A smart watch or fitness band can do a lot from your wrist. It can show your messages, track a walk along the Corniche, measure how well you slept or tell you when your body needs a rest day.
The hard part is choosing, because wearables work in very different ways. Some are full smart watches with apps and a bright screen. Others skip the screen completely and focus on health and recovery. And some simply cover the basics.
If you are comparing options for a smart watch in Beirut, this guide explains the main choices we carry at H2 Group, starting with the question that narrows the list fastest: which phone do you use?
Start With Your Phone
Compatibility is the first filter, and it is not something you can work around after you buy.
- Apple Watch only works with an iPhone. You need one to set it up and to use it day to day.
- Recent Galaxy Watch models, including the Galaxy Watch 8, work with Android phones but not with iPhone.
- Some Galaxy Watch health features, such as ECG and blood pressure readings, need a Samsung Galaxy phone. On other Android phones the watch still works, but those features may not be available.
- WHOOP uses its own app, which is available for both iPhone and Android.
- Basic watches such as the Green Lion Ultra list compatibility with both iOS and Android.
If you are planning to move from Android to iPhone, or the other way round, choose the watch for your next phone rather than your current one. Our guide on how to transfer photos, chats and contacts to a new phone covers the rest of the move.
1. Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch SE (3rd Generation)
For iPhone users, this guide looks at two models. Both listings show watchOS 26 and the same Apple S10 chip, so both handle everyday tasks such as notifications, calls through your iPhone and workout tracking.
The Apple Watch Series 11 adds more on top. Its listing shows a brighter display (up to 2000 nits peak), ECG capability (the ECG app depends on your region), a blood oxygen sensor, temperature sensing and a depth gauge to 6m. It charges from 0 to 80% in about 30 minutes and comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes.
The Apple Watch SE (3rd generation) is the simpler, lower-cost option. Its listing shows heart rate and temperature sensors, up to 1000 nits peak brightness, charging to 80% in about 45 minutes, 40mm and 44mm sizes, and Midnight or Starlight colours.
ECG does not appear on the SE listing, so if that kind of heart reading matters to you, the Series 11 is the one to look at.
Both listings show 50m water resistance. That generally covers swimming in a pool or the sea, but they are not dive watches, and a rinse with fresh water after salt water or sunscreen is a good habit.
2. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
For Android users, and Samsung users in particular, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is the full smart watch option. Its listing shows Wear OS 6 with One UI 8 Watch, an Exynos W1000 chip and 32GB of storage.
The Super AMOLED display reaches up to 3000 nits peak brightness and is covered by sapphire crystal. The watch is rated IP68 and 5ATM, and it is listed as MIL-STD-810H compliant, with a note that this does not guarantee ruggedness in extreme conditions.
On the health side, the listing includes heart rate, blood oxygen, skin temperature, Samsung’s BioActive sensor, ECG, a blood pressure monitor and an antioxidant index. Remember that ECG and blood pressure need a Galaxy phone, and Samsung’s blood pressure feature has to be calibrated against a regular blood pressure cuff. As with any wearable, treat these readings as a guide, and speak to a doctor if something concerns you.
It charges wirelessly at up to 10W and comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes in Graphite or Silver, with a Classic version also listed.
3. WHOOP Peak and WHOOP Life
WHOOP takes a different approach. It is a screenless band worn day and night, and instead of counting steps it focuses on three things: Strain (how hard you pushed), Recovery (how ready you are today) and Sleep. The app then suggests how much to train and how much to rest.
Both versions continuously track heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, blood oxygen and skin temperature, with an AI coach for daily guidance. Battery life is listed at 14+ days, and a wireless PowerPack slides on to charge it, so you never have to take the band off. It is waterproof and can be worn while training, swimming and sleeping.
WHOOP is sold as a membership. Both versions on our store include a 12-month membership covering the device, the app and new features as they are released.
