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- Best overall: Samsung Galaxy Watch5 44mm Bluetooth
- Best budget: Garmin Forerunner 245
- Best premium: Garmin Venu 3
- Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm Bluetooth: Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
- Samsung Galaxy Watch5 44mm Bluetooth is the stronger pick for Android smartwatch features, a bright AMOLED display and everyday convenience.
- Garmin Forerunner 245 is a focused running watch with up to 7 days of smartwatch battery life and detailed training metrics.
- Garmin Forerunner 255 offers longer battery life and newer running features than Garmin Forerunner 245.
- Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm Bluetooth stands out for extended battery life, while Garmin Venu 3 adds a broad wellness and smartwatch feature set.
Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Garmin Forerunner 245 for Black Friday 2026 comes down to what you want your wrist to do. Samsung leans into apps, notifications and a polished AMOLED touchscreen. Garmin prioritizes dependable training data, physical controls and longer stretches between charges. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to help match each watch to a real shopping need.
Our Best bet for most Android phone owners is the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 44mm Bluetooth, while runners who want training-focused data should start with the Garmin Forerunner 245. The guide also includes larger-battery, music, newer-running and premium-wellness alternatives. Check phone compatibility and the specific case size before you choose; feature availability and battery life depend on settings and use.
How We Picked
- Compared core specifications, including battery estimates, display size and GPS use, across all seven watches.
- Prioritized distinct shopper needs: everyday smartwatch features, running data, battery endurance, music and wellness tracking.
- Considered phone compatibility, since Samsung Galaxy Watch5 models require a compatible Android phone and Garmin watches support a broader range of phones.
- Reviewed owner feedback and product features to identify practical trade-offs, including touchscreen versus button controls and charging frequency.
- Selected a range of models that gives Black Friday 2026 shoppers clear alternatives rather than treating every watch as a direct substitute.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Smartwatch battery estimate | GPS battery estimate | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Watch5 44mm Bluetooth | Android smartwatch features | Up to 50 hours | Varies by use | 1.4-inch Super AMOLED |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch5 40mm Bluetooth | Compact Android smartwatch | Up to 40 hours | Varies by use | 1.2-inch Super AMOLED |
| Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm Bluetooth | Longer Galaxy Watch battery life | Up to 80 hours | Up to 20 hours | 1.4-inch Super AMOLED |
| Garmin Forerunner 245 | Focused running metrics | Up to 7 days | Up to 24 hours | 1.2-inch transflective |
| Garmin Forerunner 245 Music | Running with stored music | Up to 7 days | Up to 24 hours | 1.2-inch transflective |
| Garmin Forerunner 255 | Advanced running and training | Up to 14 days | Up to 30 hours | 1.3-inch transflective |
| Garmin Venu 3 | Premium wellness smartwatch | Up to 14 days | Up to 26 hours | 1.4-inch AMOLED |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 44mm Bluetooth
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 44mm Bluetooth is the best all-around smartwatch for Android users who want fitness tracking and everyday apps, with a 1.4-inch Super AMOLED display.
Best for: Android users who want a bright screen and smartwatch features
- Display
- 1.4-inch Super AMOLED
- Battery capacity
- 410 mAh
- Smartwatch battery estimate
- Up to 50 hours
- Large, vivid touchscreen
- Useful health and activity tracking
- Supports apps and phone notifications
- Requires a compatible Android phone; battery life trails Garmin options
Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 44mm Bluetooth worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 44mm Bluetooth is a strong buy for Android users who want a bright 1.4-inch display, health tracking and app access in one watch. Choose Garmin instead if longer battery life or dedicated running tools matter most.
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#2
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 40mm Bluetooth
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 40mm Bluetooth is the best compact smartwatch for Android users who prefer a smaller case, with a 1.2-inch Super AMOLED display.
Best for: Smaller wrists and compact-watch shoppers
- Display
- 1.2-inch Super AMOLED
- Battery capacity
- 284 mAh
- Water resistance
- 5 ATM
- More compact fit than the 44mm model
- Includes core Galaxy Watch5 health features
- Bright touchscreen and app support
- Smaller battery than the 44mm model
Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 40mm Bluetooth worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 40mm Bluetooth suits Android owners who want Galaxy smartwatch features in a compact case. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 40mm Bluetooth's 1.2-inch screen is smaller than the 44mm model's, and its smaller battery makes the larger version a better fit for longer days.
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#3
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm Bluetooth
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm Bluetooth is the best Galaxy Watch5 for Android users who prioritize battery endurance, with a 590 mAh battery.
Best for: Android users seeking longer battery life
- Display
- 1.4-inch Super AMOLED
- Battery capacity
- 590 mAh
- Smartwatch battery estimate
- Up to 80 hours
- Largest battery in this Galaxy Watch5 group
- Rugged titanium case
- Route and outdoor navigation features
- Bulkier and heavier than the standard models
Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm Bluetooth worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm Bluetooth is a good match for Android users who want a durable watch and a larger battery. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm Bluetooth's 590 mAh capacity and outdoor features are appealing, while its bigger case is less suited to shoppers seeking a light, compact fit.
