Longevity: How Long Will Your Watch Really Last? (2025 Guide)

Longevity: How Long Will Your Watch Really Last? (2025 Guide)

Smartwatches are powerful but not built equal.
Some last for years, others fade fast — not just battery life, but durability, software support, and repairability matter.

This guide breaks down what truly determines longevity.

1. Battery longevity

  • Recharge cycles: Lithium-ion batteries degrade after 300–500 full cycles (≈ 2–3 years).
  • Apple Watch → ~80% capacity after 500 cycles.
  • Garmin / COROS / Suunto → larger batteries, less frequent charging → longer usable life.
  • Fitbit & budget watches → smaller cells, often degrade faster.

Pro tip: Partial charging (20–80%) extends life.

2. Software updates & support

  • Apple → ~5–6 years of OS updates (best in industry).
  • Garmin → ~4–5 years of updates for premium models.
  • COROS → standout: pushes free updates to old models for years.
  • Fitbit (Google) → 3–4 years typical, but some features removed over time.
  • Samsung → 3–4 years of major WearOS updates.
  • Budget brands → 1–2 years, sometimes abandoned.

Verdict: Updates = the biggest hidden factor in longevity.

3. Build quality & materials

  • Case & glass
    • Sapphire glass (Garmin Fenix, Suunto Vertical, Apple Watch Ultra) = scratch-resistant, lasts years.
    • Gorilla Glass / mineral glass = more scratches over time.
    • Polymer cases (budget watches) = lightweight, less durable.
  • Waterproofing
    • Garmin, Suunto, COROS = 10 ATM (swim, dive, rugged).
    • Apple, Samsung = WR50–100m (fine for pool, not deep diving).
    • Budget = often “splashproof” only.

4. Replaceability & repair

  • Apple Watch: repair possible but costly (battery swaps ~$79).
  • Garmin, COROS, Suunto: often must send to service center, but parts are durable.
  • Fitbit: few repair options — most are disposable after battery dies.
  • Budget watches: little to no repair support.

5. Ecosystem risk

  • Fitbit acquired by Google → some features lost.
  • Niche brands (Noise, BoAt, Mobvoi) → risk of vanishing support.
  • Garmin, Apple → safest long-term ecosystems.

6. Real-world lifespan expectations

BrandExpected usable life
Apple Watch4–6 years with updates, battery swap needed
Garmin (Fenix, Forerunner, Epix)5–7 years, rugged build
COROS5–7 years, strong updates
Polar / Suunto4–6 years, rugged, fewer updates
Samsung Galaxy Watch3–5 years
Fitbit2–4 years
Budget brands (Amazfit, Noise, Huawei, BoAt, etc.)1–3 years

7. Decision framework

  • Want max years of use → Garmin, COROS, Apple Ultra.
  • Want software longevity → Apple, COROS.
  • Want rugged outdoors survival → Garmin Fenix/Epix, Suunto Vertical.
  • On a budget → expect shorter lifespan, treat as 1–2 year devices.

Final takeaway

Longevity depends less on battery size and more on updates, build quality, and repairability.

  • Buy premium models if you want 5–7 years.
  • Expect budget models to be disposable.
  • The cheapest watch may cost more long-term if it needs replacing every 2 years.