Smartwatches are quickly becoming an essential item for navigating the modern world. They offer unparalleled convenience, making them a perfect match for our fast-paced lives. Wearing a smartwatch is like having an assistant on your wrist that helps you stay on top of your schedule, monitors health and fitness, and keeps you connected with instant notifications.
It’s incredible what we’ve managed to pack into a tiny screen, huh? From the behemoth ENIAC in 1945 that took up an entire room just to do calculations, to today's sleek smart watches that effortlessly perform complex tasks, technology has advanced leaps and bounds. These compact devices not only handle calculations but also track your daily activities, manage health monitoring, and some even act as independent phones.
Our curated list of top smartwatches will help you select the perfect companion for your lifestyle. And for those focusing more on fitness, don't miss our rundown of the Top Fitness Trackers in New Zealand too. Before we dive into our top picks, let's discuss some key considerations to keep in mind when weighing up your options.
How to Choose a Smart Watch
When choosing a smartwatch, there are a few factors you want to consider. These include:
Compatibility: Your smartwatch will need to communicate with your smartphone to function, so this one is important. Ensure the smartwatch is compatible with your smartphone's operating system. For example, an Apple Watch is only compatible with an iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy is only compatible with Android, and there are some that are compatible with both!
Features: The first thing to consider is the primary use of your smartwatch, such as fitness tracking, communication, or productivity. From there, you can identify what type of features will be important to you! If fitness is a priority, you'll want to keep an eye out for a watch that has ample fitness features; on the other hand, if productivity is a priority, you'll want to ensure the smartwatch has built-in features to support this or that it allows third-party apps.
Price: Price can vary greatly from smartwatch to smartwatch. A pricier smartwatch will often have enhanced features, better build quality, and generally more to offer. However, choosing the best of the best isn't always the most practical option, especially if you won't be using all of the extra features. Price is something to keep in mind, but ultimately, should be weighed up alongside other factors.
Communication: All smartwatches have Bluetooth connectivity, allowing them to connect to your phone to send/receive messages, take phone calls, stream music, and so on. If you want the ability to do this without your phone on you, look out for a smartwatch that offers 4G/cellular connectivity.
Design: Beyond functionality, the design is something else to consider when choosing a smartwatch. Things to consider include shape, material, colour, and most importantly, size. If you don't like the chunky look or have small wrists, you'll want to ensure you don't pick a smartwatch that's oversized. Some smartwatches are naturally more slim and sleek, others are naturally chunkier, and some offer different watch face options so you can choose one that fits you and your style best!
1. Apple Watch Series 11
Display: 1.6/1.8" OLED | Battery Life: 24 hours/38 hours (normal use/Low Power Mode) | IP Rating: IP6X | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS
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The Apple Watch Series 11 builds on everything people love about Apple’s smartwatch lineup, refining the design and adding smart new features for health, fitness, and everyday convenience. It’s slimmer and more durable than before, with a brighter, more scratch-resistant display that looks stunning in any light. Powered by the advanced S10 SiP chip, the Series 11 delivers smooth performance whether you’re tracking workouts, managing notifications, or using apps on the go.
Health and wellness remain front and centre. The Series 11 introduces hypertension notifications and enhanced sleep tracking, alongside staples like ECG, Blood Oxygen, and heart rate monitoring. Water resistance is solid for swimming and everyday use, and the watch comes in familiar 42mm and 46mm sizes to suit different wrists. Charging is quick and easy, and with Low Power Mode, you can stretch usage well beyond a single day when needed.
For iPhone users who want a smartwatch that blends style, functionality, and cutting-edge health tools, the Apple Watch Series 11 is a fantastic choice.
Honourable Mentions:
Apple Watch Ultra 3: Built for adventure, with a rugged titanium case, sapphire crystal display, and advanced GPS for precision tracking. It offers up to 42 hours of battery life and features designed for extreme conditions, making it the ultimate companion for outdoor enthusiasts.
Apple Watch SE (3rd Gen): A more affordable option that keeps the essentials - fitness tracking, notifications, and core health features - in a lightweight, stylish design. It skips premium sensors like ECG and Blood Oxygen, but for many users, it delivers everything they need at a fraction of the price.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch8
Display: 1.47" Super AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 30 Hours (AOD on) | IP Rating: IP68 + 5ATM | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS
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The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 refines what was already good in previous models, introducing a slimmer profile, more comfortable wear, and improved smart-health and navigation capabilities. The watch adopts the new “cushion” design and the Dynamic Lug System to ensure the case sits snugly against your wrist, contributing to a more natural fit for both everyday wear and workouts.
