2025's Must-Have Smartwatches

Mondo Admin / 07-05-2025 / Tech

The Smart Ones To Watch 

Smartwatches have come a long way – and we don’t mean the step counter.

They’re the Duolingo mascot of your fitness life. Hounding you by keeping track of all your rights (and wrongs) and displaying it boldly and brightly on your wrist.

Over the years tech has evolved exponentially and now, even budget options are upping their features game, letting you track more of your health needs in a simpler way.   

But not all smartwatches are equal and with so many options around, choosing the right one can be tricky.

We’ve compiled a list of our 5  favourite smartwatches that are all available in the market in 2025 and cater to every kind of budget.  

Tracking your workouts, keeping up-to-date on your messages and measuring your water intake have all just become as easy as a twist of the wrist.

Let’s take a look at our top smartwatches of 2025 and help you pick the perfect one for you.

Samsung

If you don’t mind waiting, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is set to drop in July. This smartwatch, from one of the most popular tech companies in the world, offers four models to choose from – two regular and two classic – with both WIFI and LTE options available.

Samsung purists will be especially excited about the return of the classic model, which will bring back the rotating bezel that made it so popular when it first launched. A slight bump in battery size to 435mAh (up from the previous model’s 300mAh) has users wondering: will this finally improve battery life?

The one major downer with the Samsung smartwatches of the past was battery life had trouble lasting more than a day. We’re hoping that the upgrade in battery size on the newest range will mean a better battery performance that matches the all-round amazing vibe of a Samsung device. Important to note, this device is water resistant – not waterproof, so no deep-sea diving! Some of these smartwatches stand out features are said to be the ability to detect an irregular heart rate, and all the weight watchers and body builders out there will be happy to hear that this device also keeps track of your body composition metrics for you.

Apple

Apple's gearing up for a big September. As always, we can expect some massive launches later this year and the word on the street is the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be among these showstoppers.

Series 11 is setting up to revolutionise health tracking by adding features like blood pressure and glucose monitoring. There’s also buzz about a new Apple Watch SE3, ideal for first-time buyers or anyone in need of a more affordable option. Expect sharper displays, better power efficiency and 5G connectivity for faster speeds.

Then there’s the Apple Watch Ultra 3. This smartwatch is bringing a major upgrade in both specs and size.

It’s said to feature a 2.12-inch screen, sleek design and onboard camera! for visual AI analysis. The new display is 40% brighter and Apple has achieved this without compromising battery life which still gives you a steady 36 hours off one charge. While the Apple Watch Ultra 3 doesn’t have many differences from the Ultra 2, it could be a worthwhile upgrade if you’re using an older model.

Huawei Watch GT 5

If you like your smartwatches a bit on the chunky side, the Huawei Watch GT5 is the one to watch. Available in a 46mm and a 41mm size, both feature AMOLED displays and solid battery life.

You get up to 14 days on one charge with the 46mm version and you can go about a week without a charge with the 41mm option.

Even with the Always-on Display on, you’ll still get 5 and 3 days respectively out of these watches. It’s the first to feature Huawei’s TruSense tech, which tracks over 60 health and fitness metrics across six body systems including, heart-rate, lung function, infection rate, blood pressure and sleep. It’s also able to monitor emotional wellbeing, giving you a much more well-rounded view of your health.

HONOR Watch 5 Ultra

The HONOR Watch 5 Ultra is another feature-packed option for smartwatch enthusiasts. With a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display, this watch looks great and provides a crystal-clear view. A powerful 480mAh battery offers up to 15 days of use of a single charge. That means you can kiss nightly charging goodbye. This smartwatch includes health features like ECG monitoring, stress tracking and a full health scan. It also boasts GPS capabilities on top of these features. (You know, in case you get lost on a hike while trying to get your points for the week!)

Spectra

If you haven’t heard of the Spectra brand yet, it’s time to check it out. This up-and-coming brand is making waves, especially among tech enthusiasts looking for something fresh.

So far, the brand has two smartwatch options – the Spectra Glam, and the Spectra Fit. Both are great choices for people who are starting out on their health and fitness journeys and want something that just does the basics and does it well.

The devices are super lightweight but have a nice fashion-forward look to them. On the Glam you get features like 10 days of active use, Bluetooth calling, an AI voice assistant and fitness tracker capabilities. The Spectra Fit has all the same capabilities but has a 7-day buffer before a charge. As a budget option, it’s doing more than enough to earn fans.

Verdict

It looks like the 2025 smartwatch market has something for everyone. Whether you're after advanced health features, longer battery life or a customisable design, now is by far the perfect time to upgrade because there are no wrong choices!

All brands are pushing boundaries with features that fit seamlessly into your daily life, keep you on top of your health requirements and connect you when your phone’s not around.

So now there really isn’t any excuse to get – and stay – healthy!

FAQs

  1. What are some key features expected in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8?

    The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is expected to come in two regular and two classic models, offering both Wi-Fi and LTE versions. The return of the Classic model may bring back the popular rotating bezel and early leaks suggest a 435mAh battery, which is a slight increase from the previous model’s 300mAh. The big question is whether this will lead to improved battery life, as previous models struggled with battery performance.

