Hey,
If you've never seriously considered an Android phone, watch or tablet because you assumed iPhone just does it better, this issue is for you.
The gap has basically closed. I'll show you exactly where I'd spend money right now, and how much you could save by waiting a few weeks.
Android products that deserve a second look
So if you're not fully locked into that ecosystem or you're willing to swap a piece of it out, here's where I'd actually spend money in the Android world right now:
⌚ Android Watches: two Android watches I’d actually wear
The Pixel Watch 4 is the one I'd point most people to. It's the first watch to run Google's Gemini AI properly, and it finally gets dual-frequency GPS so tracking accuracy is much closer to Garmin territory.
If you want something that looks less like a gadget and more like a watch, Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 Classic brings back the rotating bezel — properly satisfying to use — wrapped in a stainless steel case with sapphire crystal glass.
If you're all-in on Pixel: get the Watch 4. If you want it to look more like jewellery: get the Classic.
📱 Android Tablets: where Android gives you more for your money
Tablets are where Android's actually pulling ahead on value.
The OnePlus Pad 3 is the one reviewers keep landing on — 13.2" 3.4K 144Hz display, a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and a 12,140mAh battery in a body that's thinner than most flagship tablets. Genuinely good for productivity, not just video-watching.
Source: YouTube
If you'd rather stay in Google's world, the Pixel Tablet starts at $499 and comes bundled with a charging speaker dock — so it doubles as a smart display when you're not using it as a tablet. Less powerful, but the integration with a Pixel phone is seamless.
Source: PCMag
📞 Android Phones: great phones if you don’t pay launch price
Android phones are cheap fast. Buy at launch and you're paying flagship price. Wait even a few months and the discounts get genuinely stupid.
Pixel 10 launched at $799 — already down to $599–699 in early Black Friday deals
Samsung Galaxy S25 launched at $799.99 — currently $674.99 on Amazon
Used and open-box prices drop even faster than new ones — worth checking before you pay full price for anything
⚡ Second Look: What I'd Actually Buy
If you care about… | Get this |
|---|---|
A watch that just works with your Pixel | |
A watch that feels more like a real watch | Galaxy Watch 8 Classic |
The best all-round Android tablet | OnePlus Pad 3 |
Tightest Google integration on a tablet | |
Best value flagship phone right now | |
A slightly cheaper flagship alternative | Galaxy S25 |
Getting any of the above for less | Wait for Black Friday |
📱 Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend who’s as obsessed with tech as you are:
Just unboxed a Series 12, Ultra 4 or SE 3? I put together the full setup guide: everything from pairing to the settings that actually matter day to day.
The Watch app settings to check before you do anything else
Choosing and customising your watch face (and switching faces with Focus modes)
Gestures — double tap, wrist flick, cover to mute
Taming notifications so your wrist doesn't buzz all day
Battery settings that actually make a difference
Health, sleep and Vitals tracking, done right the first time
Getting Apple Pay, Express Travel, and Mac unlock set up properly
and more…
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services I believe will add value to you.