Apple Watch or Budget Watch… Is the Battery Life Really Worth It?

Seeking Advice
1

I’ve been using an Apple Watch SE (first-gen) for a few years. My dad wanted a smartwatch too, but since he uses an Android phone, we got him a Redmi watch. After setting it up and testing it, I started wondering… why does the Apple Watch battery last just 1.5 days?

Both watches do similar stuff: show time, count steps, track sleep, monitor heart rate, and show notifications. That’s all I use my Apple Watch for anyway. But the battery life is worlds apart: 1.5 days vs. 14 days.

This is bugging me even more after updating to watchOS 10, which has made my Apple Watch slower. I feel like I’ll need to replace it soon. Am I missing some Apple Watch features that justify this? And for those who switched, how bad is it using a cheaper smartwatch with an iPhone?

2

I got a Redmi Watch 3 in August, and I’ve been amazed by the battery life and how well it works for the price.

I showed it to two friends who use Apple Watches. One loved the battery life and features, especially for the price. The other said they don’t mind charging every day since their Apple Watch is like having their phone on their wrist.

Do most Apple Watch users even use sleep tracking, or do they just charge it overnight? I also wonder how reliable an Apple Watch is for emergency calls if the battery drains so quickly.

3

@Morgan
I use my Apple Watch for sleep tracking and charge it in the morning while I shower. This routine works fine for me. My issue isn’t just the battery but understanding what extra features justify the price and shorter battery life. Are you using your Redmi Watch with an iPhone? Do you feel like you’re missing anything?

4

The Apple Watch is almost like having a phone on your wrist. It’s all about the smart features—installing apps, replying to messages, and doing as much as you can without pulling out your phone. If you don’t use apps or reply to messages on your watch, a budget smartwatch might be just as good for you. Most of them can show notifications, count steps, track sleep (though Apple does this better), and monitor heart rate.

5

@Val
Thanks for the input. Honestly, after four years with my Apple Watch, I’ve barely used any of the apps. I might check 5% of them, and I rarely do anything beyond notifications. Using a tiny screen when my phone is right there feels odd. What apps or features do you find actually useful?

6

@Lane
For me, it’s all about convenience. Here’s what I do:

  1. Filter notifications so I know if something’s important enough to grab my phone.
  2. Check weather, tides, moon phases, sunrise/sunset times, and use tools like a calculator or altimeter.
  3. Navigation during hikes or trips, even saving reference points for later.
  4. Health tracking—it’s helped me adjust my habits and even meds. My doctor was impressed with my improved health metrics.
  5. Fitness tracking for activities like walking, hiking, rowing, and yoga. Plus, training programs with built-in coaching that sync with my health data.

For me, it’s worth it, but it depends on what you’ll actually use.

7

What can the Apple Watch do that cheaper smartwatches can’t?

I have a Garmin, and I only charge it twice a month. It can do:

  • Turn-by-turn directions on trails without needing my phone.
  • Show maps directly on the watch.
  • Pair with a radar tail light for road cycling to alert me of cars.
  • Do ECG, broadcast heart rate to fitness equipment, and play music without a phone.
  • It even has a flashlight for late-night trips to the bathroom.

How does the Apple Watch justify its short battery life?

8

@Kiran
I’m not considering Garmin because of the cost, but I hear they pack in way more features than the Apple Watch and still manage better battery life. It’s surprising to me too.

9

Lane said:
@Kiran
I’m not considering Garmin because of the cost, but I hear they pack in way more features than the Apple Watch and still manage better battery life. It’s surprising to me too.

Totally get it. For what it’s worth, my Garmin Fenix 6 broke after three years. Their warranty is only one year, but when I called, they sent me a brand-new one for free. I had to send the broken one back, though.

10

You’re oversimplifying. Apple Watches can do way more, but to pull that off, they need more advanced hardware and software, which uses more battery.

If you’re just using it for basic stuff like steps and notifications, a cheaper watch makes more sense. Why pay for features you don’t use?

11

@Vesper
That’s exactly my question. What specific features does the Apple Watch offer that make a big difference? I haven’t tried another watch long enough to know what I’d miss if I switched. Could you share examples of things you can only do with an Apple Watch?

12

@Lane
Mainly, it’s about having better screens and support for third-party apps. Apple and Galaxy Watches have advanced operating systems that allow app isolation, permissions, APIs, etc. This makes them more powerful but also drains the battery.

13

@Vesper
I get that. But which apps do you personally use that make it worth it for you?

14

Lane said:
@Vesper
I get that. But which apps do you personally use that make it worth it for you?

I switched from a Galaxy Watch to a Garmin Venu 3. The apps I used most on my Galaxy Watch were Komoot, Google Keep, Google Maps, Calendar, and a voice recorder.

Others love Google Home, Wallet, Assistant, WhatsApp, Gmail, and voice-to-text features. If none of this matters to you, a simpler watch is probably a better fit.