  1. What health-tracking features might the Apple Watch Series 11 introduce?

    The Apple Watch Series 11 may add blood pressure monitoring and blood glucose tracking, taking health tracking further. Expect display upgrades, possibly with LTPO or Micro-LED for sharper resolution, better brightness and power efficiency.

  1. How does the Huawei Watch GT 5 stand out in terms of battery life?

    The Huawei Watch GT 5 stands out for its long battery life. The 46mm model lasts up to 14 days with maximum use, while the 41mm lasts up to 7 days. With Always-On Display (AOD), the 46mm lasts 5 days and the 41mm lasts 3 days.

  1. What makes the HONOR Watch 5 Ultra a strong contender in 2025?

    The HONOR Watch 5 Ultra boasts a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display, up to 15 days of battery life, and advanced health features, including ECG monitoring. It also offers Bluetooth 5.2 and GPS.

  2. What is unique about the Spectra smartwatch?

    The Spectra smartwatch is designed to be easy to repair and customisable. The brand is also on the cheaper end of the spectrum so it’s by far a more affordable option for anyone looking for an entry level smartwatch.

References:

https://www.phonearena.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-8-release-date-price-features-news

https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/smartwatches/5-biggest-wearables-predictions-for-2025-samsung-ar-smart-glasses-apple-watch-11-and-more

https://www.techradar.com/health-fitness/smartwatches/samsung-galaxy-watch-8-latest-rumors-updates-and-what-we-want-to-see

https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/smartwatches/apple-watch-series-11

https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/smartwatches/apple-watch-ultra-3-everything-we-know-so-far

https://www.gadgets360.com/wearables/news/honor-watch-5-ultra-price-launch-sale-date-features-specifications-buds-open-pad-v9-europe-7834485

https://consumer.huawei.com/za/wearables/watch-gt5/specs/

TECH NEWS

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What are the key features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7?The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 features a larger 4-inch cover screen and a smooth 120Hz foldable main display plus dual rear cameras (50MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide). The Z Fold 7 offers a bigger 8.2-inch main display, a 6.5 inch cover screen, up to 1TB storage, 16GB RAM and a standout 200MP main camera, making it Samsung’s slimmest and most powerful foldable yet.2. When will the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 be released?Samsung is expected to officially launch both devices at their Galaxy Unpacked event in July 2025. 3. How do I choose between the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7?If you prefer a compact, stylish phone for easy one-handed use, the Z Flip 7 is ideal with its handy cover screen and foldable design. For those wanting a larger screen for multitasking, productivity and high-end camera features, the Z Fold 7 offers more power and screen real estate.4. 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While competitors like Huawei, Oppo, and Xiaomi offer competitive pricing and innovation, Samsung’s ecosystem integration and reliability keep it ahead.References:https://www.phonearena.com/news/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-7-fold-7-coming-july_id171115https://www.techradar.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-phones/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-7 https://www.techradar.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-phones/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-7-specshttps://www.droid-life.com/2025/06/16/report-galaxy-z-flip-7-fe-will-be-affordable-flip-phone-option/

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Honor 400 Lite: Is it Worth the Hype?

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The built-in front-facing light helps improve clarity in low-light environments, making video calls and selfies look good even when the lighting isn’t perfect.The rear camera captures sharp, well-balanced images in good lighting conditions, making it a strong choice for casual photography and social media content. It handles landscapes, portraits and close-up shots with ease. For most users, it offers more than enough to document daily moments without needing a dedicated camera or extra equipment.Performance and SoftwareThe Honor 400 Lite is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset, paired with 8GB of RAM. This setup performs well for everyday tasks like messaging, web browsing and video streaming, offering a smooth and responsive experience in typical day-to-day use. Multitasking between apps is generally snappy, though users running more demanding games or resource-heavy apps may occasionally notice performance slowdowns.What sets this phone apart is MagicOS 9.0- built on Android 15, which promises up to six years of updates. That long-term software support adds extra value for users who want a phone that stays functional, secure and up to date without needing frequent upgrades or replacements.Battery Life and ChargingThe Honor 400 Lite packs a 5 230mAh battery, an average expectation in smartphones these days. When your battery does dip, the 35W HONOR SuperCharge gets you powered up quickly – so no more scrambling in those moments when time is tight or a plug point is rare.Just ten minutes during your coffee stop or lunch break could mean hours of extra use. 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It runs on MagicOS 9.0, based on Android 15, providing smooth performance, enhanced user experience and up to six years of software updates.2. How good is the Honor 400 Lite’s camera for everyday use? The Honor 400 Lite’s 108MP rear camera delivers sharp, natural photos in good lighting, capturing vivid details and vibrant colours while the 16MP front camera includes a handy selfie light for clearer low-light shots. It’s well-suited for casual photography, video calls, social media sharing and creating memorable content on the go.3. How long does the Honor 400 Lite’s battery last? With its 5230mAh battery, the Honor 400 Lite easily lasts through a full day of messaging, streaming and browsing.  When it needs a boost, the 35W HONOR SuperCharge quickly tops up your phone, so you can stay powered and connected even during your busiest, most demanding days4. 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