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Apple Watch Series 9 - The Flagship of All-in-One Smartwatches

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. s-9-the-flagship-of-all-in-one-smartwatches.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 12:07 GMT by nbcnews.com

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Smartwatches of 2025 (NBC News Summary)

NBC News’ “Best Smartwatches” roundup is a go‑to resource for anyone looking to add a wearable companion to their daily routine. The article pulls together product research, hands‑on testing, and consumer reviews to distill the most compelling options across a range of price points, operating systems, and use‑case scenarios. In the following summary, I’ll walk through each smartwatch highlighted in the piece, explain why it stood out, and give you a quick snapshot of the strengths and potential trade‑offs you’ll encounter.

1. Apple Watch Series 9 – The Flagship of “All‑in‑One”

What NBC says:
- New S9 Silicon – The Apple Watch Series 9 is powered by Apple’s latest S9 chip, offering a 20 % boost in performance and a new “Always‑On Retina Display” that’s brighter and more power‑efficient than its predecessor.
- Health‑First Features – In addition to a standard ECG sensor, the Series 9 now ships with a blood‑oxygen sensor that can track your SpO₂ levels with unprecedented accuracy. Apple has also added “Sleep Tracking” with detailed insights and an optional “Sleep Aid” feature that gradually dims the display to help you wind down.
- Battery & Durability – A full day’s battery life (up to 18 hours under normal use) is still a hard sell for many, but Apple has made a modest improvement by reducing the display’s power draw. The watch also features a new “IP6X” dust‑resistant rating and improved water‑resistance at 50 meters.
- Software & Ecosystem – The watch runs WatchOS 10, a system that feels seamless if you already own an iPhone. The “Fitness+” subscription is an optional add‑on, but the built‑in “Workout” tracking covers everything from running to swimming.

Why it’s recommended:
- If you’re entrenched in the Apple ecosystem, the Series 9 feels like the natural evolution of an already‑high‑performance device.
- The battery life is respectable for a smartwatch that packs a health‑monitoring, GPS, and media‑control toolbox.

Potential downsides:
- The price starts at $399 (Series 9) and $399 (Series 9 Ultra), which is steep for those on a tight budget.
- If you don’t own an iPhone, you’ll miss the full experience—many of the best apps and integrations are Apple‑only.

2. Apple Watch SE (2025) – The “Budget” Version

What NBC says:
- Price‑to‑Performance – The Apple Watch SE is a stripped‑down, budget‑friendly version of the Series 9, priced at around $199.
- Core Features – While it lacks the ECG sensor, it does have an optical heart‑rate monitor, fall detection, and the same GPS and Wi‑Fi radios.
- Battery & Design – Battery life is a little better, roughly 20 hours, because of the less power‑hungry display and lower‑power silicon.
- Software – It still runs WatchOS 10 but with limited app support compared to the Series 9. Many third‑party apps will skip the SE, but basic functionalities like notifications, music, and Apple Pay are fully available.

Why it’s recommended:
- Perfect for first‑time smartwatch buyers who want a solid Apple experience without the price tag.
- Works well for kids and teenagers because the watch can be managed via Family Setup.

Potential downsides:
- Lacks the advanced health sensors that the Series 9 offers (ECG, SpO₂).
- The display is not “Always‑On” and has a lower resolution.

3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 – Android’s Best Bet

What NBC says:
- New S4 Chip & “Dynamic AMOLED” Display – Samsung’s latest watch uses the S4 silicon, which gives a 25 % performance jump. The 1.4‑inch Dynamic AMOLED screen is bright (up to 1,200 cd/m²) and has an always‑on mode.
- Health Tracking – The Watch 6 includes an optical heart‑rate sensor, SpO₂, ECG, and a new “Body Composition” measurement that uses bio‑impedance to estimate muscle, fat, and bone mass.
- Battery & Design – Battery life is around 40 hours in mixed usage mode, a huge improvement from the previous model. The watch also has a new “Crown” dial that allows you to switch between watch faces with a simple twist.
- Software – Runs Wear OS 4 (in partnership with Google) but with Samsung’s custom “One UI” skin. It integrates seamlessly with Android phones and the Samsung ecosystem (Galaxy Buds, Samsung Health, etc.).

Why it’s recommended:
- Best choice for Android users who want an integrated health‑tracking experience.
- The battery life is a standout feature, especially for people who don’t want to charge daily.
- The “Body Composition” sensor is useful for fitness enthusiasts and people who want to track body metrics.

Potential downsides:
- Not all Wear OS apps are optimized for the watch’s new UI.
- The watch can feel a bit bulky on smaller wrists.

4. Google Pixel Watch – Google’s Wear OS Showcase

What NBC says:
- Design & Display – The Pixel Watch is Google’s first true “smartwatch” and features a circular, matte‑black band with a 1.2‑inch AMOLED display.
- Health & Fitness – It ships with a heart‑rate monitor and a new “Health Sensors” API that works with third‑party fitness apps like Strava and Runtastic.
- Google Integration – The watch is tightly bound to Google services: You can use Google Assistant, view Calendar events, and even stream YouTube music directly from the band.
- Battery – It provides roughly 24 hours of battery life, a decent improvement over the Pixel Watch 1. The watch’s charging pad is magnetic and can charge the device from a distance.

