shape or form. For me, the Apple Watch Series 11 tops the list not just because it's now $279 down from $399 (£317 in the UK), but because it sits perfectly between the basic Apple Watch SE 3 and the advanced Apple Watch Ultra 3, both of which are also discounted ahead of Prime Day.

Why does having watchOS 27 matter? I can see most people getting by quite fine with watchOS 26, but for me it's a huge revamp for the smartwatch experience. For starters, the new Siri AI comes to your wrist, and although EU restrictions will delay its arrival, there are other upgrades to look forward to like its redesigned app grid and its added Workout Buddy insights.

In addition, watchOS 26-only watches will only get security updates from hereon out, becoming increasingly out of date as future upgrades arrive each year.

Best US Apple Watch deals

For one of Apple's latest smartwatches, $120 off is more than generous, especially if you're looking to upgrade for watchOS 27 support. The thing with this particular Apple Watch range is that they love to fluctuate in price on Amazon every month or so. This is the first time this month the Apple Watch Series 11 has dropped in price, but its unlikely it'll get a better reduction come Prime Day itself. View Deal

As far as Apple's basic smartwatch range goes, not only is the SE 3 a speedy upgrade from its predecessor (it has the same chip as the Ultra 3) but it has the firmware to support watchOS 27. For less than $200, you can benefit from core fitness tracking features as well as the neat new tools that are on the way, which includes Siri AI, all while not having to spend a shedload on an advanced model if you know you won't need all the nitty gritty bells and whistles. We named this as the best Apple Watch for most people, a safe and inexpensive option. View Deal

Are you a Garmin user who wants to try something different? The Apple Watch Ultra range is a solid Garmin rival if a) you like using your smartwatch without having to keep your iPhone nearby, and b) you know you'll want to get a kick out of its plethora of extreme sports features. As predicted, this model has seen another price drop just before Prime Day, hitting a record-low discount. View Deal

Best UK Apple Watch deals

Just like its US equivalent, shoppers in the UK can pick up the Apple Watch Series 11 for the same price, and its price history is similar. This device likes to yo-yo in price so it's difficult to tell when the next price drop will occur, so it may be worth scoring it now while you can, especially if you don't like to take risks when it comes to Prime Day. View Deal

This is the lowest price we've seen the SE 3 hit in the UK, but this is another listing that has a history of jumping between high and low price points. As mentioned earlier, we recommend the SE 3 for users who want a just-above entry level device, and the upside is that it will support watchOS 27 when it drops later this yearView Deal

Luckily for UK shoppers, this is the lowest price for one of Apple's latest and most advanced wearables. With that in mind, waiting around for another Prime Day price drop may not be the best idea if it's already record-low ahead of the big event. View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ The Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2) is an excellent premium running watch — it's just dropped to its lowest-ever price ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-garmin-epix-pro-gen-2-is-an-excellent-premium-running-watch-its-just-dropped-to-its-lowest-ever-price nioaXjqbeimMNz45Ze49RK Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Even though it's an older watch now, we still rate the Garmin epix Pro as one of the best and most advanced smartwatches from the manufacturer. When it launched, though, it came at a very high cost. That's less of a problem now, though, as two retailers in the US and the UK have dropped the price dramatically.

Over in the US, you can find a massive 50% price cut on the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) at Amazon US, dropping it to $499.99 (was $999.99). Meanwhile, in the UK, the Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) is on sale at H Samuel for £299.99 (was £739.99)

These are record-low prices for the smartwatch that scored an impressive 4.5 out of five in our review by fitness editor, Matt Evans. In fact, Matt liked it so much that he used it for his marathon prep and while running the race last year. It was invaluable for planning training routes, tracking his progress and offering accurate health metrics.

Definitely don't be put off too much by the age of the watch, especially if you are a dedicated runner. The navigation and tracking features are still excellent. Plus, alongside that, you get a bright and clear AMOLED display, a built-in LED flashlight, up to 16 days of battery life, and handy on-wrist notifications.

Today's best Garmin deals

Here's a chance to get a whopping 50% off the excellent Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2). The 4.5-star smartwatch is an excellent buy for dedicated and enthusiast runners, thanks to its top-tier health tracking and GPS navigation features. You also get a clear AMOLED display with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and titanium bezel. As far as premium smartwatches go, this one is tough to beat after such a big price cut.View Deal

The same Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) has a mega discount in the UK as well. Runners will not want to miss this best-ever offer on the 4.5-star smartwatch, which offers excellent health tracking and GPS navigation features. The vibrant AMOLED display and rugged titanium bezel make it easy to see and resilient.View Deal

You can read through Matt's full Garmin epix Pro review to get a full breakdown of why he scored it so highly. To summarise, he called it a "high-performing endurance watch that operates wonderfully".

It may not have been a transformative upgrade compared to some of the manufacturer's other wearables, but it nails everything it wants to do so well. If you're a runner who wants a high-end device for tracking progress, monitoring key health metrics, and needs the longevity of an extensive battery life, this watch will tick all of those boxes — and it's now available for a much lower price.

]]> <![CDATA[ 'It’s the most convenient way to interact with Siri': I asked Apple's senior watchOS team how to use the new Siri AI assistant on an Apple Watch, and why it's not coming to so many older models ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/its-the-most-convenient-way-to-interact-with-siri-i-asked-apples-senior-watchos-team-how-to-use-the-new-siri-ai-assistant-on-an-apple-watch-and-why-its-not-coming-to-so-many-older-models BCkqicHohyaoyN4Vwzz4Ai Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:57:59 +0000

Last week, Apple unveiled Siri AI across all its devices at its annual WWDC event. While much time was given to how you'll be able to use Apple's new virtual assistant on iPhone, iPad and Mac, the Apple Watch was overlooked — despite the fact that, according to Apple, it's "the most convenient way to interact with Siri" more often than not.

That quote comes from Apple's own David Clark, senior director of watchOS software engineering. I had the opportunity to ask Clark, as well as Cait Dooley, Apple Watch and Health Product Marketing Manager, about how they see Apple Watch users interacting with Siri AI on their wrists.

Clark said one of the goals of watchOS 27 was "to expand the intelligence story on Apple Watch and make it a true co-partner to Apple Intelligence". It's doing so by being a first point of contact, as a wearable is a convenient place to house a microphone for asking Siri questions.

"We really wanted to make sure the Siri experience is a singular and consistent experience, whether I decide to ask Siri on my wrist a question, or whether I have my phone in my hand and I decide to interact with Siri there. We really wanted to feel like it’s one Siri, that has access to your data and is able to personalise it in a consistent way.

"One of the things that Apple Watch brings to the picture is the fact that it’s on your wrist all day, [so] oftentimes it’s the most convenient way to interact with Siri. You can imagine you’re on the go, your hands are full, you have that quick question for Siri and you can interact with Apple Watch. Of course, with the new Siri app, if you want to continue that conversation or go more deeply into some topic you’re interested in, later on you can pull out your phone and pick up right where you left off.”

Clark gives me an example of a grocery list in a store: with hands full, he's able to ask Siri on Watch for the ingredients he needs for a particular recipe. When he gets a moment, he can then open his phone to view that ingredients list in an easier-to-read way. "Working together is that superpower," he says, "and having it all being consistently driven by your data."

The elephant in the room: watchOS 27 and compatibility

Apple Watch showing text about stretching

(Image credit: Apple)

As the announcements were rolling out, however, there was a pall over watchOS 27 as it was announced that five older models — the Apple Watch Series 6, 7, 8, the SE 2 and even the original Apple Watch Ultra — won't get watchOS 27, and so won't get the new Siri AI features. They'll only receive basic security support going forward.

I asked the watchOS team exactly why so many watch users have been left high-and-dry.

"With every software release across every single one of our platforms, we always want to ensure that you have the best experience, so we make power and performance a priority," said Dooley.

"The great new features in watchOS, including the capabilities of SIri AI and the new tap gesture, work best with the processing power that is in Apple Watch Series 9 and later, Ultra 2 and later, and SE 3. Older devices can still be paired with iPhones that are running the latest software and continue to receive security updates, so they can continue to have a great Apple Watch experience."

So while you'll be able to use older your watch with iPhones running Siri AI-powered software, you won't be able to access the new and smarter assistant on your watch. Although Dooley and Clark wouldn't confirm this is the case, it's likely only Apple Watches running Apple's powerful S9 and S10 chips can handle the technical demands of Siri AI.

]]> <![CDATA[ The Jaye Band is 'the world’s most discreet minimalist smartwatch' and wants to save you from your smartphone addiction ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-jaye-band-is-the-worlds-most-discreet-minimalist-smartwatch-and-wants-to-save-you-from-your-smartphone-addiction tgRT3ik2uwAJ25XuDbgyYk Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:19:30 +0000
  • The Jaye Band is a new, minimalist smartwatch device
  • Its primary job is showing you your most important phone notifications
  • There are no on-board apps or sensors to get in the way

Left unchecked, the phones we carry around with us at all times can become overwhelmingly distracting. A new wearable called the Jaye Band wants to do something about that, acting as a simple filter for everything that happens on your phone.

It's now raising funds on Kickstarter (via Android Authority), and sells itself as "the minimalist smartwatch designed for the modern attention crisis". It promises to "reclaim your brain" and give you "a wearable built to filter your distractions, not add to them".

The idea is that the band becomes a discreet window for your most important notifications, while everything else gets left on your phone. You can set blocks of 'do not disturb' time, and there's no tracking or health monitoring.

In theory, your phone stays in your pocket for much more of the day, so you're not constantly checking for new alerts, switching between apps, and scrolling through feed after feed on social media to find a new distraction.

Pricing and shipping

Jaye Band

You can set notification rules via the companion app (Image credit: Jaye Band)

Hardware wise, the Jaye Band sports a small, monochrome OLED display, intended to be shown on the inside of your wrist. The device measures just 38mm x 14.5mm x 7mm (that's 1.5 inches x 0.6 inches x 0.3 inches), so it's very lightweight.

The wearable has already gone through three rounds of design and refinement, the developers say, and now needs funding for the production push. It's already blown past its $5,000 goal, and has raised $35,749 at the time of writing.

There's an early bird price deal currently available which lets you reserve your band for $129 (about £97 / AU$184, though shipping to Australia doesn't seem to be offered). When the device launches fully, it'll retail for $249 (about £188 / AU$355).

Shipping is scheduled for December 2026, but as always with Kickstarter, there may be delays and production problems along the way. If you're looking for a more minimal tech experience day-to-day, the Jaye Band could be the answer.

]]> <![CDATA[ Wear OS 7 has landed — here are the 5 biggest new features you need to know about, from live updates to widget creation ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/wear-os-7-has-landed-here-are-the-5-biggest-new-features-you-need-to-know-about-from-live-updates-to-widget-creation xuCw74itvqqWoJa9Rve7En Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:07:20 +0000
  • Wear OS 7 is rolling out now
  • It's initially available for the Pixel Watch 4, 3, and 2
  • Three major changes are available now, including live updates, but Gemini Intelligence features are coming later

It’s a big day for Google — and anyone with a device running Google’s software — because not only has the company launched Android 17, we've also been treated to Wear OS 7.

This smartwatch update doesn’t contain quite as much new stuff as Android 17, but there are three major new features and improvements on day one — with more to come over the next few months.

So it’s worth downloading, and it’s initially available for the Google Pixel Watch 4, the Pixel Watch 3, and the Pixel Watch 2. Below, you’ll find full details of what it includes now, and what’s coming later.

Day one Wear OS 7 features

The following three features are available now with the Wear OS 7 update, so you’ll be able to try them out as soon as you download it.

1. Live updates

Live updates on Wear OS 7

(Image credit: Google)

The biggest Wear OS 7 feature that’s available now is live updates, meaning that you can track things like deliveries and sports scores live on your wrist, just like you already could on your phone.

You’ll be able to see an icon at the bottom of the watch face which you can tap on to view live details.

Similarly, there will also be a card at the top of the notifications feed which can display some information — such as the estimated arrival time of a food delivery — but which when tapped on will provide other details too, such as the delivery code you’ll need to give.

2. Improved battery life

Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on

The Google Pixel Watch 4 (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)

Google has also worked behind the scenes in Wear OS 7 to deliver power optimizations, which the company claims will increase your watch’s battery life by up to 10% compared to on Wear OS 6.

The exact improvement will probably depend on which watch you have, but Google hasn’t got more specific than that.

3. An audio switcher

The audio output switcher on Wear OS 7

(Image credit: Google)

The third and final day one Wear OS 7 feature is a new audio output switcher, which lets you use your watch to choose which of your devices you want to play audio through — be it a speaker in your home, your phone, your headphones, or whatever else.

You can already do all this from your phone, but this is a potentially convenient alternative if you don’t have your phone to hand.

Coming soon

The following two features are also classed as being part of Wear OS 7, but they’re not available quite yet. Instead, they should arrive over the next few months once Google adds Gemini Intelligence to its smartwatches.

4. Create My Widget

The Create My Widget Android interface on a yellow background

(Image credit: Google / Future)

Create My Widget is one of the big features that Gemini Intelligence is set to power, with this allowing you to create “custom dashboards” for your smartwatch simply by describing the functionality you want and leaving Gemini to create them. A similar feature is also coming to Android, as pictured above.

5. Task automation

Task automation on Wear OS 7

(Image credit: Google)

Task automation will allow you to ask Gemini to do things for you, such as placing an order on a food delivery app, and this isn’t just coming to phones — you’ll also soon be able to ask for and track task automations from your wrist.

]]> <![CDATA[ 5 great Garmin golf watches for every budget — all tried, tested, and approved by golfing fanatics ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/5-great-garmin-golf-watches-for-every-budget-all-tried-tested-and-approved-by-golfing-fanatics obL8K2i5DabwGrHeXbzn3o Wed, 17 Jun 2026 15:04:27 +0000

The US Open is about to tee off, and if all the excitement has reignited your golf fever, perhaps it's time to invest in some tech to help you up your game. We've tested a whole buggy's worth of the best golf watches on the market, and the standout brand in this area is Garmin. Below, I've rounded up our very favorite Garmin golf watches for you to browse. We've thoroughly tested every one of these watches, and none scored lower than four stars out of five — hit the 'View details' button for a summary of what we thought, plus a link to read the full review.

I've included our very favorite model, the Garmin Approach S70, which TechRadar's resident golf-fanatic Rob Dwiar called "fantastic", declaring it should be "top of your list if you’re after something that will give you the most bang for your buck". On the subject of value for money, you might have noticed a budget-friendly interloper in the Garmin pack: the Shot Scope V5 is well worth considering if you're after an affordable golf watch that nails the basics.

Within Garmin's wider lineup, these watches are the specialized golf options, and some are better than others when it comes to off-the-course features — the super premium MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) being the best performer day-to-day. If you're looking for something for more general use, our best smart smartwatch guide has plenty more options to consider. Now's a really good time to buy, too, because there's an Amazon Prime Day coming up (with plenty of other retailers running rival sales) and there's a good chance we'll see some Garmin bargains in amongst the deals.

Great golfing Garmins (and one bonus)

Garmin
Approach S70

Read our full review

Pros

  • Chock-full of excellent golf features
  • Great screen and UI
  • Super battery life
  • Accurate yardages, and easy to use

Cons

  • Less effective as an everyday smartwatch
  • The proprietary charging cable is a bit short
Garmin
Approach S12

Read our full review

Pros

  • Relatively affordable price
  • Great GPS accuracy and speed
  • Powerful app
  • Superb battery

Cons

  • No colour display

The Garmin MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) watch on a white background

Garmin
MARQ Golfer (Gen 2)

Read our full review

Pros

  • First-in-class on-course features and performance
  • Unparalleled accuracy in yardages and shot tracking
  • Supreme design and build quality that’s a joy to use
  • Wonderful as a day-to-day smartwatch
  • A complete premium golf watch package, including three CT10 shot trackers

Cons

  • Garmin’s default font is not the best
  • No subscription to Garmin Golf Membership included
  • Price will be prohibitive for some
Garmin
Approach S62

Read our full review

Pros

  • Impressive battery life
  • Tracks shots automatically
  • Deep phone notification integration
  • Comfortable and good looking
  • Other sport and sleep tracking

Cons

  • Not cheap
  • No putting tracking

Garmin Approach S50 golf watch

Garmin
Approach S50

Read our full review

Pros

  • Garmin pedigree shines through for golf, fitness, and health
  • Superb on-course performance excellent
  • Lightweight but robust build
  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Two button system won’t be for everyone
  • Short charging cable combines with Garmin’s inelegant proprietary charging solution
  • Default strap is poor

Shot Scope V5 golf watch

Shot Scope
V5 GPS watch

Read our full review

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Excellent value for money
  • Comes with 16 tags for detailed shot tracking and analysis

Cons

  • Only one color
  • No touchscreen

Golf watches: specs compared

]]> <![CDATA[ The Garmin Fenix 9 and Enduro 4 could be launching soon, code spotted in Garmin Connect app suggests ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/the-garmin-fenix-9-and-enduro-4-might-be-launching-soon-if-a-hidden-line-of-code-in-garmin-connect-is-to-be-believed 9rWuMYrMvpnDDCdHwMs5XS Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:34:35 +0000 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 04:59:58 +0000
  • The Garmin Enduro 4 has appeared as a reference in the back-end code of the Garmin Connect app
  • The code doesn't specify a release date, but it's a new addition in the app's latest update
  • It points to a launch for the Enduro 4 and Fenix 9, as previous versions of both devices have launched together

I've been devouring every crumb of news we can get about the Garmin Fenix 9 range, and when it will launch. After all, the Fenix 8 quickly made our list of the best Garmin watches after it launched, and is Garmin's preeminent premium watch.

The Enduro series, meanwhile, is effectively a powerful, battery life-focused version of the Fenix watches, and the Enduro 3 launched alongside the Garmin Fenix 8 in 2024. In our Garmin Enduro 3 review we said "the Enduro line puts battery first, all while offering most of the features from the Fenix series", with our reviewer getting almost a month's worth of battery from a single charge.

So it's exciting to hear our first whispers about the Garmin Enduro 4, as it suggests the full Fenix 9 range could be coming soon.

How the Garmin Enduro 4 leaked

The latest information comes courtesy of Gadgets & Wearables, which did an APK teardown examining the code of version 5.26 of the Android Garmin Connect app, and spotted 'Enduro 4' in a device registry.

This was reportedly not in version 5.25, suggesting it's a recent addition — and that a launch could be imminent.

It only adds weight to recent rumors that the Fenix 9 is coming soon. Garmin CEO Cliff Pemble reassured investors earlier this year that he expected "stronger performance in the back half of the year due to the timing of product launches," and that it would be "a very active year for outdoor".

Garmin's outdoor line of watches includes the Garmin Fenix series, alongside other high-profile entries such as the Garmin Instinct series. Given that the Garmin Instinct 3 arrived last year, and that the Fenix 8 is now a few years old, it's not hard to connect the dots. More soon.

]]> <![CDATA[ I've tested the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro for six weeks, and it's a powerful, premium Garmin alternative — albeit a lumpy and uncomfortable one ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/amazfit-cheetah-2-pro-review UjgyB4BHrJhM9vAFGeoxxE Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro: One minute review

Three years after the release of the Cheetah Pro smartwatch, Amazfit has finally released its successor, the aptly named Cheetah 2 Pro. Designed for serious road runners who rely on structured training plans, the smartwatch is a solid offering that competes admirably with the best running watches on the market right now. It doesn't hit the dizzying heights of Garmin's top-range alternatives, but Amazfit has definitely closed the gap. The Cheetah 2 Pro has a bigger sibling, the Cheetah 2 Ultra, which is slightly larger, more expensive and comes with trail running profiles with gradient and terrain features not present here.

The high price tag for a watch without trail features will put a lot of people off, especially considering Amazfit is still an unknown brand to many and a budget brand to those in the know. On closer inspection, the cost is mostly justified. The bright 1.32-inch AMOLED display is super-sharp and covered with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass.

The display is housed in a high-end grade 5 titanium alloy case, which looks and feels premium, but the 15.6 mm thickness and large sensor bump make the watch uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.

The Cheetah 2 Pro includes an impressive set of features, including structured training plans and AI-driven adaptive workouts. It also tracks comprehensive health data, including 24/7 heart rate, blood oxygen, and skin temperature, all making it possible to generate a daily "Readiness Score" for monitoring fatigue. The watch reaches a high level of accuracy across most tested metrics.

As you’d expect for a watch at this price, the Cheetah 2 Pro boasts offline color maps and navigation tools such as automatic rerouting and point-to-point route planning. It’s an extensive set of features, but the implementation is lacking finesse. Due to limited hardware, panning and zooming maps is laggy.

When it comes to running smartwatches, Amazfit is closing the gap on Garmin, but they’ve still got a long way to go, especially when it comes to dedicated running tools.

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro: Specifications

Component

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro

Price

$499.99 USD / £449.90 UK / $729 AUS

Dimensions

48mm wide, 15.6mm thick (inc. heart sensor)

Weight

45.6g without strap

Case/bezel

Titanium case, plastic bezel

Display

1.32-inch AMOLED Screen, 466 x 466 px resolution

GPS

Dual-band, 6 satellite systems

Battery life

Up to 10 days of heavy use, or 20 days typical

Connection

Bluetooth, BLE 5.3, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz

Water resistance

5 ATM

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro: Price and availability

  • $499.99 USD / £449.90 UK / $729 AUS
  • More affordable than the Garmin Forerunner 970
  • Impressive set of features for the price

The Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro costs $499.99 USD / £449.90 UK, which represents a significant 50% increase over the price of the original Cheetah Pro. Amazfit justifies this huge jump by offering high-end hardware, including a titanium bezel, sapphire crystal lens, and up to 20 days of battery life.

