Our Best 3 Picks
1. Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic LTE – ₹24,999 | Buy from Amazon
2. Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) – ₹24,900 | Buy from Amazon
3. Garmin Forerunner 165 – ₹26,990 | Buy from Amazon
The three smartwatches are in a similar price range. When writing this article, they are the best premium smartwatches under 30,000 for 2025. The Samsung Galaxy 6 Classic is our top choice, followed by the Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) as the 1st runner-up and the Garmin Forerunner 165 as the 2nd runner-up.
1. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic LTE
Best For: Android smartphone users who are looking for a premium, comprehensive health monitoring smartwatch
The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is Samsung’s flagship smartwatch with stainless steel construction, sapphire crystal glass, and an IP68 + MIL-STD-810H durability rating. For Android smartphone users (especially Samsung), this is currently the only premium smartwatch in our top rating under 30,000 in India, with a balance of style, features, and durability.
Key Strengths:
Premium Build Quality: The smartwatch comes with a stainless steel case and sapphire crystal glass. It gives exceptional durability against sudden falls and accidental scratches. It also provides a luxurious feel when we wear it on the wrist. So, Galaxy Watch 6 is a smartwatch for any occasion beyond fitness wear.
Comprehensive Health Monitoring: The Samsung watch has a plethora of premium health features. It comes with advanced sensors, including ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and an infrared temperature sensor, more than a regular smartwatch. They monitor our health condition without needing to buy a separate medical apparatus.
Rotating Bezel: This makes watch navigation more precise and enjoyable. It gives more convenience than those touch-only interfaces.
Bright Display: We know the importance of a brighter display when we go outdoors. Its 2000-nit peak brightness makes it visible even in direct sunlight.
LTE Connectivity: This means that your smartwatch can function even without your phone. You can go out, play, and exercise. You never lose connectivity.
But like other smartwatches, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic also has some limitations. One of them is its shorter battery life. You need to charge it almost every day if you use it heavily. However, if you are not concerned about daily charging, this smartwatch is the top choice. Another limitation is that it supports ECG and BP monitoring with only Samsung Galaxy phones. If you already own a Samsung smartphone, you can access all features without issues.
Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
Best For: iPhone users at a reasonable price
If you are an iPhone user, the Apple Watch SE is the best, all-around smartwatch under 30,000. We are impressed with its premium features and exceptional app ecosystem. Apple Watch SE is the most affordable model among Apple watches.
Key Strengths:
Exceptional App Ecosystem: Apple Watch App Store has thousands of optimized apps you can download and use on your watch. This makes the Apple Watch SE an excellent choice at an affordable price.
Impressive Battery Life: Apple claims an 18-hour battery. But when we tested, we could achieve up to 2-day battery life.
Lightweight Design: With 26-33g in weight, this Apple watch is the lightest and most comfortable option. You can wear it all day long as a fashion gadget or health companion.
Crash Detection: It is an advanced safety feature on the Apple Watch SE. If you accidentally fall and lie unconscious, it automatically calls emergency services already preset.
Value for Money: At its price, it offers tremendous value for the feature set. The Apple Watch SE is a stylish and feature-rich smartwatch for almost all ages.
In contrast, the Apple Watch lacks some advanced features, such as ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and temperature sensors that are available in the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. Other commendable limitations include slower charging that takes over 2 hours and the lack of an Always-On Display.
That being said, the Apple Watch SE is the best smartwatch for iPhone users in this price range. However, I recommend the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic if you use an Android smartphone.
Garmin Forerunner 165
Best For: Serious runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts
The Forerunner 165 is the fitness-first champion. This smartwatch is all for fitness and training, with smart features as secondary considerations. So, if you are a fitness enthusiast looking for a smartwatch, this Garmin watch is the right choice.
Key Strengths:
Exceptional Battery Life: Garmin Forerunner 165’s battery runs 11 days in smartwatch mode and 17-19 hours with GPS tracking active. It means you don’t need to charge it every day. Once fully charged, it runs for days.
Advanced Training Features: For a runner or athlete, this smartwatch comes with built-in training plans, race predictions, daily workout suggestions, and comprehensive running metrics. Forerunner 165 is a perfect smartwatch for those under 30,000.
Multi-Platform Compatibility: This smartwatch is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. It means that this Garmin watch supports any smartphone, whether you use an Android phone or an Apple phone.
Accurate GPS Tracking: The smartwatch supports multi-GNSS. It provides accurate location tracking even in challenging environments like dense urban areas and thick tree cover.
Value for Money: At this price, you get a professional-grade training tool at a reasonable price. The smartwatch is worth the price.
Lightweight Design: At 39g, Forerunner 165 is a comfortable smartwatch for long training sessions and sleep tracking. Like the Apple Watch SE, you can wear it all day long.
If I have to mention some limitations of the Garmin Forerunner 165, you’ll find it with no voice assistant and minimal third-party app support. Its small display may be inconvenient for general tasks. It doesn’t have cellular connectivity like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. However, if these things are not required for your purpose, this Garmin smartwatch is the best for runners and athletes under 30,000.
