Category: Wearables

Smartwatches, fitness trackers and wearables that complement your Android phone, with clear guidance on health features, battery life and ecosystem fit.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 vs Watch 8 – any significant differences?

It should come as no surprise that Samsung releases a new generation of smartwatches every summer, generally in tandem with its most recent foldable phones. This year is no exception. Three smartwatches—the Galaxy Watch 8, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2—will be available to go along with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.

All of them appear to be slightly different from their predecessors, but as is customary, we anticipate that the Galaxy Watch 8 will be the most affordable new Samsung wearable, and it may even become a bestseller.

The Galaxy Watch 8 doesn’t appear to be anything that different from the Galaxy Watch 7 from the previous year, except from the somewhat updated design language. But is it just a new look, or is Samsung working on another exciting new feature?

Design

Similar to the Galaxy Watch Ultra from the last year, Samsung appears to be using a new squircle-like design language to all of its wearables this year. This entails a typical circular screen and an aluminum shell that is primarily squircle. This device only has the typical two buttons on the right side, not a rotating bezel.

Unrestricted by the round shape of the prior watch covers, this modification would allow Samsung to fit a slightly larger battery inside. This is exactly what appears to be happening here, as a slightly larger battery is reportedly making the rounds. There doesn’t appear to be any other specific justification for the redesign itself aside from that, since none was required in the first place.

The Galaxy Watch 7, which is a typical circular smartwatch like the majority of Samsung’s devices from previous years, stands in quite sharp contrast to that. The South Korean corporation was well aware that it was the most identifiable watch shape, which also worked well for the smartwatch spinoff.

Like its predecessors, the Galaxy Watch 8 will undoubtedly be available in two sizes: 40 and 44 mm.

We don’t anticipate any changes to the formula in terms of size, which could indicate that the Galaxy Watch 8 will be as thin and small as the Galaxy Watch 7. To refresh your memory, the latter was 9.7 mm thin and, depending on the model, either 40.4 or 44.4 mm in diameter. We don’t think the Galaxy Watch 8 will weigh significantly more than the Galaxy Watch 7, which weighed between 29 and 34 grams.

Like the Watch 7, the Galaxy Watch 8 will undoubtedly include MIL-STD-810H shock resistance and IP68 water and dust protection.

Samsung debuted a new quick-release band connection system for its smartwatches with the Galaxy Watch 6. It rapidly separates the strap mechanism from the watch casing by pressing a button. Since the band attachment technique isn’t expected to change, the system is expected to function flawlessly on the Galaxy Watch 8 as it did on the Galaxy Watch 6 and 7 generations.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Looking for a great way to bring out your personal best every day?
~~$299.99~~$184.25Get It Now

Having said that, Samsung submitted a patent application in December 2024 for a novel attachment system that combines multiple technologies to provide even quicker band interchangeability at a glance. But since it’s a patent, it’s impossible to predict whether or not it will come to pass.

However, we anticipate that the Galaxy Watch 8 series will be accompanied by the announcement of a few new watch band styles.

Software & Features

Samsung’s One UI Watch 8 will run on top of Wear OS, which will serve as the foundation for the Galaxy Watch 8. From a usability and functionality standpoint, the combination of Google and Samsung’s software has historically produced a surprisingly good smartwatch experience, and there’s no reason to think the Galaxy Watch 8 UX would be any different.

However, Google’s Wear OS is set to undergo a significant revamp with the next Material 3 Expressive design language, which will also undoubtedly alter the look of Android 16.

Additionally, it is rumored that Samsung is expanding the capabilities of its Galaxy AI to include personalized recommendations driven by AI and other features on the company’s smartwatches.

One potential new function is non-invasive blood glucose monitoring, which measures the minute variations in blood glucose using the BioActive sensor built into the device. Although we have some doubts that this feature will be included in the Galaxy Watch 8 series this year, there is always a chance.

Battery

The 40 mm model of last year’s Galaxy Watch 7 had a 300 mAh battery, but the larger 44 mm model has a 425 mAh battery.

According to rumors, the Galaxy Watch 8 will likely have a somewhat bigger battery. What we’re getting here is a slight bump to 435 mAh on the 44 mm size and perhaps 310 mAh on the smaller choice.

The Galaxy Watch 8 is anticipated to use the same 3nm Exynos W1000 chip, therefore a significant improvement in battery life seems unlikely. Therefore, the maximum battery life we are receiving may be around a day or a day and a half.

It’s possible that the Galaxy Watch 8 will support the same 10W wireless charging.

