Early in release cycle
Best for: iPhone users who want Apple Watch's core experience — activity tracking, notifications, crash detection, and Apple Pay — at a lower price point. Ideal for kids, teens, or anyone upgrading from a much older watch without needing the advanced health sensors.
Full details →Overdue for a refresh — no successor announced yet. Prices should be at their lowest
Best for: Anyone who wants basic health tracking — steps, sleep, heart rate, SpO2 — without spending more than $40 or carrying a bulky watch. Works with both iPhone and Android. A popular choice for kids, older adults, and budget-conscious fitness beginners.
Full details →| Apple Watch SE | Xiaomi Smart Band 9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tier | Smartwatch | Fitness Tracker |
| Platform | iOS only | iOS & Android |
| Battery | 18h | 14 days |
| Always-on display | ❌ | ✅ |
| GPS | ✅ | ❌ |
| Cellular | ✅ | ❌ |
| Health sensors | hr, irregular rhythm, crash detection, fall detection | hr, spo2, stress, sleep |
| Released | Sep 19, 2025 | Jul 22, 2024 |
| Cycle length | 1098 days | 365 days |
| Cycle advice | good | bad |
| Deals advice | neutral | good |
| Next model | Apple Watch SE 4 (Expected fall 2027) | — |
Access the entire watchOS app ecosystem, Apple Pay, Siri, and Family Setup — for $150 less than the Series 11.
Emergency SOS, fall detection, and Crash Detection give real safety value even without premium health sensors.
Available in Midnight, Starlight, Silver, and (PRODUCT)RED with a wide range of Apple Watch-compatible bands.
Most fitness trackers at this price use basic LCD displays. The Smart Band 9 brings a vivid AMOLED always-on screen — rare at this price point.
Continuous heart rate, SpO2, stress, and sleep tracking — all running for 2 weeks before charging. Most smartwatches last 1–2 days.
Full functionality on both platforms via the Mi Fitness app, including notifications, sleep analysis, and health trends.