Its position in the market is as a budget-friendly alternative to Garmin's flagship elite tier, specifically the Garmin Forerunner 970. While both watches boast premium titanium bezels and crisp AMOLED screens, the more expensive Garmin boasts superior features, especially when it comes to offline maps and ECG functionality.

  • Value score 4/5

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro: Design

  • Premium materials and a bright AMOLED display
  • Touchscreen interface and physical buttons
  • Overly chunky design

The Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro boasts a gorgeous premium grade-5 titanium alloy case finished off with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. The 1.32-inch AMOLED display is brilliantly sharp, with an impressive 3,000 nits of peak brightness which guarantees clarity even on sunny days.

If you were wondering why the watch costs so much, the material make-up and AMOLED display are two of the reasons. Compared to the cheap, plastic feel of a lot of sports trackers, the Cheetah 2 Pro is a high-end piece of hardware, only let down by the bundled silicone strap, which feels like an ill-considered afterthought.

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Alongside the touchscreen interface, the watch features a four-button layout with tactile aluminum buttons. The presence of physical buttons proved valuable, in my experience, especially when using the watch with sweaty hands or in the rain.

As much as I love the design of the Cheetah 2 Pro, it's let down by its over-large 15.6mm thickness. It absolutely dwarfed my wife's smaller wrist, and due to the size and weight I found it uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. If Amazfit could work out a way to reduce the thickness of the underside sensor bump, then a lot of these problems would go away.

  • Design Score: 4/5

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro: Features

  • Excellent structured training, especially with Zepp Flow AI
  • Offline maps and turn-by-turn navigation
  • An extensive set of sensors

At the heart of the Cheetah 2 Pro are the structured training plans and purpose-driven workouts. It's like having your own personal running coach or using a platform such as Runna, but without the ongoing cost. There are workouts and plans for half marathons, full marathons, and Fartlek runs, and every session helps extend endurance, build strength, and ensure appropriate recovery, all done via Zepp Coach AI.

In addition to dedicated training plans, the Cheetah 2 Pro boasts an extensive set of navigation features which help keep you on track, however hard you're pushing. I was pleased to see the presence of offline maps and turn guidance, and it's even possible to import courses so you can confidently navigate through routes you're not familiar with. Beyond this, the watch includes automatic rerouting, points of interest search, and point-to-point route planning.

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

The upgraded optical sensors comprise 5 photodiodes and 2 LEDs, providing continuous 24/7 monitoring for heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and stress levels. All of these sensors, and more, feed the data so the watch can provide a daily Readiness Score for evaluating training fatigue and overall status. Additional environmental sensors include a skin temperature sensor, barometric altimeter, gyroscope, accelerometer, and geomagnetic compass.

In comparison to the Forerunner 970, the Cheetah comes up short in most areas. The Garmin features a more comprehensive set of tools, including its localized crowd-sourced popularity routing database, granular analytics, and ECG functionality. If you want the very best, Garmin is still the brand to turn to.

  • Features Score: 4/5

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro: Performance

  • Spot on GPS and heart rate performance
  • Excellent map functionality but a little laggy
  • Top-level activity tracking and health monitoring

Serious runners require accurate on-board GPS, and the Cheetah 2 Pro provides exactly that. Courtesy of its advanced positioning systems, the watch is able to deliver accurate tracking and pacing even when the signal appears to weaken. I compared it with the same route run with my accuracy benchmark, the Garmin Tactix 8, and the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2. It tracked these runs to within one or two per cent accuracy and was able to cope with varying surroundings, including high-rise buildings and forests.

Map functionality is extensive enough for most runners, although the subjective experience wasn’t perfect. Any amount of panning and zooming resulted in a stutter, and if I were cycling, the map wouldn’t update particularly smoothly. These problems are not game-changers, but if you’re after the smoothest map interactions, then the Cheetah 2 Pro doesn’t have the hardware to deliver that.

The Cheetah 2 Pro is a solid running coach on the wrist. It is able to provide specific metrics such as ground contact time, stride length, and cadence. The ability to track in real-time my VO2 Max level and running power is super-helpful to know if I am doing well (or not, as the case may be).

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

An extensive set of health metrics is available, including heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, heart rate variability (HRV), respiration rate, lactate threshold, VO2, and more. The heart rate was an exact match to a dedicated heart rate monitor band. The heart rate zone feature is a nice addition for knowing when you’re building endurance, improving speed, or pushing too hard.

Amazfit positions the watch as a long-distance runner's dream, and that requires outstanding battery performance with every feature and setting turned on. They claim up to 31 hours with accurate GPS mode enabled, which is more than enough to perform a long-distance run, assuming it doesn't span multiple days. When you're using the watch in between trainings, you can expect up to 20 days of battery life with typical use.

The Cheetah 2 Pro is much more than a running watch, though. Its general smartwatch features are comparable with the very best from Apple, Google, and Samsung. You can make and receive Bluetooth calls, read and reply to texts, and utilize Zepp Pay for NFC contactless payments. All in, it’s a very useful watch for day-to-day living.

  • Performance score: 4.5/5

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

It’s far from cheap but is more affordable than similar alternatives from Garmin.

4/5

Design

A high-end smartwatch with premium materials. Only let down by the uncomfortable thickness.

4/5

Features

An all-round feature-rich smartwatch with unashamedly runner-centric features.

4/5

Performance

Accurate activity and health tracking with solid GPS. Only let down by the map's navigation.

4.5/5

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You're training for a marathon or similar

With structured training plans and Zepp Flow AI, runners can confidently work towards their goals.

You need a watch that can last a marathon

Offers up to 31 hours of continuous, accurate dual-band GPS tracking and up to 20 days of typical daily use.

Don't buy it if...

You want the very best running smartwatch

For that you’ll need a Garmin like the Forerunner 970.

You have a small wrist

Its thick and bulky design means it’ll dwarf users with small wrists.

You're a trail runner

Dedicated features covering terrain and gradient can be found in the more expensive Amazfit Cheetah 2 Ultra.

Also consider

Garmin Forerunner 970

It’s expensive and not particularly attractive, but the Forerunner 970 is "an outstanding running watch". It delivers depth and precision and excels in GPS performance.

Read our Garmin Forerunner 970 reviewView Deal

Coros Pace 4

If you’re looking for a seriously good value smartwatch for road and light trails, then the Coros Pace 4 is a great option. In our review we said, “This light running watch is better value than many Garmins.”

Read our Coros Pace 4 reviewView Deal

How I tested

I’ve been wearing the Cheetah 2 Pro for the better part of six weeks. In this time I have used it while running, cycling, walking, relaxing, and more. I tested it against a Coros heart rate monitor as well as competitor devices for accuracy. It has also acted as a companion device to my smartphone, keeping me up-to-date with everything going on in my world.

First reviewed: June 2026

]]> <![CDATA[ ‘We’ve used this feature for years’: Apple has ditched a fun Apple Watch feature from watchOS 27 — and some users are missing it already ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/weve-used-this-feature-for-years-apple-has-ditched-a-fun-apple-watch-feature-from-watchos-27-and-some-users-are-missing-it-already xLevGMHMLqjnepvXoGN4Hj Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:47:59 +0000 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:25:54 +0000
  • Apple’s Walkie Talkie feature seems to be missing from watchOS 27
  • It lets you chat to a companion via your Apple Watch
  • Users have reported it’s nowhere to be seen in the first watchOS 27 beta

When Apple announces new software, as it did at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 8, the usual procedure is that the company adds new features. But this time, eagle-eyed sleuths have noticed that an enjoyable feature has been removed from watchOS 27 — and there’s no indication that it’s coming back.

The feature in question is called Walkie Talkie, and it lets you raise your wrist and chat with another connected Apple Watch user. It’s a fun little way to communicate with other people and can be especially entertaining for younger children.

Yet it appears that Walkie Talkie is entirely absent from the watchOS 27 developer beta that Apple recently released. Although Apple hasn’t made any official announcement on this topic, Walkie Talkie appears to be missing from the first watchOS 27 beta.

Users have taken to social media to voice their disappointment, with user ra4oasis lamenting: “Well that sucks. My son and I use it all the time.” User Loupetron_Primal, meanwhile, explained the usefulness of the feature: “My best friend and I live in a split-level apartment. He’s upstairs and I’m downstairs. We’ve used this feature for years instead of shouting.”

A sadly neglected feature

An Apple Watch Series 4 on a table.

(Image credit: Future)

While I can’t say that I’ve been a frequent user of Walkie Talkie, it’s had its moments over the years that I’ve owned an Apple Watch. It’s a great retro throwback and has genuine utility for those times when you don’t need a full-on phone call or text conversation.

Yet Apple has barely given it a second glance since launching Walkie Talkie in 2018. It’s had no significant updates in the years since, and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that many Apple Watch users don’t even know it exists. That suggests this could be a deliberate app retirement from Apple rather than a mistake or oversight.

As well as that, Walkie Talkie has been the subject of complaints and criticism over its occasional unreliability. On Reddit, for example, user nate390 argued that it was always a little flawed: “It was a really nice idea, but in my experience, it didn’t work well. Well, it did when both parties were on cellular, but not so much when one or other end was connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth.” With that in mind, perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised to see it fail to make the cut in watchOS 27.

Still, it’s disappointing that this feature has apparently been removed entirely — perhaps Apple felt it wasn’t worth the effort to fix it up. While there’s a small chance that Apple could change course before watchOS 27 launches to the public in the fall, don’t bet the farm on it.

]]> <![CDATA[ Will your Apple Watch run watchOS 27? Apple just quietly dropped 5 current-gen watches from supporting the upgrade, including Ultra and SE models — here is the full list ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/will-your-apple-watch-run-watchos-27-apple-just-quietly-made-six-current-gen-watches-obsolete-including-ultra-and-se-models-here-is-the-full-list 4VDHHTA3FAh47gAxTmsxF3 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:39:54 +0000 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:40:08 +0000

UPDATE 09/06: This article has been updated to reflect that the Apple Watch Series 9, which was originally missing from Apple's list of watches compatible with watchOS 27, has now been added.

Another WWDC, another set of operating systems. This year's WWDC 2026 keynote has been chock-full of highly-advanced AI-powered features, led by a revamped Siri AI designed to work across the whole Apple ecosystem — but these advanced features need devices capable of running them.

Because Apple updates its software each year, users of older versions of the best iPhones, MacBooks and, of course, the best Apple Watches worry their old technology may not get the new update, and thus official support for it would end.

Although there was no mention of compatibility in this year's keynote speech, the official Apple website confirms it that five watches that support watchOS 26 won't be able to make the upgrade to watchOS 27 — presumably because those models can't handle the new Siri AI.

Here are the watches that will still be supported when watchOS 27 lands later this year:

Which watches will get watchOS 27?

The full list of compatible models are as follows:

  • Apple Watch Series 9
  • Apple Watch Series 10
  • Apple Watch Series 11
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2
  • Apple Watch Ultra 3
  • Apple Watch SE 3

These are the recent models without support for watchOS 27:

  • Apple Watch Series 6
  • Apple Watch Series 7
  • Apple Watch Series 8
  • Apple Watch Ultra
  • Apple Watch SE 2

The Apple Watch Series' 6, 7, and 8 do not appear on Apple's list of compatible devices. Users running those watches can only expect to receive basic security and maintenance upgrades in the future.

The first-generation Apple Watch Ultra — which is only four years old and was, let's remember, quite a premium product — and Apple Watch SE 2 are also included in this list.

This will be a blow to so many users. Traditionally, Apple has ended support for watches after six or so years, not three or four — to place this in context, last year's watchOS 26 supported Apple Watch Series 6, which was originally released in 2020.

First-generation Apple Watch Ultra users will also be incredibly irate — spending $799 / £849 / AU$1229 on a watch that was only supported for four years will be seen as a very predatory move by Apple, and may drive some customers away to competitors such as Garmin. After an exciting WWDC speech for AI fans, this news will leave a sour taste.

All the above watches' core features will still work, although users will run into problems as the watches reach the end of their lives. For example, you may be unable to update apps which are designed to work with the latest software features.

Series 9 is now the oldest watch to receive new versions of watchOS.

How to download the watchOS 27 beta

If you do have a supported watch and can't wait until September to try out all the new features, you can sign up to beta test Apple's latest OS. To do so, you'll need to enrol in Apple's beta program, which you can do either on Apple's developer portal here for the developer beta, or wait until the public beta next month, which most users will want to do. Remember to always back up your devices before doing so.

On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates, , and action the software update when available.

Once the update is installed, you can go to the Watch app on your phone and use a similar pathway: My Watch > General > Software Update > Beta updates, enter your passcode and away you go.

]]> <![CDATA[ Samsung Galaxy Watch users are getting a completely redesigned, AI-first app for a 'personalized experience', whether they like it or not — and we only have to look at Fitbit to see how well that's going ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/fitness-trackers/samsung-galaxy-watch-users-are-getting-a-completely-redesigned-ai-first-app-for-a-personalized-experience-whether-they-like-it-or-not-and-we-only-have-to-look-at-fitbit-to-see-how-well-thats-going gdVWLfwLzVbD4g483jUXJV Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:42:30 +0000 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:50:31 +0000
  • Samsung Galaxy Watch users are getting a completely redesigned health app with new features
  • These new features include Vitals, Cardio Load and a dedicated Heart Health score
  • The app is now AI-first, designed to turn Galaxy Watches into 'AI-powered health companions'

Samsung Galaxy Watch and Samsung Galaxy Ring users are going to see some big changes in the Samsung Health app. Referred to as 'a new experience' by Samsung press material, the redesigned health app includes new metrics and AI-powered summaries to break it all down for you.

Samsung says the new app 'uses AI to translate overnight and daily biometric data into personalized health guidance, helping users better understand everything from recovery and heart health to training load and overall wellbeing'.

This sounds familiar. Fitbit has recently undergone a complete AI-first redesign, too, including a name change to Google Health. It's not all been sunshine and roses, as many Fitbit users intensely dislike the forced pivot to AI, with what was Fitbit Premium now entirely revolving around its new AI Google Health Coach tool.

Samsung Health already uses AI in the background, such as using machine learning to calculate stats like your Energy Score, but this redesigned app is also shifting generative AI to the forefront. The timing of this move is likely to draw serious ire from Samsung users.

Don't panic, Samsung users

Redesigned Samsung Health app

(Image credit: Samsung)

Fortunately, it's not as bad as all that, despite Samsung's similar AI-forward messaging and app redesign, so Galaxy Watch users can lower their pitchforks (for now). For one thing, Samsung hasn't introduced a paywall to Samsung Health; otherwise, there would be riots in the streets.

Second, on closer inspection, the redesign is also slightly less drastic than Google's: rather than being entirely oriented around an AI chatbot, as Google Health has chosen to do, Samsung has instead decided to use GenAI to summarize and explain your metrics, adding new ones so the user can drill down into different aspects of their health in more detail.

Existing tools such as Samsung's Sleep Score, Energy Score, and Antioxidant Index remain, and Samsung hasn't announced that it's removing any features — again, unlike Fitbit and Google, which removed features like Badges and Challenges.

I've listed all the new features below. Each of these features will get contextual AI summaries, explaining what the numbers mean and, where necessary, how to improve them.

Redesigned Samsung Health app

(Image credit: Samsung)
  • Vitals: Similar to Apple Health's feature, Vitals will analyze 'five key overnight bio-signals — heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen — against their true resting baseline'. Essentially, Samsung will notify you if one or more of these metrics are abnormal, indicating you might be getting sick.
  • Heart Health Score: Combining Samsung's Vascular Load metric with the Body Composition features on its watches, which can measure muscle and fat in the same way as the best smart scales. If you've got low Vascular Load and an in-range body fat percentage, your Heart Health Score is likely to be good.
  • Daily Cardio Load: Accumulated strain based on recent cardiovascular exercise, like runs and cycle rides. Will contribute to your Energy Score.
  • Fitness Index: A radar chart of five different metrics (Strength, Flexibility, Endurance, Cardio, Body Composition). The strangest so far: how Samsung intends to accurately measure flexibility with a Galaxy Watch remains a mystery to me. I've reached out to Samsung to clarify this.

The timing of this upgrade is certainly interesting: reports recently surfaced of a Samsung Galaxy Fit 4 that, when paired with this AI-powered Samsung Health upgrade, would make for a real Google Fitbit Air contender.

]]> <![CDATA[ Garmin says older runners are surprisingly doing the longest runs — see how you compare in the latest fascinating Connect data ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/garmin-says-older-runners-are-surprisingly-doing-the-longest-runs-see-how-you-compare-in-the-latest-fascinating-connect-data pxk2kmMpm7UhiJcg8stQ8E Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:30:09 +0000
  • Garmin just published a 'trends in running' report
  • It tells us that Garmin Connect users in their fifties recorded the biggest distance tally with an average of 5.1 miles
  • We also learn that runners sleep better, have a lower resting heart rate than non-runners, and have a good VO2 max

Garmin has just published a 'trends in running' report, which has revealed some surprising data.

Based on stats drawn from the Garmin Connect app globally, we're told that the average distance of a run across all users was 4.82 miles, but if you had to guess which age range ran the furthest, you probably wouldn't pick the 50 to 59 category.

Nonetheless, folks in their fifties racked up the biggest distance tally with an average of 5.1 miles. Those in their twenties ran slightly shorter routes at an average of 4.6 miles, only just ahead of runners aged 70+ who recorded an average of around 4.57 miles.

Care to guess the day of the week on which the most miles were collectively recorded? Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was a Saturday, and in terms of the month that witnessed the most running, that was August.

The time spent on a run was 46.3 minutes on average. As for weekly mileage, most Garmin runners — nearly 40% — did between 6 and 10 miles on average. The second largest group, representing 28% of runners, managed 11 to 20 miles.

What about the average pace? Across all runners, that was 9:21 per mile for men and 10:11 for women.

Sleep success

Garmin Forerunner 70 and 170 series

(Image credit: Garmin)

Garmin also noted that runners generally had a better sleep score compared to non-runners. The average sleep score for a runner was 73 for those who ran under 10 miles, and 74 for those who went further than that, compared to those who didn't run at all, hitting a score of 70 on average.

Resting heart rate was also better for runners, as non-runners had an average of 62 bpm, compared to 59 bpm for those who ran 0 to 5 miles weekly, and 55 bpm for runners who pushed over 31 miles per week.

Curious as to what the average VO2 max was for runners? Garmin says it's 50 across its entire user base. Not too shabby indeed! If you're unfamiliar with VO2 max as tracked by a smartwatch, check out our handy explainer.

]]> <![CDATA[ Garmin's big software update is inbound, but these older watches will miss out — see if your Forerunner, Fenix, or Vivoactive is on the list ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/garmins-big-software-update-is-inbound-but-these-older-watches-will-miss-out-see-if-your-forerunner-fenix-or-vivoactive-is-on-the-list RegJjP5WnGour3nrLqHowc Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:33:22 +0000
  • Garmin's feature update for Q2 2026 is now rolling out
  • It brings a clutch of new features, including golf tag support, a stocks tracker and recovery feature — and more besides — for some watches
  • However, some relatively recent Garmin watches miss out here

Garmin has announced a new feature update for its watches, although the catch is that only more recent devices will benefit.

As Gadgets and Wearables spotted, the Q2 2026 update pertains to not just Garmin watches, but also cycling computers, and it's rolling out from now (over the "coming weeks", and as ever with rollouts, the time it takes to arrive on your device may vary).

What new features are there? On the golfing front, one addition is Approach CT1 tag compatibility for certain watches, which means those devices can pair with Garmin's NFC club tags (to track the golf club used with the shot distance and other stats).

The following watches will benefit from this thanks to the Q2 update:

  • Fenix 8
  • Fenix 8 Pro
  • Enduro 3
  • Tactix 8
  • Quatix 8
  • Quatix 8 Pro
  • D2 Mach

Other features already present on some watches are added to other Garmin models with this update, and that includes Premium Golf Features (via the Garmin Golf Membership), which will become available on the Garmin Venu 4, Vivoactive 6, and D2 Air X15.

If you own a Garmin Instinct 3, Instinct Crossover AMOLED, or Instinct E, you'll receive the Stocks Tracker and Mobility Activity features with this update. Those watches will also get the Workout Execution Score functionality, except for the Garmin Instinct E, which misses out here.

Troubleshooting bonus

Garmin Venu X1 Soft Gold

(Image credit: Garmin)

There's also a new Recovery Mode feature — a troubleshooting function to recover the watch after a software glitch — which Gadgets and Wearables informs us is coming to several of Garmin's watch ranges. That includes the Venu 4, Venu X1, Vivoactive 6, D2 Air X15, Forerunner 570 and 970, along with Fenix 8 models, and the Fenix E.

On the bike computer front, the Q2 update provides support to connect compatible eBikes with Bosch smart systems to your Edge cycling computer to view info like the battery level, power and cadence data, and smart range routing. On-device Gear Tracking is also being added to those Edge bike computers.