Specs

The specs for the Galaxy Watch 8 vs. Galaxy Watch 7 are anticipated to be as follows:

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Looking for a great way to bring out your personal best every day?
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Final thought

Compared to the Galaxy Watch 7, the Galaxy Watch 8 appears to be just a design update, a slow and sensible development.

The glucose monitoring feature, which may prove to be extremely helpful for many diabetics, is perhaps the most exciting new feature. The icing on the cake is that it will be non-invasive.

Is it time to replace your Galaxy Watch 7? Considering that the two smartwatches’ basic specifications and functionalities are essentially the identical, users of the Galaxy Watch 7 shouldn’t feel pressured to upgrade, despite the rumors that are currently circulating.

June 27, 2025
OnePlus Watch 3 43mm will be announced on July 8

For several months now, there have been rumors that OnePlus will be releasing a smaller smartwatch. Naturally, when OPPO unveiled its Watch X2 Mini on April 10, those rumors intensified. And this morning, OnePlus officially announced the arrival of a smaller watch with the name OnePlus Watch 3 43mm.

Exclusive CAD renders of the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm have now been made available to us by Onleaks, and they reveal some design modifications from the larger OnePlus Watch 3. However, as anticipated, it still has the same appearance as the OPPO Watch X2 Mini.

In terms of specifications, the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm ought to have a 1.32-inch AMOLED 2.5D screen with 466 x 466 resolution. The 43mm body, which is significantly smaller than the 47mm Watch 3, will house that. Surprisingly, though, it is only somewhat smaller than the “bigger” sizes of the Pixel Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7.

Wear OS and RTOS will continue to be the two operating systems that the OnePlus Watch 3 43mm will support, as anticipated. Additionally, it will share the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor with its bigger sibling. containing 32GB of storage and 2GB of RAM. Additionally, it will come in two colors: black and white.

Shorter battery life for OnePlus Watch 3 43mm

The battery life will be one of the drawbacks of this smaller smartwatch form. The 345mAh battery that OnePlus has included this time around is supposed to last up to 72 hours. In contrast, it can be used for 100 hours, or slightly more than five days. With RTOS, you could probably extend it to about a week, even though this figure probably refers to Wear OS usage.

OnePlus did preserve a lot of the other specs from the bigger broather, such 5 ATM water resistance, IP68 sensors and tracking, WiFi, and Bluetooth 5.2. A variety of sensors are also included, such as a barometer, gyroscope, accelerometer, geomagnetic sensor, optical pulse oximeter, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, and optical heart rate sensor.

June 24, 2025
#dealalert – Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is $100 off on Amazon

Price trackers report that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (44mm Bluetooth) is now available for $229.99, the lowest price to date. It was previously available for $329.99.

Its seamless performance and health tracking are the main reasons for PCMag’s Excellent rating. This offer is worth taking into consideration if you’re already an Android user and want a wristwatch that prioritizes fitness and looks good on your wrist. Be aware up front that daily charging is a standard procedure for many smartwatches.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 44mm Bluetooth
Looking for a great way to bring out your personal best every day? Challenge yourself to excel on your next run or bike ride using tracking with Galaxy AI that lets you compare your current performance to your last one
~~$329.99~~$229.99Amazon

The Watch 7 is designed to withstand more than just everyday use. It is 5ATM water-resistant, has an IP68 rating, and has undergone durability testing in accordance with military specifications. Outside, the 1.5-inch Super AMOLED screen is clear and easy to read. Samsung promised improved performance and efficiency over the previous generation with the Exynos W1000 processor update. With Samsung’s One UI 6 preinstalled on top of Wear OS 5, it offers minor enhancements including improved photo editing and widget controls. Along with 32GB of storage and 2GB of RAM, it has a dual-frequency GPS that maintains a strong signal even in urban areas and beneath trees.

Health tracking is where it truly makes an effort to differentiate itself. Body composition analysis, FDA-approved sleep apnea diagnosis, and a new Galaxy AI Energy Score that condenses all of your exercise and sleep data into a single, convenient figure are all available. Standard features like blood oxygen monitoring, heart rate monitoring, ECG, and automated workout detection are still available. However, you’ll need a Samsung phone close by if you want the entire experience, including snoring detection and some of the AI wellness insights.

Here, battery life is the primary trade-off. Depending on settings, moderate use will take between 22 and 27 hours, thus overnight charging will be an option. The Galaxy Watch 7 offers a plethora of fitness and health functions in a stylish, long-lasting design, especially at this new low price, if you can live with that and already own an Android mobile (preferably a Samsung).

