Apple Watch SE 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 vs Fitbit Versa 4 – Battle of 2025’s Best Budget Smartwatches

Apple Watch SE 3 adds flagship features at a lower price: Apple’s new Watch SE 3 (announced Sep. 2025) finally gets an always-on display, a faster S10 chip, and advanced health tools like sleep score and temperature sensing, all starting at $249 ^[1] ^[2]. It delivers many “trickle-down features from pricier Apple Watches” ^[3] while retaining the seamless iPhone integration and App Store support Apple is known for.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is a premium pick for Android users: Launched in 2023 at $299 for 40mm ^[4], the Galaxy Watch 6 offers a classic round AMOLED display with slim bezels and optional rotating bezel, plus robust health tracking (heart rate, ECG, blood oxygen, even body composition) ^[5]. It runs Google’s Wear OS for rich smart features and Google apps, though its ~1.5-day battery life (40 hours max) ^[6] means more frequent charging than Fitbit.
Fitbit Versa 4 focuses on fitness and endurance: Priced around $199 (often less on sale) ^[7], the Versa 4 delivers the basics – step tracking, 24/7 heart-rate, GPS, and top-notch sleep analysis – with an impressive 6+ day battery life ^[8]. However, it’s “a bit of a stretch to call it a smartwatch” due to missing apps and advanced features ^[9]. It’s essentially a user-friendly fitness watch that’s comfortable to wear and needs charging only once a week.
Design differs for each: The Apple Watch SE 3 and Fitbit Versa 4 sport square-ish designs (in 40mm/44mm and ~40mm sizes respectively), while the Galaxy Watch 6 has a traditional round watch look (40mm/44mm, plus a larger Classic variant) ^[10]. All feature bright color displays with always-on mode for at-a-glance info ^[11] ^[12], and each is water-resistant for swimming (50m) ^[13] ^[14]. Apple uses Ion-X strengthened glass (4× more crack-resistant than the last SE) ^[15] and an aluminum case in Midnight or Starlight finishes ^[16]. Samsung’s build includes durable sapphire crystal and even a stainless-steel rotating bezel on the Watch 6 Classic, giving it a more “elegant, traditional aesthetic” ^[17]. The Versa 4 is thin and lightweight, prioritizing comfort for all-day wear (Fitbit calls it a design that “fits more naturally on the wrist”) ^[18].
Performance and software: Apple’s Watch SE 3 packs the S10 64-bit dual-core chip, essentially the same fast processor as Apple’s high-end models ^[19]. This means the SE 3 feels snappy and is future-proof for new features – Engadget notes the SE 3 can run watchOS 26’s latest tricks (like Workout Buddy coaching and Live Translation) just like its pricier siblings ^[20]. The Galaxy Watch 6 uses Samsung’s Exynos W930 chip with 2GB RAM ^[21], a modest upgrade over its predecessor but still delivering a “speedy and efficient” Wear OS 4 experience ^[22] for smooth app use and navigation. The Versa 4’s operating system is more basic; its interface is easy to use and responsive for fitness stats ^[23], but it doesn’t run third-party apps or advanced multitasking. In fact, Google removed many smartwatch features from Fitbit’s platform – no more third-party app gallery, no Wi-Fi, and no Google Assistant support on Versa 4(Alexa is available) ^[24] ^[25]. This makes the Versa 4’s performance needs minimal, and it handles fitness tracking tasks well, but you won’t be doing much beyond the built-in functions.