Owners of relatively recent Garmin watches are going to be disappointed that they aren't getting these features, no doubt. For example, there's nothing for Venu 3 owners here, or the Vivoactive 5 or Fenix 7 models, and others besides.

That doesn't mean these slightly older devices are left completely out in the cold, as while they may not be visited with feature additions, they won't be left without software fixes. It's likely a small consolation, though, especially considering the substantial outlay for some of these gadgets.

]]> <![CDATA[ 'None of them solve the reason I moved to Garmin': 3 new Galaxy Watch models tipped, with a neat feature borrowed from the Pixel Watch ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/none-of-them-solve-the-reason-i-moved-to-garmin-3-new-galaxy-watch-models-tipped-with-a-neat-feature-borrowed-from-the-pixel-watch V5FBBFeiZWDiV7GFH7HA8V Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:18:07 +0000 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:22:09 +0000
  • A code leak points to three new Galaxy Watch models
  • They might all get the Pixel's 'raise to talk' feature
  • Users still have concerns about the battery life of the devices

We're expecting successors to the Galaxy Watch 8 and the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic from Samsung within the next couple of months, and a fresh leak gives us a better idea of the models to expect — plus one of the features they might bring with them.

The team at Android Authority has found three smartwatch codenames buried in the latest Google Wear OS app for Android: Fresh 9 (most likely the Galaxy Watch 9, based on past codenames), Wise 9 (the Galaxy Watch 9 Classic), and Project V2 (possibly the long-awaited Galaxy Watch Ultra 2).

Samsung's smartwatch launches aren't quite as easy to predict as they are for its smartphones, and we don't always get a Classic or an Ultra addition. We have previously seen a Pro model, too: the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, from 2022.

This goes some way to settling the question of what we're about to see, though it'll be interesting to find out what the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 brings with it. The original Ultra made its debut back in 2024.

Raise to talk

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)

The same digging into the Wear OS app code has revealed something else: these upcoming Galaxy Watch models may well feature the 'raise to talk' feature that's available on Google's smartwatches, including the Google Pixel Watch 4.

Changes in the code, including a "3p" tag that could mean third-party, suggest the feature won't be a Pixel exclusive for much longer. It enables the user to lift their smartwatch up towards their head, and Gemini will instantly launch — ready to receive voice commands.

As for the online reaction to Samsung's upcoming smartwatch refresh, there's approval of the current circular face design, but questions over battery life. Of the three rumored models, one Redditor says "none of them solve the reason I moved to Garmin" — the reason being weeks rather than days of battery life.

Another commenter suggests "we don't need annual releases of Samsung watches", saying "they evolve very little year-to-year". With the approval of Reddit or not, it looks like these wearables are on the way — and we'll bring you all the details when they arrive.

]]> <![CDATA[ The Google Pixel Watch 5 has reportedly leaked in a bizarre scuba diving discovery, but the incident is more than a bit fishy ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-google-pixel-watch-5-has-reportedly-leaked-in-a-bizarre-scuba-diving-discovery-but-the-incident-is-more-than-a-bit-fishy WrJDkTQDNmXVAZSsvKKnVb Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:00:00 +0000
  • Someone has allegedly found a Google Pixel Watch 5 prototype in the sea
  • It was shared in an X post by Gearbox founder Randy Pitchford
  • The device looks the same as its predecessor, but has 'Pixel Watch 5' printed on the back

Tech leaks are more common than they used to be, but this unannounced Google smartwatch has just taken first prize for the weirdest tech leak ever — the Pixel Watch 5 has been found at the bottom of the ocean.

Founder of video game company Gearbox, Randy Pitchford, came across a post on his X account from someone who claimed that a friend found the unreleased Pixel Watch 5 while scuba diving near the island of St. Martin in the Caribbean (see below). The Pixel Watch 5 is projected to launch later this year.

In the X post, Pitchford included two close-up images of what appears to be a Pixel Watch 5 prototype. Pitchford also shared that despite having an empty battery, the watch had enough reserve power to display the correct time. Additionally, the embeddings on the back of the watch heavily suggest that the device is, in fact, a model of the Pixel Watch 5.

Pitchford’s images show clear readings on the back of the device that say ‘Google’ and ‘Pixel Watch 5’, as well as readings listing the device’s health-tracking and monitoring tools.

As per the image, the device has several labels, including ‘SpO2’ (Blood Oxygen Level), ‘EDA’ (Electrodermal Activity), ‘Skin Temperature’, ‘Heart Rate Sensor’, ‘Pulse Sensor’, and ‘UWB’ (Ultra-Wideband). Additionally, the smartwatch has IP68 water and dust resistance.

Design-wise, the device looks pretty much the same as the Pixel Watch 4 — it has a similar round watch face, and the inscriptions on the back are also identical to its predecessor, but it doesn't mention any new health tracking tools.

This makes sense, as the Pixel Watch 4 was only released in October 2025 and came with a major design upgrade and advanced features, including a skin temperature sensor and an AI health coach.

As you can imagine, the reactions to this story have been hysterical, garnering hundreds of reposts and comments from users. “This is maybe the most Google thing to ever happen,” one user commented, while another described it as “an underwater time portal”.

Comment from r/PixelWatch

This is by far one of the whackiest tech leaks we’ve seen since an Apple software engineer left a prototype of the iPhone 4 in a California bar in 2010 — it’s hard to top finding a smartwatch at the bottom of the ocean like Kate Winslet’s 'Heart of the Sea' diamond necklace from Titanic.

But despite the absurdity of this discovery, it has left people scratching their heads and questioning the leak's legitimacy.

Just five hours after Pitchford’s original post, he shared another post to say the watch had been reunited with its owner “thanks to the magic of the internet” — but he didn’t disclose who the prototype belongs to and where they managed to get their hands on one.

Not only that, other outlets that have reported on this have flagged Pitchford’s history of boosting engagement metrics with shock-factor posts, or “engagement farming,” as Tech Advisor describes it. There’s also the question about whether a tech company as large as Google would imprint health tracking information on the device this early in the development process.

Since Pitchford hasn’t shared anything about the prototype's owner and given Google’s silence on the matter, it’s best to view this with skepticism, as there are more questions than answers. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that it’s one of the funniest and most unhinged tech leaks ever.

]]> <![CDATA[ I ran 10km wearing the Google Fitbit Air and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — here are all the differences in heart rate, calories & more ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/fitness-trackers/i-ran-10-km-wearing-the-google-fitbit-air-and-the-apple-watch-ultra-3-here-are-all-the-differences-in-heart-rate-calories-and-more hVihJXjZwKzXUcaJhyujdN Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:01:55 +0000

The Google Fitbit Air is here, and early adopters are getting to grips with the new screenless fitness tracker and its AI-powered premium Google Health Coach.

I've shared my early thoughts after a few hours of testing and we've covered existing Fitbit users' disappointment and anger over some of the app changes — but how does it compare against an Apple Watch, perhaps the best-known and certainly the most commonly-spotted fitness wearable on wrists everywhere?

To find out, I went on a 10-kilometer evening run (braving the UK heatwave) with the Google Fitbit Air on one hand, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on the other. I was also wearing the Polar H10 heart rate monitor, intending to use it as a litmus test for accuracy, but the chest strap malfunctioned so I don't have any meaningful results to publish here.

I'm primarily looking at metrics such as heart rate and calories burned. Both wearables use optical heart rate sensors — LED lights that monitor blood flow on your wrist to estimate your heart rate. The estimation of calories burned combines your heart rate data with movement data and other metrics to calculate your energy expenditure.

As well as calories burned and average heart rate, I've included the results for average pace here too. I'm expecting the Apple Watch, with its built-in GPS, to be more accurate than the Fitbit Air, which is piggybacking off the GPS from my iPhone as it doesn't have any GPS capabilities itself.

It's also worth noting I have not linked Google Health and Apple Health at the time of writing, so these results are separate.

The results

Below are the results from my 10km run. Tap the 'next' tab on the graph to cycle through all three metrics.

1 / 4

Average heart rate

Google Fitbit Air
158
Apple Watch Ultra 3
161
050100150200
Average heart rate Data
ProductValue
Google Fitbit Air 158
Apple Watch Ultra 3 161

As you can see in the graphs above, both heart rate and calorie readings are quite close. The average heart rate for my workout was just a 3bpm difference between the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Google Fitbit Air. It would have been nice to have information from my chest strap to compare this as well, but I'll try this again before my full review with a different electrical heart rate monitor.

However, on previous tests the Apple Watch Ultra 3 matched the electrical heart rate monitor exactly, indicating that the Google Fitbit Air is pretty dang accurate too.

Likewise, the calorie counts on both wearables were relatively similar, with the Google Fitbit Air exceeding the Apple Watch Ultra 3's calculation by less than 25 calories. No two wearables are going to be exactly alike here, but this is close enough that I'd feel comfortable using the Google Fitbit Air day-to-day.

Average pace is a different matter. As previously mentioned, the Google Fitbit Air has no onboard GPS of its own, and although it showed a lovely map of my route obtained via my iPhone's GPS, it also overestimated my pace and thought I was a whole 10 seconds faster per kilometer than the Apple Watch did.

I know how my paces feel — it was a hot day and I had steep declines and inclines at either end of my run, so I ran slower than my usual brisk clip. I'm far more inclined to agree with Apple's assessment than the Fitbit's pace estimation here. Apple also gave me far more detail about my run, such as stride length and vertical oscillation (how bouncy I was during the run), whereas the Google Fitbit Air collects no such information. What Fitbit does surface, however, is steps taken during the workout (9,342 to be precise), which the Apple Watch Ultra 3 doesn't.

Fitbit also massively overestimated my run at 10.43km rather than 10.03km, even though it shows exactly the same map as my Apple Watch, with an identical finishing point, as you can see below in the comparison pic. Unlike 3bpm or 23kcal, over 400 meters and 10 seconds of pace are big differences.

Map of part of Bath from Google Health Map of part of Bath from Apple Fitness
Brand Logo
Apple Fitness
Google Health

Analysis

In terms of the metrics relying on the onboard heart rate monitor, the $99.99 / £84.99 / AU$199 Google Fitbit Air is very accurate compared to the $799 / £749 / AU$1,399 Apple Watch Ultra 3.

I wouldn't have expected the Google Fitbit Air to be as reliable for run tracking as one of the best running watches, considering it doesn't even have GPS — as long as it's consistent for casual users, that'll be fine for most people. Anyone (like me) who cares enough to want maps, technique information like stride length, and pinpoint-accurate pace will likely gravitate towards a dedicated running watch anyway. Still, I was hoping for a smaller difference here.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 has proven itself to be a very accurate wrist-based optical heart rate solution, so far superseded only by dedicated heart rate monitors. Based on this, I'm happy the Google Fitbit Air cleaves closely to this standard — although it's a shame I can't rely on GPS data harvested from my phone for more than a rough estimation.

]]> <![CDATA[ Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro review: A slim, powerful Apple Watch alternative ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/huawei-watch-fit-5-pro-review i9mDJrZCtHNiZfMiRkMuoa Wed, 27 May 2026 17:13:55 +0000 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:27:01 +0000

Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro review: Specifications

Component

Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro

Price

£249.99

Dimension

44.5 x 40.8 x 9.5mm

Weight

30.4g without strap

Case/bezel

Titanium

Display

1.92-inch AMOLED, 489 x 408px

GPS

Dual-band L1 + L5, Beidou, Galileo, QZSS

Battery life

Up to 10 days

Connection

Bluetooth

Water resistance

Yes, 5ATM

Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro: One minute review

Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro

(Image credit: Amanda Westberg)

The Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro looks quite similar to an Apple Watch Ultra 3, only slimmer, and I get the feeling that’s very much the idea. The same raised bump on the titanium shell protects the digital crown, and houses an additional side button. It’s the same shape as the Ultra 3, the screen is bright and colorful, and as you can see from the TikTok video embedded below in which I compare the two, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s an Apple Watch at first glance.

However, just because Huawei’s stealing Apple’s lunch a little in the design stakes, that doesn’t mean this just a cheaper knockoff. Huawei has been making quality wearables with accurate metrics for ages now, and the Fit 5 Pro is another absolute win in my book.

It’s light and comfortable to wear, with the wide screen and slim design ensuring it sits flush and close to the wrist, like the Garmin Venu X1, making it perfect for more comfortable exercise, and not weighty or cumbersome to wear during sleep tracking. The tough ‘aerospace-grade’ titanium-alloy shell is a great get at this price, with the closest-priced Apple product, the Apple Watch SE 3, using aluminum, plastic and nylon. The whole aerospace thing is a bit of a gimmick, but titanium makes the whole package feel much more premium and stylish, and it looks as good as it feels.

The Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro battery is claimed to last up to 10 days in smartwatch mode, but with near-constant wear, multiple GPS workouts, and with the always-on display turned off, I got around six days during my testing. The LTPO AMOLED display is powerful, and nearly two inches wide with an adaptive 1-60hz refresh rate. In layman’s terms, it’s bright, smooth and powerful, and in such a thin smartwatch it’s a real battery sucker. Nevertheless, six days is still triple the usage I get from the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on a single charge, even though the latter is triple the price.

Like Apple, Huawei relies on its own walled-garden ecosystem, as a result of being a Chinese company and operating behind the ‘great firewall of China’, preventing its integration with apps like Google Maps, Spotify and others from major US tech companies, although it supports some select integrations like Strava and Komoot via the Huawei Health app. The AppGallery must be accessed from your phone’s internet browser and the apps downloaded from there, with no Play Store or App Store integration.

The Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro uses Chinese apps for its core functions, like Petal Maps for navigation instead of Google or Apple Maps, so to sync with your phone you’ll also start needing to use Petal as your primary map app. Lately, Huawei has been using the UK-based Curve digital wallet — this is good news, as it’s a feature that’s long eluded Huawei watches outside of China.

However, if you’re an Android or Apple user, your Google and Apple wallets don’t automatically work with your watch, although this is slightly less of a dealbreaker, as Garmin also uses a proprietary wallet system. WhatsApp can only be interacted with via notifications, not a dedicated WhatsApp interface. These pain points are not necessarily a dealbreaker for everyone, but it does make shelling out for the Fit 5 Pro in favour of the best Apple Watches or best Android watches that bit harder to swallow.

There are a bunch of interesting wellness features on the watch. Much was made at launch of the ‘mini-workouts’ feature, and there are 30 in total, for which you follow a cute panda avatar in stretching or light aerobic exercises lasting up to a couple of minutes, many of which you can do at your desk. These are targeted at specific body parts, used to correct posture or stretch your neck, spine, legs, or even face.

Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro, Fitbit Air and Polar H10

(Image credit: Future)

The Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro is built for fitness tracking, and it’s strong in this field. On a 5K test route around Paris, the Fit 5 Pro cleaved closely to the top-tier Garmin Fenix 8 Pro in terms of distance, pace and heart rate measurements, with just 1bpm between the different ‘average heart rate’ measurements. Having tested the Fenix 8 Pro against a Polar H10 heart rate monitor and being satisfied with its accuracy, I feel good about Huawei’s metrics here when compared to the Fenix 8 Pro, especially for its low price. I also tested it against the new Google Fitbit Air fitness tracker, which again recorded just a 1bpm difference in my average heart rate. Unfortunately, my Polar H10 heart rate monitor malfunctioned during testing, but I’ll update this review if any scores differentiate from a new device.

The Fit 5 Pro packs dual-band L1+L5 GPS, which supposedly means it’s more accurate when you’re among tall buildings. When I tested its GPS credentials against the Garmin, there was 30 meters between the estimations of the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro and Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro; the Fenix 8 Pro thought I’d run 5.04km, while Huawei calculated 5.01km. A total of 30/5000+ meters is to me a reasonable statistical difference, as it’s a less than a 1% margin of error, and perfectly fine for most amateur athletes. Huawei’s TruSleep sleep-tracking and TruSense heart rate algorithms are industry standard, and there are more sports modes to choose from than you could ever need. It’s a strong fitness tracking choice.

The Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro offers good battery life, accurate tracking, and lots of nifty features — and those who want Apple Watch Ultra aesthetics and performance at a budget price are going to love it. But if you want a smartwatch that can handle apps, calls, notifications, directions and other convenience features, be prepared to jump through a few extra hoops thanks to Huawei’s walled garden.

Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro review: Price and availability

  • £249.99 in the UK
  • AU$249.99 in Australia
  • Not available in the US

The Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro costs £249.99 in the UK and AU$299 in Australia. It’s unavailable in the US due to the ongoing ban on Huawei consumer electronics.

It’s very well- priced considering it’s packed with features and packs a durable, premium build, as watches with titanium bezels and sapphire glass usually tend to retail for a lot more.

If that’s still too dear for you, the Huawei Watch Fit 5 (aka the non-Pro version) starts at £159.99 in the UK from Huawei’s website, and around AU$225 in Australia at third-party outlets. Rather than titanium alloy, its case is made of softer recycled aluminum, and its design is more akin to an Apple Watch SE rather than the Ultra series.

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro review: Scorecard

Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro worn on a run, in front of a grassy background

(Image credit: Future)

Category

Comment

Score

Value

A really great price for this watch.

5/5

Design

It’s a great-looking and feeling watch, and the Huawei HarmonyOS software is intuitive.

4.5/5

Features

The lack of third-party app support is always a blow, but lots of sport stuff and (finally!) a digital wallet.

3/5

Performance

Fast, accurate tracking compared to the top-flight Fenix 8 Pro. Good battery life and an easy all-day wear.

4.5/5

Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro review: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You’re on a budget

For the price of an Apple Watch SE 3, you get a far more hard-wearing and powerful fitness tool.

You’re an athlete

Love multi-discipline sports? Bounce between the gym and the pavement? You’ll love this watch.

You need a digital wallet

Huawei’s Curve Pay integration means you can stop for coffee after your run, even without a phone to hand.

Don't buy it if...

You need third-party apps

Want Spotify, WhatsApp, TrainingPeaks and other such integrations on-watch? Huawei’s limited AppGallery will make life more difficult for you.

You’re using an iPhone

Even though the Fit 5 Pro has a ton of great features, it’s hard to recommend for iPhone users — Apple makes setting up and using its watches absolutely seamless, and Huawei makes life harder by operating on a separate ecosystem.

Also consider...

Apple Watch Series 11

If you're on Apple, any of the Apple Watches should be a serious wearable consideration, but the middle-of-the-road Series 11 strikes a balance between premium and affordable.

Read our Apple Watch Series 11 review

Garmin Vivoactive 6

A powerful, affordable Garmin watch with serious staying power and loads of training credentials. If you don't mind the plastic body, this is a winner.

Read our Garmin Vivoactive 6 review

How I tested

I wore the Huawei Watch Fit 5 Pro for around a week, draining the battery, sleeping with it on, and using it for exercise. I tested the micro-workouts feature, used the Emotional Wellbeing tools, and took the watch swimming, walking and running. To test its running metrics I compared it against the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro smartwatch, Google Fitbit Air fitness tracker and Polar H10 heart rate monitor, wearing multiple devices on runs.

]]> <![CDATA[ Apple’s Fitbit Air-rivaling AI health coach is delayed, new report claims, and that’s bad news for fitness fans ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/apples-fitbit-air-rivaling-ai-health-coach-is-delayed-new-report-claims-and-thats-bad-news-for-fitness-fans HqyE8bkohdYFAKUXB7QFVR Tue, 26 May 2026 17:28:57 +0000 Tue, 26 May 2026 17:29:32 +0000
  • Apple’s AI-powered health coach has apparently been delayed
  • It’s now not expected until “later in the iOS 27 update cycle”
  • The news arrives in a new report from a reputable source

Apple’s WWDC event is just around the corner, which means we can expect a host of software announcements from the tech giant on June 8. One thing fans of the best Apple Watches might have been excited for is Apple's long-rumored AI health coach (AI) — but a new report has just put a dampener on those expectations.

According to Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, Apple’s AI health coach — apparently dubbed 'Project Mulberry' inside Apple — might not be revealed at WWDC after all. That will come as a blow to anyone looking forward to this feature, but it’s not all doom and gloom.

Past rumors have suggested that Apple is building an AI helper that can study your fitness metrics and identify key areas of improvement, then give you tips and plans to help you get there. Another feature might involve using your device cameras to monitor your workouts and give you pointers to step up your posture and performance.

However, Gurman says this fitness coach won’t be shown off at WWDC. Instead, the reporter now doesn’t expect any of Project Mulberry’s features to arrive until “later in the iOS 27 update cycle,” meaning a key delay for the mooted health tools.

Rivals pushing ahead

Recording a workout with your Apple Watch

(Image credit: Future)

This news comes after Gurman previously reported that Project Mulberry had been “scaled back,” with the company planning to include its features in its existing tools rather than offering a standalone app. Yet even that delay and restructuring wasn’t enough to get the feature ready for WWDC, at least according to Gurman.

It stands in stark contrast to the Fitbit Air and its Google Health companion app, which features an AI-based Google Health Coach that absorbs your health metrics, sleep data, nutritional intake, medical records and more in order to build a personalized plan to help you feel healthier, sleep better, and more. While Google’s effort has rolled out around the world, Apple’s is nowhere to be seen.

Still, Gurman has some more positive news for fitness fans who live in the Apple ecosystem. For one thing, he believes that watchOS 27 will bring improved heart-rate tracking, which could make the Apple Watch an even better fitness tracker for those who need these features.

