Smartwatches - Organizer

The CMF Watch Pro 2 feels like more of a spin-off than a sequel

9:00 am | February 6, 2025

CMF Watch Pro 2: One minute review

The CMF Watch Pro 2 is undoubtedly one of the best cheap smartwatches you can buy right now, if not the absolute best pick, and it wins huge points purely for its incredibly affordable price tag.

Despite the cost-saving efforts, it has an impressive design and build and comes with plenty of features that make it a perfect beginner smartwatch for anyone new to the form factor. The screen is perfectly adequate, the software works well enough, and there are myriad smartwatch features including workout tracking, sleep monitoring, GPS, and more.

However, it lacks a couple of key features, including NFC payments, and it can't really be used in water. Also, some of its features, like raise and tap to wake, as well as workout detection, are a little temperamental. Perhaps my biggest issue with it is that I prefer the larger, squircle shape of the previous model, but I've reviewed it here on its own merits.

Nothing still sells both, and it's a big departure from what I believe is the ultimate smartwatch success formula. However, it does deliver some good upgrades, including a better display and more watch faces.

CMF Watch Pro 2: Specifications

CMF Watch Pro 2: Price and Availability

$69 / £69 / AU$99
Four colors

The CMF Watch Pro 2 is available now in two colors from Nothing's website as well as from retailers like Amazon. It costs $69 / £69 / AU$99 but does occasionally see discounts of up to 25%.

There's only one size, the 42mm watch face, available in four colors: Blue, Ash Grey, Orange, and Dark Grey pictured here.

Pound for pound, this has to be the best-value smartwatch you can buy on the market right now, considering it's compatible with both iPhone and Android and it has an impressive feature set. It only gets a 5/5 because I can't award a higher score.

Value score: 5/5

CMF Watch Pro 2: Design

Cool circular display
Divisive change from the 1st-gen
Solid, premium build

You're going to hear a lot of "for a $69 watch" in the next few minutes. But honestly, for a $69 Watch, the CMF Watch Pro 2 is a really impressive piece of design.

Nothing is famous for making cool-looking tech gadgets, and the CMF Watch Pro 2 is no different. However, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. I'm very much team "smartwatches should be squircle," but the CMF Watch Pro 2 eschews the design of the first CMF Watch Pro in favor of a completely circular design more akin to the Google Pixel Watch 3. It's a big change, and one fans of the first watch might not like. The 42mm display is housed in a 45mm chassis, and the rather thick bezel is tapered towards the middle to create a unique bowl effect.

While the styling is divisive, it's certainly not generic. The digital crown is also premium and feels nice and responsive to use. My only build gripe is the liquid silicon strap, which is pretty thin and not very premium-feeling. That being said, it is comfortable, and I didn't experience much in the way of wrist fatigue during any of my testing.

The bezel is interchangeable, so you can pop it off and replace it with a purchased alternative to change up the style and color of your watch pretty quickly. This is another fairly unique feature that you won't really find on other smartwatches.

The display is a 1.32-inch AMOLED measuring 466x466. It's a slight upgrade on the previous generation, now putting out 620 nits of peak brightness with a 60fps refresh rate, vs 58Hz and 600 nits in the old one. The display is considerably smaller than the previous model, another divisive change. However, the overall shift makes the watch much smaller in profile, so people with smaller wrists or those who want a more unintrusive experience will prefer this.

The screen has a new auto-brightness feature, as well as five levels you can manually select from. At 620 nits peak, it's not exactly a looker (even the Apple Watch SE 2 puts out 1,000 nits) but it's perfectly adequate. In fact, for a $69 watch, it's definitely a decent display.

Some colors look a little washed out, like the temperature dials on my multifunction face. But colorful faces like the Prismatic Time face definitely have some pop to them. There are some weird pixel-shifting issues I've seen on some of the interfaces, lines that should be straight are wonky in places, but I can't tell if this is a hardware or a software issue. At a glance, it's not really that noticeable.

Durability-wise, the CMF Watch Pro 2 comes with an IP68 water rating. That means it's dustproof and can withstand immersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, Nothing says the Watch Pro isn't suitable for use while swimming, in the shower, saunas, steam rooms, or any kind of water sports or activity. Basically, water is a no-go, which is definitely a key weak spot.

Design score: 4/5

CMF Watch Pro 2: Features

Lots of sports tracking and health metrics
Bluetooth, GPS, heart rate metrics
No NFC

For a $69 watch (I won't stop), there's an awful lot going on here. The CMF Watch Pro 2 offers a myriad of features you'd expect to find in a smartwatch, with a couple of key missing features reflective of the price.

Let's start with what you do get. Underpinning most of the best smartwatches these days is health and fitness, and the CMF Watch Pro 2 offers 120 sport modes, as well as five smart recognition activities that can detect your workouts without manual input (I'll get to whether this works in the Performance section). Some exercises even have a warm-up option that triggers a quick slew of animated warm-up stretches and movements before you work out, something you won't even find on any of the best Apple Watches.

Health tracking delivers an Active Score, round-the-clock heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, step count, calories, resting heart rate, and alerts for abnormal heart rate and blood oxygen.

You also get key features like reminders, music controls, a remote camera control, a calendar, a calculator, and alarms. The Watch Pro 2 works with both iOS (13 and above) or Android (8.0 and above), so you should get plenty of cross-compatibility and synchronization between features like reminders and alarms on your watch and whichever smartphone you use.

You'll also get a Find My Phone feature, flashlight, and a voice assistant functionality, although I found the latter one is a bit of a gimmick, it's supposed to trigger your phone's voice assistant, and while I could see the watch waking up Siri on my iPhone, I couldn't actually ask questions or use it for anything.

Crucially, the Watch Pro 2 lacks NFC, so can't be used to make mobile payments from your wrist, which might be a deal breaker for some.

Features score: 4.5/5

CMF Watch Pro 2: Performance

Decent workout tracking
Some obvious quirks
Snappy day-to-day use
Good battery life

I'll start with the performance positives because there are a couple of quirks with the CMF Watch Pro 2 you should be aware of.

I generally found workout tracking to be consistent. A direct test with my Apple Watch Series 10 for an indoor run measured almost identical readings for distance traveled. The average heart rate was just one bpm off, and the range was pretty much spot-on. As far as workout tracking on a smartwatch can be accurate (the jury is out on just how useful it is generally), I'd say the CMF Watch Pro 2 delivers pretty reasonable accuracy across the board.

I've seen other reviews comment on GPS quirks, but I didn't experience any issues with it. Battery life on the Watch Pro 2 is pretty impressive, rated for up to 11 days of typical use, 9 days of heavy use, or 25 hours using GPS. I've found that generally to hold true in testing, and the battery life is definitely one of the positives.

While syncing with iOS and my iPhone was generally seamless, it doesn't play nice with Apple's notifications because these are restricted for third-party hardware. As such, iOS Focus modes don't work, one consideration for iPhone users. Notifications are pretty limited in use also, whereas you can respond to them in watchOS on devices like the Apple Watch or Wear OS, all you can do is read and dismiss them here.

As you might have picked up, the CMF Watch Pro 2 runs Nothing's proprietary smartwatch software rather than Wear OS. I actually prefer the look and feel over Wear OS, but like Wear OS, some elements of the UI remain poorly optimized for the circular display. Scrolling and swiping were very snappy overall, and I never experienced any performance lags. In fact, the Watch Pro 2 is noticeably snappier than even the Garmin Instinct 3 I was recently hands-on with.

Throughout my testing, I couldn't get 'raise to wake' to work at all. I even wrote this portion of the review, describing it as the CMF Watch Pro 2's biggest flaw and one that really hobbled the user experience. Then, out of nowhere, the feature began to work perfectly.