Battery life and charging: This is where the three diverge sharply. The Apple Watch SE 3 is rated for 18 hours of typical use (essentially one full day) ^[26] – you’ll be charging it nightly in most cases. Apple did add fast-charging, so you can get about 80% charge in 45 minutes ^[27] (roughly 8 hours of use from just a 15-minute top-up ^[28]). The Galaxy Watch 6 can stretch close to 2 days: Samsung claims up to 40 hours with the always-on display off (around 30 hours with it on) ^[29]. In real life that means charging roughly every other day – an improvement over prior Galaxy models but still not week-long endurance. (For those prioritizing battery above all, Samsung’s older Watch 5 Pro offered a beefy 80-hour battery, though at higher cost ^[30].) Fitbit’s Versa 4 is the endurance champ – it manages 6+ days on a charge with default settings ^[31], thanks to its pared-down features. Even if you enable the always-on display or use GPS frequently, it far outlasts Apple and Samsung rivals. And when you do need to charge, Fitbit’s fast charge gives a day’s worth of power in about 12 minutes ^[32] ^[33]. This extended battery life makes Versa 4 ideal for sleep tracking and continuous wear – no daily charging routine to worry about. Apple has introduced a Low Power Mode (dropping some functions) that can extend the SE 3 to about 32 hours ^[34], but it’s not meant for multi-day stints. In short: Fitbit wins on battery life hands down ^[35], whereas Apple and Samsung trade frequent charging for more advanced capabilities.
Health and fitness tracking: All three watches cover the basics – step counting, heart-rate monitoring, calorie burn, GPS for distance, and sleep tracking – but with different levels of depth. The Apple Watch SE 3 significantly upgrades its health toolkit compared to the last gen. It now includes a wrist temperature sensor for cycle and fertility tracking (it can estimate ovulation dates retrospectively) ^[36], and it introduces Sleep Score and sleep apnea notifications for more insight into your nights ^[37] ^[38]. It retains all the core Apple Watch fitness features like high/low heart rate alerts, irregular rhythm (AFib) notifications ^[39], Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and Emergency SOS. However, the SE 3 still lacks ECG and blood oxygen sensors – it’s not a full medical-grade device. As Engadget quipped, “The Apple Watch SE 3 can’t do [blood pressure or ECG]… As I said in my letter, it’s OK if my watch isn’t a doctor’s office.” ^[40] Apple’s philosophy for the SE seems to be covering key wellness needs without straying into the pricier clinical sensors. For fitness enthusiasts, SE 3 can track a wide range of workouts (running, cycling, yoga, swimming, and more) with features like heart-rate zones, custom workouts, and even new metrics like running dynamics in watchOS – plenty for the average user.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 offers arguably the most comprehensive health sensor array of the trio. It features Samsung’s BioActive sensor suite: continuous optical heart rate (with improved irregular heart rhythm alerts for AFib detection) ^[41], ECG readings (electrocardiogram, though note you typically need a Samsung phone for the ECG app to work), blood oxygen saturation, and even a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) sensor to measure body composition (body fat percentage, muscle mass) ^[42]. It also has a skin temperature sensor, which Samsung uses for advanced cycle tracking and wellness insights (similar to Apple) ^[43]. The Watch 6 can auto-detect many exercises and supports 40+ workout modes, offering coached training tools like personalized heart-rate zones to optimize your workouts ^[44]. Sleep tracking on the Galaxy Watch is particularly rich, with Samsung’s new Sleep Score and “Sleep Coaching” program that assigns you a cute animal mascot to represent your sleep type and offers tips to improve rest ^[45] – and unlike Fitbit, Samsung doesn’t charge a subscription for full sleep metrics ^[46]. Overall, Galaxy Watch 6 prioritizes health monitoring – Samsung even touts its new Afib notification feature as positioning the Watch 6 among the “best smartwatches for detecting signs of AFib” ^[47]. Plus, the Watch 6 adds niceties like stress tracking (with breathing exercises) and blood pressure monitoring in certain regions (again, Samsung phone required and not FDA-approved in the U.S.), making it a well-rounded health device for those in the Android ecosystem.