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 44mm Bluetooth
Looking for a great way to bring out your personal best every day? Challenge yourself to excel on your next run or bike ride using tracking with Galaxy AI that lets you compare your current performance to your last one
~~$329.99~~$229.99Amazon

June 11, 2025
Amazfit Balance 2 XT – Amazfit to launch a titanium smartwatch

The Amazfit Balance 2 XT, which was recently leaked, is reportedly a titanium version of the Balance 2 smartwatch, which was released in May 2025. Some information regarding this future watch, model number A2430, is revealed by a recent article and FCC filings. Additionally, it has been proposed that an NFC feature might exist.

There are rumors that the Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch will soon be available in titanium. This appears to be the Amazfit Balance 2 XT smartwatch that was leaked and was just discovered on a Zepp Health website. In May 2025, the ordinary Balance 2 wearable—a replacement for the original Balance watch—was introduced in China.

More information about the Amazfit Balance 2 XT smartwatch, model number A2430, appears to have been revealed by an AndroidTR report. It is anticipated that titanium components will take the place of the conventional Balance 2 wearable’s aluminum and fiber-reinforced polymer housing. It’s unknown if the Sapphire crystal glass cover and 1.5-inch AMOLED display will be available.

Amazfit Balance 2 XT – the big brother

According to FCC filings, the model A2430 is 49 x 49 x 13 mm (~1.92 x 1.92 x 0.51 inches) larger than the standard Balance 2, which is 47.4 x 47.4 x 12.3 mm (~1.87 x 1.87 x 0.48 inches). Additionally, it shows that the watch will have two bands, just like the Amazfit Active 2 Premium wristwatch (which retails for $129.99 on Amazon) and the normal Balance 2. The two bands’ composition and color are yet unknown, though.
Rephrase

Like its predecessor, the Balance 2 XT or Balance 2 Titanium is probably going to run Zepp OS 5.0. We don’t yet know if it will have any other features. Although the source of this rumor is unknown, AndroidTR claims that a version of this watch with an NFC contactless payment feature may exist.

Uncertainty surrounds the Amazfit Balance 2 XT smartwatch’s release date. According to a recent leak, it might show out in June 2025. Pricing-wise, it is probably going to cost more than the Balance 2 smartwatch, which sells for CNY 1,999 (about $277) in China.

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June 5, 2025
Wear OS 6 will allow AOD controls

Due to limits in its actual “always-on” functioning, the always-on display (AOD) mode on Android smartwatches hasn’t always been the smoothest feature. This seems to be fixed in Wear OS 6, which would allow for more usage even when the watch’s display is off.

Wear OS’s always-on display mode hasn’t changed much. At the moment, the majority of apps only show the clock; only Spotify and Maps completely adjust to the mode. This is a major reduction in productivity, particularly when you want to control or modify something on your watch without waking the screen completely.

Control more from directly from AOD in Wear OS 6

In Wear OS 5.1, Google is already developing a feature dubbed “Force Global AOD” that, as the name implies, attempts to compel active app displays to switch to an always-on display state. Although it is presently undergoing developer testing, the firm has started to share updates regarding the feature, so we can now anticipate its arrival with Wear OS 6.

Google claims to be offering a complete solution with seamless cross-device integration of this capability as part of Wear OS 6. Google gave an example of the existing music control interface, which will change to a black-and-white user interface in AOD mode when utilizing the Material 3 Expressive design. Importantly, the rich and whimsical shapes of many elements, including text and navigational buttons, will be preserved in this AOD version.

How this will seem in other apps that eventually make use of Google’s Material 3 Expressive’s “glanceable UI” is yet unknown. For apps that don’t support always-on display natively, there might be a default screen.

Google Pixel Watches and Samsung Galaxy Watches stand to gain the most from this improved always-on display, which will significantly improve Wear OS user experience. With this enhancement, Wear OS smartwatches may even surpass Apple’s watchOS, which does not yet have a real always-on display mode.

Later this year, Wear OS 6 is anticipated to be made available to compatible Android smartwatches. Improved battery life and performance are two of the improvements in the upcoming main Android wristwatch OS, in addition to the actual AOD. In keeping with Google’s long-term strategy, Gemini will also become more deeply integrated into the system.

Google Pixel Watch 3
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is designed for performance, with advanced fitness from Fitbit[1,2]; the 41mm screen is twice as bright and 10% larger than before, making it easier to see your stats and info
~~$349.99~~$299.99Amazon

Stay connected with the latest from Droid Tools—follow us on X @droid_tools, like our page on Facebook, check out our updates on Instagram, and follow us on Google News for real-time news, device tips, and mobile tech insights.