WHOOP Peak uses the WHOOP 5.0 device. On top of the core coaching, it adds Healthspan (your WHOOP Age and Pace of Aging), a Stress Monitor, a Health Monitor that shows blood oxygen, skin temperature and resting heart rate in one view, and hormonal insights for cycle tracking. It comes with a SuperKnit band and the wireless PowerPack.
WHOOP Life is the top tier and uses the WHOOP MG (Medical Grade) device, whose metal clasp works as an ECG contact. It includes everything in Peak, plus Heart Screener (on-demand ECG readings that screen for signs of atrial fibrillation), Blood Pressure Insights with daily estimates, priority support and a SuperKnit Luxe band. WHOOP states that these features are for wellness and information, not a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis.
The trade-off is simple: no screen means no time, no notifications and no apps on your wrist. If you want those, a smart watch is the better fit. Before buying, it is also worth checking WHOOP’s renewal terms for after the first 12 months.
4. Green Lion Smart Watches for the Basics
Not everyone needs advanced health sensors. Depending on the model, Green Lion listings mention features such as heart rate monitoring, sport modes, notifications and Bluetooth calling.
The Green Lion Ultra Smart Watch, for example, lists compatibility with iOS and Android, up to 10 days on a single charge, wireless charging, an IP68 rating, a heart rate monitor, a sport mode and a free extra strap.
Watches like this make a sensible first smart watch or a simple everyday companion. They do not run watchOS or Wear OS, so do not expect the same range of apps and health features as an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch.
5. A Smart Watch for Kids
For younger children, a calling watch can be a middle step before a first phone, and back-to-school season is a natural time to think about it.
The Green Lion Kids Smart Watch Series 5 takes a micro SIM card for two-way calls and has an SOS alarm. Its listing also shows AGPS and LBS location with a location trace, a 1.44-inch display, a camera, a 400mAh battery and up to 5 days of standby, in blue or purple.
Because it uses its own SIM, the watch needs a separate line. Check with your operator which line suits it, and check your child’s school rules on watches that can make calls.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying
Still deciding between an Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch, or something else entirely? These questions can help:
- Which phone do I use now, and which one will I use next?
- Do I mainly want notifications and calls, fitness tracking, or sleep and recovery data?
- Do I want a screen at all?
- How often am I willing to charge it? Full smart watches with bright screens usually need charging every day or two, while the WHOOP listings show 14+ days and the Green Lion Ultra lists up to 10 days.
- Am I comfortable with a membership, or do I prefer a one-time purchase?
- Will I wear it to sleep, in the pool or at the beach, and is it comfortable enough for that?
Bands, Chargers and Small Extras
A new band is the easiest way to change how a watch looks and feels. In the Beirut summer heat, a silicone or sport band is easier to rinse and dry than leather.
Apple Watch bands come in two size groups, so check before you buy. The 42mm Series 11 takes bands from the smaller group (38/40/41mm), while 42mm bands made for older Apple Watch models belong to the larger group. You will find silicone and sport bands in our cases, watch bands and bags section.
Galaxy Watch and WHOOP bands use their own fittings, so bring the model name with you or ask our team before choosing one.
Each wearable also uses its own charger: a magnetic charging cable for Apple Watch, a wireless charger for Galaxy Watch and the slide-on PowerPack for WHOOP. A spare for the office can be handy, and during power cuts a USB power bank can keep your watch topped up too. Our guide to choosing a power bank for power cuts explains what to look for.
Like phones, watches and their chargers should not be left in a hot car during summer.
Find Your Smart Watch at H2 Group Beirut
Choosing a wearable is easier when you can talk it through. Visit one of our Beirut branches, or reach us through our contact page, and our team can help you match a watch to your phone, your routine and your budget.
H2 Group Hamra
Bliss Street, Hamra, Beirut
Phone: 71 26 25 26
H2 Group Tareek Al Jadidah
Tareek Al Jadidah, Beirut
Phone: 71 26 25 24
Whether you want a full smart watch, a screenless band or a simple first watch for your child, we are happy to help you compare them.