Fitbit’s Versa 4 centers on fundamental fitness tracking and simplicity. It doesn’t have fancy ECG or EDA stress sensors (those are reserved for the higher-end Fitbit Sense line) ^[48], but it covers day-to-day wellness quite well. The Versa 4 continuously monitors your heart rate and can warn of irregular rhythms (Fitbit wearables will “continuously scan for irregular heart-rate rhythms” as part of Fitbit’s Heart Rhythm Notifications) ^[49]. It also tracks blood oxygen (SpO₂) during sleep and even logs skin temperature variations at night for Wellness reports ^[50] ^[51]. Fitbit’s standout is the user-friendly presentation of health data: the Fitbit app gives you an intuitive dashboard of steps, active minutes, heart rate, and one of the industry’s best sleep tracking experiences. You get detailed sleep stage breakdowns and a nightly Sleep Score that simplifies how well you slept ^[52] ^[53]. (Some advanced analytics – like long-term sleep profiles, snore detection, or Daily Readiness recovery scores – do require an optional Fitbit Premium subscription.) In daily use, the Versa 4 counts 40+ exercise modes and has built-in GPS for runs and bike rides. It’s a capable workout companion for casual fitness fans, though more serious athletes might find its metrics basic – as Wareable’s review noted, Fitbit hasn’t added deeper stats like training load or recovery times that some competitors offer ^[54] ^[55]. Still, for goals like step-counting, general workouts, weight loss, or improving sleep, the Versa 4 “performs as well as anything on the market” in reliability ^[56]. It’s essentially the distilled essence of Fitbit’s wellness expertise.
Smart features and ecosystem: Outside of fitness, the Apple Watch SE 3 and Galaxy Watch 6 behave like mini smartphones on your wrist, whereas the Fitbit Versa 4 is more limited in “smart” capabilities. Apple’s watchOS on the SE 3 gives you a vast app ecosystem – you can download apps from the App Store (everything from Spotify to Strava to games), use Apple services like Apple Pay for tap-to-pay, get notifications and respond to messages, and even play music or podcasts aloud via the SE 3’s built-in speaker ^[57]. The new S10 chip enables on-device Siri processing, so voice requests (setting reminders, starting workouts, etc.) are faster and can even access health data offline ^[58]. The SE 3 also now supports the nifty “Double Tap” gesture – you can answer calls or pause alarms by just tapping your thumb and forefinger together in mid-air ^[59] – and a wrist-flick gesture to dismiss notifications ^[60], adding convenience for one-handed use. Essentially, with an iPhone nearby, the Apple Watch SE 3 can handle calls, texts, Siri queries, smart home controls, and run a myriad of apps. It even has safety features like international emergency calling and the ability to share your location if needed. The main smart feature it lacks compared to Apple’s higher-end models is the UWB chip (for precise device finding) and some high-end sensors already mentioned – but in day-to-day use, an SE 3 does almost everything a flagship Apple Watch can do, at a lower cost. Tech experts have called the Apple Watch SE series one of Apple’s best-value offerings; in fact, the prior gen was dubbed “the best smartwatch $250 can buy” by Engadget’s Cherlynn Low ^[61], and the SE 3 only improves on that formula.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6, running Wear OS 4 with Samsung’s One UI Watch overlay, is similarly feature-packed for Android users. You have access to the Google Play Store on the watch, so you can install popular apps like Google Maps (yes, you can navigate from your wrist), Spotify or YouTube Music (with offline downloads for runs), messaging apps, ride-share apps, and more. The Watch 6 also integrates tightly with Google services and Samsung’s ecosystem: it supports Google Assistant (as well as Samsung’s own Bixby, so you can choose your voice assistant), and features Google Wallet for contactless payments and Google Maps for turn-by-turn navigation right on the watch ^[62] ^[63]. Of course, it shows all your phone’s notifications and allows voice replies or on-screen typing replies. If you have a Samsung phone, you get a bit extra: the Watch 6 can remotely control your phone’s camera (great for group selfies) ^[64], and Samsung’s ecosystem features like SmartThings integration and seamless device switching are in play. The watch comes in Bluetooth or LTE models, so you can opt for standalone cellular connectivity (leave your phone at home and still receive calls/texts – similar to the cellular version of Apple Watch). On the safety front, Galaxy Watch 6 has fall detection with auto-dial emergency capabilities (now improved to trigger even if you’re standing still, for broader safety coverage) ^[65], and SOS messaging features. Essentially, the Galaxy Watch 6 is one of the most “full-featured” smartwatches on Android – Android Authority praised its combination of a “larger, brighter” display and the “powerful Wear OS experience” that makes it a true smartphone companion ^[66] ^[67]. The only caveats: it won’t work at all with iPhones, and some features (like ECG or blood pressure) are unlocked only when paired with Samsung phones due to app restrictions. But for Android users, especially those with a Samsung Galaxy device, the Watch 6 offers an extremely robust smartwatch ecosystem on par with Apple’s.