As well as that, Apple is expected to overhaul its Health app at WWDC, and while Gurman said the AI fitness coach has been pushed back, he made no mention of similar delays to this Health revamp. That could mean the app gets a little more useful this summer, even if Project Mulberry is nowhere to be found.

Regardless, we’re hoping that Apple’s improved fitness offerings aren’t held up for too long. With rival companies pushing ahead with their own personalized metrics and analyses, Apple has its work cut out to draw level in this area.

]]> <![CDATA[ ‘We believe voice is the future… When the era of AI comes in, a lot of the interaction between the watch or the app with consumers will change’ — Why Coros is betting on voice to be the key to beating Apple and Garmin ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/we-believe-voice-is-the-future-when-the-era-of-ai-comes-in-a-lot-of-the-interaction-between-the-watch-or-the-app-with-consumers-will-change-why-coros-is-betting-on-voice-to-be-the-key-to-beating-apple-and-garmin ZEuYdWDkm3Z4hrZhm5vatn Sat, 23 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

Coros has been launching sports watches and wearables for less than ten years. In that time it’s done enough good to see its name mentioned in the same sentence as the best Garmin watches, Polar and Suunto models.

Whether that’s hitting the sweet spot for price, features and performance with watches like the Coros Pace 4 or rolling out big software features, Coros is making ground on competition that has been around for much longer.

Like those brands, Coros is always looking at what’s next to ensure it remains in the sports wearable conversation for many years to come. In 2025, Coros launched the Coros Nomad, an outdoor watch that became its first to include a microphone. Since then, mics have been added to its Pace 4 and Apex 4 watches.

Garmin Instinct 3 vs Coros Nomad

(Image credit: Future)

Microphones popping up on sports watches isn’t unique to Coros. Garmin’s Venu 2 Plus, launched in 2022, was the first Garmin watch to include one alongside a speaker. That was to enable calls over Bluetooth and to let you engage with your phone’s smart assistant, along with simple on-watch commands such as setting timers. Since then, Garmin has rolled out similar hardware to a host of its watches, such as the Garmin Fenix 8 and Forerunner ranges.

Coros has taken a different approach to giving its watches a voice. It’s not using mics to build a watch that behaves more like one of the best Apple Watches or a Wear OS smartwatch. Instead, voice pins — a feature that’s available on the Pace 4, Apex 4 and Nomad watches — allow users to record voice notes during workouts and mark where it was on a GPS map of your run. Voice pins are used to capture how you felt during the session or to remind you of the conditions for the next time you tackle that route.

“We believe voice is the future,” Coros co-founder and CEO Lewis Wu tells us. “When the era of AI comes in, a lot of the interaction between the watch or the app with consumers will change. Voice is the easiest way for the system or app to understand you. With the AI in the background, that can give you feedback. It’s like two-way communication.

Coros Pace 2

(Image credit: Future)

“If you look at training, it’s more than pace and heart rate. Training is also about your subjective opinion, like how you feel. If I feel tired, my legs are sore or my ankle has an issue, these are all things that a coach wants to know — and now AI will know this.

“The more information consumers put into the computer, into AI, the better the system will understand you. This is why we built microphones in every single new watch going forward because we believe that's the future. If you want to get future-proof hardware or a running watch for yourself, consider those with a microphone. This is our vision.”

Using voice to shape how its watches can be better training companions isn’t the only thing on the agenda for Coros as it looks ahead. It also wants to take existing features that have been present on its watches for much longer than the voice ones and make them work better for users.

Coros HRM data

(Image credit: Future)

“We are committed to building a better wellness system,” says Wu. “I have to admit, our health and wellness system is not top notch. We need to get better, but the way we get better could be slightly different from other companies.” This seems to be an acknowledgment of features such as sleep monitoring, wellness checks and continuous heart rate monitoring that, in our testing experience, don’t feel as polished as other elements of the Coros ecosystem.

“We know most people want to do sports.,” says Wu. “They want to be active and healthy. The philosophy for most companies is trying to get people out to do some activity and that doing that will make them feel good.

“Most of the consumers are athletes or at least very endurance driven. Serious athletes are committed. So we thought about it another way. How do we keep consumers healthy so they can do sports? So it's not that you do sport to be healthy, but you need to be healthy to do sports. This is how we position our wellness system. To support consumers when you don't train and want to stay injury-free or stress-free.”

]]> <![CDATA[ Early Apple Watch Ultra 4 rumors suggest a 'full redesign' alongside a new sensor array — but I'm taking this information with a healthy pinch of salt ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/early-apple-watch-ultra-4-rumors-suggest-a-full-redesign-alongside-a-new-sensor-array-but-im-taking-this-information-with-a-healthy-pinch-of-salt JvjpPhkYMdxwBch3xo9DwZ Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:06 +0000 Fri, 22 May 2026 07:22:15 +0000
  • A new report based on 'market expectations' indicates Apple could be making some changes to its Watch Ultra series this year
  • The report states a new sensor array is on the way, alongside a 'full redesign' for the Watch Ultra 4
  • While new sensors could improve or add more features to Apple's already stellar health tracking, I don't believe a huge-scale redesign of the Watch Ultra is on the cards

Rumors about the Apple Watch Ultra 4 have been thin on the ground until now, but we're finally beginning to hear a few tidbits here and there. The Apple Watch Ultra 3 only launched in September last year (snagging the top spot on our best Apple Watches list), but given that the original Apple Watch Ultra only lasted a year before it was succeeded by the Watch Ultra 2, it makes sense that Apple might announce the 4 during its annual September Event this year.

The report by Digitimes (spotted via 9to5Mac) based on 'market expectations' mentions a 'significant upgrade to sensing functions' for the Ultra 4, with a redesigned sensor array expected to create a large volume of orders from its sensor supplier, Taiwan-Asia Semiconductor.

The Watch Ultra 3's heart rate sensing functionality is already superb (I've personally tested it alongside a Polar H10 chest-mounted heart rate monitor and found it almost 1-1), so a sensor upgrade is likely to focus on improving another feature. Apple has cracked hypertension, which alerts users of potential chronic high blood pressure after 30 days, and packs sensors such as blood oxygen and skin temperature to support features including sleep tracking and women's health tracking.

If a new sensor array is on the horizon, we're likely to see either an entirely new feature from Apple, or an even more accurate version of one of the features above.

A 'full redesign'?

It's the next part of the report that has me pressing 'x' to doubt. Digitimes mentions a 'full redesign' coming alongside the new sensor array, which sounds exciting, but I'm expecting any redesign to be relatively minor.

Apple tends to find a design that works and stick to it, creating a very strong brand identity — you only have to look back at the last 10 years of Apple Watches to see that. The Watch Ultra series was an enormous change (by Apple's standards), equivalent to last year's iPhone Air.

There might be a change in thickness, materials or battery efficiency, but I'm very much expecting the Watch Ultra 4 to look, at first glance, almost identical to the Watch Ultra 3. Granted, it might be marketed by Apple as a redesign, but in real terms I'm not expecting much to change.

]]> <![CDATA[ Huawei's new 'premium budget' smartwatch could be the fitness tracker to buy this year — even over the upcoming Fitbit Air ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/huaweis-new-premium-budget-smartwatch-could-be-the-fitness-tracker-to-buy-this-year-even-over-the-upcoming-fitbit-air gmxdf9j7SMx9VQArZaRysF Thu, 21 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000 Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:53:01 +0000

Huawei Band 11 Pro: One minute review

The Huawei Band 11 Pro sits right between a simple fitness tracker and a full-blown smartwatch. Released in early 2026, it goes beyond the capabilities of the standard Huawei Band 11 by featuring a more sophisticated build and an upgraded set of sensors. In comparison to many of the best fitness trackers, the Band 11 Pro feels more premium than most cheap ones that I've worn, such as the Amazfit Bip 6, but I'm far from convinced about the 'pro' label.

To give it its due, one feature inclusion that sets it apart from budget counterparts is the onboard GPS for tracking outdoor runs, cycles, and hikes, which is reason enough for the higher price tag compared to the likes of the Xiaomi Smart Band 10, which requires users to "piggyback" on a phone's GPS connection.

Despite its core focus being a simple tracker for exercise and health, the watch also includes basic smartwatch features such as notification handling, quick-reply texts, and even a remote camera control. These are handy features that help people feel connected to the world around them, but they're far from deeply integrated due to the lack of a QWERTY keyboard for the text replies, along with non-existent third-party app integration.

In terms of health tracking, Huawei looks to push the boundaries at this price point with Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis for detecting irregular heart rhythms and Sleep Breathing Awareness to monitor for potential issues like sleep apnea. I wouldn't want to rely on these for perfect accuracy, but they're helpful indicators of potential health problems.

Within the broader market of the best smartwatches, the Huawei Band 11 Pro sits in the premium budget sweet spot, directly challenging rivals like the Fitbit Charge 6. While it is considerably more affordable than flagship smartwatches like the Apple Watch or Huawei's own Watch GT series, it provides nearly all the same core health and tracking features, even if they're not quite as accurate.

Huawei Band 11 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Huawei Band 11 Pro: Specifications

Component

Huawei Band 11 Pro

Price

$97 USD / £69.99 UK / $139 AUS

Dimensions

43.5 x 28.2 x 8.99mm

Weight

18 g (without strap)

Case/bezel

Aluminium alloy

Display

1.62-inch AMOLED Screen, 286 × 482 pixels, PPI 347

GPS

GNSS

Battery life

Max 14 days, Typical 8 days, AOD 3 days

Connection

Bluetooth 6.0

Water resistance

5 ATM

Huawei Band 11 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Huawei Band 11 Pro: Price and availability

  • $97 USD / £69.99 UK / $139 AUS
  • Very reasonably priced considering the onboard GPS feature
  • Stiff competition from Fitbit, Garmin, and Amazfit

At this price, the Huawei Band 11 Pro is an absolute steal. Getting onboard GPS, an AMOLED display, and an aluminum case is almost unheard of at this price. Unfortunately, it’s not available in the US.

Comparable options include the Amazfit Bip 6 ($79.99 US / £79.90 UK) and the Fitbit Charge 6 ($159.99 / £139.99). If you’d like a cheaper alternative and are happy “piggybacking” onto your phone’s GPS, then you could go for the Xiaomi Smart Band 10 ($73.99 / £39.99).

The Band 11 Pro ships with a fluoroelastomer strap in either Black or Isle Blue finishes. If you’d prefer a braided nylon strap, you can have this in Field Green. Whichever strap you choose, the spec of the watch remains the same.

  • Value score 4.5/5

Huawei Band 11 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Huawei Band 11 Pro: Design

  • Large and bright AMOLED display
  • Aluminum alloy case, which is a step up from polymer alternatives
  • 5 ATM water resistance rating

The Huawei Band 11 Pro is a basic band-style design but with a more premium 'pro' aesthetic than most cheaper trackers. This is most noticeable in the upgraded 1.62-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, which is nearly 30% larger than its predecessor.

As impressive as the size is, it's actually the brightness of it which struck me first. Maxing out at 2,000 nits, it falls short of the much more expensive Apple Watch Ultra 3, but at this price the brightness is excellent; it delivered clear graphics, whether inside in a dark room or outside in full sun. The 347 PPI resolution isn't too shabby either, with text appearing sharp and icons vibrant.

From a build quality perspective, Huawei has opted for a CNC-cut aluminum alloy case which looks and feels markedly more premium than the polymer frames typically found on cheap fitness trackers. This metallic finish is complemented by a slim profile, measuring just 8.99 mm in thickness, allowing the device to sit flush against the wrist. In short, it looks the part, whether you're down the gym, out on a run, or at work.

I tested the version with the breathable fluoroelastomer strap and was surprised how comfortable it was. It’s also easily cleaned when exposed to dirt or sweat. All-day wearability, including at night, is possible due to the 25g weight (with strap), as it’s comfortable and you hardly notice it's there.

To ensure durability, the device carries a 5 ATM water resistance rating, meaning it's waterproof and able to withstand showering, swimming and even water sports.

  • Design Score: 4/5

Huawei Band 11 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Huawei Band 11 Pro: Features

  • Onboard GPS and sleep insights
  • Pulse wave arrhythmia analysis
  • Sleep insights and emotional wellbeing

The ‘Pro’ label is on account of a number of feature decisions that Huawei has made to elevate the user experience beyond other entry-level alternatives. This begins with built-in GPS (GNSS), which means you can leave your phone at home when going out for a run or cycle and still track your route. It can also detect when you have stopped at a traffic light or for a break and will automatically pause the workout tracking, although like other Huawei watches, you can toggle this feature on or off.

Overnight, it tracks your average sleep HRV, along with heart rate and SpO2, and lets you know when something’s outside your usual range. It also includes Sleep Breathing Awareness, which monitors breathing disruptions during sleep for insights into your nighttime breathing. A basic presentation of your sleep data is provided on the watch, but a more in-depth set of graphs, reports, and advice are viewable in the Huawei Health app.

Next up is 'Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis', which identifies atrial fibrillation (AFib). It utilizes the same optical sensor technology that measures your heart rate, but applies a much higher level of data processing. The best Apple Watches also have an AFib feature, useful for determining whether your heart rate is irregular and whether you need to see a medical professional. If this is an important measurement to you, then I would go with this Huawei rather than a cheaper model.

For users who want help with monitoring their mental health, there's the Emotional Wellbeing Assistant. This provides real-time insights through its comprehensive mood and stress management system. Rather than just showing a "stress score", it uses physiological data to categorize your mood into visual states. These act as quick identifiers of what is going on inside your body.

  • Features Score: 4/5

Huawei Band 11 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Huawei Band 11 Pro: Performance

  • A very easy and enjoyable watch to use
  • Sub-par GPS accuracy not surprising at this price point
  • Excellent battery performance

As is the case with all Huawei watches, the user experience is a positive one. The Huawei OS interface is clearly laid out with easy-to-understand icons. Moving between features and settings is quick and responsive with little room for confusion about how to navigate around the menus. You can also choose between a list or grid view depending on your preference. The lack of a microphone means there are no voice commands, but that would be a lot to ask at this price.

There are over 100 workouts to choose from with the entire set pre-loaded onto the watch. The order of these, and whether they appear in the quick list, is easily customized. The watch can auto-detect workouts like running, which I made use of a few times when I had forgotten to set things up prior to exercising. As soon as you choose your workout, the watch searches for a GPS signal and alerts you when it’s found. You can begin the workout prior to a GPS lock, but accuracy will be compromised.

I was impressed by how quickly and easily the Band 11 Pro was able to find a GPS signal, even when I was indoors. In terms of GPS accuracy, I ran side-by-side comparisons with the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2, which performed as well as our gold standard, the Apple Watch Ultra series. Unfortunately the Band 11 Pro was left wanting with up to a 10% discrepancy on a range of tracked activities, including runs, walks, and bike rides.

As for health tracking, heart rate and SpO2 were in close range compared to the Watch Ultimate 2. Both watches also reported no abnormalities in relation to the Pulse Wave Arrhythmia Analysis, which was not only great to see from an accuracy point of view but also from a personal health perspective!

When I wore the watch at night, it successfully picked up most of my waking, but not all instances. No surprises there given the low cost of the device and limited complexity of the sensors. Despite its claims to be able to track REM, deep, and light sleep; HRV (Heart Rate Variability), and more, I would take its reports with a pinch of salt. It can give indications and provide general trends, but this isn't medical quality data. The Oura Ring 4, one of the best smart rings, is a wearable sleep-tracking gold standard (or as close as it gets) and is considerably more expensive than this slender band.

The Band 11 Pro excels when it comes to battery performance and is in fact one of its strongest selling points. Despite having a significantly brighter and larger screen than its predecessor, it manages to achieve a maximum of two weeks' use when Always-On Display (AOD) is disabled and GPS tracking is kept to a minimum, worthy of one of the best Garmin watches.

When I turned on continuous heart rate monitoring, performed sleep tracking, and carried out a few workouts per week, the battery stayed alive nearly a week, which is reasonable given that you're not going to be using this type of tracker for long-distance off-grid excursions. I found recharging to be very quick, with 0-100% achieved in a little over an hour.

  • Performance score: 4/5

Huawei Band 11 Pro

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Huawei Band 11 Pro: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

A great price for a budget smartwatch with some advanced features.

4.5/5

Design

A simple design with a metal case and AMOLED display sets it apart.

4/5

Features

Onboard GPS and excellent sleep tracking help elevate this smartwatch beyond super-budget alternatives.

4/5

Performance

Intuitive user experience and excellent battery life but lacks GPS accuracy.

4/5

Huawei Band 11 Pro: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want a simple fitness tracker that just keeps on going

With a low-power HarmonyOS, the Band 11 Pro can stretch to up to 14 days. That means it won't be a problem if you forget to pack the charger when going on holiday.

You need to sort out your sleep and need some accurate metrics

Through the use of medical-grade algorithms, the watch is capable of detecting sleep apnea risks and breathing interruptions.

You want a great-looking smartwatch without the premium price tag

With an aluminum alloy case and an AMOLED display, it moves beyond super-budget trackers without entering into flagship or ultra territory.

Don't buy it if...

You're an avid fan of the Google or Apple ecosystem

If you're reliant on Google Fit, Apple Health, Maps, or YouTube Music, then you'll find it difficult to make full use of the Band 11 Pro experience.

You love having third-party apps on your wrist

With zero support for WhatsApp, Spotify, or even Uber, you'll have a very limited smartwatch experience.

You buy a smartwatch for its pro features

Despite the name, it's hard to justify that this is a pro tracker. The lack of advanced health diagnostics and NFC capabilities limits its use beyond exercise tracking.

Also consider

Fitbit Charge 6

A very similarly specced smartwatch to the Huawei Band 11 Pro but with a slightly higher price tag. If you want a more recognisable budget smartwatch brand, then this Fitbit will do the job nicely.

Read our Fitbit Charge 6 reviewView Deal

Amazfit Bip 6

A square-shaped alternative with onboard GPS. Very similarly priced, so if you want a larger display, this is a great option.

Read our Amazfit Bip 6 reviewView Deal

Xiaomi Smart Band 10

A super cute and very affordable fitness tracker, but it lacks onboard GPS. We’d recommend this one if you’re on a seriously tight budget and don’t mind taking your phone with you for GPS connectivity when exercising.

Read our Xiaomi Smart Band 10 reviewView Deal

How I tested

I wore the Huawei Band 11 Pro almost non-stop for three weeks. I used it while running, cycling, walking, showering, working out, sleeping, playing with my children, texting, photographing, and daily life. I tested its GPS against the reliable Huawei Watch Ultimate and compared its specs to contemporaries in its price category.

First reviewed: May 2026

]]> <![CDATA[ The Apple Watch Ultra 4 is tipped to get a new way to keep your heart healthy — but there’s a catch ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-apple-watch-ultra-4-is-tipped-to-get-a-new-way-to-keep-your-heart-healthy-but-theres-a-catch 3YoeMLFrmpukG6UhLfenhU Tue, 19 May 2026 16:50:57 +0000
  • A report claims a new feature is coming to the Apple Watch Ultra 4
  • This could measure your blood pressure using new sensors
  • It’s apparently currently awaiting FDA approval

It’s safe to say that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a fantastic fitness tracker. Not only is it the best Apple Watch money can buy, but it’s our pick for the best smartwatch on the market, period. And now, it could be about to get even better thanks to a new feature that’s reportedly just around the corner.

According to a report from DigiTimes (via Gadgets & Wearables), the Apple Watch Ultra 4 — set to be unveiled this September — will come with a new feature that can track and measure your blood pressure, giving you timely alerts if something seems to be amiss. DigiTimes believes will lead to a “sharpening [of] the device’s health-management appeal.”

Although this exact feature isn’t here yet, watchOS 26 brought a confusingly similar sounding hypertension alert tool to Apple’s smartwatch range. That uses the Apple Watch’s optical heart sensor to send notifications to your wrist, and DigiTimes states that the new blood pressure feature will work in a comparable manner.

The fact that the tool reported by DigiTimes isn’t here yet is apparently because it is currently undergoing FDA approval. That might mean it needs regulatory clearance before being added to the Apple Watch; if so, gaining that could suggest it’s a more advanced feature that relies on new hardware to provide more accurate metrics.

Many unanswered questions

Apple Watch app health

(Image credit: Future)

The idea that this blood pressure system is linked to new hardware makes sense. Apple is rumored to be launching a major design overhaul of the Apple Watch this September, and that might go beyond a mere visual facelift and include new sensors that the blood pressure feature can take advantage of.

Still, this feature might not be as advanced as some people are hoping. Gadgets & Wearables, for instance, suggests that the platform might offer simple notifications rather than detailed systolic and diastolic numbers, implying it is “more like pattern detection than cuff-style measurement.”

Whether or not this feature comes to older Apple Watch models is unknown. Several Watch versions boast optical sensors of the kind used by Apple’s hypertension alerts, which might enable them to work with the new blood pressure tool. Alternatively, Apple may decide that it requires newer hardware found only in more recent devices. We probably won’t know until Apple unveils new Watches later this year.

Aside from this feature, DigiTimes says the Apple Watch Ultra 4 will get a “full redesign” and a ring of eight sensors on the underside of the device, presumably including the optical sensor for blood pressure detection. If you’re after a high-end wearable that looks after your heart, it could be one to watch.