Now, whenever I lift my wrist, the watch immediately springs into life. Tap to wake is less reliable, and I've seen other reviews flag that raise to wake is an issue. So while I can no longer say it doesn't work full stop, it is definitely quirky and a problem to watch out for.

Workout detection does work, sort of. While out walking, my watch notified me that I was doing exactly that and asked if I'd like to track the experience. I tapped yes, but the tracker started from zero. Workout detection on Apple Watch is always running in the background, so if you get a detection notice after 10 minutes of walking, that 10 minutes of activity is included in your metrics. The Watch Pro 2 starts from scratch, which isn't exactly how I'd expect workout detection to function. Basically, it's handy if you forget to start your workout and need a reminder.

One final flaw, the vibration motor isn't nice. It resonates at just the wrong frequency and shakes the whole watch with an annoying, high-pitched buzz, it's the only part of the experience that feels cheap.

Performance score: 3/5

CMF Watch Pro 2: Scorecard

CMF Watch Pro 2: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You've never had a smartwatch before

This is a perfect beginner smartwatch, an easy investment to see if using one is for you.

You're on a budget

You'll struggle to find a better smartwatch at this price.

Don't buy it if...

You like water

Nothing warns against use in any kind of water, so this is not the pick if you want a watch you never have to take off.

You want true software synchronization

Both Apple Watch or Wear OS models are going to offer better integration with their respective operating systems

CMF Watch Pro 2: How we tested

I used the CMF Watch Pro 2 over a number of weeks, as a daily smartwatch, during workouts, and more. I tested all of its main features and it was connected to an iPhone for the duration of testing.

CMF Watch Pro 2: Also consider

The original CMF Watch Pro is still fantastic, similarly priced, bigger, and has more battery life. It's a great alternative, as there aren't a ton of improvements in the new one.

Read our full CMF Watch Pro Review

For exactly the same price, this Amazfit offers a similar experience with a more Apple Watch-esque design. It's GPS is impressive and it's light and comfortable, but you won't get the same build quality or workout tracking accuracy. Really, consider this pick vindication that Nothing is king of the cheap smartwatch.

Read our full Amazfit Bip 3 Pro Review

First reviewed: February 2025

Mibro Watch GS Explorer review: A cheap outdoor smartwatch packed with features, but lacking basics

6:02 pm | January 21, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: Australia, Fitbit Charge, Garmin Forerunner | Comments: Off

Mibro Watch GS Explorer: Two minute review

It's possible to buy super-affordable smartwatches, but sometimes they tend to fall short in terms of design and features. By way of example, the standout cheap watch in our best smartwatches guide is the CMF Watch Pro by Nothing, which is stylish but quite basic, although our best cheap smartwatches guide offers plenty of sub-$300 / £250 / AU$500 alternatives.

That's why I was so intrigued when the Watch GS Explorer dropped through my door. At $155 / £121, the latest smartwatch from Mibro appears to hit all the right notes when it comes to specs. Let me list just a few: rugged military-grade durability, an AMOLED display, dual-frequency GPS with 5 satellites, and comprehensive sports & health modes.

Does that sound too good to be true? Surely they've cut some corners somewhere. I was so excited and determined to find out that I threw the watch on charge and got it on my wrist as soon as was humanly possible. It's been sitting there for around two months.

Let’s begin with the design. The watch itself has passed a total of 15 military standard tests in compliance with MIL-STD-810H-2019, which guarantees stability and reliability in extreme environments. Having used the watch in wet and cold conditions, I can testify that it's durable and waterproof. I also dropped it a few times and didn't suffer any scratches or screen cracks thanks to its Corning Gorilla glass.

All of this 'ruggedness' comes with some tradeoffs, though, the first of which is that it's enormous. If your wrist is on the slender side, then this is not the watch for you. The design is also far too chunky and lacking detail. You could even call it brutalist. The stretchy rubber strap also makes it sit a little uncomfortably on the skin and, at times, grip painfully onto any hair that gets caught underneath it.

Mibro Watch GS Explorer — (Image credit: Future)

At the centre of the watch is a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a 466x466 resolution and 353 PPI. There’s little not to love about the display and at 1500 nits, it’s bright enough in almost all environments. However, while operating the touch screen, the chunky outer bezel gets in the way of efficient swiping. I appreciate that this probably provides protection to the glass, but in my opinion it simply gets in the way.

While we’re on the subject of operation, the three buttons, located on the right-hand side of the watch, are a little clunky and even a little 'sticky’ at times, which hampered efficient and enjoyable navigation. I think if Mibro reduces the protrusion of the bezel and engineers the buttons better, then the user experience will be greatly improved.

The abundance of health and fitness tracking features and data can be accessed through both the watch and the associated Mibro app. You’ll find the ability to track basic health measurements, including heart rate and SpO2, but not much beyond that. Heart rate and SpO2 measurements were commensurate with the accurate Huawei GT 5 Pro, although the latter was slow to read.

The GS Explorer wants to come into its own when users are undertaking outdoor activities including climbing, swimming, and running. It is here that I experienced some of the more significant problems, namely to do with GPS accuracy. Tracking lines went off route and therefore couldn’t be trusted for distances and as a result, pacing was off. Exercise graphs are displayed on the screen but are unfortunately too small to really tell what’s going on outside of the companion app. More positively, training stats including heart rate tracking and ground contact time during runs appeared more accurate.

My general feeling of this watch was a mixed bag. It has some impressive features that perform well especially considering the low price, while other more basic and necessary measurements struggle for accuracy. As a result, this is a watch to get if you value premium features at a budget price, but is certainly not to be purchased if accuracy is paramount.

Mibro Watch GS Explorer: Specifications

Mibro Watch GS Explorer: Price and availability

$155 / £121
Extremely cheap for features
Not available in Australia

The Mibro Watch GS Explorer is only available in one size and retails at $155 US / £121 UK (around $238 AUS), which is insanely cheap for the screen and number of features available.

The only part of the watch that can be customized is the strap color with black, white, or green being your available options. The watch is not available in Australia or China.

Value score: 4.5/5

Mibro Watch GS Explorer: Scorecard

Mibro Watch GS Explorer: Should I buy?

Buy if it...

You’re on a budget
At $155 / £121, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more capable Garmin Fenix clone at this price point.

You want a smartwatch that’s as hard as nails
The Mibro Watch GS Explorer is built to last so you can rest assured it’ll stand the test of time.

You like chunky smartwatches
With a 47.8mm diameter, this smartwatch sits solidly and proudly on your wrist.

Don't buy it if...

You need top-notch accuracy
The GS Explorer has some accuracy issues so can’t be relied upon for super accurate measurements.

You have a slender wrist
This smartwatch is too large for smaller wrists. You might be better off getting one of the best fitness trackers.

Also consider

Fitbit Charge 6

A similarly priced fitness tracker with GPS

Read our full Fitbit Charge 6 review

Garmin Forerunner 165

A more expensive watch, but a better outdoor companion.

Read our full Garmin Forerunner 165 reviewView Deal

How I tested

I wore the Mibro Watch GS Explorer for around eight weeks, which gave me a good period of time to fully test the watch features and battery life. As it’s billed as an outdoor watch, I also made sure to get out and about for special ‘assignments’ as well as integrate it into my daily activities.

First reviewed: January 2025

Coros Pace Pro watch review: Bright display and bursting battery performer

10:00 am | January 7, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: AMOLED | Comments: Off

Coros Pace Pro: One minute review

The Coros Pace Pro is a higher-priced model for the brand as the company sets its sights on the Garmin, Suunto, and Polar competition. As such you have a watch that's crammed with all the best features you'd expect from a premium all-sports smartwatch.

