Redmi Watch 6 vs Apple Watch SE vs Galaxy Fit3: Best Budget Smartwatch 2026

Shopping for an affordable smartwatch in 2026 comes down to three names: the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 6, the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and the Samsung Galaxy Fit3. All three track your health, survive the pool and cost far less than a flagship, but they serve very different buyers. The Redmi brings a giant sunlight-readable display and marathon battery, the Apple Watch SE brings the watchOS app ecosystem iPhone owners love, and the Galaxy Fit3 brings Samsung health tracking at the lowest price, this comparison breaks down every spec that matters so you buy once and buy right.

Quick Verdict

• Best overall value: Xiaomi Redmi Watch 6, biggest display, longest battery, built-in dual-band GPS, and it works with both Android and iPhone.
• Best for iPhone owners who want apps: Apple Watch SE, full watchOS app store, cellular option and deep iPhone integration, but nightly charging.
• Best ultra-budget pick: Samsung Galaxy Fit3, 13-day battery and 5ATM + IP68 at the lowest price, but no built-in GPS and Android-only.
• Best for running without a phone: Xiaomi Redmi Watch 6, accurate built-in GPS; the Fit3 borrows your phone's GPS.

Full Specs Comparison Table

Feature	Redmi Watch 6	Apple Watch SE (2nd gen)	Galaxy Fit3
Display	2.07" AMOLED, 432×514	1.78"/1.93" Retina OLED	1.6" AMOLED, 256×402
Peak Brightness	2000 nits	1000 nits	~600 nits
Battery Life	12 days typical (24 max)	18 hours	Up to 13 days
Built-in GPS	Yes, dual-band 5-system	Yes	No (phone GPS only)
Phone Compatibility	Android + iPhone	iPhone only	Android only
Calls	Bluetooth calls	Calls + cellular option	Notifications, quick replies
Water Resistance	5ATM, swim-proof	50m, swim-proof	5ATM + IP68
Blood Oxygen (SpO2)	Yes	No	Yes
App Store	No (built-in apps)	Yes, full watchOS store	No (built-in apps)
Weight	31 g	26.4–32.9 g	36.8 g
Sports Modes	150+	80+ workout types	100+
Price Range	~$100–115	~$189–249	~$60

Xiaomi Redmi Watch 6: The Value Champion

The Redmi Watch 6 wins this comparison on pure value. Its 2.07-inch 2000-nit AMOLED display embarrasses both rivals outdoors, the 12-day real-world battery means you charge twice a month instead of twice a day, and the dual-band GPS tracks runs without a phone. It is also the only one of the three that pairs with both Android and iPhone, so it survives your next phone switch.

Read the full hands-on verdict in our Xiaomi Redmi Watch 6 review.

Price on Mercado Livre: Check current Redmi Watch 6 price

Apple Watch SE: The iPhone Owner's Pick

The Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) is the only watch here that feels like a tiny iPhone: full watchOS app store, Apple Pay, Siri, crash and fall detection, Emergency SOS and an optional cellular model that works without any phone nearby. Its S8 chip keeps everything fluid, and build quality is a cut above.

The price is literally two charges a day: 18-hour battery means nightly charging, the 1000-nit display washes out sooner in harsh sun, there is no blood-oxygen sensor, and it only talks to iPhones. At roughly twice the Redmi's price, you pay for the ecosystem, not the hardware.

Galaxy Fit3: The Ultra-Budget Choice

The Galaxy Fit3 is the cheapest way into serious health tracking: 13-day battery, 5ATM + IP68 sealing, SpO2, sleep and stress tracking, and Samsung Health, one of the best companion apps, for around $60. It is slim, light on the wrist and happily survives pools and rain.

The compromises are real: no built-in GPS (runs borrow your phone's signal), a small 1.6-inch dimmer screen, no speaker or microphone for voice calls, and Android-only pairing, iPhone owners need not apply. Think of it as a supercharged fitness band rather than a true smartwatch.

Head-to-Head: Redmi Watch 6 vs Apple Watch SE

The Redmi wins on display (2000 vs 1000 nits), battery (12 days vs 18 hours), SpO2 sensing and price (~$100 vs ~$189+). The SE fights back with the watchOS app store, Apple Pay, cellular option and safety features like crash detection. iPhone owners who live in apps should get the SE; everyone else gets more hardware per dollar with the Redmi.

Head-to-Head: Redmi Watch 6 vs Galaxy Fit3

The Redmi justifies its ~$40 premium with a far bigger and brighter screen, real built-in GPS, Bluetooth voice calling and iPhone support. The Fit3 counters with Samsung Health polish, IP68 dust sealing and a lower sticker price. Runners and iPhone users: Redmi, no contest. Pure step-counters on Android chasing the lowest price: Fit3.

Head-to-Head: Apple Watch SE vs Galaxy Fit3

Different planets: the SE is a full smartwatch with apps, payments and optional LTE for ~3x the money; the Fit3 is a fitness band with a great app and two-week battery. The only buyers cross-shopping them are gift-givers deciding how much wrist-computer the recipient actually needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of the three has the best battery life?

The Galaxy Fit3 and Redmi Watch 6 both last around two weeks (13 and 12 days typically), with the Redmi stretching to 24 days in saver mode. The Apple Watch SE needs charging every night at 18 hours.

Which one works with my phone?

The Redmi Watch 6 pairs with both Android and iPhone. The Apple Watch SE is iPhone-only and the Galaxy Fit3 is Android-only, check compatibility before you buy either.

Which is best for running without a phone?

The Redmi Watch 6 (dual-band GPS) and Apple Watch SE (built-in GPS) both track runs phone-free. The Galaxy Fit3 has no GPS of its own and must borrow your phone's signal.

Can I swim with all three?

Yes. The Redmi Watch 6 (5ATM), Apple Watch SE (50m) and Galaxy Fit3 (5ATM + IP68) are all rated for pool swimming. Avoid hot water, saunas and diving with any of them.

Is the Apple Watch SE worth twice the price?

Only for committed iPhone users who want apps, Apple Pay and optional cellular. On pure hardware, display, battery, GPS, SpO2. The Redmi Watch 6 gives you more for half the money.