]]> <![CDATA[ Forget the Apple Watch Ultra 3, this E Ink smartwatch offers 400 days of juice to obliterate its battery rivals ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/forget-the-apple-watch-ultra-3-this-e-ink-smartwatch-offers-400-days-of-juice-to-obliterate-its-battery-rivals z9ro9kPRMCcDuLA8EC8GXF Tue, 19 May 2026 16:30:00 +0000
  • The LightInk watch offers 400 days of battery life
  • It does this by stripping back features and using an E Ink display
  • It also adds solar charging to stay topped up on the go

From the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to the Google Pixel Watch 4, customers looking to adorn their wrists with one of the best smartwatches tend to look for wearables that offer excellent battery life — after all, there’s no point in shelling out on a device if you spend more time charging it than using it. If battery life is a priority for you, you might want to check out the LightInk watch.

That’s because with 400 days of juice on a single charge, it blows past the competition in terms of battery longevity. How does it achieve that figure? Well, this is no ordinary watch — it’s powered by solar energy to keep itself constantly topped up, meaning you can start charging it even when you’re miles from the nearest power outlet. As long as the sun is beaming down on you, the LightInk’s battery is getting topped up.

But you’ll get 400 days of battery even before solar charging is taken into account, the project’s creator claims. How? Well, one way is through cutting the feature list right down. As its name suggests, the LightInk uses an E Ink display instead of an AMOLED display, unlike some rival smartwatches. E Ink technology is incredibly efficient on the battery, helping you eke even more life out of this product.

And because it’s an open-source project, there’s no fee to obtain one. You just need a 3D printer and a few off-the-shelf components to make it yours.

Extreme battery savings

The Watchy watch on a desk.

The LightInk's case is based on one from fellow DIY project Watchy. (Image credit: Watchy)

Of course, the LightInk isn’t all sunshine and roses — there are a few downsides to it. Its E Ink screen might grant it excellent battery life, but it comes at the cost of visual fidelity. The LightInk’s display is monochrome and low resolution, so you shouldn’t expect any eye-catching graphics here. It doesn’t even show seconds.

And if you’re a fitness nut or believe in the ‘quantified self,’ you’ll want to look elsewhere. You won’t get any of the health and fitness sensors and metrics you find in most smartwatches — the LightInk can tell the time, occasionally connect to Wi-Fi and GPS, and that’s about it.

You also can’t just go out and buy the LightInk at your local shopping mall. As we mentioned before, you need to have a 3D printer on hand to craft many of the required components yourself, then assemble and solder them into a finished product. You’ll also need to be comfortable with building your own firmware based on the resources provided on LightInk’s GitHub page.

Still, the LightInk doesn’t make any claims of being a high-end, flagship device — it’s a deliberately basic product, as this is what allows it to put all of its energy into maximizing battery life.

It’s definitely not for everyone, but if your priority is staying away from your charger for as long as possible, it could be just what you’ve been looking for.

]]> <![CDATA[ The ultimate Garmin smartwatch cheat sheet: how to choose the right model for you ]]> https://www.techradar.com/collection/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-ultimate-garmin-smartwatch-cheat-sheet-how-to-choose-the-right-model-for-you wakCHTRsW3SWUzgMT8eMYY Tue, 19 May 2026 11:33:14 +0000

Garmin is one of the biggest names in smartwatches — and especially if you're looking for a wrist-based hiking, running or golfing companion. The brand makes dozens of different models, at different price points and offering different combinations of features, so making sense of your options can be confusing. If you're short on time, our best Garmin smartwatch guide will point you directly towards our recommendations for specific use cases. However, if you want to explore all the possibilities, you can stay right where you are.

This article is your guide to all the Garmin smartwatches (within reason; I've culled anything super-old or ridiculously tricky to get hold of). I've included not just the latest-and-greatest in each line, but previous models too, provided they're still available to buy. Opting for an older version can be a great way to save a bit of money, if you're not precious about having the most cutting-edge features.

You'll also notice I've separated my guide into product lines. I've added a short blurb at the start of each section, explaining who each range is primarily targeted towards and how the features are angled. However, bear in mind these are very broad definitions — there's lots of overlap between ranges, and all the main features you'd expect from a smartwatch will be included no matter which range you opt for. Hit the View details button for more info about each watch, and a link to our full review.

Garmin Forerunner

The Forerunner range is designed for runners, and offers strong GPS, distance and pace tracking, with further features geared towards training and improving performance. As well as the options listed here, there are two new, beginner-friendly Forerunner watches we're in the process of reviewing: the Forerunner 70 and the Forerunner 170, both of which went on sale on 15 May (the 70 replaces the veteran Forerunner 55).

The Forerunner lineup is extensive, and even the older models can still be worth a look — the soon-to-be-replaced Forerunner 55 was the watch worn by Sebastian Sawe as he smashed out his sub-two hour 2026 London Marathon.

Garmin
Forerunner 70

Launched: 2026

Review to follow

Garmin
Forerunner 170

Launched: 2026

Review to follow

Garmin Forerunner 170 Music

Garmin
Forerunner 170 Music

Launched: 2026

Review to follow

Garmin
Forerunner 970

Launched: 2025

Read the full review

Pros

  • Helpful Running Tolerance feature
  • Clear, colorful maps great for trail running
  • Watch light and a triathlon coach
  • Customizable design

Cons

  • Chunky for a running watch
  • Lack of data as you run
Garmin
Forerunner 570

Launched: 2025

Read the full review

Pros

  • Bright, vibrant screen
  • Aluminum bezel and colorful design options
  • Elevate v5 heart rate sensor is accurate
  • Built-in mic and speaker

Cons

  • No ECG functionality despite new sensor
  • Battery life has taken a hit
  • Still no offline maps
Garmin
Forerunner 165

Launched: 2024

Read the full review

Pros

  • Retains many previously-premium training features
  • Good-looking AMOLED touchscreen
  • 13 days of battery life

Cons

  • Not cheap enough to replace the Forerunner 55
  • Music storage is extra
Garmin
Forerunner 965

Launched: 2023

Read the full review

Pros

  • Long, long battery life
  • Premium titanium bezel
  • New training metrics ideal for runners

Cons

  • No solar option
Garmin
Forerunner 265

Launched: 2023

Read the full review

Pros

  • First small Forerunner with a touchscreen
  • Small and pretty
  • Run button easier to use with gloves

Cons

  • Screen boost means (slightly) worse battery life
Garmin
Forerunner 955 Solar

Launched: 2022

Read the full review

Pros

  • Stuffed with features
  • Huge battery
  • Classic Garmin design

Cons

  • Native running power features need an additional kit
  • Touchscreen AND buttons seem unnecessary
Garmin
Forerunner 55

Launched: 2021

Read the full review

Pros

  • Workout suggestions
  • Recovery time suggestions
  • Well designed controls

Cons

  • Relatively low-res display
  • No on-watch sleep score
Garmin
Forerunner 745

Launched: 2020

Read the full review

Pros

  • Training advice and workout suggestions
  • New smartwatch features

Cons

  • Pricier than similar Coros tri watches
Garmin
Forerunner 245

Launched: 2019

Read the full review

Pros

  • Light, unobtrusive design
  • Super comfortable, even during sleep
  • Great battery life

Cons

  • Feels a little cheap
  • Sleep tracking could be more accurate
  • No triathlon mode or Garmin Pay
Garmin
Forerunner 45

Launched: 2019

Read the full review

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Good value
  • Music controls

Cons

  • Limited sport profiles
  • Plastic-heavy build
  • No real swim tracking

Garmin Fenix

Fenix is Garmin's other main smartwatch range, this time geared towards a broader range of sports and outdoor activities, rather than focusing on running. The Fenix models boast features like topographical maps and waypoint tracking, and are designed to be rugged with long battery life. The current flagship model is the Fenix 8. Unlike the Forerunner lineup, the Fenix watch numbers increase with each new model.

Garmin
Fenix 8

Launched: 2024

Read the full review

Pros

  • Advanced GPS
  • New heart rate sensor
  • Garmin’s trademark modularity

Cons

  • Bulky
Garmin
Fenix 7 Pro

Launched: 2023

Read the full review

Pros

  • Packed with sports tracking modes
  • A slightly clearer screen than Fenix 7
  • Added flashlight for 7 Pro and 7S Pro

Cons

  • Some minor heart rate accuracy improvements
  • Still a pricey investment
Garmin
Fenix 7

Launched: 2022

Read the full review

Pros

  • Accessible training tools
  • Superb navigation apps
  • Extra-tough design
  • Longer battery life without added heft

Cons

  • Low-contrast display
  • No mic for hands-free calls
Garmin
Fenix 6

Launched: 2019

Read the full review

Pros

  • Excellent outdoor tracking
  • Solid, robust design
  • Accurate activity tracking

Cons

  • Not many new features over Fenix 5 Plus
  • Not the most stylish
Garmin
Fenix 5 Plus

Launched: 2018

Read the full review

Pros

  • Hardwearing
  • Stylish, rugged design
  • Huge range of multi-sport features

Cons

  • Reduced battery life

Garmin Vivoactive

Vivoactive is a more affordable range, geared towards casual or beginner runners and anyone looking for a general lifestyle smartwatch. You'll still get plenty of fitness capabilities, as well as a big suite of general tracking and heath data tools, but with fewer advanced features than you'd get with a Forerunner.

Garmin
Vivoactive 6

Launched: 2025

Read the full review

Pros

  • Smart wake alarms
  • Advanced running features like PacePro
  • Slim and comfortable

Cons

  • No multi-band GPS
  • Elevate V4 HR sensor
  • One size
Garmin
Vivoactive 5

Launched: 2023

Read the full review

Pros

  • Upgraded AMOLED display
  • On-watch music streaming
  • Powerful health and sports tracking options

Cons

  • Minimal buttons
  • No barometric altimeter
  • No Training Readiness
Garmin
Vivoactive 4

Launched: 2019

Read the full review

Pros

  • Great exercise tracking, with full GPS
  • On-watch music streaming
  • Stacks of stats

Cons

  • No Performance Condition monitoring
  • Spotify/Deezer integration should be more friendly

Garmin Venu

Venu is more of a general lifestyle smartwatch range than one geared towards running and adventuring, although there are of course general fitness features built in. The most recent model is the Venu 4.

Garmin
Venu X1

Launched: 2025

Read the full review

Pros

  • Powerful, usable screen
  • Outstanding suite of tools
  • Slim, comfortable profile

Cons

  • Alway-on display bleeds battery fast
  • UX doesn’t quite fit the Apple-style form factor
  • High price
Garmin
Venu 4

Launched: 2025

Read the full review

Pros

  • New flashlight
  • Health Status and Lifestyle Logging
  • Improved metal body
  • Brighter screen

Cons

  • No full-color maps
  • Voice assistant limited
  • No LTE
Garmin
Venu 3

Launched: 2023

Read the full review

Pros

  • Stunning AMOLED display
  • Wheelchair user tracking
  • Speaker and mic built-in
  • Intuitive health guidance

Cons

  • Lacks some premium training features
Garmin
Venu 2 Plus

Launched: 2022

Read the full review

Pros

  • Can receive calls and access phone voice assistant
  • 10-day battery life in normal use
  • Bright, crisp AMOLED display

Cons

  • No wireless charging
  • Only one size
Garmin
Venu 2

Launched: 2021

Read the full review

Pros

  • High-res AMOLED display
  • Super accurate GPS
  • Wide range of wellness tools
  • Advanced fitness tracking

Cons

  • Limited choice of third-party apps
  • Minor design upgrades
Garmin
Venu

Launched: 2019

Read the full review

Pros

  • New flashlight
  • Health Status and Lifestyle Logging
  • Improved metal body
  • Brighter screen

Cons

  • No full-color maps
  • Voice assistant limited
  • No LTE
Garmin
Venu Sq 2

Launched: 2022

Garmin Instinct

Instinct is an rugged series geared towards anyone looking for a more affordable outdoors and adventuring watch with exceptional battery life for multi-day expeditions — particularly if you opt for one of the solar-charged models. The latest model out is the Instinct 3.

Garmin
Instinct 3

Launched: 2025

Read the full review

Pros

  • Choice between AMOLED and MIP Solar
  • Built-in flashlight
  • All-new fitness tools

Cons

  • No topo maps
  • Polymer, not metal casing
Garmin
Instinct 2

Launched: 2022

Read the full review

Pros

  • Slimmer, but still tough
  • Advanced training tools
  • Excellent GPS tracking
  • Extra long battery life

Cons

  • Doesn't display maps well
Garmin
Instinct Crossover

Launched: 2022

Read the full review

Pros

  • Analog hands!
  • New GPS chipset with 5 satellite systems
  • Good battery life

Cons

  • More expensive than Instinct 2
  • No maps is a miss at price point
  • Hands break up the screen
Garmin
Instinct Solar

Launched: 2020

Read the full review

Pros

  • Exceptional battery life
  • Well designed interface
  • Great range of activities, including triathlon

Cons

  • Plastic case looks a bit cheap
  • Black and white display
Garmin
Instinct

Launched: 2018

Read the full review

Pros

  • Fun, light and comfortable design
  • Solid sports tracking performance
  • Navigation support

Cons

  • Lacks full mapping features
  • No payment support
  • No Connect IQ app support

Garmin Enduro

The Enduro range is built for endurance athletes, with multisport features similar to the Fenix line, lighter plastic cases, and solar charging to extend battery life. It'll be overkill for casual use, but if you need a watch that can run for days without needing to be plugged in, this is the range for you.

Garmin
Enduro 3

Launched: 2024

Read the full review

Pros

  • Solar charging lens technology
  • Impressive battery life
  • Fenix 8 sports tracking for less

Cons

  • Misses new voice-enabled smart features
  • A big watch for slimmer wrists
Garmin
Enduro 2

Launched: 2022

Read the full review

Pros

  • Epic battery life
  • Topographical maps
  • New route guidance functionality
  • Bright flashlight

Cons

  • Heavier and bigger than most smartwatches
Garmin
Enduro

Launched: 2021

Read the full review

Pros

  • Great battery life
  • Great overall sports tracking
  • Nice nylon strap

Cons

  • Missing full mapping support
  • Stainless steel model feels heavier

Garmin Approach

Approach is Garmin's golf range, and it includes not only GPS-enabled smartwatches, but things like handheld rangefinders and launch monitors. The smartwatch range includes features such as full-color course maps, a 'Virtual Caddy' and a screen that remains readable even in bright sunlight.

Garmin
Approach S70

Launched: 2023

Read the full review

Pros

  • Chock-full of excellent golf features
  • Great screen and UI
  • Super battery life
  • Accurate yardages, and easy to use

Cons

  • Less effective as an everyday smartwatch
  • Proprietary charging cable is a bit short
Garmin
Approach S50

Launched: 2025

Read the full review

Pros

  • Garmin pedigree shines through
  • Superb on-course performance
  • Light but robust build
  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Two button system won’t be for everyone
  • Inelegant proprietary charging setup
  • Default strap is poor
Garmin
Approach S12

Launched: 2021

Read the full review

Pros

  • Great GPS accuracy and speed
  • Powerful app
  • Superb battery

Cons

  • No colour display
Garmin
Approach S62

Launched: 2020

Read the full review

Pros

  • Tracks shots automatically
  • Deep phone notification integration
  • Comfortable and good looking
  • Other sport and sleep tracking

Cons

  • No putting tracking
Garmin
Approach S42

Launched: 2021

Read the full review

Pros

  • AutoShot detection
  • See features on the hole
  • Comfortable and well sized

Cons

  • Lacks other sport tracking of flagship model
  • Putting tracking not an option

More Garmin options

Finally, a grab-bag of some of Garmin's more niche propositions. The MARQ is Garmin's luxury watch effort, combining mechanical watch craftsmanship and styling with smartwatch features; the Lily is the brand's women-focused watch; the Tactix is an ultra-rugged option for survivalists and military personnel; Epix is like a premium-styled Fenix, for outdoor pursuits; and the Vivosmart is a fitness band rather than a full smartwatch; and the Descent series are smartwatch-style dive computers.

Garmin
MARQ Athlete (Gen 2)

Launched: 2022

Read the full review

Pros

  • Stunning design and build quality
  • Fantastic AMOLED display
  • Crammed with training metrics
  • Fast charging

Cons

  • Expensive upfront cost for style
  • Slightly smaller screen than Fenix
  • No solar charging

Garmin Marq Golfer (Gen 2) watch

Garmin
MARQ Golfer (Gen 2)

Launched: 2022

Read the full review

Pros

  • Outstanding on-course features and performance
  • Accurate yardages and shot tracking
  • Supreme design and build quality that’s a joy to use
  • Great as a day-to-day smartwatch

Cons

  • Garmin’s default font is not the best
  • No subscription to Garmin Golf Membership included
Garmin
Epix (Gen 2)

Launched: 2022

Read the full review

Pros

  • Stunning AMOLED display
  • Advanced but accessible fitness tracking
  • Accurate GPS and excellent maps

Cons

  • Shorter battery life than Fenix 7
  • No microphone for calls
Garmin
Epix Pro

Launched: 2023

Read the full review

Pros

  • Outstanding Garmin Fenix 7 base
  • Torch works well during night runs
  • Hill and Endurance scores are good

Cons

  • A very iterative update
Garmin
Tactix 8

Launched: 2025

Read the full review

Pros

  • Well-implemented tactical tools
  • Incredibly solid build
  • Excellent connectivity and audio

Cons

  • Cons
  • Very expensive
  • Bulky size
  • Some security concerns
Garmin
Lily 2 Active

Launched: 2024

Read the full review

Pros

  • Excellent battery life
  • Built-in GPS
  • Slim, comfortable, and stylish design

Cons

  • Display won’t be for everyone
  • No onboard music storage
  • Not as rugged as other Garmin options
Garmin
Lily 2

Launched: 2024

Read the full review

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Long battery life
  • Good running stats

Cons

  • No sports tracking
  • Touchscreen is clunky
  • App could be laid out more clearly
Garmin
Descent Mk3i

Launched: 2023

Read the full review

Pros

  • Impressive battery life
  • Comprehensive dive features
  • Unbeatable activity tracking with metrics

Cons

  • More expensive than rivals
  • Others offer simpler user interfaces
Garmin
Vivosmart 5

Launched: 2022

Read the full review

Pros

  • Well designed interface
  • Light and comfortable
  • Auto activity tracking
  • Particularly good sleep tracking

Cons

  • Monochrome display
  • No on-board GPS
  • Polycarbonate lens rather than toughened glass

]]> <![CDATA[ Google I/O is almost here, and Wear OS 7 needs these 5 upgrades to stay competitive against Garmin and Apple Watches ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/google-i-o-is-almost-here-and-wear-os-7-needs-these-5-upgrades-to-stay-competitive-against-garmin-and-apple-watches WNEMUQ3iRA96VSnbPSJ72X Mon, 18 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Mon, 18 May 2026 15:16:16 +0000

Google's annual Google I/O developer conference is almost upon us, and as well as getting new features for Android phones and a better look at those new Googlebooks, as a wearables enthusiast I'm curious to see what happens with Wear OS 7.

Because Google I/O is primarily for developers, we should get a better look at the latest slate of operating systems and AI powers that devs can use to design new apps and features for the likes of the Google Pixel Watch 4, Samsung Galaxy Watch8, and more upcoming, unannounced devices.

We got a bit of a glimpse of what's coming thanks to the Android Show, a Google stream broadcast on 12 May specifically focusing on Android ecosystem updates. While no Wear OS 7 changes were mentioned specifically, we did get to see some cool new AI features that will feature on Wear OS that will help Google stay competitive against the likes of the best Garmin watches and best Apple Watches.

So, here are a few of the changes we know are coming to Wear OS users, along with a couple of educated guesses. We'll find out more at Google I/O on May 19.

1. Custom widgets

Create your widget android

(Image credit: Future)

The Android Show had some neat new Gemini Intelligence features on display, notably the ability to create custom widgets simply by describing them to Gemini. After doing so, Gemini will seemingly vibe-code your widget for you.

We weren't given any indication that you could create widgets directly on a smartwatch using Gemini and its microphone, but we were shown that watches could use custom widgets too. During the stream, we see a widget created for a Google Pixel Watch 4 to display wind and rain for ideal cycling conditions.

Expect more customization like this on Wear OS 7, with the ability to pull out nuggets of information and display them front-and-center.

2. Complex task automation with Gemini Intelligence

During the Android Show, we saw a graphic of a message about getting lunch with a friend display on a Pixel Watch. Once the plans have been made, a prompt shows up to create a calendar event, listed as "Add lunch at Zany's Bistro, Sun 11:30am".

This is part of Gemini's new 'complex task automation' feature, which can look at contextual information and complete tasks for you, such as booking a front-row bike for your upcoming spin class, or searching for a coffee tour in Costa Rica fitting your specifications (both examples given in the presentation).

Because the feature was shown as being on-watch, we're betting Wear OS 7 will be ideal not just to serve you notifications that these things are happening, but to do some of its own on-device thinking too. For example, I bet we'll be able to ask the watch to open Google Maps and generate a route to Zany's Bistro based on the messages described, likely by asking a simple question like "how far is it?"

3. Rambler on watch

Coros Pace 4 speaking into microphone

(Image credit: Coros)

During the Android Show, we saw director of product operations Dieter Bohn use a piece of software called Rambler, an improved AI-powered speech-to-text that interprets long-winded, unclear messages full of filler words and backtracking, rather than transcribing literally.