So why pay for this over a similarly priced Garmin Forerunner 265? Well, the AMOLED screen on this is the same one found in the Apple Watch with a whopping 1500-nits of brightness, making it a stunner you can read in all light conditions. It does this while remaining battery efficient too for a top class 38 hours with all sensors up and running, or a good 20 days of standby time – with a zippy two-hour recharge time.

It is a lot lighter than a lot of the competition too, as light as 37g with the right strap, yet is still made from robust casing materials and features a useful rotating crown button. The display covering does let it down though, as it's made from mineral glass rather than the hardier Gorilla Glass you'll find from the competition.

GPS and HR accuracy aren't perfect but will be more than good enough to serve most needs, and it's the best on a Coros device yet. If you want even more accuracy you'll need to pay more for the top-end kit or factor in buying a chest or arm strap HR monitor too.

Coros Pace Pro: Specs

Coros Pace Pro showing heart rate — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

Coros Pace Pro: Price and Availability

Coros Pace Pro crown button — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

$349 / £349 / AU$599
Cheaper than some premium smartwatches
Relatively affordable despite AMOLED

The Coros Pace Pro steps out from the usual business model for this company - of undercutting the competition - instead standing more alongside. As such it is more expensive than many models that have gone before.

The Coros Pace Pro is available to buy now starting at $349 / £349 / AU$599.

For all the specs this offers - including AMOLED display, multi-band GPS, mapping and navigation, and music onboard - this is a really well-priced option. The mineral glass screen is not as impressive as the competition and means it will be more prone to damage.

The watch comes in Black, Grey, or Blue options. There are silicone or nylon band options, which vary the weight from 49g for silicon to just 37g for nylon. The silicon comes as standard but these bands are in the optional extras section, charged at $29 on top of the standard price if you want a second type.

All decent, but when you consider you can buy a Garmin Forerunner 265 for the same price, which is a far more established and reliable brand, this price doesn't seem quite so impressive.

Value score: 4/5

Coros Pace Pro: Design

Coros Pace Pro display maps — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

Useful rotating crown
Bright AMOLED display
Super lightweight

Right from the outset the Coros Pace Pro feels so light compared to the competition, which is great news for runners and longer-distance triathletes. I did think it felt a bit less premium as a result, but once I got used to it I realized it's built to a very high-quality finish just with lightness in mind rather than flashy materials.

The watch features a stunning 1.3-inch AMOLED, with a whopping 1500-nits brightness. This is actually the same screen technology used in the recent Apple Watch models – meaning a very bright and color-rich display no matter the conditions. Even reading it underwater feels better than any of the competition.

Unfortunately, the use of mineral glass, instead of the sapphire crystal that Garmin uses, can mean more damage is likely from this less resilient material. Not that I got any damage while testing this, even with heavy gym use.

The watch is a touchscreen, which works fantastically well in a super responsive way, but there is also a rotating crown option. This doubles as one of the two buttons on the watch. Press and hold to unlock then push again to access the various sports which you can scroll through using the rotation. This is so effortless and effective that I found myself using that instead of the touchscreen mostly – keeping the screen lovely and smudge-free.

The second button can be touched to cycle through on-screen metrics, like steps, heart rate, sunset and sunrise, and more. Or press and hold that to access the system settings, alarms, maps, music, and more.

Coros Pace Pro strap in grey — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

The menus in general deserve a mention as part of the design section as they're clearly well thought out with a minimalism that makes use intuitive and – crucially – fast. You can go from locked to run tracking in as little as four button touches. That crown comes into use again when training as a quick roll can often be easier than using the touchscreen, thanks to that very tactile analog feel.

Round the back, you've got a new optical heart rate sensor with green lights, which also come with the more advanced red light for the detection of SpO2 data and even ECG recordings. Despite the case size moving up to 46mm from the Pace 3's 42mm, this is still compact enough to be worn comfortably on most wrists.

The charger is similar to Garmin's, but is bespoke. It uses a cable that plugs into USB-C so can work with many outlets and charger blocks too. All that and it charges back to full in just two hours.

Design score: 4/5

Coros Pace Pro: Features

Lots of sensors
Always-on display
Offline TOPO maps

Coros Pace Pro training load — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

The Coros Pace Pro is packed full of smart sensors meaning you can enjoy a broad range of tracking. That includes – deep breath – Optical Heart Rate Sensor, Barometric Altimeter, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Electronic Compass, Pulse Oximeter (SpO2) and ECG.

That all means this will offer tracking while exercising, sleeping, walking, and on-demand for things like SpO2 measurement. But it also means everything can be combined to offer smarter overall measurements and more effective feedback on things like training readiness or recovery needs.

That super bright display is also worth mentioning here as it's very clear even in direct sunlight, but won't cost you too much battery – with a decent 38 hours with all systems tracking. There is the option to go for always-on, or intermittent, with the former costing you about 6 days on that 20-day standby battery life. In always-on, you'll see the clock dimmed and it will brighten when you lift to look, as opposed to only doing that to turn on with the intermittent option. I found it super responsive either way.

Coros Pace Pro heart rate display — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

The inclusion of offline TOPO maps elevates this model forward over its predecessor. It means you can have maps and routes, although it doesn't offer auto re-routing when on the move, unfortunately. Much like the maps, which can be a faff to get routes loaded onto the watch, music is also a drag-and-drop affair as there's no offline Spotify support – although the 32GB storage is plenty.

Run-specific features are fantastic, with this clearly aimed at the racers or those who want to get to that level. You have a workout builder to plan training with dedicated plans, training status so you know if it's time to rest or get out there, a virtual pacer, and a race predictor. All really useful features that can be viewed both in the app and on the watch itself.

The watch does offer notifications for text and WhatsApp messages which come through right away and with that big screen, messages are clear and easy to read. Unfortunately, there isn't yet support for emojis, which might have been a nice touch given the AMOLED display.

Features score: 3.5/5

Coros Pace Pro: Performance

Coros Pace Pro tracking — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

Decent battery life
Fantastic display
Good GPS but average HR

To start on a really positive point, the display is stunning not only to view but also to control. Thanks to a new processor in this model that doubles the speed, the sensitivity and responsiveness are super-premium meaning accessing all the menus is a pleasure. The large and clear display is good for going through your data, including graphs, without the need to reach for the phone and app as it's so fast, responsive, and clear. That applies to mid-training too where even movements don't seem to put off that tactile responsiveness.

Tracking is good but not amazing when you consider how many GPS systems are at play here. GPS acquisition is fast and a helpful bar system shows you signal strength too. While tracking is very accurate over longer distances (5K+), you may find that shorter than that and with hills in the mix can leave you a little less clear. And cycling performance was a little off too, even over longer distances. We're talking meters here, nothing huge, but still not quite as accurate as the smarter algorithms that the competition uses to work out your movements. To be clear, it performs well compared to most watches – and is the best Coros yet – just not quite as well as the latest top-end premium offerings from more established brands.

Heart rate tracking is the other area that wasn't perfect. While some longer runs and gym sessions were well-recorded – compared to a leading brand chest strap there were some inaccuracies. For higher heart rate bursts or longer rides, the accuracy wasn't as good as it perhaps could have been. That said, I've found similar issues with higher-priced competitors so it's not a deal breaker – I'm just being super clear. Coros does offer an armband heart rate monitor which may help improve this output if high-intensity work is what you need to track very accurately – or you're working in zone training.

Coros Pace Pro app — Coros Pace Pro (Image credit: Future)

Battery life is excellent with the 20-day standby time easily being reached or surpassed in my testing. Even training, with all sensors on and music playing over a Bluetooth headset, was still as good as predicted at 38 hours, if not better. I did use the watch with the display off when not in use though, so if you want the always-on display option expect the standby figure to drop by a few days. The USB charger and two-hour charge time combination do make battery something you won't really need to worry about often – which is the goal right?