Fitbit’s Versa 4, by contrast, takes a minimalist approach to smart features. You will get smartphone notifications (calls, texts, app alerts) on your wrist, and Android users can send quick replies or voice replies via the watch. It also features Amazon Alexa built-in – there’s a microphone for you to ask Alexa questions or set timers. (Notably, Fitbit dropped Google Assistant support on this model, despite now being a Google company ^[68].) The Versa 4 can do basic tasks like alarms, timers, and weather forecasts, and it does support Bluetooth phone calls(after an update) – meaning you can use the watch as a speakerphone for calls, though this is a secondary feature and the tiny speaker is just passable for short chats. Music support is very limited: you can control smartphone music playback, but Fitbit removed the ability to store music on the watch or even control Spotify on-device ^[69], so no more running with just a Versa and headphones unless you use a music watch app (which, again, Fitbit doesn’t really have now). On the plus side, Google did add Google Maps and Wallet to the Versa 4 in software updates ^[70], leveraging the GPS and NFC – you can see map directions on your wrist when your phone’s navigation is running, and you can tap-and-pay at stores using the watch (via Google Wallet or Fitbit Pay). Still, there’s no app store or third-party apps to expand functionality; you’re basically using what’s built-in. Fitbit’s philosophy here is to keep things simple and focused on health. As Tom’s Guide put it, the Versa 4 “lacks the apps and features” of more advanced smartwatches, but if you just want an easy-to-read fitness tracker with notifications and great battery life, “it’s a great option.” ^[71]
Compatibility: These devices differ in what phones they’ll work with, which is crucial to consider. Apple Watch SE 3 is compatible only with Apple’s iPhone – you need an iPhone (with the latest iOS) to set up and use an Apple Watch. If you’re not an iPhone user, the Apple Watch is off the table. Conversely, if you are an iPhone user, Apple Watch tends to offer the deepest integration (it ties into iMessage, Apple Photos, Siri, etc., in ways third-party devices on iOS cannot). Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 is designed for Android phones – it will work with any phone running Android 10 or later ^[72], but notably it does not support iOS at all. Within Android, it works best with Samsung’s own phones; while you can use a Watch 6 with, say, a Google Pixel or other brand, certain health features (the ECG, blood pressure app) require Samsung’s exclusive Health Monitor app, which officially only runs on Samsung Galaxy phones ^[73]. For core features, any modern Android will do, but Samsung Galaxy owners get the most seamless experience. Fitbit’s Versa 4 offers the broadest compatibility – it syncs with both iPhones and Android phones via the Fitbit app. Whether you carry an iPhone or a Samsung/Android, you can use the Versa 4 to track fitness and get notifications. This cross-platform support is a nice perk; for example, if you have an iPhone but find Apple Watches too pricey or their battery life too short, a Versa 4 is a budget-friendly wearable that will still work with your device. Keep in mind though, the integration on iOS is not as deep (you won’t be replying to iMessages from a Fitbit, for instance). Overall, for iPhone users the Apple Watch SE 3 is the natural fit (and indeed Wareable doesn’t recommend choosing the Versa 4 over an Apple Watch if you have an iPhone due to the feature gap ^[74]). Android users can choose between Samsung’s richer smartwatch experience or Fitbit’s simpler cross-platform approach. And if you frequently switch phone platforms, Fitbit’s device is the only one of these three that can hop between iOS and Android ecosystems with you.