As transcription gets better, speech is becoming one of the key ways we interact with wearables today — I certainly wouldn't get very far in the kitchen without asking my Apple Watch Ultra 3 to set a timer for me, using its raise-to-talk functionality. As we expand our usage of voice assistants with wearables, it's hard not to see Rambler coming to Wear OS sooner rather than later.

4. Battery improvements

All these AI features need a lot of power. While it seems every upgrade promises better, more efficient battery management, this is almost a given if we're getting upgraded AI tools — even if it's just to keep devices like the Google Pixel Watch at, or close to, the device's battery life listed at the point of sale.

5. Context, context, context

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 run coach

(Image credit: Future)

We'll likely see more unannounced features, but they'll all be revolving around the same sort of thing — using to power of AI to hoover up contextual information from existing functions to improve or iterate on previous features.

For example, if you turn up to the same pilates studio every week, Apple will combine GPS information with workout data and prompt you to start a pilates workout. Its Workout Buddy feature takes you entire exercise history and crunches it, letting you know if the mile you just ran was your fastest ever.

I'm positive we'll see similar features on future Wear OS watches, and it might even be this year. The use of historic data from different apps to anticipate the user's needs is already becoming a key part of the agentic AI experiences companies like Google are trying to provide.

]]> <![CDATA[ 'Samsung’s produced a winner here' — its fantastic Galaxy Watch 8 is now £50 off at Amazon ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/samsungs-produced-a-winner-here-its-fantastic-galaxy-watch-8-is-now-gbp50-off-at-amazon Jj5tgG2BYiziiMfFrVTXQ6 Fri, 15 May 2026 12:13:18 +0000

Buying a smartwatch can feel like a bit of a minefield. With so many options and varying levels of performance, where on earth do you start? Well, how about the 4.5-star Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, which is now on sale at Amazon for £319 (was £369).

Not only is it discounted by an impressive £50, but it's also one of the very best smartwatches on the market at the moment. We gave it this rating because of the industry-leading Running coach feature with 160 plans and advanced health and sleep tracking, with everything packed into a seriously gorgeous design.

It's more than a smartwatch for runners, though. With holistic tracking, daily productivity, and diverse fitness activities, it's a great pick for most users, especially those already invested in the Samsung ecosystem.

Today's best Samsung Galaxy Watch deal

A 4.5-star smartwatch with super-accurate health and activity tracking. If you throw in the industry-leading AI features, then you really do have the complete package. It has been £20 cheaper previously, but with today's £50 discount, it's still a really good bargain for a smartwatch with both Bluetooth and LTE support.View Deal

Our wearables editor, Matt Evans, knows exactly what makes a good smartwatch, and in his Galaxy Watch 8 review, he called Samsung's offering a "triumph" and "unequivocally the best mainline Galaxy Watch in ages." It would be difficult to be more positive than that.

Matt rated it 4.5 out of five stars, with the smartwatch only falling short of the highest rating because of its shorter battery life and fiddly Dynamic Lug system. Suffice to say, these negatives are not going to be game changers for most people.

We're big fans of the AMOLED display that is sharp, clear, and able to handle very bright outdoor scenes. The watch also includes accurate GPS, run coaching, sleep tracking, and automatic workout detection. And let us not forget to mention the "Gemini assistant that is capable of completing complex tasks, a selection of useful new health features and a software redesign to go with its hardware updates."

If you're keen to do a little more research, then check out our best smartwatches guide as well as our smartwatch deals page.

]]> <![CDATA[ Garmin Forerunner 70 vs Garmin Forerunner 170 and 170 Music: I've compared all the specs and features of these 'easy to use' running watches ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/fitness-trackers/garmin-forerunner-70-vs-garmin-forerunner-170-and-170-music-ive-compared-all-the-specs-and-features-of-these-easy-to-use-running-watches eSGrm2dmrfe6DN5xcAd4Nn Fri, 15 May 2026 12:12:44 +0000 Fri, 15 May 2026 14:18:45 +0000

Keen to get started on your running journey? Well, you're in luck. Garmin has dropped three new contenders for our best Garmin watch list, and they're all affordably priced and brimming with running-focused features.

The Garmin Forerunner 70, 170 and 170 Music officially release on May 15. You might have pre-ordered one already, but if you're still looking, you also might be weighing up which model is right for you. Do you need the Forerunner 170 Music, or can you save money and opt for the cheaper Garmin Forerunner 70? I break down all the differences below, with a brief bit of context to explain how they compare to other Garmin watches in the range.

Note that I haven't yet had an opportunity to test the watches myself — I've looked at the statistics and feature lists from Garmin's official websites and promotional materials to put together this comparison.

Garmin Forerunner 70 vs Garmin Forerunner 170: Specifications

Garmin Forerunner 70

Garmin Forerunner 170

Garmin Forerunner 170 Music

Price

$249.99 / £219.99 / AU$399

From $299 / £259.99 / AU$479

From $349.99 / £299.99 / AU$549

Dimensions

42.6 x 42.6 x 11.9mm

42.6 x 42.6 x 11.9mm

42.6 x 42.6 x 11.9mm

Weight

40g

41g

41g

Case/bezel

Fiber-reinforced polymer

Fiber-reinforced polymer

Fiber-reinforced polymer

Display

AMOLED 390 x 390px

AMOLED 390 x 390px

AMOLED 390 x 390px

GPS

GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, SatIQ

L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo, and BeiDou

GPS, Glonass, Beidou, Galileo

Battery life

Up to 13 days, all-systems GNSS mode: Up to 16 hours

Up to 10 days, all-systems GNSS mode: Up to 14 hours

Up to 10 days, all-systems GNSS mode: Up to 14 hours (6.5 with music)

Connection

Bluetooth, ANT+

Bluetooth, ANT+

Bluetooth, ANT+

Water resistant

Yes, 5ATM

Yes, 5ATM

Yes, 5ATM

Garmin Forerunner 70 vs Garmin Forerunner 170: Price

The cheapest watch of the three is the Garmin Forerunner 70, replacing the aging Garmin Forerunner 55 as Garmin's entry-level running watch du jour.

As you can see in our table above, it costs $249.99 / £219.99 / AU$399, while the more feature-rich Forerunner 170 (which replaces the older Garmin Forerunner 165) starts at $299 / £259.99 / AU$479. If you want the Music capabilities, you can pay an extra $50 / £40 / AU$70 for the Forerunner 170 Music.

Garmin Forerunner 70 vs Garmin Forerunner 170: Design

Garmin Forerunner 70 in Citron

The Garmin Forerunner 70 (Image credit: Garmin)

All three watches have a similar design language, and there are few physical differences. There's a single gram of difference in weight between the Garmin Forerunner 70 and its 170 siblings, and all three are only available in a 42.6mm screen size.

They all have the same 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, and use the same five-button configuration as many of Garmin's other watches, such as the Garmin Fenix 8, which makes it easy to operate the watch even while wearing gloves — perfect for running in all weathers.

Embossed Forerunner logos adorn the bands for all three models, while all three are available in a variety of colors, including Black, Whitestone and two-tone models. Each has at least one unique color option too — the Forerunner 70, for example, is available in a pale-yellow Citron color.

Garmin Forerunner 70 vs Garmin Forerunner 170: Features

Garmin Forerunner 170 in Whitestone

The Garmin Forerunner 170 (Image credit: Garmin)

Here's where it gets interesting. Each watch has the usual suite of heart rate and fitness-tracking features, such as calories burned, sleep tracking, steps counted and 80 sports profiles. They also all have built-in GPS, Glonass and Galileo satellite network connectivity, to make sure the watch is accurately tracking your runs.

Each one offers Daily Suggested Workouts and personalized training plans via Garmin Coach, the service in the Garmin Connect app. Other training features include advanced metrics perfect for runners such as stride, cadence and elevation, along with Running Power — a metric you may not know about. It's a measure of how much power your body's putting out during a run, measured in mechanical watts.

Garmin works out running power using the watch's motion sensors, GPS and barometer. Using heart rate to determine your performance is considered inferior, because it measures your body's response to the run, not the power of the run itself.

All three watches have wellness features galore, such as sleep tracking, nap detection, Training Readiness and Recovery scores to better plan your training calendar around. Course Planner helps you train at the correct distances, creating routes around your neighborhood, and the Race Predictor feature estimates your time based on a course added to Garmin's database and your historic data.

Garmin Forerunner 170 Music in Red/Pink

(Image credit: Garmin)

There are some differences, but they aren't major. The Forerunner 170 appears to have all the training features of the 70, while adding Garmin Pay and Smart Notifications features. Smart Notifications allows you to reply to texts when you're on the move (on Android phones), manage notifications from apps and emails, and screen calls, while Garmin Pay is a virtual wallet on your wrist, and works in a similar way to Apple Pay on one of the best Apple Watches.

These appear to be the only differences, aside from the colorways, between those two watches.

The Forerunner 170 Music adds 4GB of internal memory, allowing you to store songs on your wrist. When connected to Bluetooth headphones, you can listen to music right from your watch, without using your phone as a go-between. Combined with Garmin Pay, this means you can leave your phone at home or in a bag, run while listening to music, and even buy a coffee once you're finished.

Early verdict

The Garmin Forerunner 70 is shaping up to be a pretty great training tool, and if you're not looking for a smartwatch to use for notifications and a digital wallet, this is the model for you.

If you are looking for those things, the Garmin Forerunner 170 or 170 Music is going to be the best choice for you, unless you want to go up in price and opt for a more expensive smartwatch like the Garmin Venu 4.

]]> <![CDATA[ iOS 26.5 updates unlocks Apple Watch and AirPod features for third-party alternatives — but only if you live in the EU ]]> https://www.techradar.com/phones/ios/ios-26-5-updates-unlocks-apple-watch-and-airpod-features-for-third-party-alternatives-but-only-if-you-live-in-the-eu 5jGQprpr2eu5M34pwwZvCA Thu, 14 May 2026 14:50:23 +0000 Thu, 14 May 2026 14:50:38 +0000
  • iOS 26.5 is rolling out to our iPhones
  • It includes new third-party wearables support for previously exclusive Apple Watch and AirPods features
  • This is only available in the EU for now

Apple’s latest iOS 26.5 update is bringing some AirPods and Apple Watch-exclusive features to third-party earbuds and wearables — but only for phones in the EU.

This is being done so Apple can better comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, which means Apple has to relinquish some of the software benefits that were exclusive to its own hardware and bring it to third-party smartwatches like those made by Garmin, Amazfit and Huawei, and third-party earbuds and headphones.

For smartwatch users the biggest update will be the ability to respond to message notifications with reactions or replies. Currently you can only see iOS notifications on third-party tech, whereas Apple Watch users can send a response through the notification pop-up. With this iOS 26.5 update that should start to change, providing other smartwatch makers update their hardware to support the new capabilities.

Just note that your phone can only forward notifications to one device at a time, so if you for some reason have an Apple Watch and an alternative smartwatch, you’ll need to choose which you’d rather support.

Back to iOS 26.5, you’ll get a second notification change too with third-party support for your iPhone’s Live Activities — the real time notifications that sit on your iPhone lock screen or in the Dynamic Island like a sports score or the distance of your Uber driver. These live updates can also appear in the Smart Stack on your Apple Watch, and now they could show up on your other smart wearable — again, if the manufacturer adds support.

iPhone 11 Pro Max review

(Image credit: TechRadar)

More to come?

Not forgetting about the earbuds update, iOS 26.5 also adds proximity pairing support for non-Apple buds.

This is the feature that makes it a one tap process to pair AirPods with your iPhone when you start to set them up nearby. Thanks to the update, third-party earbuds can start to support this simplified setup process.

While none of these new tools feel revolutionary, they strip away more of the friction that comes from choosing a third-party option over Apple’s-own tech, making it a fairer choice between the tech options out there — so this update should be taken as a serious win if you live in the EU.

As for folks who live outside the EU, don’t hold your breath for a similar update. While EU regulation has seen Apple make global changes — such as the implementation of USB-C charging — digital rules are much easier to geolock. We’ve seen this previously with App Store regulations, and I expect Apple won’t want to tear its walled garden down any more than it is legally required to.

What’s more, Apple has argued the EU’s Digital markets Act should be scrapped, and warned that there are risks to users if it is forced to change how its products interact with each other and third parties.

For now we’ll just have to look longingly at the EU-exclusive update, and hope that our own governments introduce similar rules of their own —despite Apple’s protests.

]]> <![CDATA[ Amazfit’s budget ultra-running watches launch – just one day after Garmin unveils its own new watches ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/amazfits-budget-ultra-running-watches-launch-just-one-day-after-garmin-unveils-its-own-new-watches 7RpmHSqLN6i2h5RkRZNrTA Wed, 13 May 2026 21:00:00 +0000
  • Amazfit has launched the Cheetah 2 Ultra smartwatch
  • It’s made for trail runners and ultra-running enthusiasts
  • It arrives just one day after the new budget wearables from Garmin

Amazfit has managed to carve out a role for itself as a popular budget-friendly wearables brand, and its devices often find a spot on our list of the best cheap smartwatches money can buy.

Now, the company has launched a brand-new offering, and it’s hot on the heels of a new cut-price Garmin watch that is gunning for the exact same buyers.

Amazfit’s new product is dubbed the Cheetah 2 Ultra, and the company describes it as “a specialized instrument for trail runners who measure success in elevation, unpredictable terrain, and hours spent on the move.”

It comes with a Grade 5 titanium bezel, frame, and back cover; a 1.5-inch AMOLED display that goes up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness and features a scratch-resistant sapphire glass panel; up to 33 hours of battery life in Trail Running Mode and up to 30 days of juice in regular mode; and dual-frequency six-satellite positioning for accurate GPS tracking.

If you’re going off-road and need directions, you’ll find full-color route planning that Amazfit says comes with “rendering speeds 2.5 times faster and refresh speeds 12 times faster than before.” There are also improved training and performance metrics, expanded third-party integrations, and more.

And the Cheetah 2 Ultra is not the only news from Amazfit. The firm has also recently updated the firmware for its T-Rex Ultra 2 watch to offer heart rate zones and waypoint data, better aiding you when you’re training, racing, or just out for a leisurely run.

A whole range of new watches

The Amazfit Cheetah 2 Ultra smartwatch.

(Image credit: Amazfit)

Amazfit typically positions its devices at the more affordable end of the market, but with the Cheetah 2 Ultra’s $599.99 price tag, the company is showing it’s not afraid to compete with more mid-range rivals.

Funnily enough, the announcement comes just one day after Garmin revealed a new array of affordable smartwatches, including the Forerunner 70, the Forerunner 170, and the Forerunner 170 Music. The former clocks in at £219.99 / AU$399 (about $300), and with the most expensive (the Forerunner 170 Music) priced at £299.99 / AU$549 (around $400), Garmin seems keen to show it can still make excellent budget smartwatches of the kind Amazfit’s customers might be used to.

It’s also interesting to note that while the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Ultra is aimed squarely at long-distance runners and ultra-marathon competitors, the Garmin Forerunner 70’s predecessor — the Forerunner 55 — was worn by Sabastian Sawe as he broke the sub-two-hour London Marathon record in April this year.

So if distance running is your bag, both of these watches should be on your radar. It’s just up to you to decide which one best fits your budget.

]]> <![CDATA[ Huawei has unveiled two new kids’ wearables to add to its lineup of smartwatches — the Watch Kids X1 Series — and they could prove to be serious competition for the Garmin Bounce 2 and Fitbit Ace LTE ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/huawei-has-unveiled-two-new-kids-wearables-to-add-to-its-lineup-of-smartwatches-the-watch-kids-x1-series-and-they-could-prove-to-be-serious-competition-for-the-garmin-bounce-2-and-fitbit-ace-lte NtYa8fSPpdhgNnop3X7TkQ Fri, 08 May 2026 17:00:00 +0000
  • Huawei has announced two new wearables in its new Watch Kids X1 series
  • There are two new models, the standard version and a Pro version
  • Both models are equipped with solid child safety tools to give you peace of mind

There are two new kids' smartwatches on the market thanks to Huawei, and the company is showing how creators of the best smartwatches should really be implementing child safety.

The two new models, the Huawei Watch Kids X1 and Watch Kids X1 Pro, were unveiled at the tech giant’s Innovative Product Launch in Bangkok earlier this week, where it also announced a slew of other new smartwatches joining its family of wearables, including the Watch Fit 5 series, Watch Ultimate Design Spring Edition, and Watch GT Runner 2 Racing Legend Edition.

Starting at 249 euros (approx. $293) for the Watch Kids X1 and 349 euros (approx. $410) for the Watch Kids X1 Pro, both editions pack a 360-degree flippable screen with a 1.82-inch AMOLED display, as well as a 5MP 110-degree wide front camera and 13MP rear camera for photos and video calls. The X1 Pro watch face is also detachable, so your child can use it as a handheld camera.

Storage-wise, both models differ slightly. While the standard Watch Kids X1 and Watch Kids X1 Pro support 2GB of RAM, the former has 32GB of storage while its Pro sibling has double at 64GB, but those are the only major differences between the two. If anything, both match each other as far as health tracking features are concerned.

Both models offer very similar health monitoring tools, packing a punch on the sensor front that includes one for heart rate tracking, a gyroscope, an accelerometer for step counting, and a magnetometer for navigation.

Kids’ smartwatches appear to be quite the hot topic at the moment, especially since Garmin has just launched the Bounce 2, but Huawei’s new watch series is really honing in on child safety measures in a lot of ways.

First, the X1 series supports dual-band GNSS positioning, dual-band Wi-Fi for indoor assistance, and cellular connectivity. Then there’s the FamCare app, which puts a lot of the control into the hands of parents and guardians.

Through this app, you’ll get a direct insight into your child’s real-time activity status, allowing you to set safe and danger zones and receive alerts when your child enters and leaves these areas. As well as the basic control tools like customizing usage limits and setting focus time, FamCare also lets you video call your child through the camera on the X1 watch face — adding another layer of reassurance.

]]> <![CDATA[ Your next Samsung Galaxy Watch could ‘dramatically reduce’ your chances of injury thanks to this one clever feature ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/your-next-samsung-galaxy-watch-could-dramatically-reduce-your-chances-of-injury-thanks-to-this-one-clever-feature CFJydYvr9LHK5sMqiDwGKb Thu, 07 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000 Thu, 07 May 2026 23:59:03 +0000
  • New research suggests smartwatches could predict fainting episodes
  • This would give you time to minimize the danger of a fall
  • The research was commissioned by Samsung

Most of the time, fainting episodes come out of the blue, leaving a split second for someone to support you before you start hurtling towards the ground. But what if your smartwatch could alert you to the likelihood that a faint is imminent before it actually happens? It sounds like something out of science fiction, but it could one day come to fruition.

That’s the idea behind a clinical research paper commissioned by Samsung, which concludes that it might be possible for a wearable device to warn you that you’re at risk of fainting minutes before it happens. That would potentially give you time to get to a more comfortable place — such as on a sofa — so that the sudden loss of consciousness doesn’t send you crashing onto the hard floor.

In the study, researchers from Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital in South Korea said that Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 might be able to predict vasovagal syncope (a condition that can lead to fainting) as much as five minutes before it occurs.

Why the Galaxy Watch 6? Well, it has a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor that tracks your heart rate. The researchers used this to monitor test subjects’ heart rate variability, then fed the resulting data into an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. This, in turn, looked for patterns that emerged just before people fainted.

From this, the researchers were able to predict fainting episodes with an accuracy of 84.6%. Samsung stated that the AI model had a clinical sensitivity of 90%, meaning it was able to identify true positives and negatives with a high degree of accuracy.

Not here yet

A person monitoring their heart rate on a Samsung Galaxy Watch.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Vasovagal syncope is a common condition. Indeed, “Up to 40% of people experience vasovagal syncope over their lifetime, with one-third experiencing recurrent episodes,” said Professor Junhwan Cho of the Department of Cardiology at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital. If a smartwatch is able to help you minimize the danger of a fall resulting from this condition, that could be a massive benefit to a lot of people.

Indeed, as Professor Cho noted, “An early warning could give patients advance time to get into a safe position or call for help, which would dramatically reduce the incidence of secondary injuries.”

While the results from this study are promising, it’s worth noting that this faint prediction feature is not yet available in any of the best Samsung smartwatches. Instead, it was more of a proof of concept for the idea that a wearable can predict a fainting episode ahead of time.

But with the PPG sensor already on board many of Samsung’s smartwatches, it’s not much of a stretch to imagine a feature like this appearing in a future version of the company’s devices. Many of the best smartwatches on the market — including the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Garmin Fenix 8 — also feature PPG sensors, meaning this feature could theoretically emerge in a smattering of other devices in the future.

That said, further clinical testing and regulatory approval will be needed before any of that becomes a reality. When — or if — it does, though, it could save you from a nasty fall with plenty of time to spare.

]]> <![CDATA[ The Samsung Galaxy Fit3 is 'simply brilliant value' — and the budget fitness tracker is now just £39 at Amazon ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-samsung-galaxy-fit3-is-simply-brilliant-value-and-the-budget-fitness-tracker-is-now-just-gbp39-at-amazon h6DmH8BJr5cU9Z63oCBfvc Tue, 05 May 2026 14:46:43 +0000

Not every smartwatch has to cost the earth, as evidenced by the fact that you can snap up the Samsung Galaxy Fit3 at Amazon for just £39 (was £59). At this price, hey, why not buy one for yourself and another for someone you love?

