The best smartwatch for your phone is the one that meets its operating-system requirements and gives you access to the features you want: Apple Watch Series 12 requires a recent iPhone, Google Pixel Watch 5 requires Android, and Samsung Galaxy Watch9 needs Android plus a minimum amount of phone memory.
Phone compatibility at a glance
| Smartwatch | Compatible phone and minimum requirement | Important restriction |
| Apple Watch Series 12 | iPhone 11 or later with iOS 27 or later | Apple Watch works with iPhone only. |
| Google Pixel Watch 5 | Android 12 or later | iPhone is unsupported. |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch9 | Android 13 or later and at least 1.5 GB of RAM | iOS is unsupported. Some Samsung Health Monitor features require a Samsung phone. |
For an iPhone owner choosing among these three, Apple Watch Series 12 is the compatible option. Android 12 meets the Pixel Watch 5 requirement; Galaxy Watch9 needs Android 13 and at least 1.5 GB of RAM. Pairing is just the first check for Samsung’s watch, though: some health features have a separate phone requirement.
What pairing changes in daily use
Galaxy Watch9: some health features require a Samsung phone
Samsung says its Health Monitor features for ECG, irregular-heart-rhythm notifications and sleep-apnea functions require a Samsung phone. So an Android phone that meets the Galaxy Watch9 pairing requirements does not, by itself, provide access to those features.
Pixel Watch 5: Android only
Google’s minimum is Android 12, and Pixel Watch 5 does not support iPhone. Michael Fisher reviewed the watch after seven weeks of use and paired it with multiple Android phones. Google supplied his review sample, and Facer sponsored the video.
Apple Watch Series 12: GPS or GPS + Cellular?
The GPS model can record workout distance, pace and route with its built-in GPS, without relying on the iPhone for that tracking. Calls, messages and notifications need the iPhone nearby or a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection. GPS + Cellular can handle calls and messages away from the iPhone when activated with a compatible plan.
That makes cellular useful for phone-free communication, not a requirement for recording a workout route. Apple lists Series 12 GPS starting prices of $399 for 42 mm and $449 for 46 mm; GPS + Cellular starts at $499.
US prices vary by size and connection
The figures below are tied to specific configurations. Apple’s US Store listed its prices on October 28, 2026. TechRepublic reported the Pixel Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch9 prices in a US comparison published August 20, 2026.
| Smartwatch | Configuration | US price | Price reference |
| Apple Watch Series 12 | 42 mm GPS | $399 | Apple US Store, Oct. 28, 2026 |
| Apple Watch Series 12 | 46 mm GPS | $449 | Apple US Store, Oct. 28, 2026 |
| Apple Watch Series 12 | GPS + Cellular, starting price | $499 | Apple US Store, Oct. 28, 2026 |
| Google Pixel Watch 5 | 41 mm, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi | $399.99 | TechRepublic, Aug. 20, 2026 |
| Google Pixel Watch 5 | 45 mm, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi | $429.99 | TechRepublic, Aug. 20, 2026 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch9 | 40 mm, Bluetooth | $379.99 | TechRepublic, Aug. 20, 2026 |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch9 | 44 mm, Bluetooth | $409.99 | TechRepublic, Aug. 20, 2026 |
The prices refer to different sizes and connection configurations, so they are useful as entry-price references rather than a like-for-like comparison. For an iPhone, check the iPhone and iOS requirement first. For Android, compare the phone’s Android version with Google’s or Samsung’s minimum; for Galaxy Watch9, check RAM as well. If you want Samsung Health Monitor’s listed health features, the phone must also be a Samsung model.
