With the arrival of spring and the approaching summer season, the popularity of sports watches is growing in Ukraine and the world. Warmer weather promotes not only outdoor walks, but also sports. So the logical question arises: "which sports watch is better to choose?" To answer it, we studied the relevant sections of large online stores and price aggregators to determine which models are most popular among Ukrainian users.
1. Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS)
The Apple Watch Series 10 is Apple's flagship smartwatch, featuring the largest display ever (1.96 inches for the 46mm version and 1.77 inches for the 42mm) and the thinnest case. It was introduced last year, but since Apple is unveiling new Apple Watch models in September, it's the best the company has to offer for the mass consumer who doesn't like the price and size of the Apple Watch Ultra.
The watch has several new features compared to previous versions: notifications about possible sleep apnea, a depth and water temperature sensor for swimming and snorkeling fans, as well as support for new training metrics in watchOS 11 (for example, training load analysis). Given Apple's closed ecosystem, Series 10 remains the best choice for iPhone users who want a smartwatch with extensive sports capabilities: more than a dozen training modes, GPS tracking, motivational activity rings and tight integration with other Apple services.
Unfortunately, despite the improved design and characteristics, there was no breakthrough in the battery life of the Apple Watch Series 10, the manufacturer promises "up to 18 hours of normal use", but charging the watch has become a little faster - from 0 to 80% in 30 minutes.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is Samsung's premium WearOS watch designed for athletes and adventurers. It features a durable titanium case that the manufacturer says can withstand temperatures up to 55°C, altitudes up to 9,000 meters, and water pressure up to 10 ATM. The Galaxy Watch Ultra also features a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 480x480 pixels. Its key feature is a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, which provides good visibility in any lighting.
The watch tracks heart rate, blood oxygen level, body temperature, stress level 24/7, supports ECG and body composition measurements thanks to the new BioActive sensor suite. It also uses Galaxy AI to analyze your form and Energy Score - a comprehensive assessment of your readiness for exercise based on sleep, heart rate and activity. Important sports features include dual GPS (L1+L5) for more accurate route navigation, a special triathlon mode and the Race yourself function for competing against your own previous results. The watch supports scuba diving, has improved water protection and even a diving mode for freedivers.
The Galaxy Watch Ultra's battery has a capacity of 590 mAh and is good for 3-6 days of use depending on the usage scenario.
Since the watch runs on WearOS, it's a great fit for Android smartphone users, especially Samsung. However, there's no integration with iOS.
3. Apple Watch SE 2 (2024)
Apple Watch SE 2 (2nd generation, 2024 model) is a more affordable sports watch from Apple, which provides the main features of the flagship models in a more budget form factor. It received a powerful Apple S8 processor, so it works quickly and supports all the new watchOS features (including fall and accident detection) at the level of older models.
The differences between the Apple Watch SE 2 are that the watch has a design similar to previous generations, smaller dimensions and screens, and does not have some advanced sensors (such as ECG or blood oxygen measurement), which allowed to reduce its cost. However, the model still offers a reliable optical heart rate monitor, sleep monitoring and basic health functions, including notifications for high or low heart rate. The Apple Watch SE 2 is also equipped with a GPS module for tracking runs and trips, and has 5 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for swimming in the pool.
The watch is aimed at iPhone users who want a quality fitness tracker and smartwatch without overpaying for professional features: it is ideal for beginners, fitness enthusiasts, or, for example, teenagers whose parents want to involve them in an active lifestyle (Family Setup is supported).
The Watch SE 2 tracks all the major activities (running, walking, cycling, yoga, etc.) and syncs data with the Health app on your iPhone, providing you with all the basic metrics and motivation that you need in the Apple ecosystem. However, the Watch SE 2 can only be used with your iPhone.
Interestingly, the battery life in this model is also at the level of the older Series 10 and is up to 18 hours of use.
4. Garmin Forerunner 965
The Forerunner 965 is a running sports watch model from Garmin, which was introduced back in 2023. It was also the first Forerunner with a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 454×454 pixels, which is still readable in sunlight and does not greatly affect Garmin's legendary battery life. The Forerunner 965 boasts an impressive operating time of up to 23 days in smartwatch mode and up to 31 hours in GPS tracking mode without recharging, which is many times higher than the performance of conventional smartwatches.
Despite positioning as a watch for runners, this model has a fairly wide range of sports functions: multisport modes and triathlon mode, advanced running dynamics (including wrist-based running power measurement), detailed analysis of training load and recovery (Training Load, Training Readiness, HRV Status indices, etc.), real-time Stamina endurance indicators, etc.
A built-in barometric altimeter, compass, and full-featured topographic maps help runners and cyclists navigate unfamiliar terrain. The Forerunner 965 supports downloading routes and even creating laps right on the watch. Like all Garmin devices, the watch is quite durable and water-resistant (up to 5 ATM), suitable for swimming in open water and the pool.
Garmin's proprietary operating system used in the Forerunner 965 has only basic smartwatch functionality, so the model can be used with both Android and iOS.