June 3, 2025
You still can buy Galaxy Watch Ultra at 40% off – hurry up

With an amazing $261 discount, you can purchase one of the top smartwatches available for less than $390 from a third-party seller on Amazon. You still have a 30-day return window even though the offer isn’t coming straight from Amazon, so you can shop with confidence knowing you can return the item if necessary.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE
Climb the highest peak; Bike the long way home; The durable titanium design is our toughest yet, able to stand up to the rigors of your workout, including rainy or dusty conditions — even ocean swimming
Best choice
~~$649.99~~$399.00Amazon

Price is important, of course, but this Samsung watch’s excellent look and longevity are what actually make it worthwhile. It is durable enough for daily use and even harsher environments with to its sapphire crystal display and sturdy titanium case. It can survive up to 30 minutes in five feet of water, manage dust with ease, and even resist short dives as deep as 328 feet thanks to its IP68 and 10ATM classifications.

In addition to its robust construction, it has a long battery life. If you turn off the always-on display and enable heart rate tracking, you can get up to two days between charges. It also has a ton of cutting-edge health capabilities, such as Samsung’s body composition functionality and FDA-approved sleep apnea detection.

With its robust design, abundance of functions, and long battery life, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is the whole deal. Additionally, given its current pricing on Amazon, it’s a real steal. Additionally, even though this $261 deal is only available occasionally, it always presents an opportunity to improve your smartwatch game.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 47mm LTE
Climb the highest peak; Bike the long way home; The durable titanium design is our toughest yet, able to stand up to the rigors of your workout, including rainy or dusty conditions — even ocean swimming
Best choice
~~$649.99~~$399.00Amazon

June 2, 2025
#dealalert – Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE down to $135.59

Since the formal announcement of its sequel back in August 2024, the 2023-released Pixel Watch 2, which was initially priced at $350 and above, has, of course, grown ever less expensive. The Wear OS-powered watch is currently more reasonably priced than ever in a 4G LTE-enabled form, despite the fact that Black Friday and Amazon’s Prime Day 2025 event are not exactly approaching.

You should probably act quickly if you want to save a whooping $150 on a black-coated Google Pixel Watch 2 with standalone cellular connectivity, since this completely unusual Amazon deal is not expected to last long.

Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE
The Pixel Watch 2 comes with three new advanced sensors for heart rate tracking, skin temperature, and stress management; 100% recycled light aluminum housing makes it comfortable to wear
~~$199.99~~$135.59Amazon

That’s $150 off the $299.99 “normal” price, which was already permanently reduced from the $399.99 that Amazon and other major US retailers used to charge for a Pixel Watch 2 with cellular capabilities at launch. Additionally, there is only one color available at this historically low price, which suggests you don’t have much time to take advantage of your Memorial Day savings.

It goes without saying that the more recent Watch 3 is the superior wearable manufactured by Google, which is also why it costs significantly more. The Watch 2, with its stunning circular display, incredibly comfortable all-day wear, precise heart rate tracking technology, and outstanding overall performance, is the objectively superior value proposition at this 50% discount.

Google Pixel Watch 2 LTE
The Pixel Watch 2 comes with three new advanced sensors for heart rate tracking, skin temperature, and stress management; 100% recycled light aluminum housing makes it comfortable to wear
~~$199.99~~$135.59Amazon

The Pixel Watch 2 with 4G LTE must, however, be compared to similarly priced gadgets such as the entry-level Apple Watch SE 2 (without LTE) or Samsung Galaxy Watch FE (which is also only capable of GPS and Bluetooth).

May 31, 2025
Xiaomi Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition comes with the new XRING T1 chipset

During the company’s anniversary launch event on Thursday, Xiaomi unveiled the Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition in China. Alongside the Xiaomi 15s Pro and Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra, the new wearable was launched, sporting Xiaomi’s own XRING T1 processor. The normal Watch S4 was released by Xiaomi some months prior to the arrival of the S4 15th Anniversary Edition. It differs from the standard Watch S4 with its updated design and color selection. The watch’s circular AMOLED screen measures 1.43 inches.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition costs CNY 1,299, which is around Rs. 15,000 in value. Shades of green and black are available. In contrast, the regular Xiaomi Watch S4 costs CNY 999, or around Rs. 11,800.