Get into the app and you're met with clear, bright, and helpful displays that give you data in various forms without getting too complex as some of the competition does. I found it refreshing to have everything I needed there, with breakdowns available front and center, but without feeling like I had to dig around menus or be overwhelmed with too much information in my face. A difficult combination to achieve which Coros seems to have managed in record time.

I did have a few connectivity issues where the WiFi wouldn't work on the watch until I tried to sync a few times. Usefully you can also sync over Bluetooth, which takes longer but gets the job done. Hopefully, the WiFi issue will be fixed with updates although I've had two while testing this and it's still not working perfectly.

The silicon strap is super comfortable, very accurate to fit many wrist sizes, and it doesn't move about at all. That secure fit does mean it's a bit fiddly to get back on each time, so if you remove your watch regularly this might be worth keeping in mind if you're considering buying a different strap.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Coros Pace Pro: Scorecard

Coros Pace Pro: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want a superb display

That 1500-nits of brightness on the rich AMOLED display is stunning and the responsiveness of the touchscreen is second-to-none.

You want better battery life

The battery life is long enough that you don't need to charge often, and can use it regularly.

You want comfort

This is super lightweight and a perfect fit with that strap making it ideal for longer distance training and sleep tracking comfort.

Don't buy it if...

You want durability

The mineral glass display cover isn't the strongest so you'll have to be careful not to damage it.

You want music streaming

Yes, this has onboard music but not streaming support for the likes of Spotify making loading up a bit more effort.

You want adaptive navigation

You have maps here, and navigation, but it won't adapt on the fly so it's not ideal for all uses.

Also consider

Apple Watch Ultra 2

A fully fledged high-performance premium smartwatch.

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review

Garmin Instinct Crossover

A dedicated sports watch tool, like a smart Casio G-Shock.

Read our full Garmin Instinct Crossover review

Apple Braided Solo Loop review: I loved the fit and performance, but the high price was an instant turn-off

3:00 pm | December 23, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Comments: Off

Apple Braided Solo Loop review

I've been putting the Apple Braided Solo Loop through its paces to see how well it compared to the Sport Band that came with my Apple Watch. Everything was rosy at first (helped along by the gorgeous magenta color), and I was feeling set to give the Apple Braided Solo Loop a blinding review. But then I saw the price.

The Apple Braided Solo Loop has a list price of $99 / £99 / AU$149 on the official Apple website. I understand that large brands such as Apple sell a high enough volume of products to allow them access to higher-quality materials and more sustainable production processes, which warrants them charging a premium, but £99 for, in my case at least, a teeny-tiny Watch band feels somewhat far-fetched. My mind was made up further when I found that the 80% recycled stainless steel Apple Milanese Loop strap is the same price, despite using what I would imagine to be more expensive materials.

I liked the nifty tool on the Apple website that gave me step-by-step instructions to measure my wrist to ensure I ordered the correct Watch band size. I can confirm that the size of the Apple Braided Solo Loop I received was a good fit, sitting comfortably tight on my wrist. However, this tightness and lack of adjustability brought with it one slight issue, this being the squeezing caused a slight bulging of skin on either side, which isn’t the most attractive of looks.

As the name suggests, the Apple Braided Solo Loop consists of one continuous braided strap made from weaving 16,000 recycled polyester yarn filaments around ultra-thin silicone threads, which made this Watch strap stretchy enough to get over my hand without losing its structure once in place around my slimmer-than-average wrists. Despite my beef with the cost, I must applaud Apple for their sustainable practice here, with this strap stated to be carbon-neutral, with the 100 percent post-consumer recycled polyester yarn and 80% recycled stainless steel manufactured using clean energy.

The Apple Braided Solo Loop is compatible with 40, 41, and 42mm Apple Watch models and there are ten watch band lengths to choose from. It’s water and sweat-resistant and so far has proven to be adequately breathable, unlike my previous silicone strap, which I would have to remove and dry off after every skincare routine as it would never dry on its own.

In a nutshell, I am a big fan of the Apple Braided Solo Loop, and I support Apple’s sustainable approach, but the cost has proven a major turn-off for me – especially considering this is a quarter of the price of an Apple Watch Series 10 with a silicone strap included. That being said, if you’re looking into this before purchasing an Apple Watch, there is a saving to be made if you select an Apple Braided Solo Loop as part of the initial Apple Watch purchase, which at the time of writing is around fifty percent, so that’s definitely something to keep in mind.

If you’d like to see what other Apple Watch band options are out there, we’ve got a broad range of options over in our guide to the best Apple Watch bands.

A magenta-colored Apple Braided Solo Loop is attached to a light pink Apple Watch angled slightly to the left on a marble-effect surface. — (Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

Apple Braided Solo Loop review: Price & specs

A magenta-colored Apple Braided Solo Loop is attached to a light pink Apple Watch , facing forward on the wearer's wrist. — (Image credit: Cesci Angell / Future)

Should I buy the Apple Braided Solo Loop?

Buy it if…

You want a guaranteed fit
With its stretchy nature and the help of the Apple sizing guide, getting a good fit is super easy.

You want something breathable
If you're not a fan of water-trapping silicone Watch bands, then this woven polyester alternative should prove more suitable.

Don't buy it if…

You're on a budget
The cost will be fine for some who expect to pay sky-high prices for Apple quality, but for most of us mere mortals, this cost is bonkers for an unessential purchase.

You want a smooth silhouette
One issue with close-fitting, stretchable Watch bands such as the Apple Braided Solo Loop is that it reduces its size to fit, inevitably leaving a little overhang above and below the band. This may not be bothersome for some, but it's worth considering before you buy.

Apple Braided Solo Loop review: Also consider

Apple Solo Loop
Again, this is a continuous band with no closure, made from liquid silicone rubber, so it's a simple case of pulling it on and off. The upside of the silicone material is that it's perfect for swimming, so if you're someone who likes to take a dip in the pool on the reg, this would be the best alternative.View Deal

Ticwatch Atlas review: A formidable Android smartwatch for the great outdoors

3:00 pm | November 16, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: Garmin Forerunner, Samsung Galaxy Watch | Comments: Off

TicWatch Atlas: One minute review

The TicWatch Atlas is a brilliant rugged Android smartwatch and a fantastic alternative to mainstream options like the Google Pixel Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Range. It boasts an impressive chassis made of stainless steel, aluminum, and fiberglass that feels really premium and sturdy, and it’s competitively priced around other Android smartwatches while offering the rugged durability you’d expect from an Apple Watch Ultra or Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra.

The dual display means you can switch between a healthy-looking AMOLED display or an essentials-only low-power option that’s good for 45 days of battery life. The TicWatch Atlas comes absolutely packed with fitness and health-tracking tools and features, including more than 100 exercises. It also features heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, and more.

The Snapdragon W5+ chip ensures performance all-round is snappy with no hang-ups, and there’s a wealth of health data at your fingertips. The screen isn’t as vibrant as an Apple Watch display, and blood oxygen readings weren’t always spot on, but overall fitness tracking for calories and heart rate kept up with more expensive Apple Watch alternatives, and the GPS showed pretty solid accuracy.

The TicWatch Atlas currently runs Wear OS 4 with no sign of Wear OS 5 coming any time soon, but for those who can do without the latest software, it’s an extremely enticing option in this price bracket and one of the best Android smartwatches this year.

TicWatch Atlas: Specifications

TicWatch Atlas: Price and Availability

Ticwatch Atlas Review — (Image credit: Future)

$349/£329/AU$519
Two colors

The TicWatch Atlas is available now from Mobvoi.com and Amazon in a multitude of territories. There’s only one size and two colors, retailing at $349 / £329 / AU$519. We’ve seen it officially discounted through Mobvoi’s website and Amazon in the UK to just £264.99. In Wear OS terms, that’s around the same price as the list price of the Galaxy Watch 7, but cheaper than the similarly-sized Pixel Watch 3. It’s also, confusingly, the same price as Ticwatch’s other smartwatch offerings, the Pro 5 Enduro and the regular Pro 5.