5. Samsung Galaxy Watch7
The Samsung Galaxy Watch7 is a versatile smartwatch based on Wear OS for Android smartphone users. Externally, it continues the tradition of the Galaxy Watch line, offering an AMOLED screen (two sizes - 40 mm and 44 mm) with compact frames and smooth interface operation thanks to the new Exynos W1000 chip.
Like the older Ultra version, the watch has an improved BioActive sensor system: a new optical heart rate sensor, temperature sensor, ECG, bioimpedance and sleep apnea monitoring. In addition, the watch also has a dual-frequency GPS module (L1+L5), which provides more accurate route and distance determination.
For athletes, the watch offers dozens of training types, automatic recognition of popular exercises (running, walking, cycling), and new metrics (e.g., personalized heart rate zones, VO₂ max estimate, etc.).
The Galaxy Watch7 batteries offer 300 mAh for the 40mm version and 425 mAh for the 44mm, which will be enough for 1.5-2 days of use.
6. Garmin Venu 3
Garmin Venu 3 is a new model in the Venu line, presented in two versions with a 41 mm case and a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen (390 x 390 pixels), as well as 45 mm and a 1.4-inch display (454x454 pixels). Both have a steel bezel and Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
The watch has received some innovations compared to its predecessor, in particular, the daytime sleep mode and the Sleep Coach function, which provides personalized advice to improve sleep. In addition, in terms of sports, the Venu 3 has come closer to the Forerunner models: more sports profiles have been added, some metrics from more expensive models have appeared (Morning Report, HRV heart rate variability assessment). For the first time in the Venu series, a mode for connecting external sensors (for example, for running or cycling) has appeared.
One of the key advantages of the model is the operating time: the large Venu 3 lasts up to 14 days (about a week with the always-on display activated), and in GPS mode - up to 26 hours without recharging. The smaller version has worse autonomy indicators, but not by much, up to 10 days of use and up to 20 hours with active GPS.
The Venu 3 falls short of modern smartwatches in terms of functionality, but it does offer a number of features that are important for modern models. It supports Spotify and Google Music with offline playback, Garmin Pay contactless payments, and the ability to read notifications from your smartphone. You can even take calls from the watch via the built-in microphones and speaker.
7. Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the second generation of Apple's flagship watch for more demanding users and athletes. Externally, the model has retained the recognizable titanium case with a protective bezel around the display and a programmable Action Button.
The watch is designed for divers, climbers, ultramarathoners - everyone who needs high reliability and functionality. Ultra 2 received an updated S9 chip, so it works even faster and allows you to perform some calculations (for example, Siri) directly on the watch without an Internet connection. The brightness of its screen has increased to 3000 nits, which is 50% more than in the first Ultra model, so the information should remain readable even under the blinding sun or in snowy mountains.
The main features for sports and adventures include a dual L1+L5 GPS module for more accurate positioning on the ground, a built-in depth and water temperature sensor (the watch is certified for recreational diving up to 40 m), as well as a loud siren for emergencies in nature.
Ultra 2 also delivers the longest battery life of any Apple Watch, with up to 36 hours of regular use and up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode (which is almost a day longer than Series 10).
Of course, the Ultra 2 also inherited all the health sensors from the Series 10: an electrocardiograph (ECG), a blood oxygen sensor, a temperature sensor for cycle tracking, etc. This watch is actually a "Swiss army knife" for athletes: it copes equally well with the role of a smartwatch for everyday life and the role of a sports watch. The only thing is that, like all Apple Watch models, the Ultra 2 can only work with an iPhone.
8. Amazfit T-Rex 3
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is the third generation of the popular sports watch, offering a good set of features, especially considering the price. The model is positioned for both athletes and outdoor enthusiasts: it has a steel bezel, Gorilla Glass protection and water resistance up to 10 ATM. Moreover, the manufacturer notes that the T-Rex 3 is certified for diving with the ability to dive to a depth of up to 45 meters, which is exceptional for a device in this price category.
The watch has a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 480x480 pixels and a peak brightness of 2000 nits. The manufacturer has also equipped the T-Rex 3 with everything you need for navigation: there is dual GPS with support for 5 satellite systems, and the ability to download maps of the area and create routes, including topography, mountain trails and ski slopes. The watch has an altimeter, barometer, compass (ABC functions) - everything that tourists and climbers will need. Sports modes include more than 170 types of activity, there is even an "AI coach" for smart recommendations. There is also a microphone for voice control (via an offline assistant or Alexa) and a speaker for audio responses and broadcasting navigation tips.
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 has a 700 mAh battery and the manufacturer claims that it can last 27 days with normal use and 13 days with very intensive use.
9. Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 is a budget sports watch with quite good functionality. It is equipped with a 2.07-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 432x514 pixels, peak brightness up to 1500 nits, has a thin and light body, and also received a linear vibration motor for clearer tactile feedback during notifications.