On the health and fitness front, the Galaxy Watch8 features dual-band GPS for precise outdoor tracking and supports a full suite of wellness monitoring, including ECG, sleep tracking, fall and SOS detection, and expanded Galaxy AI integration through Wear OS.
Durability is strong, with 5ATM water resistance and an IP68 rating, making it resilient enough for swimming, showers, and more demanding environments. Battery life remains close to previous models, with around 30 hours for typical use. While it will carry you through a full day, it’s not designed to last multiple days without charging.
In summary, if you’re an Android user looking for a smartwatch that blends sophisticated health features, premium design, and reliable tracking, the Galaxy Watch8 is a very strong option. If multi-day battery is critical, it may fall a little short, but for daily use with high-end functionality, it delivers well.
Honourable Mentions:
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Galaxy Watch8 Classic: Adds a rotating bezel and premium stainless steel build with sapphire glass for a more traditional look.
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Galaxy Watch Ultra: Rugged titanium design, 10ATM water resistance, advanced GPS, and up to 100 hours of battery life in Power Saving Mode - perfect for extreme sports and outdoor adventures.
What are existing owners saying?
3. Fitbit Versa 4 Smart Watch
Display: 1.5" | Battery Life: 6+ Days | IP Rating: Up to 50m water resistant | Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPS, NFC
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The Fitbit Versa 4 is a fitness-focused smartwatch designed to help you stay on top of your health and wellness goals. With over 40 exercise modes, including strength training, HIIT, running, and kayaking, you can track a wide range of activities directly from your wrist. The built-in GPS allows you to monitor your pace and distance during outdoor workouts without needing to carry your phone. Additionally, the Workout Intensity Map in the Fitbit app provides insights into your heart rate zones throughout your route.
This smartwatch offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and supports Fitbit's Daily Readiness Score (available with Fitbit Premium) to help you understand when to push yourself and when to rest. The Versa 4 is lightweight and comfortable, making it suitable for all-day wear, including during sleep. It also keeps you connected with call, text, and app notifications, and features built-in Alexa for voice commands. With a battery life of up to 6+ days, it's designed to keep up with your busy lifestyle.
What are existing owners saying?
Purchasing from PB Tech was easy and fast.
Price comparison to other stores that sell the Fitbit range, PB Tech was the cheapest.
4. Huawei Watch GT 6
Display: 46mm - 1.47" AMOLED | 41mm - 1.32" AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 21 days (46mm) | 14 days (41mm) | IP Rating: IP69, 5ATM | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Dual-Band GPS
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The Huawei Watch GT 6 is designed for people who want a smartwatch that lasts, looks good, and performs well in everyday life and during workouts. It comes in two sizes to suit different preferences: a 46 mm model with a 1.47-inch AMOLED display and up to 21 days of battery life, and a slimmer 41 mm version with a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen and up to 14 days of battery life. Both models feature stainless steel cases and bright, high-resolution displays that remain clear even in direct sunlight thanks to peak brightness of up to 3,000 nits.
Performance and tracking are where the GT 6 really shines. It uses Huawei’s TruSense health system to monitor heart rate, sleep, stress, and breathing awareness, and supports over 100 workout modes, including advanced options like wrist-based cycling power metrics and golf course maps. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the dual-band GNSS positioning for accurate navigation, while Bluetooth calling adds convenience for staying connected without reaching for your phone. The watch is also built tough, with 5ATM water resistance and IP69 protection, making it suitable for swimming, showers, and dusty environments. Despite its durability, the design remains stylish, with a choice of fluoroelastomer, composite leather, or woven straps to match your look.
In short, the Huawei Watch GT 6 offers a rare combination of long battery life, comprehensive health tracking, and a sleek design that works just as well at the gym as it does at the office.
Honourable Mention:
Huawei Watch GT 6 Pro: For those who want something more premium, the GT 6 Pro takes everything great about the standard model and wraps it in luxury materials like titanium and sapphire glass. It adds ECG functionality for more advanced health monitoring and diving capabilities up to 40 metres, making it ideal for users who demand durability and precision in extreme conditions. The Pro model keeps the same impressive battery life and core features but elevates the experience with a refined finish and extra toughness.
5. Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5
Display: 2.07" AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 24 Days | IP Rating: 5ATM Water Resistant | Connectivity: Bluetooth, 5-System GPS
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The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 is a feature-packed smartwatch offering excellent value for money. It has a crisp and bright 2.07" AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate, making it easy to read even in sunlight. The watch supports Bluetooth calling for hands-free communication and provides continuous heart rate and sleep tracking to monitor your health around the clock. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate over 150 workout modes and built-in 5-System GPS for accurate activity tracking and outdoor navigation. With up to 24 days of battery life on typical use, the Redmi Watch 5 can go well beyond most other smartwatches before needing a recharge. The watch is also rated 5ATM for water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and everyday water exposure. Its sleek design and comfortable straps make it stylish enough for daily wear, while still providing robust health and fitness tracking features for active users.
What are existing owners saying?
6. OPPO Watch X2
Display: 1.5" AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 5 days (standard mode) | IP Rating: IP68 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC
The Watch X2 blends rugged durability with sleek design.
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OPPO has stepped up its game with the release of the Watch X2 Smart Watch, and it’s a serious contender in the premium smartwatch space. Available in Summit Blue and Lava Black, the Watch X2 blends rugged durability with sleek design, making it a standout for both style and performance.
The Watch X2 features a 1.5" AMOLED display that’s vibrant and crisp, even under direct sunlight, thanks to its Q10 luminescent material. The titanium alloy bezel and extra-thick sapphire crystal not only give it a premium feel but also provide excellent scratch resistance and shock durability. It’s built to endure, having passed MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability tests, and it’s rated 5ATM/IP68 water-resistant, so it’s ready for everything from workouts to wild weather.
Running on Wear OS by Google, the Watch X2 offers seamless integration with Android and iOS, and includes features like ECG analysis, dual-frequency GPS, and Bluetooth calling. The rotating crown makes navigation intuitive, and the customisable watch faces let you match your mood or outfit effortlessly.
Battery life is solid too - up to 5 days of standard use on a single charge, which is impressive given the power-hungry features packed inside. While it doesn’t quite match the ultra-long battery life of some fitness-first wearables, it strikes a great balance between smart features and endurance.
7. Amazfit T-Rex 3 Rugged Smart Watch
Display: 1.5" AMOLED | Battery Life: Up to 27 days | Water Resistance: 10ATM | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Dual-Band GPS
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The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is a rugged smartwatch built for durability and high performance in all conditions. It features a bright 1.5" AMOLED display that remains clear even in sunlight, making it easy to read at a glance. The watch offers comprehensive health tracking, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress measurement, alongside over 170 sports modes for a wide variety of workouts. Dual-band GPS ensures accurate tracking for outdoor activities, while Bluetooth connectivity allows notifications and calls on the go. With up to 27 days of battery life, the T-Rex 3 can handle long trips or extended outdoor adventures without frequent charging. Its 10 ATM water resistance rating makes it suitable for swimming and other water-based activities, and the rugged design is built to withstand tough environments while still looking sleek enough for everyday wear.
We hope this list helped you choose out the best smart watch for you. What are you waiting for? Check out our range of smart watches here. If you're looking for a more affordable option, check out our list of the Top Fitness Trackers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a smartwatch worth buying?
Smartwatches can be game-changers for busy lives, offering convenience (notifications, music control), fitness and health tracking (workouts, heart rate, sleep), and organisation (schedules, to-dos) all on your wrist. If these things matter to you, then yes, a smartwatch can definitely help to simplify your life and enhance your daily routine, making them a great investment!
What is the best brand for smartwatches?
There are many great smartwatch brands on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. We've included what we consider to be top brands in NZ in this article.. Ultimately, the best brand for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
What smartwatch is the best value for money?
The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 offers incredible value for money! It is at least half the price of other top smartwatches on this list, all while offering a fairly similar feature set. This includes health and fitness tracking features, built-in GPS, Bluetooth connectivity so you can receive calls and notifications, and a whopping 18 days of battery life!
Can I leave my phone at home and use my smartwatch?
It depends on the smartwatch you have and what you want to do with it. Some smartwatches, like the Apple Watch 10 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch7, offer options that include LTE/cellular connectivity, which means you can make and receive calls and texts without your phone. Other smartwatches, however, require a Bluetooth connection to your phone to receive calls and notifications. So if you want to use features like notifications, GPS, or music streaming, you'll need to have your phone with you.
What is the most popular smartwatch?
Based on recent market research, the Apple Watch holds the title of the most common smartwatch. It consistently holds a significant share of the market, particularly due to its popularity among iPhone users.
1 comment
JohnH184
How comfortable are the straps on the Mi? They look like the rubber band-like material I've written for other purposes which would always painfully pull at the hairs on my wrist. I'm hoping that's not the case here
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