Value score: 4/5

TicWatch Atlas: Design and screen

Premium design
Very rugged and durable
Dual display is enticing

Out of the box, the Ticwatch Atlas really dazzles as a rugged and well-designed smartwatch. The circular chassis measures 52.2mm in height by 47.8mm in width, and the whole package is just 12.05mm thick. The watch housing itself is a mixture of stainless steel, 7000-series aluminum, and nylon with fiberglass. That means you aren’t getting the premium titanium finish of an Apple Watch Ultra or the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, but the whole package exudes premium build quality and a rugged durability that really gives you confidence in the watch day-to-day. The TicWatch Atlas is Mobvoi’s adventure-going watch for the great outdoors and the company has really nailed it with this fantastic design.

Garmin fans will find themselves at home here thanks to a raised, chunky bezel that houses a circular AMOLED display, and to one side are a side button and a crown for scrolling. The latter is smooth and precise to operate, and the former takes you to Wear OS 4’s recent apps with a satisfying click, or Google Wallet with a double click.

The fluororubber band shipped as standard is also really excellent – the rubber is soft and grippy, and the metal clasp feels safe and secure to use.

The TicWatch Atlas boasts a dual-display configuration, with an always-on AMOLED and the Ultra-low-power display. Starting with the AMOLED, this tech definitely lags behind options like the Apple Watch Series 10, which looks altogether more vibrant. Upping the brightness to full really improved the experience, but at the default setting I thought it looked ever-so-slightly washed out. However, the text and metrics all look very clear, and the default Wear OS faces show good color performance. Raise-to-wake was a tad sluggish for my liking, but I’m really nitpicking what’s otherwise a very enjoyable experience.

Ticwatch atlas display — (Image credit: Future)

There’s also the Ultra-low-power display, which gives you a slew of essential metrics (date, time, steps, heart rate, battery) in a crisp two-tone format. You can pick the color, and the low-power display also has dynamic color changes that reflect your heart rate, so you can gauge what HR zone you’re running in with the quickest of glances. The real selling point of this Ultra-low-power display, however, is the battery life, with TicWatch promising up to 45 days of use in Essential Mode using this feature.

Overall, the TicWatch Atlas is really comfortable on the wrist, with no noticeable wrist fatigue. At 47.2 grams it’s not a heavy beast, but you’ll definitely notice its presence. As noted, it’s circular and quite a bit wider than your average Apple Watch, which I’d say disqualifies it for use in strength training. That’s because the design, coupled with the protruding crown, lends itself to accidental button presses, a fatal flaw that also hamstrings the Apple Watch.

Worth mentioning design-wise are the Atlas’ durability ratings. It’s 5ATM waterproof-rated for open-water swims, and certified to MIL-STD-810H military-grade durability. Essentially, the TicWatch Atlas can handle almost everything you throw at it, rain or shine.

Design score: 4/5

TicWatch Atlas: Features

Packed with fitness-tracking features
Heart rate monitoring and Afib alerts
Wear OS 4

TicWatch Atlas arrives sporting Wear OS 4 and a host of impressive features. A lot of these will be familiar to anyone who’s used any of the best Android smartwatches on the market. There are workout tracking modes for over 100 different exercises, including all the usual suspects. You’ll also get 24/7 heart-rate monitoring, recovery time readouts, VO2 Max measurements, calories, blood oxygen, and more.

Overnight there’s sleep tracking which triggers automatically, and health features like irregular heartbeat sensing and atrial fibrillation detection, which are constantly monitored in the background.

Safety features include emergency SOS and Fall Detection, the effectiveness of which I can attest to because I accidentally triggered it during a gym workout when I flopped a bit too dramatically onto a bench while doing barbell bench presses.

Navigation is provided by GPS tracking, which can also give you retrospective routes for your outdoor workouts and is impressively accurate, even when not tethered to a phone. There’s also a compass and barometer, the latter of which will be of particular note to climbers and hikers, who can use it to gauge height and atmospheric conditions that could indicate changes in the weather.

Another standout feature that I wasn’t able to test was Heat Map. With GPS and network connectivity, you can track your heat map for ball games including American football, Aussie rules, basketball, rugby, soccer, and tennis, as well as Frisbee, with your activity displayed as a satellite image of your exploits that you can customize and share with friends.

There’s also TicMotion, proactive tracking for outdoor workouts that can detect walking, running, or cycling without the need for user input, providing heart rate, calories, and VO2 max info automatically. I’ve already mentioned the dynamic screen, which changes color to match your heart rate in Ultra-low-power mode, another epic feature for fitness enthusiasts.

You also get the usual slew of Wear OS features from Google, including G-Suite integration for Maps, Calendar, and Gmail, apps from the Play Store, messaging, Google Wallet, and more. 32GB of onboard storage ensures you can load music and playlists onto your device, so you can run without your smartphone if you’d prefer

Overall, the TicWatch Atlas is packed with features for a $329 smartwatch. The feature-set generally lends itself to the adventuring fitness enthusiast, there is a lot going on when it comes to fitness tracking, health, performance, and more. I’d be inclined to compare the Atlas more to some of the best Garmin watches on the market, rather than something like a Google Pixel Watch 3. As with TicWatch’s Pro 5 offering, LTE is the only glaring omission. Mobvoi has also confirmed to us that there isn’t currently any information about Wear OS 5 support, the rollout of which to old Pixel models was confirmed recently, so this doesn’t put it at a huge disadvantage versus other Android rivals.

Features score: 4.5/5

TicWatch Atlas: Performance

Snappy processor
Accurate metrics
Phenomenal battery life

In my three weeks using the Atlas TicWatch I’ve been really impressed by the overall performance. My daily driver is usually an Apple Watch Series 10, or latterly, the Ultra 2. Personally, I find that the animations of Wear OS 4 leave a bit to be desired, with the lack of bounce and responsiveness versus watchOS 11 making for a more clunky experience; however, the TicWatch’s Snapdragon W5+ chip is more than enough to handle Wear OS. The user experience overall is snappy and responsive, with no processor hang-ups. The Atlas can process a lot of workout data including heart rate metrics, steps and calories, and cadence, and it’s definitely a solid piece of kit.

Accuracy-wise, it leaves little to be desired. In side-by-side tests with my $699 Apple Watch Ultra 2, the TicWatch broadly kept up with heart rate measurements including changes to my pulse. In a 1km test walk, the TicWatch slightly over-egged the distance, giving me 1km when I’d only walked 956m, with a slightly ambitious GPS route that artificially inflated the distance. However, that’s not a massive margin of error, and the Atlas clocked my average heart rate at 89bpm compared to the Apple Watch’s 90, and calories burned at 58 vs Apple Watch’s 60. For almost everyone that’s a perfectly acceptable margin of error, and an impressive set of results. In fact, I was surprised that workout summaries and metrics generally felt more comprehensive than with the Apple Watch and iOS, with step count, VO2 max, average speed, and workout zones served up in addition to Apple’s data offering.

The only suspect reading I’ve found on the Atlas is blood oxygen, with a couple of erratic readings suggesting that my level was changing quite rapidly to as low as 92% percent and as high as 100%. It seems to have evened out over time, but I’ve wondered if the TicWatch has been giving me readings even when it wasn’t quite able to. On other occasions, however, it matched the Apple Watch in more controlled conditions. Given that this measurement relies heavily on you being at rest and having your watch fitted properly, this could be an error, and it’s one I’m keeping an eye on with continued testing.

Metrics and results are delivered via the Mobvoi Health app, available on the Google Play Store. It’s certainly comprehensive and colorful, but the app’s design and interface aren’t enthralling. Still, it’s practical and easy to navigate.

