Buy older smartwatch models during Black Friday sales, says expert
TechRadar's Senior Fitness and Wearables Editor suggests avoiding the latest releases in favour of previous iterations for better value.
TechRadar's Senior Fitness and Wearables Editor suggests that consumers should look for previous iterations of smartwatches and fitness trackers during Black Friday sales rather than the latest technology. According to the editor, most smartwatches operate on a cycle where companies release newer models every one to two years with minor design tweaks or new features.
The editor advised giving most recent trackers a wide berth, with the possible exceptions of the Google Fitbit Air and the Garmin Cirqa. These are recommended because they are first-generation devices and are unlikely to see a refresh for at least a couple of years.
Regarding Apple products, the editor noted that the Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 look and operate similarly to the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. Retailers such as Amazon, Argos, and Best Buy in the US are expected to offer discounts to clear old stock.
For Garmin users, the editor stated the Garmin Forerunner 165 is likely to see larger discounts than the Forerunner 170. Additionally, the 2024 Garmin Fenix 8 has seen a price drop of 24 per cent for the 47mm size.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Google Pixel Watch 4, both released in 2025, were also mentioned. The editor suggested that if price cuts are significant on these older models, they should be purchased instead of their 2026 successors.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra was praised for its tough exterior and user interface, though the editor noted the screen is the same size as the Galaxy Watch 7 and expressed a preference for a larger battery.