Price and value: The Apple Watch SE 3 starts at $249 for the 40mm GPS model, or $279 for the 44mm (GPS) ^[75]. Adding cellular capability (so you can use it without your phone nearby) costs extra (~$50 more). Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 launched at $299 for 40mm and $329 for 44mm (Bluetooth versions) ^[76]; LTE variants add about $50. The higher-end Galaxy Watch 6 Classic (with the fancy rotating bezel) was $399+, so we’re focusing on the standard Watch 6 prices which align more with Apple’s range. The Fitbit Versa 4 debuted at $229, but by late 2023 its MSRP dropped to $199 ^[77], and it’s often discounted further (it’s not uncommon to find it around $150 during sales). Clearly, the Versa 4 tends to be the cheapest option of the three. But value is about what you get for the price: Each watch here targets a slightly different user. For iPhone owners, the Apple Watch SE 3 is widely seen as the best value in Apple’s lineup – it undercuts the flagship models in price significantly while now offering an always-on screen and many advanced features that were previously upsell-only. As TechRadar’s Matt Evans noted, Apple uses some older components in the SE to keep costs down, but “that won’t matter to the target audience: its lower price tag will” ^[78], especially since the SE 3 “now just happens to come with features that were brand new a few years ago.” ^[79] In other words, you’re getting a tremendous bang for your buck if you don’t need the absolute latest sensors like ECG. For Android users, the Galaxy Watch 6 justifies its slightly higher price by behaving like a premium smartwatch – you’re paying roughly the same as an Apple SE, but for the best-in-class Android watch experience (particularly if you have a Samsung phone to fully utilize it). It’s a worthy competitor with a beautiful design and comprehensive features that often outshine the Apple Watch in specs (though not in battery life). The Fitbit Versa 4’s value lies in its affordability and battery stamina. It’s the budget pick that covers the essentials: you save $50+ compared to Apple’s SE and get a week-long battery, but you sacrifice the richer functionalities. For some buyers – especially those mainly interested in health metrics and not app ecosystems – that trade-off will be worth it. However, as one review put it, the Versa 4 feels “like a completely nerfed smartwatch experience compared to the [Apple] SE” ^[80]. It’s best for people who explicitly prioritize simplicity, longevity, and price. If you want a full smartwatch with apps and advanced features, spending a bit more on the Apple or Samsung will likely be a better long-term investment (or consider other Wear OS watches in the same price bracket).

Bottom line: in 2025’s competitive wearable market, Apple Watch SE 3, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, and Fitbit Versa 4 each carve out a niche. The SE 3 is the go-to choice for most iPhone users, packing high-end capabilities into a mid-tier price and delivering the polish of Apple’s ecosystem ^[81] ^[82]. The Galaxy Watch 6 stands out as an Android powerhouse – arguably the best smartwatch for Android at its price – with a vibrant design and health features that even Apple’s SE can’t match (though you pay a bit more for it) ^[83] ^[84]. Meanwhile, the Versa 4 proves you don’t need to break the bank to get a great fitness tracker; it’s the practical, no-frills option that excels in wellness tracking and battery endurance ^[85] ^[86]. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to the phone you use and what you value most in a wearable. If you want a well-rounded smartwatch experienceand are in the Apple or Android camp accordingly, the Watch SE 3 and Galaxy Watch 6 won’t disappoint – they offer lively always-on displays, robust fitness tracking, and a suite of smart features to keep you connected. On the other hand, if you prefer a streamlined health watch that you can wear 24/7 without worrying about nightly charging, the Fitbit Versa 4 is a compelling pick, so long as you’re okay with a more limited feature set. Each of these devices has earned praise in its category: from tech experts lauding Apple for trickling down premium features to the SE 3 ^[87], to Samsung’s Watch 6 being recognized for prioritizing health and bringing back fan-favorite design elements ^[88] ^[89], to Fitbit continuing its legacy of accessible fitness tracking. In summary, Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit each offer a strong value proposition in the mid-range smartwatch arena – your ideal choice will hinge on your smartphone platform and whether you crave a top-tier smartwatch or a long-lasting fitness companion.

Sources: Apple Newsroom; The Verge ^[90] ^[91], TechRadar ^[92], Tom’s Guide ^[93] ^[94], Android Authority ^[95] ^[96], Wareable ^[97], Engadget ^[98] ^[99].