The aforementioned TicMotion workout detection is impressive, as is the automatic sleep tracking, however, the Atlas’ party piece is definitely its battery life. The TicWatch Atlas is rated for 90 hours of use as a regular smartwatch, or an eye-watering 45 days using the ultra-low-power display. In three weeks of use, I’ve only had to charge it twice, and it easily clears three days of constant use on a single charge, including one workout a day. Charging speed is also impressive, and the standard included cable is good for 2 days of usage from just 30 minutes of charging. Otherwise, a full charge in my experience takes about 90 minutes, and TicWatch’s interface shows the battery charging in real-time to two decimal places for a reassuring sense of progress.

Performance score: 4.5/5

TicWatch Atlas review: Scorecard

TicWatch Atlas: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want a rugged Wear OS fitness tracker

The TicWatch Atlas excels at fitness and health tracking and has a brilliant, rugged durability.

You want a stylish alternative to mainstream Android smartwatches

The TicWatch Atlas’ design stands out against Pixel Watch and Galaxy alternatives.

Don't buy it if...

You own an iPhone

The TicWatch Atlas is an Android-only smartwatch.

You want Wear OS 5

The TicWatch Atlas doesn’t currently support the latest Android wearable software.

TicWatch Atlas: How we tested

I used the TicWatch Atlas for almost three weeks as my main smartwatch. It was connected to a Samsung S21 Ultra, on which I tested the Mobvoi Health app and connectivity. I used the watch to track my sleeping, as well as multiple strength and running workouts. I also conducted controlled testing to directly compare metrics to the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Series 10, including a 1km test walk to measure the accuracy of heart rate and calorie tracking.

TicWatch Atlas: Also consider

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7

One of the best Wear OS 5 watches on the market right now, packed with fitness tracking and health features, solid battery life, and more.

Read our full Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 review

Garmin Forerunner 265

With its brilliant OLED screen, comprehensive fitness tracking, and great battery life, the Garmin Forerunner 265 is a great alternative for runners, although slightly more expensive.

Read our full Garmin Forerunner 265 review

First reviewed: November 2024

RingConn Gen 2 smart ring review: the best cheap smart ring gets an upgrade

12:00 am | October 28, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Comments: Off

RingConn Gen 2: Two minute review

Smart rings have been picking up steam in the wearables space since the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Ring, which helped to put this burgeoning tech trend on the map. However, hone in on the price – or the ongoing subscription fees – and it’s easy to be put off. That’s where a more affordable option such as the RingConn Gen 2 smart ring comes in.

At $299 (around £250 / AU$485) it isn't "cheap" in real terms, but next to the competition the RingConn Gen 2 is an appealing option – especially when you consider it delivers solid health metric tracking in a sleek and stylish package.

It tracks your sleep, heart rate, activity, and stress, to determine your overall wellness score – plus it can gamify keeping healthy further with badges awarded for good habits. You’ll find it falls down somewhat when it comes to fitness tracking, because it doesn’t start this tracking automatically, so you can forget to log your workouts. In addition, it only tracks running, cycling, and walking right now. So if you’re someone looking for tech to help you achieve your sporting goals, this ring is unlikely to be for you.

The band itself – which comes in sizes 6 to 14, in black, gold or silver – looks just like any other regular ring, and it’s durable with a top-class IP68 dust-proof and waterproof rating plus a design that even after a few weeks of regular use didn't appear to become scratched.

The RingConn Gen 2 also offers a supremely long battery life, remaining charged for up to 12 days. With the charging case you can get an additional 150 days out of it before you need to search out a plug socket again.

This long battery life helps ensure the RingConn Gen 2 won’t run out of power overnight for several nights in a row, which is of importance for its new sleep apnea monitoring feature. It isn't yet FDA-approved, but it does apparently boast a 90.7% accuracy rating, and can help to either warn you of potential health issues or provide some peace of mind – although it isn't a replacement for a medical professional.

Overall, then, the RingConn Gen 2 is a solid option for people who want to try a smart ring but don’t want to over-commit, and while it's a little pricier than its predecessor, the upgrades go some way to justify its higher price.

RingConn Gen 2 in its charging case — (Image credit: Future)

RingConn Gen 2: Specs

RingConn Gen 2: Price and Availability

The RingConn Gen 2 is available for purchase online through the company's website for $299 or around £250 / AU$485. RingConn does ship to the UK and Australia, although the price online is only given in dollars.

One major cost advantage of the RingConn Gen 2 and its predecessor – beyond their already relatively budget-friendly price – is that RingConn doesn’t charge you a monthly fee to access its full set of features. On the flipside the RingConn’s tracking isn’t quite as in depth as you’ll find from pricier options on our list of the best smart rings.

It’s a slight disappointment that the Gen 2 model is pricier than its $279 predecessor, although given how frequently the previous model was on sale, we expect this new RingConn smart ring will be discounted regularly, too. In particular, keep an eye out for sales events such as Black Friday to see if you can pick it up for a lower price.

RingConn Gen 2: Design

Thin yet durable design
Comes in three colors
Supports sizes from 6 to 14

The RingConn Gen 2 doesn't reinvent the wheel, so to speak, when it comes to smart ring design. It's a classic band shape that's available in sizes from 6 to 14. Based on your size, it weighs between 2g and 3g, and has a width of 6.8mm, and a thickness of 2mm. In essence, you won't be able to tell the difference between this ring and any other band unless someone catches it glowing when the sensors are monitoring your health metrics.

It's available in three colors; I’m a fan of the matte black finish, but jewelry traditionalists might prefer the silver or gold options. Whichever band you choose, the RingConn Gen 2 arrives with an IP68 dust-proof and waterproof rating, so it can survive being worn to the beach, or when you’re washing the dishes.

RingConn Gen 2 on a colorful mat. Red and Green lights are flashing. — (Image credit: Future)

I can’t speak for the durability of the other bands, but even following several weeks of constant use, my matte black RingConn Gen 2 is showing no visible signs of wear and tear – the band is scuff-free and about as pristine as the day I received it in the mail.

Just a few point to note for those of you who haven’t used a smart ring before. Before buying a RingConn smart ring, I’d recommend requesting a free sizing kit – you do this when you order your ring by selecting the “Don’t know my size” option. I'd request the kit even if you regularly wear a ring or have a smart ring from a different brand, since the RingConn sizes might not be an exact match to what you’re wearing because of the bumps on the inside edge from the placement of sensors.

Wear the dummy rings constantly for a couple of days; your ring size fluctuates through the day, so the "perfect fit" at the time you happen test could end up being too big or too small overall. The ideal size will fit snuggly: it shouldn’t slide off, but neither should it be a struggle to remove. This will mean the ring sits in the correct position throughout the day, rather than moving out of its proper orientation – something that can lead to inaccurate readings. Place your order once you’re certain of the size you need.

In addition, if like me you're not a regular ring wearer, you’ll need to get into the habit of not losing your band when you take it off. I recommend putting the ring in its case if you do take it off, or leaving it in a specific spot each time.

Design score: 4/5

RingConn Gen 2: Features

New sleep apnea tracking
Monitors health vitals, sleep, stress and activity
Limited fitness tracking

Using the smart ring and accompanying RingConn app, you can monitor five key stats: Sleep, Activity, Stress, Heart Rate and SpO2 levels. Using these metrics, the RingConn app provides you with an overall Wellness Balance score, and tips on how to improve your rating. I’ve taken it easy these past few days, so right now for me it’s recommending I try some moderate or high-intensity workouts to relieve some stress and up my activity rating.

Beyond a simple score for each metric you can click into the Sleep, Stress, Vital Signs and Activity sub-menus to view more in-depth stats such as a graph of your sleep cycle, your heart rate throughout the day, and a record of the calories the ring estimates you’ve burned.