Why it’s recommended:
- Ideal for Google ecosystem users who value voice assistant integration and the ability to run a wide variety of Wear OS apps.
- The Pixel Watch’s “Pixel Watch face” automatically updates with news, weather, and calendar events.

Potential downsides:
- It’s the most expensive Wear OS watch, priced around $399.
- Battery life is still a concern for those who travel a lot or want a watch that stays charged all day.

5. Fitbit Versa 4 – The “All‑In‑One Fitness Watch”

What NBC says:
- Health Tracking – The Versa 4 continues Fitbit’s legacy of strong health metrics: it tracks heart‑rate, sleep, SpO₂, and activity.
- Battery & Design – Battery life tops out at 6 days in normal use mode. The device has a lightweight, matte‑black band that’s comfortable for all-day wear.
- Software – Runs Fitbit OS, with a robust app ecosystem that supports third‑party fitness apps and smart‑home integrations.

Why it’s recommended:
- It’s a great fit for users who prioritize fitness tracking over premium features like cellular connectivity or advanced health sensors.
- The extended battery life is a huge plus for people who don’t want to worry about recharging daily.

Potential downsides:
- The display is not always on and isn’t as bright as Apple or Samsung counterparts.
- Advanced features such as ECG or body‑composition tracking are missing.

6. Garmin Fenix 7 – The Rugged, GPS‑Centric Watch

What NBC says:
- Durability & Battery – The Fenix 7 is built to endure the outdoors: it’s MIL‑STD‑810H tested, can handle 20,000 m altitude, and offers up to 21 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.
- GPS & Navigation – The watch has dual‑band GPS (GLONASS, Galileo), an altimeter, barometer, and a built‑in compass. It also offers advanced navigation features for hiking, trail running, and multi‑sport use.
- Health & Fitness – The device tracks heart‑rate, SpO₂, VO₂ max, and includes advanced training metrics.
- Software – Runs Garmin OS, with a library of third‑party apps and a robust “Garmin Connect” ecosystem for data analysis.

Why it’s recommended:
- Best for serious outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, triathletes, or anyone who wants a watch that can survive extreme conditions and deliver reliable GPS data.
- The long battery life and rugged build make it ideal for extended trips.

Potential downsides:
- The price is steep (starting at $600).
- Its user interface is not as modern or streamlined as Apple’s WatchOS or Samsung’s One UI.

7. Garmin Vivomove – The “Hybrid” for Style & Function

What NBC says:
- Design – This is a “hybrid” smartwatch that looks like a classic analog watch but features an LED display on the face.
- Tracking – The Vivomove 3 and 3 Plus model track heart‑rate, steps, sleep, and calories.
- Battery – Battery life reaches up to 20 days in smartwatch mode.
- Software – Works with Garmin’s Connect app for data sync.

Why it’s recommended:
- Great for people who want a smartwatch that looks like a traditional watch in a professional setting but still want fitness tracking.
- The long battery life means minimal maintenance.

Potential downsides:
- No GPS, no cellular, no advanced health sensors beyond heart‑rate.
- Limited app ecosystem compared to full‑featured smartwatches.

Quick Takeaways for Different Buyer Personas

How to Choose the Right Smartwatch

1. Ecosystem Compatibility – If you’re already using an iPhone, an Apple Watch is usually the best fit. Android users will generally find Samsung’s or Google’s watches the most integrated.
2. Key Features vs. Price – Decide which features matter most to you (ECG, SpO₂, GPS, battery life, or a long list of health metrics). A higher‑priced watch will usually offer a more comprehensive feature set, but many mid‑range watches can meet basic needs.
3. Lifestyle & Usage – Consider where you’ll use it: do you need a rugged watch for hiking or a smartwatch for office meetings? The design, durability, and battery life all play into this.
4. Battery Life – If you’re a frequent traveler or don’t want to charge daily, prioritize watches with extended battery life (Fitbit Versa 4, Garmin Fenix 7, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6).
5. Future‑Proofing – Newer models come with the latest chips and better firmware support. Buying a newer model may mean a longer useful lifespan.

Final Verdict

The NBC News roundup does an excellent job of distilling a crowded smartwatch market into an easy‑to‑read, decision‑making guide. While each smartwatch brings its own set of strengths, the article emphasizes that the best choice ultimately depends on which operating system you already own, what features you value most, and how much you’re willing to invest.

Whether you’re a die‑hard Apple fan looking for the latest health metrics, an Android user needing a dependable GPS watch, or someone who values long battery life over cutting‑edge sensors, the NBC News list covers it all. Armed with this summary, you can go into your next purchase with a clear idea of which watch aligns best with your daily routine and budget. Happy ticking!