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#4
Garmin Forerunner 245
The Garmin Forerunner 245 is the best value-focused running watch for runners who want focused training data, with up to 7 days of smartwatch battery life.
Best for: Runners who value training metrics over apps
- Display
- 1.2-inch transflective display
- Smartwatch battery estimate
- Up to 7 days
- GPS battery estimate
- Up to 24 hours
- Running-focused training and recovery metrics
- Physical buttons work well during exercise
- Longer battery life than many full-featured smartwatches
- No onboard music storage in this standard model
Is the Garmin Forerunner 245 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Garmin Forerunner 245 is worth considering for runners who want GPS workouts, training metrics and up to 7 days of smartwatch battery life. The watch is less suited to shoppers who prioritize a large touchscreen or a wide selection of smartwatch apps.
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#5
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music
The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is the best running watch for music listeners who want phone-free playlists, with storage for up to 500 songs.
Best for: Runners who listen to music without a phone
- Music storage
- Up to 500 songs
- Smartwatch battery estimate
- Up to 7 days
- GPS battery estimate
- Up to 24 hours
- Stores music for supported headphone playback
- Includes running-focused GPS and training features
- Button controls are easy to use on a run
- Music playback reduces battery life
Is the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a good choice for runners who want stored playlists and training metrics without carrying a phone for music. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music's up-to-500-song capacity is the key difference from Garmin Forerunner 245; regular smartwatch-app users should look elsewhere.
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#6
Garmin Forerunner 255
The Garmin Forerunner 255 is the best upgrade for runners who want newer training tools and stronger battery life, with up to 14 days in smartwatch mode.
Best for: Runners upgrading from an older training watch
- Smartwatch battery estimate
- Up to 14 days
- GPS battery estimate
- Up to 30 hours
- Satellite systems
- 5
- Long smartwatch and GPS battery estimates
- More advanced training and race-planning features
- Multi-band GPS support on compatible variants
- Less app-focused than a Samsung Galaxy smartwatch
Is the Garmin Forerunner 255 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Garmin Forerunner 255 is a worthwhile upgrade for runners who want up to 14 days of smartwatch battery life, detailed training features and strong GPS tools. Choose Garmin Forerunner 245 for a simpler running-watch experience and Samsung Galaxy Watch5 for broader Android smartwatch functions.
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#7
Garmin Venu 3
The Garmin Venu 3 is the best premium wellness smartwatch for shoppers who want fitness tracking with a vivid display, with a 1.4-inch AMOLED screen.
Best for: Wellness tracking, calls and everyday smartwatch use
- Display
- 1.4-inch AMOLED
- Smartwatch battery estimate
- Up to 14 days
- GPS battery estimate
- Up to 26 hours
- Bright AMOLED display and broad health tracking
- Built-in microphone and speaker for supported calls
- Long battery estimate for a vivid-screen smartwatch
- Costs more to own than a basic running watch
Is the Garmin Venu 3 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Garmin Venu 3 is a strong premium pick for shoppers who want a bright AMOLED display, wellness tracking, calls and up to 14 days of smartwatch battery life. Runners focused on training metrics get a more direct fit from Garmin Forerunner 255.
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Which is better, Samsung Galaxy Watch5 or Garmin Forerunner 245?
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is better for Android smartwatch features, while Garmin Forerunner 245 is better for running-focused training and longer battery life between charges. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 44mm Bluetooth has a 1.4-inch AMOLED touchscreen, app access and phone notifications. Garmin Forerunner 245 has a 1.2-inch transflective display, physical buttons and a smartwatch battery estimate of up to 7 days.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 if health features, apps and a vivid screen are central to daily use. Choose Garmin Forerunner 245 if workout tracking, training data and fewer charging stops matter more. The Samsung models require a compatible Android phone, while Garmin Forerunner 245 pairs with Android and iPhone. For extra battery endurance in the Galaxy family, the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm Bluetooth offers an estimate of up to 80 hours.
Is Garmin Forerunner 245 still a good running watch in 2026?
Garmin Forerunner 245 remains a capable 2026 running watch for shoppers who want GPS workouts, training metrics and up to 24 hours of GPS battery life. Its physical buttons are practical during sweaty workouts, and its transflective screen is easy to read outdoors. The feature set is more focused than a full smartwatch, which is a benefit for runners who prefer training tools over app notifications.
Garmin Forerunner 255 is a stronger fit for shoppers who want newer training options, up to 14 days of smartwatch battery life and up to 30 hours of GPS use. The Garmin Forerunner 245 Music adds onboard storage for up to 500 songs, but music playback uses extra battery. An Easy recommendation: pick Garmin Forerunner 245 for straightforward running value, and step up to Garmin Forerunner 255 for expanded training features.
Which watch has better battery life for everyday use?