Which is the best premium smartwatch under 30,000 in India?
Now, it is clear that the best premium smartwatch under ₹30,000 available in 2025 is:
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic LTE for Android smartphone users who are looking for a stylish, durable, and feature-rich smartwatch.
- Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) for iPhone users who are looking for a luxurious and feature-rich smartwatch.
- Garmin Forerunner 165 for both Android and iPhone users who are looking for a fitness-focused smartwatch.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic LTE | Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) | Garmin Forerunner 165 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 cm | 40mm | 1 inch |
| Display Type | AMOLED | Retina LTPO OLED | AMOLED |
| Display Resolution | 360 x 360 | 416 x 416 | 324 x 394 |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 453 PPI | 326 PPI | 333 PPI |
| Always-On Display | Yes | No | Yes |
| Peak Brightness | 2000 nits | 1000 nits | 1000 nits |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Aluminum | Polymer |
| Glass Protection | Sapphire Crystal | Ion-X Glass | Chemically strengthened glass |
| Water Resistance | 50m, IP68, 5ATM | 50m, IPX8 | 50m, IPX8 |
| Durability Rating | MIL-STD-810H | WR50 (ISO 22810:2010) | Not specified |
| Processor/Chipset | Exynos W930 (5nm) | Apple S8 SiP (dual-core) | Not specified (Garmin proprietary) |
| RAM | 2GB | 1GB | Not specified |
| Storage | 16GB | 32GB | Music edition has storage |
| Battery Capacity | 425mAh | 296mAh | Not specified |
| Battery Life (Smartwatch) | 24-30 hours (always-on), 40 hours (gesture) | 18 hours (36 hours in Low Power Mode) | 11 days (gesture), 4 days (always-on) |
| Charging Method | 10W Wireless | Wireless (MagSafe) | Proprietary charging cable |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | Bluetooth, ANT+, Wi-Fi (music edition) |
| LTE/Cellular | Yes (eSIM) | Yes (+₹5,000, eSIM) | No |
| GPS Systems | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo (multi-GNSS) |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ECG | Yes | No | No |
| Blood Oxygen (SpO2) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Blood Pressure | Yes (Galaxy phones only) | No | No |
| Temperature Sensor | Yes (Infrared skin temperature) | No | No |
| Sleep Tracking | Yes (comprehensive) | Yes | Yes (comprehensive) |
| Stress Monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes (HRV-based) |
| Fall Detection | Yes | Yes | No |
| Emergency Features | Emergency SOS | Emergency SOS, Crash Detection | Emergency contacts |
| Sports Modes | 25+ | 25+ | 25+ |
| Training Features | Basic fitness tracking, Samsung Health | Workout detection, Fitness+, Activity rings | Training plans, daily workouts, race prediction |
| Smart Assistant | Bixby | Siri | No |
| Mobile Payments | Samsung Pay | Apple Pay | Garmin Pay |
| Compatible OS | Android | iOS | Android, iOS |
| Health Apps Integration | Samsung Health, Google Fit | Apple Health, Fitness+ | Garmin Connect, third-party apps |
| Third-party Apps | Limited (Wear OS apps) | Extensive (App Store) | Garmin Connect IQ apps |
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1. What key features define a "premium" smartwatch in the sub-₹30,000 category?
In premium smartwatches in this price range, you will see high-quality materials like stainless steel or aluminum, advanced health sensors for heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, AMOLED displays, and a software ecosystem that supports several apps.
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2. Do any smartwatches under ₹30,000 offer advanced features like ECG or body composition analysis?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Watch series offers advanced health features like Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) for body composition analysis and ECG (Electrocardiogram) functionality.
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3. Which models have the best battery life for a premium smartwatch under ₹30,000?
The best battery life in this smartwatch segment comes from brands like Garmin and Amazfit. The Garmin Forerunner 165 lasts up to 11 days on a single charge. But the battery life depends on your usage, like Always-on Display, GPS, and interactions.
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4. For a fitness enthusiast, is the Garmin Forerunner 165 a better choice than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6?
Yes. If a fitness enthusiast focuses on detailed metrics and long battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 165 is a better choice. However, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is still capable of fitness tracking and is focused on a vast app ecosystem and smartphone-like features.
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5. Which smartwatch provides the best display quality (e.g., AMOLED, brightness) under ₹30,000?
Smartwatches from Samsung and Apple are known for their exceptional display quality. With 2000 nits and an AMOLED display, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic is the top one, and the Apple Watch SE also comes with a bright, high-resolution OLED screen that is easy to read in both bright sunlight and low-light conditions.
Other Best Smartwatches in India
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Ibochouba Singh is a content writer and reviewer with a passion for writing about digital marketing and tech gadgets, including software tools and new tech gadgets. He has over 15 years of experience writing for several consumers and clients, including tech startups, marketing agencies, and software companies. He is writing many articles and reviews for many websites, including nigcworld.com, and buywin.in.