Searching for high-quality and affordable smartwatches allows consideration of devices from brands such as Samsung, Amazfit, Xiaomi, and Huawei. These companies are known for producing watches with reliable sensors, good integration with major operating systems, and high durability, while also providing official support and warranty.
Best Budget Options for 2026
This Tecnoblog guide presents the best affordable smartwatches to buy in 2026. Before deciding on the ideal device for daily use, it is recommended to review the pros and cons of each model.
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 5 Active
The Redmi Watch 5 Active is Xiaomi's most accessible smartwatch. It is compatible with both Android and iPhone and can track over 140 types of physical activity. Additionally, the watch is equipped with sensors to monitor blood oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep.
Disadvantages of the model include an LCD screen with grayish black color and a maximum brightness of 500 nits, as well as the lack of built-in GPS and NFC for contactless payments. With normal use, the battery lasts up to 18 days, and the full charging time is 2 hours.
Samsung Galaxy Fit 3
The Galaxy Fit 3 is Samsung's cheapest smartwatch band. It occupies a middle ground between a full smartwatch and a smart band thanks to its wide AMOLED display and durable design. Features include sleep, pulse, and blood oxygen monitoring, as well as support for over 100 sports.
However, it lacks built-in GPS, making it dependent on a smartphone. The device only works with Android, has no NFC or mobile data, but features IP68 dust and water resistance, along with a 5 ATM rating for swimming. The battery provides up to 13 days of operation, making it a good choice for those who want to track activity at a low cost.
Amazfit Bip 6 with GPS
The Amazfit Bip 6 is a smartwatch that offers numerous sports modes, built-in GPS, and the Zepp Flow feature, which is the brand's AI tool developed in collaboration with OpenAI. Although this smartwatch is more expensive than the first two models on the list, it stands out due to its built-in GPS, high-brightness AMOLED screen, and affordability below 700 reais.
It supports 5 ATM water resistance, is equipped with sensors to monitor heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep quality. The design resembles an Apple Watch, and the stated battery life reaches 14 days.
Apple Watch SE 3
The Apple Watch SE 3, compatible exclusively with iPhone, is not the cheapest option, but it represents the brand's entry-level model available in Brazil. The model supports NFC for contactless payments via Apple Pay, which is accepted by most Brazilian banks, and has built-in GPS and cellular connectivity in the Cellular version, offering faster charging compared to previous generations.
To reduce costs, Apple excluded the SpO2 (blood oxygen) sensor and electrocardiogram (ECG). Another weakness is the battery, which lasts only 18 hours and requires daily recharging.
Additional Information on Huawei Band 11 Pro
Like the Galaxy Fit 3, the Huawei Band 11 Pro is a smart band that provides some functions inherent to smartwatches, such as built-in GPS and various sports modes. As a smart band, it is lighter, and its economical AMOLED screen guarantees autonomy of up to 14 days even at a maximum brightness of 2000 nits.
The accessory provides detailed sleep reports, tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), and arrhythmia. However, it does not have a dedicated store for downloading new applications and does not support NFC.
How to Choose the Right Affordable Smartwatch?
Before purchasing an affordable smartwatch, several important points should be considered. You need to check the device compatibility, as models from Xiaomi and Amazfit work with Android and iPhone, while others (such as Apple Watch and Galaxy Fit) are limited to one system.
If the goal is outdoor sports, such as running or cycling, it is recommended to choose a watch with built-in GPS so you do not have to carry your phone. It is also important to study the information about available sensors; basic ones for daily use are sleep monitoring, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2).
Finally, evaluate the battery life: models with a long service life (from 7 to 14 days) will help avoid the need to charge the device daily.
Is It Worth Buying an Affordable Smartwatch?
Yes, if the product is original and from a reliable manufacturer. The market is flooded with cheap counterfeits that imitate the design of some models but provide inaccurate sensors and low durability. It is recommended to look for watches from Samsung, Xiaomi (Redmi line), Amazfit, and Huawei to get a quality product with fitness features and real health monitoring for a modest price, as well as a battery designed for one to two weeks.
Are There Affordable Smartwatches with NFC?
Such watches exist, but not all smartwatches with NFC are intended for contactless payments. Very cheap models use NFC only to unlock electronic locks or activate tags. For terminal payments, models supporting official digital wallets such as Google Pay, Samsung Wallet, or Apple Pay are required, which are compatible with Brazilian banks. The best value-for-money options today are the entry-level Samsung models (Galaxy Watch). For iPhone users, the best option is the entry-level Apple Watch SE.
Which Affordable Smartwatch Has GPS?
The Amazfit Bip 6 is a smartwatch with integrated GPS that offers the best price-to-performance ratio. The Huawei Band 11 Pro also has its own GPS, but as a smart band, it offers fewer additional features compared to the Amazfit smartwatch.
Differences Between Smartwatches and Smart Bands
The main difference between smartwatches and smart bands lies in design and functionality. Generally, smartwatches are seen as an extension of the smartphone, possessing productivity, communication, and advanced health features. Smart bands, on the other hand, are usually lighter and more compact, focusing on health, sleep, and physical activity monitoring, with more basic smartphone integration.