Buying a smartwatch on Black Friday: a compatibility checklist
Short answer: Before you buy, check that the watch works with your phone, that you know what it needs to run (plan, subscription, charger), and that it is the current version. A discount is only a good deal if the watch fits how you will use it. This page lists the seven checks that prevent the usual regrets.
Last verified September 26, 2026. Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday, November 27. This is a checklist, not a deals page: we do not list prices or promotions.
1. Does it work with your phone?
This is the check that most often goes wrong. Some watches only work with iPhone, others only with Android, and a few work with both. A good price on a watch your phone cannot pair with is wasted. See Apple Watch with Android and Galaxy Watch with iPhone.
2. Is it the version you think it is?
Sales often include last year's model, regional variants or a different size. Check the exact model name, the case size and whether it is the cellular or Bluetooth version. The model name in our catalog is the one to match. Compare with its predecessor if you are unsure.
3. Does it need a plan or a subscription?
Cellular models need a carrier plan to use their cellular features, and some brands lock features behind a subscription. Check before you buy. See Do smartwatches need a data plan?.
4. Does the battery fit your week?
Claimed battery life depends on the test. Match like with like: typical use to typical use, saver mode to saver mode. See battery life explained.
5. Is it right for what you will do?
Runners should look at the GPS type, swimmers at the water rating, and travellers at battery and connectivity. See dual-frequency GPS and water resistance.
6. Will it fit your wrist?
A watch that is too large lifts off the skin and reads worse. Measure first: how to measure your wrist.
7. What is the return policy?
Ask the seller about the return window for watches, and whether it covers opened items. Sale periods sometimes have shorter windows. Keep the packaging until you are sure.
What our catalog says about phone compatibility
| Brand | iOS only | Android only | iOS and Android | eSIM or LTE | Dual-band GNSS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin | 0 | 0 | 33 | 6 | 16 | 33 |
| Amazfit | 0 | 0 | 26 | 0 | 12 | 26 |
| Mibro | 0 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 4 | 25 |
| Huawei | 0 | 0 | 23 | 3 | 13 | 23 |
| Xiaomi | 0 | 2 | 17 | 1 | 7 | 19 |
| Kospet | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 10 | 15 |
| Maxcom | 0 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
| 0 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 13 | |
| Samsung | 0 | 13 | 0 | 12 | 7 | 13 |
| Polar | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 10 |
| Apple | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 5 | 9 |
| Blackview | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| SaveFamily | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Denver | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Tracer | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| HONOR | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| COROS | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
| SPC | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Suunto | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 6 |
| OnePlus | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Realme | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Imoo | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| ASUS | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| Maimo | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Withings | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Garett | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Kidiwatch | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Motorola | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Nothing | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Ulefone | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| ZTE | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Anio | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Gabb | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| IMILAB | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Lenovo | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Mediatech | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Mobvoi | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| OPPO | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Spacetalk | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| TCL | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| TickTalk | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Verizon | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Vivo | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| WatchMe | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Xplora | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| myFirst | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 9 | 26 | 275 | 40 | 99 | 310 |
Before you check out
- Write down your phone model and its operating system version.
- Note the exact watch model, size and version in the listing.
- Check whether the watch needs a plan or a subscription.
- Confirm the return window.
- Compare the listing with the model in our catalog.
Compatibility and features change with updates. Check the maker's current details before buying. Some buy links may earn WristGuide a commission at no extra cost to you. See our methodology and affiliate disclosure.