If stats alone aren’t enough to keep you motivated, the app awards badges for achieving optimal health targets for a little added gamification.

RingConn Gen 2 app pages showing Hamish' sleep and health stats — (Image credit: Future)

In addition to the main stats, there’s also a fifth menu for the RingConn Gen 2’s brand new Sleep Apnea tracking, which is reportedly 90.7% reliable according to RingConn’s studies (although it's yet to be FDA approved). After initiating a comprehensive assessment over three nights of sleep, the app will either end regular monitoring if you don’t appear to have an issue, or will recommend that you speak to a medical professional if it believes you might have sleep apnea.

While the RingConn Gen 2 isn't suitable for in-depth monitoring or treatment of the condition, the sleep apnea feature can help to put your mind at ease if you’re concerned about your sleep health (although a doctor is the best person to speak to if you’re worried about sleep apnea).

However, it's with fitness tracking that the RingConn Gen 2 falls down. It doesn't have the capability to automatically detect when you start exercising; you have to manually start tracking from within the app – with it currently only supporting running, cycling and walking. As such, I often didn't remember to activate fitness tracking, meaning much of my activity went unrecorded.

Features score: 3.5/5

RingConn Gen 2: Performance

12-day battery life
In-depth sleep stats
Fitness tracking is easy to forget to activate

Throughout the day, the RingConn Gen 2 automatically collects your health metrics – at five- or thirty-minute intervals based on your preferences – and stores them on the device until it can sync with the RingConn app. Note, however, that you can manually request a scan using the RingConn app.

I did find it had some occasional syncing issues during testing, although on these occasions I was simply left waiting for a few more seconds for the app to update with the latest info. Overall, it was a seamless experience.

The app itself is fairly intuitive, and while there is a fair amount going on, the homescreen struck the right balance between busy and informative. Conversely, the sub-menus that deliver more in-depth analysis of your stats were a little more cluttered, although the ability to edit those busier menus and rearrange the blocks meant I was able to move the stats I cared most about to the top to help simplify my health data monitoring.

When it comes to accuracy, the RingConn Gen 2 appears to do a great job, with its results matching up closely with the scores achieved through my Fitbit.

The internal components of the RingConn Smart Ring Gen 2 on a grey background — (Image credit: RingConn)

The smart ring’s fitness tracking it isn't too bad, but as mentioned, it's held back by limited sports options and the fact it doesn’t activate automatically. If you do switch it on for your walk, run, or bike ride, the app will deliver an in-depth breakdown in the activity menu that shows how far you travelled (complete with a map of your route), the number of calories you burned, and a graph of your heart rate, color-coded to different heart rate zones such as Warm-Up, Fat Burning, and Aerobic. In terms of the latter, it will even break down precisely how long you spent in each zone as you'll see with other fitness trackers.

The one area that the RingConn Gen 2 is truly superb is battery life, with its 12-day offering trumping even top-end rivals such as the Samsung Galaxy Ring with its seven-day battery life. During tests, the RingConn Gen 2 delivered on its promise, and when it did eventually start to run low, the ring’s charging case – which can store an additional 150 days worth of charge – was able to top it up fairly speedily.

Now, I simply charge the ring whenever I take a shower, to keep it hovering steadily around the upper end of its battery life. In the app I can see the percentage and estimated usage time it has remaining by tapping on the ring icon in the top-right corner.

Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the RingConn Gen 2

Buy it if...

You want an affordable option
At only $299, and with no monthly fees, the RingConn Gen 2 smart ring is a solid, affordable yet still well-specced alternative to the best smart rings out there.

You need a long battery life
Offering a 12-day battery life and a charging case that can extend it to 150 days before you need to rely on a power outlet, this smart ring can definitely go the distance.

You’re not sure about smart rings
With its relatively easy set-up process and low(ish) cost, the RingConn Gen 2 is an excellent choice for people who want to try the smart ring experience without over-committing.

Don’t buy it if…

You want a fitness tracker
Smart rings are useful for health monitoring, but this ring isn’t the best for fitness tracking due to limited workout options and because it won’t turn on automatically.

You want something high-end
While there’s a lot to be said for an affordable option, high-end models from rivals such as Oura and Samsung do offer a more seamless and in-depth experience (albeit at a higher cost).

You value function over fashion
Smart rings are ideal for people who want to wear a regular watch but don’t want to lose out on health tracking. If you’d rather get something more feature-rich, a smartwatch or fitness tracker would be a better bet.

Also Consider

Samsung Galaxy Ring
With excellent software, and no monthly payments, the Galaxy Ring is our current pick for the best smart ring available. It's pricier, but its added benefits could be enough to sway you.
Read our Samsung Galaxy Ring review

Oura Gen 4
Oura is almost synonymous with smart rings, and its latest gen 4 model has just entered the scene. While it's pricier (especially when you factor in the subscription), those interested in buying a smart ring should at least give this one some attention.
Read our Oura Ring 4 review

Fitbit Luxe
If you aren’t dead-set on getting a smart ring, then the Fitbit Luxe is our pick for the best fitness tracker in general thanks to its excellent monitoring abilities and stylish design
Read our Fitbit Luxe review

How I tested the RingConn Gen 2

To test the RingConn Gen 2 I wore it pretty much all day, every day for a few weeks. It tracked me while I worked from home, when I did workouts, when I went out for walks, and while I slept. This meant I was able to see how well the ring performed in my regular daily routine as a health monitoring tool.

For a few days of testing the RingConn Gen 2, I wore my trusty Fitbit tracker alongside to compare the results of both devices and gauge accuracy. The results weren’t always an exact match, but for the stats that both devices were monitoring, they did align fairly closely.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro: one-minute review

The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro, the brand's new flagship wearable, promises a longer battery life among other enhanced features over its previous incarnation, the TicWatch Pro 5.

The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro is a well-engineered device with a robust feel, yet it’s light and relatively slender for a fitness-focused watch. The screen glass is dense and feels tough enough to withstand the rigors of more extreme activities, while the display is clear and renders the UI very well. It’s responsive to gestures, but unfortunately, contact still registers through various materials, so accidental swipes when brushed against clothes and the like are possible.

Aesthetically, the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro is no standout, but it’s discreet enough to be worn on any occasion. The included straps are durable, but as someone who prefers nylon over rubber, I didn’t find them to be the most comfortable, and the loop failed to keep the excess slack in place consistently.

Running Google’s Wear OS, the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro is a fast performer, for the most part, thanks to the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chip. I did experience the occasional stutter and instances where apps and various functions didn’t work as intended, but nothing that drastically derailed the overall experience.

The Mobvoi Health Android app is great for tracking your workouts and physical data, with a clear layout, stable performance, and plentiful features and functionality. As you would expect, there’s a miscellany of health and fitness apps available on the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro right out of the box. Some of these work better than others: the measurements for steps and distance covered appear quite accurate, while those for activity, blood oxygen and anaerobic exercise seem to miss the mark.

All the performance and functionality of the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro comes at a cost. While there are certainly more expensive fitness wearables out there, there are also cheaper models, including the Fitbit Inspire 3 and the Apple Watch SE 2, that offer the same levels of performance and functionality (or close to them).

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro on wrist — (Image credit: Future)

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro review: specs

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro on table — (Image credit: Future)

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro review: price & availability

$349 / £329 / about AU$504
Available in Slate or Obsidian colorways
Costs more than some Apple Watch models

The Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro costs $349 / £329 / about AU$504 and is available in two color schemes: Slate, which is a pale shade of green, and Obsidian.

The Enduro is priced the same as its predecessor, the TicWatch Pro 5, which is still available to buy. However, it has a few more enhancements, including a battery with a longer life and fast charging, a new ultra-low-power display, and new biometric measurement tools.