As well as health and fitness tracking, one of the Galaxy Fit3's standout features is the large 1.6-inch AMOLED display, which clearly and neatly shows all your key health and fitness metrics at a glance. It also features a 5ATM waterproof rating, so you can use it no matter the weather.

We're also big fans of the sleep tracking, which tracks blood oxygen levels through the night and delivers reports on how you slept. Beyond that, there's a very good battery life of up to 13 days, notification support, and music controls built in. Not bad for less than £40.

Today's best cheap fitness tracker deal

The Fit3 was already at the very affordable end of the smartwatch market, but with a £20 discount, it's now ludicrously cheap. With a reasonably sized AMOLED display and all the health and fitness tracking features you'd expect from a smartwatch at this price, it's a great choice for most casual users looking for an inexpensive alternative to the likes of Apple and Garmin.View Deal

In our Samsung Galaxy Fit3 review, we rated the popular smartwatch four out of five stars. We said that "this Samsung-centric device keeps the health insights sleek and simple" and is "impressively cheap for the sheer amount of features it packs."

At the heart of the Fit3 is health monitoring and fitness tracking, which is all brought together into a small and intuitive interface. Launching activities is simple and quick, with engaging graphics and readouts helping you keep track of your performance.

The Fit3 boasts a responsive 1.6-inch AMOLED display and a flexible silicone strap, which is "well-made and durable enough to withstand the elements, sweat and tough workouts." You'll also find a 5ATM waterproof rating, which provides peace of mind when swimming and showering.

With this deal, the Fit3 is one of the best budget options around at the moment. But if you'd like something more premium or targeted towards runners, then have a look at our guides to the best smartwatches and best running watches.

]]> <![CDATA[ 'No other smartwatch has this feature': the Apple Watch's most innovative running feature is one you've probably never used ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/no-other-smartwatch-has-this-feature-the-apple-watchs-most-innovative-running-feature-is-one-youve-probably-never-used G2uzKqugzhdff7jKgHjmN4 Sat, 02 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Wed, 06 May 2026 07:45:00 +0000

Most cities and large towns — usually anywhere with a college or university presence or an outdoor sports center — have an oval 400-meter running track that's open to the public. Large cities like London have quite a few.

I've been using the best Apple Watches and testing them during running workouts for quite a few years now, but I'm not a big track runner. I like long, slow, plodding runs, and I like the change of scenery as I jog.

On the track, there's nowhere to hide, and whether you're doing 200-meter speedwork or lap after lap, the asphalt is punishing. It lays all your sins bare: no hiding poor results behind elevation, traffic stops, or the other variables that occur when running in the real world. So I rocked up to the track wearing my Apple Watch Ultra 3 with more than a little trepidation.

Thankfully, you don't have to fiddle with the Apple Watch settings to properly log your track run efforts, as Apple Watches have a couple of neat features that make track running a bit easier. Unless you're a habitual track runner, you've probably never used these, but I encourage you to find your nearest one and give them a try if you're keen to improve your running performance.

Three women run on a track in a sunny day

(Image credit: Getty Images / Tom Werner)

Over the past few years, Apple Watches have leveraged GPS and Apple Maps data to automatically detect when you're near an oval track. When you start an Outdoor Run workout within the vicinity of a track, the Workout app will discover the oval and prompt you to start a track workout. This is genuinely very impressive, and according to an Apple representative, "no other smartwatch has this feature". And you'd never know this feature was in there unless your workout took you past a track!

By selecting Track Workout, you'll be prompted to choose a lane by swiping over to the left-hand tile for more accurate measurement. You can adjust lanes during the course of the workout if you find yourself moving lanes for whatever reason, so you're not locked in. You can then use the segment button to mark laps or sections, such as the 200-meter mark. I was doing interval work, putting a lot of effort behind a 200-meter dash, then using the following 200 meters for recovery.

It took all the guesswork and planning out of using the track, so I could just rock up and do my thing. Apple is great at making your life easier if you use all its tech together. While its closed-loop approach to its ecosystem may be frustrating for users who don't want to invest in everything Apple, it allows all your gadgets to work more or less seamlessly.

In this case, the Apple Maps app interfaces with the Workout app to do all the legwork behind the scenes to guess your intentions — work out on a running track — in a very, dare I say it, agentic way. Having recently switched over to Apple tech in a more permanent capacity than my usual testing, I'm consistently impressed by little features like this — and it's certainly motivated me to add more track work into my training.

Why do track training?

A report from the University of Warwick said that track training, be it sprinting or longer-distance training, is a "controlled environment" that "provides an opportunity to enhance your personal performance".

The track offers the ability to precisely measure distance and pace control without variables like traffic or elevation, and the flat, consistent surface provides opportunities to work on your technique, like cadence and stride.

Running loops rather than a changing landscape requires mental resilience, a bit like the best treadmills, and running track offers an opportunity to develop this mindset too. It takes a special kind of person to run in a circle for hours.

]]> <![CDATA[ The Garmin Venu 4 is your 'do-it-all companion' and our favourite smartwatch from the manufacturer — get it now for a record-low price ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-garmin-venu-4-is-your-do-it-all-companion-and-our-favourite-smartwatch-from-the-manufacturer-get-it-now-for-a-record-low-price 9AbCMp8n9CpDbwBfQqHL4D Sat, 02 May 2026 06:55:00 +0000 Fri, 08 May 2026 16:51:25 +0000

With the design and aesthetic of some smartwatches, you can actually only ever wear them when you're exercising. But what if you want a watch that looks equally great when running as it does at work? Well then, let me introduce you to the Garmin Venu 4 at Amazon for £365.74 (was £469.99).

The Venu 4 is our top pick of the best Garmin watches in the world right now. With excellent performance across lifestyle and exercise, this feature-rich smartwatch is an excellent fitness-focused alternative to the Apple Watch.

With over £100 taken off the list price, this watch has never been more affordable. The deal ends, though, so I wouldn't suggest hanging around too long — especially when a similar discount on the larger 45mm version has already sold out.

Today's best Garmin Venu 4 deal

It's not every day that we see such a massive discount on a top-rated Garmin smartwatch — especially one that's our number one pick from all of the manufacturer's wearables. The Venu 4 is the perfect all-rounder, excelling in usability, performance, and design. Get it now for a record-low price before stock runs out.View Deal

Our wearables editor, Matt Evans, carried out extensive testing on the Garmin Venu 4 and called it "your do-it-all companion, from meetings to mountain biking." That summarises the fact that it looks great in all scenarios and performs well across the board of available metrics.

Matt was so impressed by it that he gave it an almost perfect 4.5 out of five stars. He was impressed by the accurate health and fitness tracking, bright screen, and improved metal body. There are no dull-colour maps or LTE support, so if these are deal breakers, then you'll need to look for a more premium alternative.

The watch does include a speaker and microphone for taking calls, recording voice notes, and activating the phone's voice assistant. There are also weather updates, morning and evening reports, training readiness scores, lifestyle logging and more.

If you'd like to see what else is available, then our guide to the best smartwatches has a full rundown based on our in-depth independent testing. While you're considering wearables, why not browse the best smart glasses as well?

]]> <![CDATA[ While the Apple Watch needs charging every night, Suunto could be prepping a smartwatch with battery life measured in years — to take on the Garmin Fenix ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/while-the-apple-watch-needs-charging-every-night-suunto-could-be-prepping-a-smartwatch-with-battery-life-measured-in-years-to-take-on-the-garmin-fenix NiBBbX8WRWKhf9SGyjh3mA Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0000 Fri, 01 May 2026 11:17:54 +0000
  • The Suunto Core 2 has been registered with the FCC
  • It points to an imminent launch for the watch
  • The wearable could come with a long-lasting, replaceable battery

One problem with the best smartwatches is that top-quality screens and cutting-edge features are often very demanding in terms of battery life, but it seems Suunto could be working on a new wearable with a battery life that extends to a couple of years.

As spotted by the5krunner (via Notebookcheck), Suunto has lodged a filing for a new smartwatch with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US. It's a necessary admin step for any gadget sold in the United States.

Not only does the filing reveal the device name to be the Suunto Core 2 — suggesting a sequel to a model that's almost two decades old — it also mentions a replaceable CR3032 lithium battery, with a capacity of 500 mAh.

The capacity is more than double that of the CR2032 in the old Suunto Core watch, and given the advances in wearable tech we've seen in recent years, that means this new watch could go up to two years or even more before the battery needs swapping.

Years of battery life

Garmin Fenix 8 watch on wrist of tattooed male

The Garmin Fenix 8 (Image credit: Garmin)

Of course, the battery life you'll be able to get on the Suunto Core 2 will depend on numerous factors, including how many times you're tracking activities with GPS, and how often you light up the display.

However, it's a promising upgrade that would mean you might be changing your smartwatch again before the battery runs out on your current one. You certainly wouldn't have to worry about forgetting your charger on a trip.

One of the ways Suunto could extend the battery life on this device is by limiting its features. There doesn't seem to be a heart rate sensor here, though there is mention of 100 m / 328 ft water resistance and a stainless steel casing.

In terms of design, at least, it may be comparable to the Garmin Fenix series. The most recent Garmin Fenix 8 claims 16 days of battery life between charges, depending on usage, but there is also a solar-powered version that can extend that further.

]]> <![CDATA[ If it's good enough for Sawe... the Garmin watch used to break the two-hour marathon barrier at London is actually super cheap — here's where to get it ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/if-its-good-enough-for-sawe-the-garmin-watch-used-to-break-the-two-hour-marathon-barrier-at-london-is-actually-super-cheap-heres-where-to-get-it v84686xtdjYZ3DTuDpbLxc Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:27:20 +0000

The 2026 London Marathon made history, as not one, but two runners broke the mythical two-hour time barrier. Sabastian Sawe came first, running the London Marathon in one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds. The runner-up, Yomif Kejelcha, also broke the two-hour record, but came 11 seconds shy of winning the race and setting a new record. That's got to sting.

However, I'm just as interested in the equipment Sawe used to run his incredible race. On his feet were a pair of some the best running shoes ever designed, the unreleased Adidas Adizero adios Pro Evo 3. On his wrist... was a five-year-old watch designed for entry-level runners.

The Garmin Forerunner 55 held a place for a few years on our best Garmin watches list, before being edged out in favour of more modern smartwatches like the Garmin Forerunner 165. Nevertheless, the Garmin Forerunner 55 was a consistent recommendation from us when it came to the best cheap running watches, as it's reliable, affordable and has a wide variety of features available in the Garmin Connect app, from Body Battery to virtual pacing — even if it's a bit long in the tooth now.

But it's so good that it seems Sabastian Sawe used it as his running watch du jour in London, to help him break the two-hour barrier, instead of a flagship watch with tons of features like the Garmin Fenix 8 or Garmin Forerunner 970.

Sabastian Sawe's wrist wearing a Garmin watch

(Image credit: Getty Images / Warren Little)

Gadgets & Wearables correctly identified a trend of older, cheaper and mid-range watches being worn in London by the fastest runners in the world, suggesting most of them don't actually care about newer features and just want a simple, reliable and lightweight device.

G&W aren't sure whether Sawe is wearing a Garmin Forerunner 255 or the cheaper 55, but I've done some detective work here: zoom in on the image above (you'll have to imagine saying "blow it up" and "enhance" like you're on an episode of CSI) and you can see the thicker line on the "Start | Stop" button caused by the U-shape on the Forerunner 55, as you can see in the picture below.

The Forerunner 255 doesn't have this, indicating it is in fact the basic, entry-level watch being worn by the fastest marathon runner on the planet.

Garmin Forerunner 55

(Image credit: Future)

Want to get the watch that broke the boundaries of running? Whether you're just starting out on your running journey or you're looking for a stripped-back running essential for your next marathon PB, Sawe has shown that the Garmin Forerunner 55 is a solid choice.

In the US, it's available at Walmart from $199.99 down to $159.99, saving you $40. In the UK it's available at Decathlon, from £179.99 down to £119.99, saving you an impressive £60. Check out both deals in full below, along with our widget for more of the best prices in your region.

With up to two weeks of battery life, plenty of dedicated running metrics and tons of features on Garmin Connect like workout plans and Gear Tracking, it's a great choice for entry-level and world record holders alike. Save $40 in its black colorway and $30 in others.View Deal

An even steeper price drop in the UK, saving you an impressive £60. At just over £100 total, this watch is an absolute steal at this price. View Deal

]]> <![CDATA[ The Garmin Vivoactive 5 offers a 'perfect balance' of health and fitness tracking — now over 25% off at Amazon ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/the-garmin-vivoactive-5-offers-a-perfect-balance-of-health-and-fitness-tracking-now-over-25-percent-off-at-amazon Za8prpcdic83W2LjTTLJBF Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:23:31 +0000

I remember my first-ever smartwatch. I was new to the concept and just wanted a simple watch to track my fitness activities and my health. If I were in the same position again today, I would be snapping up this Garmin Vivoactive 5 at Amazon for £153.44 (was £209.99).

The discount sees the four-star health and fitness smartwatch crash to its best price since Black Friday, but take note that one colourway is only for Prime members. The others are only slightly more expensive. Either way, we're big fans of its bright AMOLED screen, built-in GPS, music controls, and up to 11 days of battery life.

There are more powerful Garmin alternatives, such as the Vivoactive 6 (£270) and the Forerunner (£407), but both are significantly more expensive than the deal I'm highlighting today. So, if it's a great-performing smartwatch at a cracking price, I'd suggest this Vivoactive 5.

Today's best cheap Garmin deal

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 is a fantastic all-rounder fitness smartwatch with tonnes of workout plans, a crisp AMOLED display, onboard GPS, and 11 days of battery life. At this price, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better-performing watch for general fitness, health, and exercise tracking.View Deal

"The Garmin Vivoactive 5 offers more sports and health tracking metrics than most will need while staying compact and easy to see with that stunning AMOLED display." That's how we described the previous-gen smartwatch in our Garmin Vivoactive 5 review. As a result, we gave it a very respectable four-star rating.

Specifically, we praised the smartwatch's powerful health and sports tracking options, battery life, sleek design, and on-watch music streaming. We also love its compatibility for both Apple and Android users, which makes it a superb fit for all types of people, including runners, cyclists, and triathletes.

In terms of metrics, the Vivoactive excels in serving up accurate GPS and HR monitoring while also reporting on oxygen levels (Pulse OX) and Body Battery. This only scratches the surface of what the watch is capable of. Suffice to say, it delivers a very extensive set of stats.

Garmin makes some of the best running watches in the world right now, and this Vivoactive 5 deal is a great way to own your first ever Garmin. If you'd like a more general smartwatch, you'll want to check out our best smartwatch guide instead.

]]> <![CDATA[ I've worn the Garmin Tactix 8 for 8 weeks, and elite adventurers will love this watch — but most of you probably don't need it ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/garmin-tactix-8-review 3Bnd3dMqQJH98qMicbvr9L Sun, 26 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000 Sat, 13 Jun 2026 11:44:30 +0000

Garmin Tactix 8: One minute review

The Garmin Tactix 8 sits at the summit of the rugged wearable market and will compete strongly for a place as one of the best Garmin watches. Functioning as a high-end tactical tool rather than a standard consumer gadget. It is specifically engineered for professional tactical operators and serious rucking enthusiasts who require specialized hardware, such as an Applied Ballistics solver and night-vision compatibility.

It includes modern lifestyle features like an AMOLED display, speaker, and microphone, but its massive 51mm frame and premium price tag intentionally distance it from the average fitness tracker user.

In terms of performance, the watch is a powerhouse, offering nearly 50 days of battery life in standard mode and class-leading multi-band GPS accuracy that maintains a signal even indoors. The inclusion of a dedicated rucking profile and voice-activated commands makes it a formidable companion for mission-critical tasks.

However, this power comes with physical trade-offs. The 94g weight can be fatiguing for daily wear, and the interface can occasionally stutter when rendering complex maps under load.

Within the 2026 landscape, the Tactix 8 remains the best option for those who need a watch that can survive a combat zone. It faces competition from the Garmin Instinct 3, which offers similar tactical software at a much lower price point, and the Suunto Vertical 2, which provides cleaner mapping for traditional hikers.

Ultimately, if you don't need a kill switch or ballistics data, the Tactix 8 is expensive overkill; if you do, there is simply no other device on the market that offers this specific blend of tactical tech and premium craftsmanship.

Garmin Tactix 8

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Garmin Tactix 8: Specifications

Component

Garmin Tactix 8

Price

$1,599.99 USD / £1379.99 UK / $2,799 AUS

Dimensions

51 x 51 x 14.7 mm

Weight

94g (Case only 66g)

Case/bezel

Fiber-reinforced polymer with titanium rear cover. Bezel is titanium with Cerakote coating

Display

1.4-inch AMOLED (454 x 454 px)

GPS

Multi-band GNSS with SatIQ technology

Battery life

Up to 29 days, 13 days always-on, 84 hours GPS

Connection

Bluetooth, ANT+, and Wi-Fi

Water resistance

10 ATM

Garmin Tactix 8 Price and availability

  • $1,599.99 USD / £1379.99 UK / $2,799 AUS
  • Expensive but excellent value for money
  • Less premium alternatives are available

The Tactix 8 is a professional tool, hence the premium price tag. It’s for serious tactical users who need access to the very best tech and a bank balance that allows for it. General consumers who only want to track activities, monitor health and reply to messages will have a heart attack when they see the price, but Garmin hasn’t made this watch for them.

The Garmin Instinct 3 Tactical edition is a much more affordable alternative with some overlap in features. You’ll find Stealth Mode, a kill switch, night vision compatibility, and a specialized tool designed for skydivers to plan and navigate jumps called Jumpmaster.

The build is also far less premium. If the Tactix 8 is overkill for you, and you’re not keen on Garmin, then the Suunto Vertical 2 provides great GPS accuracy and offline mapping. Its high-detail global topo maps are also arguably cleaner than Garmin’s stock maps.

  • Value score 4.5/5

Garmin Tactix 8

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Garmin Tactix 8: Design

  • High-resistance materials and coating
  • Bright 1.4-inch AMOLED display
  • The 51mm model is bulky and heavy

The Tactix 8 is available in four different models: AMOLED, AMOLED: Cerakote, Solar, and Solar: AB Elite. The standard AMOLED offering is available in 47mm and 51mm sizes and a black finish, but it was the more premium 2026 Cerakote edition (olive color, 51mm) that I was sent to review.

This particular watch is coated in a ceramic 'Ceratoke' finish that enhances a number of the watch's physical performance properties, including abrasion/wear resistance, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, impact strength, and hardness. I didn't have a standard Tactix 8 model to compare it to, but the step up in resistance was obvious compared to smartwatches from the likes of Huawei, Amazfit, and Suunto.

This incredible level of resistance continues with the robust titanium bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal lens. It's also tested to a MIL-STD-810G standard for thermal, shock, and water resistance. The buttons are leakproof and maintain a tactile feel even when used underwater or with gloves. Garmin has worked hard to make sure the user-experience is not hampered by the environment you put it in.

Garmin Tactix 8

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

The AMOLED display is bright enough to be fully readable even when exposed to direct sunlight. The 454 x 454 pixel resolution is sufficient for navigating a map or reading a notification, and even though I never wanted for more clarity, it does sit a little behind the 480 x 480 pixel resolution of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or the Galaxy Watch Ultra.

At 51mm size and 94g weight, there's no getting away from its heft. I was seriously glad to take it off at the end of a day, and if you have any sort of wrist problems, then it could cause even greater issues. I love the Ceratoke finish and would opt for it every time; it's just a shame it doesn't ship in the smaller 47mm size.

From a hardware point of view, there's a multi-LED flashlight that can emit white or green light instead of Garmin’s usual red light option. This is important for compatibility with night vision gear and helps preserve natural night vision. There's also a reasonably performing speaker, and for the first time in the Tactix line, there's a built-in microphone, allowing for phone calls and voice commands when paired with a smartphone.

  • Design Score: 4.5/5

Garmin Tactix 8: Features

  • Advanced tactical features including applied ballistics solver
  • Perfect for rucking and compatible with night-vision goggles
  • Everyday wearable features such as wallet, music, and 24/7 health monitoring

The Tactix 8 is first and foremost a tactical smartwatch, and the feature set reflects that. With some of the most advanced tactical tools on a smartwatch outside of the military, the Tactix 8 is a formidable offering. Take the Applied Ballistics Ultralight, for example. The preloaded solver enables long-range shooting with solutions for windage and elevation.

Then there's Stealth Mode for off-the-grid activities, which immediately disables all wireless connectivity and stops the watch from saving or sharing GPS location data. Another security-focused feature is the kill switch, which performs an instant data wipe if security is compromised. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw James Bond wearing it in his next film.

Garmin Tactix 8

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Rucking enthusiasts will love the specific rucking profile that allows users to input their pack weight to calculate more accurate exertion and health metrics. Parachuters are treated to a military-grade parachuting tool which helps calculate high-altitude release points according to military guidelines.

Alongside this impressive set of tactical features, the Tactix 8 is also a very capable everyday wearable. The built-in speaker and microphone mean users can make calls, listen to music, and take advantage of voice controls. 24/7 health monitoring covers heart rate, HRV, and ECG as well as delivering metrics such as your Training Readiness score, Body Battery, and recovery time. It even has a jet lag advisor!