Redmi Watch 5 supports over 150 sports modes, including swimming thanks to 5 ATM water resistance, and there is also a basic set of health sensors: 24-hour heart rate monitor, sleep and stress monitoring, and blood oxygen level measurement. A nice bonus for its class is support for Bluetooth calls - the watch has a microphone and speaker, so it can serve as a headset connected to a smartphone. The watch is equipped with a GPS module to track workouts. The design of the model is quite versatile: there is a convenient steel crown button for scrolling through the menu, and the strap is simply changed thanks to a quick-release mechanism
The main advantage of the Redmi Watch 5 is its battery life: the manufacturer promises that under typical conditions it can work for up to 10–12 days, and in economy mode it can last up to 24 days without charging.
10. Amazfit Active 2
Amazfit Active 2 is another budget sports watch that shows that an inexpensive device can be quite stylish. It has a round case shape with a thickness of less than 1 cm and is presented in two versions: Premium with a steel case and a leather strap, as well as a standard one with a plastic case and a silicone strap. They have the same size – 44 mm, but differ in weight: the basic one weighs 29.5 grams, the "premium" – 31.65 grams.
The watch has a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466x466 pixels, which in the "premium" version is covered with sapphire glass, and in the basic 2.5D mineral. Amazfit Active 2 supports more than 160 sports modes, including popular competitions such as HYROX (an indoor fitness competition that combines 8 kilometers of running and eight functional training sessions), and also has proprietary BioTracker technology for more accurate heart rate measurement and sleep monitoring.
Amazfit has also equipped the Active 2 with features typically found in more expensive models: in particular, there is built-in GPS with support for offline maps and voice prompts, as well as a microphone and speaker, which allows you to use a voice assistant, answer calls, or listen to the watch's audio responses.
The watch has a 270 mAh battery and an operating time of up to 10 days with typical use.
11. Garmin Fenix 8
The Garmin Fenix 8 is the flagship and most feature-rich model in the legendary Fenix series, which is currently the manufacturer's latest offering among multisport watches. In 2024, Garmin merged the Fenix and Epix lines, so the Fenix 8 is offered with both a traditional MIP (transflective) display and an AMOLED screen.
The choice of models in the Fenix 8 line is now even wider, and a bit confusing. The buyer can also choose from three sizes: 43, 47 and 51 mm. And this is where the difficulties begin, because the 43 mm version is only available with an AMOLED screen, 47 and 51 mm can be obtained with a MIP display and support for solar charging or with an AMOLED screen. And there is also the basic Fenix E, which is also available only with an AMOLED matrix. And this is not to mention that each version has several color options and may differ in materials. In the 43 mm version, it is always titanium and sapphire glass, in the 47 mm version - titanium, sapphire or steel and Gorilla Glass, in the 51 mm - sapphire and titanium.
The main hardware innovations of the Fenix 8 are a faster processor, a built-in speaker and microphone, and a depth sensor for diving. The speaker and microphone open up new usage scenarios: you can answer phone calls through the watch, listen to voice prompts for training or navigation, and use Garmin's offline voice assistant (for example, ask the watch for indicators or leave a voice note right during a run). The depth sensor turns the Fenix 8 into a simplified computer for divers: the watch has received the basic functionality of the Descent series, allowing you to record freediving and deep diving parameters (for recreational diving).
Of course, the Fenix 8 retained all the features of its predecessors: a built-in flashlight, 10 ATM water resistance, 32 GB of memory, a full set of sensors (GPS, barometer, compass, thermometer, heart rate monitor, pulse oximeter, etc.), color topographic maps of the whole world, search by points of interest, the Up Ahead function (showing food points, checkpoints on your route), convenient track navigation with deviations and returning to the route.
Fenix 8 is able to track almost any sport (from running and ultra-trails to alpine skiing and surfing), provide professional training metrics (VO₂ max, recommended recovery interval, training load status, running/riding dynamics, acclimatization status to altitude and heat, etc.) and at the same time serve as a gadget for every day (notifications, contactless payment Garmin Pay, music with headphones).
The battery life of the Fenix 8 depends on the version and type of screen. In the 43 mm model, it is claimed to be up to 10 days, or 4 days with the screen always on. For the 47 mm with an AMOLED display – up to 16 days (7 days with the screen active), with a MIP matrix and a solar panel – up to 21 days and up to 28 days in the sun. For the 51 mm with AMOLED – up to 29 days (13 days with the display active), with a MIP matrix and a solar panel – up to 30 days and up to 48 days in the sun.
12. Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro is a fitness bracelet that has grown to the level of a sports watch, but has retained its compact size and relatively low price. It differs from the classic Mi Band line in a larger 1.74-inch rectangular AMOLED screen with a resolution of 360x480 pixels.
The watch also has a built-in GPS (GNSS) module, which was not in the usual Mi Band, it tracks over 150 sports (from walking and running to yoga and swimming) and has 5 ATM water protection, so it is also suitable for training in the pool. Smart Band 9 Pro provides the full range of basic metrics for health tracking: continuous heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking with phase analysis, SpO₂ measurement, stress levels and activity reminders. Thanks to the enlarged body, Smart Band 9 Pro is equipped with a 350 mAh battery, which provides autonomy of 14–21 days depending on the intensity of use.