ZDNET Names Apple Watch Ultra 3 Best Smartwatch, Adds Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Amazfit Balance 3
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Jul 29
ZDNET Names Apple Watch Ultra 3 Best Smartwatch, Adds Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Amazfit Balance 3
3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jul 29
Summary
ZDNET’s 2026 smartwatch ranking keeps Apple Watch Ultra 3 at the top, citing 5G and satellite connectivity, a 49mm display and 42-hour battery life.
The July 2026 refresh swaps in three newer models: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 for outdoor users, Galaxy Watch 9 for mainstream Samsung buyers, and Amazfit Balance 3 as the budget pick.
Samsung’s Ultra 2 is highlighted as a $699 Apple rival with an 800 mAh battery and a body 12% thinner than its predecessor, while the Watch 9 adds expanded Galaxy AI coaching.
Amazfit’s Balance 3 stands out on value with a roughly $350 price, 21-day battery life and Zepp OS 6, though ZDNET notes its third-party app support remains limited.
The update reflects a broader 2026 market shift toward satellite safety features, AI health coaching and tighter phone-ecosystem lock-in across Apple and Android watches.