Xiaomi Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition specs

In comparison to the regular model, the Xiaomi Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition has a new chip, certain design changes, and an extended battery life. It is compatible with smartphones running iOS 12.0 and Android 8.0 and is powered by Xiaomi HyperOS 2. It features a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 466 × 466 pixels. The display is claimed to have a maximum brightness of 1,500 nits and a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

Xiaomi’s in-house-developed XRING T1 chipset powers the wearable. The maximum CPU frequency that the new chipset is supposed to deliver is 500MHz.

The Watch S4 15th Anniversary Edition allows users to operate their Xiaomi vehicles without a smartphone. The watch face offers a real-time glimpse of the attached smartphone’s camera in addition to supporting three-second video clip.

When eSIM functionality is activated, the Xiaomi S4 15th Anniversary Edition is said to last nine days between charges. For comparison, the regular model has a seven-day battery life in eSIM mode. The wearable’s battery is 486mAh.

SpO2 (blood oxygen) and a heart rate monitoring sensor are included with the S4 15th Anniversary Edition. Its water resistance rating is 5 ATM. 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, GPS, Galileo, Glonass, Beidou, and QZSS are among the connectivity choices. It weighs 44.5g and has dimensions of 47.3 x 47.3 x 12.0mm.

May 26, 2025
This is the best time to buy the Galaxy Watch Ultra – 40% off on Amazon

You cannot go wrong with the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra if you’re looking for the greatest Android smartwatch available right now. Better still, Amazon is currently offering a 40% price reduction on it. This saves you an incredible $260 by bringing the smart and durable Galaxy Watch down from its original $649 price to $390.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in Titanium Gray with an orange band is included in the deal; the Titanium White model costs $399, which is only a little bit extra. Remember that every version supports LTE.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra
Climb the highest peak; Bike the long way home; The durable titanium design is our toughest yet, able to stand up to the rigors of your workout, including rainy or dusty conditions — even ocean swimming
~~$649.99~~$390.00See It

Is Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra for you?

Samsung’s first smartwatch under the “Ultra” brand is the Galaxy Watch Ultra (review), and the moniker accurately describes the functionality of the device. The Ultra has a more robust titanium case with sapphire crystal protection on the top and bottom, in contrast to the regular Galaxy Watch. It has a 10 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for scuba diving as well.

Beyond its sturdy design, the Galaxy Watch Ultra pack a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits, which is extremely readable. The new dual-band GPS offers precise navigation and location monitoring for outdoor activities, and there’s a dependable siren feature that comes in handy in an emergency. It includes an additional physical button for usability, which is helpful for tasks requiring the use of one hand.

Also Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra is an amazing fitness and health tracker. It has a more precise BioActive sensor for detecting blood oxygen saturation, body composition, and heart rate. In addition to the well-known blood pressure level monitoring and on-demand ECG, this high-end wristwatch also features the new AGEs index and sleep apnea detection. With onboard AI capabilities, users can now design their own regimens for fitness fanatics.

With a larger battery that lasts for many days in smart mode between charges, the Galaxy Watch Ultra is also a popular partner for endurance sports. It has wireless charging and a rapid charging time.

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Ultra
Climb the highest peak; Bike the long way home; The durable titanium design is our toughest yet, able to stand up to the rigors of your workout, including rainy or dusty conditions — even ocean swimming
~~$649.99~~$390.00See It

May 25, 2025
Galaxy Watch 8 renders leaked online

It appears that Samsung will update its Watch collection at the July Unpacked event. This indicates that the Galaxy Watch 8 series will soon emerge from the shadows. It might debut alongside the Flip 7 and Galaxy Z Fold 7. We’re giving you an exclusive first look at the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic even though the official unveiling is still a few weeks away. We have a 360-degree video and comprehensive CAD renders of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic thanks to our partnership with OnLeaks, which allows us to see it clearly before it is released.

Exclusive Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 classic renders

Recently, we broke down why the Classic model might be making a comeback in Galaxy Watch 8 lineup. From what we’ve gathered so far, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic could arrive in a single size (47mm). Regulatory filings suggest it could pack a 435mAh rated battery, which typically translates to a 450mAh typical capacity. And in case you’re still wondering, yes, it really seems like the rotating bezel is making a return. Now, feast your eyes on these exclusive Galaxy Watch 8 Classic renders!

Also, it appears that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic will have a display that is about 1.5 inches in size. It measures around 46 x 46.5 x 14.2 mm. The Watch 8 Classic seems to have a squircle-shaped frame, similar to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, based on the renders. It’s reasonable to assume that this model might be the Watch Ultra’s spiritual descendant or possibly a direct sequel.

May 24, 2025