  • Features Score: 4.5/5

Garmin Tactix 8: Performance

  • Accurate GPS and reliable voice commands
  • Good map coverage but the rucking interface is slow
  • Long battery life, even with GPS always-on

The Tactix 8 boasts top-level GPS performance. With multi-band GNSS and SatIQ technology, the watch finds a GPS signal quickly and maintains a strong connection at all times.

I used it in various types of environments, including urban, rural, and forests, and never had a problem picking up a signal. It even managed to lock on when I was inside my house, a location that most other smartwatches I've tested have struggled with. Impressive results continue with the accuracy of the GPS. I tested it alongside the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2 and found the distance-traveled metrics to be bang on, even down to the meter.

One of the core features is the dedicated rucking activity profile, which allows you to input your specific pack weight before setting off. This ensures the watch’s algorithm factors in the extra load for more accurate calorie burn and exertion metrics.

Launching a rucking activity is quick and simple thanks to the intuitive interface, and once launched, navigating using the built-in map is easy enough. My only gripe with the rucking interface is that its responsiveness is a little slow. That means moving around a map can be a little jittery, but it's only a small issue in what is a very well-implemented tool.

The health tracking suite on the Tactix 8 is more comprehensive than ever, powered by Garmin’s latest optical heart rate sensor. It provides 24/7 monitoring of body battery, stress levels, and advanced sleep coaching, alongside a Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen saturation. The core metrics of these performed similarly to the Watch Ultimate 2, which impressed us during testing against our gold standard, the Apple Watch Ultra series.

Garmin Tactix 8

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

There are a lot of menus and features contained within the watch, but navigation around these is intuitive and straightforward. I especially liked the ability to 'pin' three activities for a quick-access experience. Setting these requires the Garmin Connect app, although I’m not sure why Garmin doesn't allow the setting of these inside the watch menus.

Speaking of navigation, I found myself making a lot of use of the built-in voice commands, with my most used being 'start a run', 'start a timer', and 'begin navigation'. Voice controls are not powered by AI, so you have to be specific with the instructions, but once you get used to the required vocabulary, it's a quick and fun way to interact with the watch.

With this level of performance and rich feature set, you'd imagine the battery life would take a pounding. That is absolutely not the case. With occasional GPS use, regular health tracking, and daily interaction with notifications, the watch lasted almost 50 days. That's significantly longer than the advertised length of 29 days. More intense use, including always-on GPS and daily activity tracking, reduced the battery life to around three days.

  • Performance score: 4.5/5

Garmin Tactix 8

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Garmin Tactix 8: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

It’s very expensive, but the level of tech you get for the money is impressive.

4.5/5

Design

Built-to-last and with some incredibly useful hardware.

4.5/5

Features

The most comprehensive set of tactical features on any smartwatch ever.

4.5/5

Performance

Accurate tracking of activities and health metrics as well as spot-on GPS performance.

4.5/5

Garmin Tactix 8

(Image credit: Future / Paul Hatton)

Garmin Tactix 8: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want military-level tactical tools

With features such as Applied Ballistics and night vision goggle compatibility, the Tactix 8 is a cut above the rest.

You’re planning trips where you need extra support

With accurate GPS, turn-by-turn navigation, and an expedition mode, you’ll be able to go harder and further.

Don't buy it if...

You’re a casual adventurer

The Tactix 8 is overkill for the person who only plans on the odd mountain climb or rucking trip.

You have a small wrist

At 51mm diameter, the smartwatch is not only heavy but also bulky. You need to have the wrist to support it.

Also consider

Garmin Instinct 3

A reasonably priced adventure watch with all the usual health and fitness smarts, improved SatIQ GPS tracking, and a version of the Fenix and Epix series’ LED flashlight. No full-color maps, though.

Read our full Garmin Instinct 3 reviewView Deal

Suunto Vertical 2

A smartwatch that boasts ultra-crisp visuals, a premium build quality, a monster battery life, and a built-in flashlight. A much more affordable alternative to the Garmin Tactix 8 but obviously nowhere near as rich in features.

Read our full Suunto Vertical 2 reviewView Deal

Apple Watch Ultra 3

A powerhouse of a wearable with 5G, satellite connectivity and new screen technology is an already-winning formula. Definitely a more popular outdoorsy watch but without the dedicated tactical features.

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 3 reviewView Deal

How I tested

I wore the Tactix 8 for eight straight weeks and took part in a wide range of activities, including rucking, running, walking, cycling, and workouts. During this time I was able to test the battery capabilities for heavy, medium, and light use. I also tracked my health metrics while exercising and compared its GPS accuracy to the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2. In addition, I used the watch to keep me connected to app notifications and text messages.

First reviewed: April 2026

]]> <![CDATA[ The Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 is a terrific specialist running tool, fast and accurate — but it's hobbled by Huawei's usual side-loading ecosystem problems ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/fitness-trackers/huawei-watch-gt-runner-2-review Nb56puygs6LAa8gTYaR8k8 Sat, 25 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:04:38 +0000

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2: One minute review

The Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 is full of innovative tweaks, making it ideal for running accuracy, and from a design perspective, it’s the best running watch I’ve tried so far in 2026. Because US customers can’t actually buy them, Huawei devices often go under the radar in many lists, which is a shame, as their hardware is stellar.

The GT Runner 2 is another smash hit. It’s light, at 10.7mm thick and just 34.5g in weight, packing a smallish 1.32-inch screen with a 3,000 nit brightness AMOLED display. That’s as bright as the Apple Watch Ultra 3. It fits nicely on my average-sized male wrist and doesn’t move about during runs. It comes in a selection of pretty cool colors and bands. I was partial to the Dawn Orange colorway, but my review unit arrived in Dusk Blue, which also looks nice.

The GPS credentials are where things get interesting. Huawei claims the GT Runner 2 outperforms the Garmin Forerunner 970 (by name) in GPS accuracy for runners, using a new dual-floating GPS antenna structure to improve accuracy. I didn’t have a Garmin Forerunner 970 to hand, but I did have something even better: the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro, perhaps Garmin’s best-ever smartwatch from a hardware perspective, and one that costs three times as much as the GT Runner 2.

On a 10.5 kilometer out-and-back run, the Fenix 8 Pro recorded 10.51km, with 797 calories burned, an average heart rate of 157 bpm, 5.39km average pace. The Huawei GT Runner 2 recorded 10.48km, a difference of 0.03km (or 30 meters) overall, with 785 calories burned, an average heart rate of 167 bpm, and 5.39km average pace. Those are very close results.

Even advanced running metrics were similar, with stride length being recorded as 1.10 meters by both watches. With very little in the way of statistically significant differences, I’m happy that the GT Runner 2 is as accurate as the very top-tier watches in the category. I’d expect nothing less from a watch used by record-breaking marathoner Eliud Kipchoge. You can see the results on the screens below.

Screenshots of Garmin Connect and Huawei Health

On the left is Garmin Connect. On the right are two screenshots from Huawei Health, showing the differences in recording the same workout. (Image credit: Future)

Other wellness metrics are good, too: I’ve hyped up Huawei’s TruSense and TruSleep algorithms before as being scarily accurate, and it’s good to see the watch making use of both here. The accuracy of its sleep tracking and the watch's reduced weight made it easy to wear overnight. Marathon Mode, a little like Garmin’s Event Planner with an intelligent coach, and training plans abound on-watch, allowing you to follow programs imported from the Huawei Health app. Battery life is impressive, while features like Emotional Wellbeing that rely on self-reporting, I consider less useful.

A resounding success for design, performance, and health and fitness features, but smart stuff is more of a mixed bag, albeit through no fault of the watch’s designers. Huawei’s inability to work with either Google or Android’s ecosystem left my watch as a self-contained wellness tool rather than an integrated smart gadget in the same way the best Android watches, or best Apple Watches, are.

Huawei says the watch “runs seamlessly with iOS and Android,” but that’s not entirely true. I could see WhatsApp notifications as part of Huawei’s Message Tool, but everything has to be side-loaded from Huawei’s online AppGallery, so I couldn’t get a native WhatsApp watch app, only notifications. There’s no first-party app for Spotify either, so I had to download Petal Maps on my phone to use instead of Google or Apple Maps. As an extension of my phone, this experience is still frustrating and far from reflective of its excellent wellness credentials.

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2: Specifications

Component

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2

Price

£349.99 (around $470 / AU$650)

Dimensions

10.7mm x 43.5mm x 43.5mm

Weight

34g

Caze/Bezel

Titanium Alloy

Display

AMOLED, 3,000 nits

GPS

Dual-band GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, Galileo

Battery life

Up to 14 days

Connection

Bluetooth

Water resistance

IP69, 5ATM

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2: Price and availability

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2

(Image credit: Amanda Westberg)
  • £349.99 in the UK / Europe
  • Not available in US / AU
  • Cheaper than most modern Forerunner watches

Huawei’s availability is a far greater issue than its price. Huawei telecomms devices continue to suffer from the ongoing 5G ban, which is a shame for US runners as they’re missing out on some very good hardware. For UK users, the price is pretty reasonable at £349.99, around the same price as the Apple Watch Series 11.

  • Value score: 4/5

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2: Scorecard

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2

(Image credit: Amanda Westberg)

Category

Comment

Score

Value

Well-priced, but not available everywhere.

4/5

Design

Comfortable, light and easy to use.

4.5/5

Features

Outstanding health and fitness features, but compatibility issues cause frustrations.

4/5

Performance

As good as it gets, closely matching a watch costing thrice as much.

5/5

Huawei Watch GT Runner 2: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You’re a keen runner

The GT Runner 2 is tailor-made for people who care about their fitness.

You care about pinpoint GPS accuracy

The GT Runner 2’s dual-antenna architecture allows it to closely match the best in the game.

Don't buy it if...

You live outside of Europe and Asia

Huawei’s limitations means that the GT Runner 2 isn’t available everywhere.

You like true smartphone integration

If you live in your seamless Google and Apple suite, you’re better off getting an Android or Apple Watch.

Also consider

Coros Pace 4

Another similarly-priced wearable that's a running watch first, smartwatch distant second.

Read our full Coros Pace 4 review

Coros Pace 4

Another similarly-priced wearable that's a running watch first, smartwatch distant second.

Read our full Coros Pace 4 review

Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro

A rugged, powerful smartwatch with stellar tracking and battery life, that's half the price of the Apple Watch Ultra 3.

Read our full Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro review

How I tested

I wore the Huawei Watch GT Runner 2 for a week, taking it on several runs as well as gym sessions, sleeping with it, and draining the battery down. I tested it on a 10.5 km run against the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro to determine accuracy in its metrics.

First reviewed: April 2026

]]> <![CDATA[ ‘I won’t settle for an AMOLED’: New poll suggests Garmin users want MIP screens to stay, as 34% say they’d switch brands if MIP died out ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/i-wont-settle-for-an-amoled-new-poll-suggests-garmin-users-want-mip-screens-to-stay-as-34-percent-say-theyd-switch-brands-if-mip-died-out TgK7yTVnR7HzTx2YYR7BUa Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:38:39 +0000 Sat, 25 Apr 2026 07:44:06 +0000
  • A poll on Reddit shows significant support for Garmin’s MIP display tech
  • 34% of users said they’d switch to a different brand if Garmin ditched MIP
  • A total of 51% indicated a preference for MIP over AMOLED screens

These days, the best Garmin watches are slowly abandoning memory-in-pixel (MIP) tech for their displays, with the company preferring AMOLED screens for their increased brightness and contrast. MIP screens are pretty much just relegated to Solar watches. But not everyone is happy about the move, and a recent user poll suggests plenty of Garmin fans would be sad to see MIP go — and now we want to know if you feel the same way.

Over on Reddit, user Imthenewbee created a poll titled “MIP lovers: what would you do when Garmin quits making MIP screen watches?” With over 1,100, the results might surprise you.

That’s because they show a significant number of respondents want to keep using an MIP smartwatch, whether that’s from Garmin or a different brand. Out of the 1,100 votes cast at the time of writing, 186 said they would buy a used MIP Garmin watch if the company discontinued its MIP devices, while 377 — or 34% — answered that they’d switch to a different MIP smartwatch. Put together, those 563 votes represent 51% of the total votes cast, marking a sizeable coterie of Garmin users who want to stick with MIP screens.

How do you feel about the situation? TechRadar’s own Matt Evans has written about how he’d miss MIP displays if they finally went the way of the dodo, but not everyone prefers the duller-but-more-battery-efficient results you get with MIP. Let us know what you’d like to see in our poll below.

Users say they ‘won’t be loyal’

Garmin Forerunner 265

(Image credit: Future)

For several Reddit users, the long battery life granted by MIP screens is the reason for their preference. One user said “MIP and sick battery life is the reason I went to Garmin. I won’t settle for an AMOLED with a 12-day battery life.” Another, meanwhile, explained that they “went Garmin because of MIP and battery time. Won’t be loyal if the advantage with Garmin disappears.”

It might be worth taking the Reddit poll results with a grain of salt. After all, the title of the poll specifically asked “MIP lovers” to respond, so the results might be skewed in favor of users who prefer this technology. You never know, our poll above might be more balanced!

Still, it’s interesting that so many users indicated a penchant for MIP. While this type of display is nowhere near as bright as what you get with AMOLED — meaning it’s not as useful in bright outdoor conditions — it’s much more efficient on your battery, helping you eke more juice out of your smartwatch in the long run.

And because MIP is less advanced than AMOLED, the cost of wearables with this tech tends to be lower than AMOLED equivalents. That makes it a great option for some of the best budget smartwatches that give you wearable tech without breaking the bank.

We wouldn’t be surprised to see Garmin phase out its MIP watches eventually as AMOLED displays get more efficient and easier on your battery. But as the Reddit poll suggests, that could leave plenty of people lamenting Garmin’s decision.

]]> <![CDATA[ One of Garmin's best running watches crashes to its lowest-ever price on Amazon ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/one-of-garmins-best-running-watches-crashes-to-its-lowest-ever-price-on-amazon ZTyt3fkUsuMEFuZMJYhwGc Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:01:49 +0000 Sat, 25 Apr 2026 13:25:27 +0000

I've tested a number of the best smartwatches, and I can tell you that if you're a runner, Garmin is the absolute best. Taking up five out of the ten spots in our guide to the best running watches shows how highly we rate them.

One of our favourites, despite being a few years old, is the Garmin Forerunner 265, which is on sale at Amazon for £314.49 (was £369.99). The 4.5-star smartwatch has a gorgeous AMOLED display, a dedicated physical run button, and a ton of features for runners.

If money were not an issue, we'd recommend the Forerunner 570, but for those on a budget, you can't beat this Forerunner 265 deal. Get it now before the deal expires on May 5.

Today's best Garmin running watch deal

Garmin's best running watch is now down to its lowest-ever price, but only until May 5 — or stock runs out. The Forerunner 265 boasts a bright and crisp AMOLED display, a small and pretty design, and features a run button so you can launch that activity even when you're wearing gloves. It's a great watch, and a great buy at this price.View Deal

The Garmin Forerunner 265 was released three years ago, and yet it still absolutely holds its own. At the time, our smartwatch expert, Matt Evans, called it one of the best Garmin has ever made. It has since been superseded by the Forerunner 570, but at £150 less than the newer model, it's easy to see why the 265 is so attractive.

The highlight of the watch is the super-bright AMOLED touchscreen, which we think competes even with the latest Apple watches. As you'd expect with any running smartwatch, it works well in all conditions and is waterproof. Touchscreen functionality continues even when you're sweating hard.

In Matt's words: "The eye-popping AMOLED touchscreen certainly brings it more into traditional smartwatch territory, rather than a functional sports watch, and the new 'run' button is cute."

The Forerunner 265 is fantastic for runners, but if you're looking for a general smartwatch rather than a dedicated running watch, you'll want to check out our best smartwatch guide instead.

]]> <![CDATA[ OnePlus Watch 4 revealed with a software surprise — but fans aren’t impressed ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/oneplus-watch-4-revealed-with-a-software-surprise-but-fans-arent-impressed wuoG55aBd3nibsA4WZJsAi Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0000 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:06:43 +0000
  • OnePlus has announced the Watch 4 wearable
  • It features a new version of Wear OS ahead of OnePlus’s older devices
  • But some users are disappointed with the lack of sizeable upgrades

If you’re in the market for a new wearable, you might want to check out what OnePlus has added to its lineup. The company has just announced the OnePlus Watch 4 and revealed the device’s full list of features and specifications, and there’s an interesting software surprise nestled in the listing.

Head over to the OnePlus website, and you’ll find all the details for the new smartwatch. It’s got a 466x466 pixel LTPO OLED display with a sapphire crystal face delivering 600 nits of brightness and 3,000 nits of peak brightness in sports mode, 2GB of memory, and 32GB of storage. The 646mAh battery can power the device for three days of heavy usage and up to 16 days in power saver mode. The weight has been cut compared to the Watch 3, and an IP69 rating has been added.

Interestingly, the OnePlus Watch 4 is driven by Oxygen OS Watch 8, based on Google’s Wear OS 6, right out of the box. That’s unusual because OnePlus has previously said that Wear OS 6 will be coming to the older Watch 3 and Watch 2 models later this year, so getting it loaded onto a brand-new wearable before that timeframe is a pleasant surprise.

You’ll be able to get the OnePlus Watch 4 in Evergreen Titanium and Midnight Titanium colorways. Yet despite a soft launch on the OnePlus website, there’s no info yet on pricing or release date. We’ll have to see when that arrives.

One to avoid?

A cutaway of the OnePlus Watch 4 showing its Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip.

(Image credit: OnePlus)

Despite the upgrade, some notable drawbacks will probably prevent the OnePlus Watch 4 from becoming one of the best smartwatches around, which is a shame considering how much we liked the Watch 3.

For one thing, the Watch 4 uses the same Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor and BES 2800 co-processor as the Watch 3 and Watch 2 before it. That’s a disappointing concession and means there’s no sign of the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip here.

And not all OnePlus fans are impressed, particularly when it comes to the relatively minor upgrades over the Watch 3. On Reddit, for example, user DueCompetition1249 expressed their displeasure by saying, “Nothing new. Either it will be really cheap … or it will be a flop.”

That sentiment was mirrored by user Realistic-Button1810, who said, “Not much hardware change, not really worth an upgrade if you have a two or three … better to wait until the new hardware is released.”

If you already have a OnePlus Watch 3 — or even a Watch 2 — you might not feel the upgrade is worth it, especially considering the lack of a new chip. In the absence of significant changes, the OnePlus Watch 4 might be one to avoid for recent OnePlus customers.

]]> <![CDATA[ Apple says it’s survived a ‘relentless legal campaign’ against the Apple Watch — and it could mean a key health feature is returning to your wrist ]]> https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/apple-says-its-survived-a-relentless-legal-campaign-against-the-apple-watch-and-it-could-mean-a-key-health-feature-is-returning-to-your-wrist Y65H38sB98HoMpeDjbTgz6 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:47:30 +0000 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:47:37 +0000
  • A ban on Apple Watch blood oxygen metrics has been overturned
  • A judge has now dismissed the appeal against that decision
  • Apple fans could soon see the blood oxygen feature return in full

Apple has been involved in a long-running dispute with medical tech firm Masimo over its top smartwatches, with the latter claiming that all the best Apple Watches infringe on its patents.

In December 2023, that led to an import ban for several Apple Watch models in the US, including the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. Yet in a momentous move, that legal decision was recently overturned — and now a judge has declined to hear Masimo’s appeal, scoring a major victory for Apple.

Specifically, Masimo had asked the US International Trade Commission (ITC) to reinstate the import ban that was recently lifted against the Apple Watch models. That decision was made in March and ruled that Apple’s devices did not infringe on Masimo’s patents. But a judge at the ITC has now declined to grant Masimo’s request (via Reuters), and as a result the case has been closed.

What does that mean for you? Quite simply, it means you should soon be able to buy an Apple Watch with its blood oxygen feature enabled. If you want an Apple Watch and that kind of medical tracking is important to you, that’ll be great news.

While this latest development might appear to end the back and forth between the two companies, Masimo still has other options. It could appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, although the company hasn’t yet commented on whether it will do so. Time will tell how far it wants to go before ending the dispute.

Not over yet

Apple Watch showing blood oxygen monitoring

(Image credit: Future)

The original court ruling against Apple meant that the Cupertino company was forced to disable the blood oxygen feature from all of its best Apple Watches, entirely depriving users of the ability to check their health in this key way.

Later, Apple devised a workaround whereby users could take a blood oxygen reading on their Watch and then have that statistic displayed on their iPhone, which apparently skirted around the judgment. But it was still inferior to being able to measure your blood oxygen levels and see the result on the same device.

Now that Masimo’s appeal has been rejected, however, none of that should be necessary anymore. The way has been cleared for Apple to restore its blood oxygen measurement feature to its wearables and bring back a tool that has been sorely missing from its devices.

Speaking after Masimo’s appeal was rejected, Apple said: “We thank the ITC for its decision, ​which ensures we can continue to offer this important health feature to ​our users. For more than six years, Masimo has waged a relentless legal campaign against Apple, and nearly all of its claims have been rejected.”

Yet with Masimo still being able to appeal – and with Apple appealing against a separate $634 million judgment it lost in November 2025 – we might not have seen the end of this lengthy saga.

]]>