Garmin Forerunner 245 has a longer smartwatch-mode battery estimate than standard Samsung Galaxy Watch5 models, at up to 7 days compared with up to 40 hours for the 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and up to 50 hours for the 44mm model. Garmin Venu 3 and Garmin Forerunner 255 each list up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, making them useful options for shoppers who dislike frequent charging.
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm Bluetooth changes the comparison with a battery estimate of up to 80 hours. Real-world endurance shifts with GPS sessions, screen settings, notifications, calls and music. Compare the mode you actually use rather than relying on one headline figure: GPS estimates range from up to 20 hours for Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro to up to 30 hours for Garmin Forerunner 255.
Which watch is best for Android phones and iPhones?
Garmin Forerunner 245, Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, Garmin Forerunner 255 and Garmin Venu 3 pair with both Android phones and iPhones. Samsung Galaxy Watch5 models need a compatible Android phone, so shoppers with an iPhone should focus on Garmin. Phone compatibility is one of the most important checks to make before choosing a Black Friday 2026 watch.
For an Android phone owner seeking apps and notifications, Samsung Galaxy Watch5 44mm Bluetooth is the straightforward pick. Garmin Venu 3 suits shoppers who want broader phone compatibility plus an AMOLED display, health tracking and supported calls. Garmin Forerunner 245 is a better fit for workouts than app-heavy use. Check that the watch’s companion app and desired health features are supported by your specific phone.
Should runners choose a Samsung Galaxy Watch5 or Garmin Forerunner?
Runners who prioritize training data, physical controls and GPS endurance should choose Garmin Forerunner 245 or Garmin Forerunner 255 over a standard Samsung Galaxy Watch5. Garmin Forerunner 245 gives runners core workout and training features, while Garmin Forerunner 255 adds longer battery estimates and expanded training tools. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is the pick for playlists stored on the watch.
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is more appealing when running is one part of a broader smartwatch routine. Samsung Galaxy Watch5 44mm Bluetooth brings a bright touchscreen, health tracking and app support, but frequent GPS use affects battery life. Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm Bluetooth suits Android users who want outdoor features and a larger battery. Match the choice to your training habits, music needs and preferred controls.
Buying Guide
Start with phone compatibility
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 models require a compatible Android phone, while Garmin Forerunner and Garmin Venu models support Android and iPhone. Verify support for the companion app and health functions you plan to use before choosing.
Match battery estimates to your routine
Compare smartwatch and GPS battery figures separately. GPS workouts, music, calls, screen settings and notifications change endurance, so the longest headline estimate does not represent every use pattern.
Choose touchscreen or buttons
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Garmin Venu 3 emphasize vivid touchscreens and everyday smartwatch use. Garmin Forerunner 245 and Garmin Forerunner 255 use physical buttons that are practical for workout controls.
Decide whether music storage matters
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music stores up to 500 songs for supported headphone playback. Standard Garmin Forerunner 245 skips onboard music storage, making it the simpler choice for runners who carry a phone.
Check size and intended use
The 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch5 fits shoppers seeking a smaller case; the 44mm model has a larger screen and battery. Compare case dimensions, band fit and workout features before checkout.
FAQ
What is the difference between Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Garmin Forerunner 245?
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is an Android-focused smartwatch with a vivid AMOLED touchscreen, apps and health tracking. Garmin Forerunner 245 is a running-first GPS watch with physical buttons, training metrics and up to 7 days of smartwatch battery life. Phone compatibility and everyday priorities should guide the decision.
Is Garmin Forerunner 245 better than Samsung Galaxy Watch5 for running?
Garmin Forerunner 245 is better for runners who prioritize GPS workouts, training metrics, physical controls and longer battery life. Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is better for a blend of running, apps, notifications and everyday smartwatch features. Garmin Forerunner 255 is an option for runners seeking newer training tools.
Does Samsung Galaxy Watch5 work with iPhone?
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 requires a compatible Android phone and is not the right choice for iPhone owners. Garmin Forerunner 245, Garmin Forerunner 245 Music, Garmin Forerunner 255 and Garmin Venu 3 support Android and iPhone pairing. Confirm the features you need are available with your phone.
Which Garmin Forerunner 245 model has music?
Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is the version with onboard music storage, supporting up to 500 songs for compatible playback. Standard Garmin Forerunner 245 does not include that onboard music feature. Music playback uses battery, so account for listening time when comparing endurance.
Which watch has the longest battery life in this guide?
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro 45mm Bluetooth has the longest listed smartwatch battery estimate among the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 models, at up to 80 hours. Garmin Forerunner 255 and Garmin Venu 3 each list up to 14 days in smartwatch mode, with separate estimates for GPS use.
What should I look for in a Black Friday 2026 smartwatch?
Compare phone compatibility, case size, battery estimates, GPS features and music support before choosing. Samsung Galaxy Watch5 fits Android shoppers who want apps and a vivid screen, while Garmin Forerunner 245 is a focused running watch. Garmin Venu 3 adds a premium wellness-smartwatch approach.