It’s cheaper than some dedicated fitness wearables, such as the Garmin Forerunner 265, but considerably more than other popular smartwatches, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro and the Apple Watch SE. These both offer similar fitness credentials to the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro, although they lack ECG features and blood oxygen sensors.

If you’re only buying a wearable for health and fitness purposes, the Fitbit Luxe is our pick as the best fitness tracker around, or the Fitbit Inspire 3 if you’re after the best cheap fitness tracker.

Value score: 2/5

Close up of Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro buttons — (Image credit: Future)

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro review: design

Solid build
Anonymous looks
Sleek interface

In line with other Mobvoi TicWatch models, the Pro 5 Enduro sports a round face with a thick chassis that’s not too bulky. As someone with small wrists, it didn’t feel oversized, although it isn’t as sleek as some wearables on the market, such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 or the Apple Watch.

As for the build quality, the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro feels very well put together, with a sturdy yet lightweight construction, and a rugged strap that feels secure and durable. However, I found it too thick to be breathable, generating quite a lot of sweat during physical activity, which makes for an uncomfortable sensation. This is an issue I usually have with most rubberized straps; I much prefer nylon.

Mobvoi does sell replacement straps, and there are plenty of compatible third-party ones out there. The TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro utilizes pins common on many standard watches to secure each end in place, with sliding bolts that allow you to install new straps without needing any tools.

The loop has a nodule that’s supposed to fit into the empty strap holes to secure it in place, but this didn’t work for me: at least once or twice a day, the strap would escape the loop, which is especially inconvenient during exercise.

What’s more impressive on the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro is the switches. The swivel on the crown is smooth and offers good haptic feedback, which is noticeable without being intrusive. Presses are also pleasingly tactile and the same goes for the side button above. This can be customized to perform various actions and functions, such as setting it as a shortcut for opening apps of your choosing. All these factors combine to make it easy to operate the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro.

The interface itself is sleek and minimal. Menus are easy to navigate, for the most part, and the UI is laid out clearly. There are also a generous amount of watch faces to choose from, with varying degrees of information displayed that can be customized further in the Mobvoi Health app. The included TimeShow app offers even more face designs, but requires a paid subscription.

There is a variety of display settings that can only be controlled when the main watch face appears, such as when you tilt the watch towards you. The AMOLED display is clear and bright, making it easy to view in all but the sunniest of conditions. The default ultra-low-power display, however, is hard to see no matter what the ambient lighting is like, regardless of what backlight setting you choose.

Design score: 3.5/5

Close up of Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro face — (Image credit: Future)

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro review: Features

Accurate GPS
Plenty of fitness functions
Good customization options

Setting up the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro was simple enough, requiring the Mobvoi Health app to get going. You’ll also need to create an account (or sign in with your Google account) to save your workouts and other health data.

At time of writing, the app had a poor rating among users on the Play Store, scoring a meager 1.9 from 3,000 reviews, but during my time with it, I struggled to find much to criticize. It has a clear layout and a good set of customization options, with plenty of health data available for you to dig into. I didn’t experience any performance issues with it either. My only real complaint is that you can’t adjust the same number of settings as you can on the watch itself.

Once set up, the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro recommends apps to install, including those that are already present on your phone. Even though I checked the boxes for this during my setup, they failed to install as the Wi-Fi took a while to establish a connection. Thankfully, the Play Store app on the watch has the same list, enabling you to install your phone apps whenever you wish.

There are numerous Mobvoi apps related to fitness, which can seem overwhelming at first. The main one is TicHealth, which tracks metrics such as your steps and calories burned, as well as your heart rate, sleep and blood oxygen. Many of these require an initial measurement to get set up, which can be done via the new one-tap measurement app and takes only 90 seconds to complete its assessment.

Another key app is TicExercise, which can track your workouts. It offers a myriad of activities to track, from walking and yoga to Tai Chi and Motocross, and includes individual exercises in addition to overall routines.

As a fully-fledged Wear OS watch, the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro can run popular third-party apps downloaded from the Google Play Store, including Strava, Spotify, Audible, Microsoft Outlook, and WhatsApp, as well as Google’s own suite of apps, including Maps, Docs, and Keep. Although the selection is a far cry from what’s available on mobile devices, it’s still enough to make having a Wear OS smartwatch useful.

Features score: 4/5

Rear of Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro — (Image credit: Future)

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro review: performance

Lots of data available
Inconsistent measurements
Average battery life

Although many of the aforementioned TicWatch apps are effective for giving a general overview of your stats, they’re far from perfect. While the heart rate monitor seemed reasonably accurate, I found the sleep and blood oxygen measurements inconsistent. The latter was particularly dubious, ranging from 100% to 91% after taking numerous readings (bearing in mind that below 94% indicates insufficient oxygen supply). Naturally, Mobvoi does issue a disclaimer that the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro cannot be used for medical purposes.

It also gives some tips for improving your blood oxygen that verge on the eccentric, including recommendations to eat liver and fungus for their plentiful iron stores, as well as informing you that oxygen cylinders are used to increase oxygen saturation.

As for sleep tracking, there were times when it seemed to get the hours spot on, and know how many quality hours of sleep I got. However, there were also times when it grossly underestimated the amount of sleep, such as when it said I only got 3 hours and 15 minutes. Admittedly, this was a fitful night, but I certainly got more hours than this.

Activity monitoring was also inaccurate in its assessments, telling me on more than one occasion that I had been active for three hours from 9am to 12pm, despite the fact I was sitting at my desk the whole time. It also gave me a prompt to get more steps in to meet my daily target, straight after going for a 10-minute dog walk. And it failed to notice my three-minute run to catch a train, not even registering my elevated heart rate. Admittedly, this could be explained by how loose I had the strap at that moment – a consequence of the discomfort it caused me.

Despite the TicExercise app having a wide variety of exercises available for tracking, in practice, they didn’t offer the tailor-made experience I was hoping for. When using the weightlifting option for one of my workouts, the only data it offered was duration, calories burnt, and heart rate. It also broke down my workout time into warm-up, fat-burning, cardio, anaerobic and danger zone phases.

I found this breakdown quite inaccurate, since it said I spent most of the time in warm-up, a minimal amount in cardio, and none in the anaerobic state – essentially the opposite of how my actual workout went. I’m not an athlete by any stretch, but I certainly exerted my muscles during the workout, far beyond what the watch impertinently thought was a “warm-up”, and I certainly did more anaerobic than aerobic work.

Close up of Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro strap — (Image credit: Future)

For my outdoor run, it seemed much more accurate with its account of my pace, max speed, and time spent in a cardio-intensive state – although strangely it did seem to think that for five of my 18 minutes spent running, I was in an anaerobic state. It also split my times per kilometer covered, and offered average and maximum readings of my heart rate, pace, cadence, and stride length. It provided a very detailed route map too, showing exactly where I had been, along with a reading of the elevation gain, so the GPS certainly functions well, and I found it established a signal fairly quickly too. Clearly, TicExercise is at its best when assessing aerobic rather than anaerobic activity.

In terms of general use, the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro is responsive, with swipes being smooth, fast, and easy to perform. Functions and apps are quick to run too, and overall the Wear OS integrates nicely with Android devices, receiving push notifications and messages promptly – even when there’s no Wear OS app equivalent (Slack was a case in point here). There’s a good degree of cross-platform functionality as well, including the ability to easily control media playback from your smartphone on the watch.

There are a few minor usability issues, such as the watch failing to wake up when I brought my arm up, particularly when lying down at night, and coming on when I didn't want it to. Gestures occasionally failed to register, and some apps failed to open on the first tap. Notification and media playback symbols can also obscure the battery level indicator on some watch face designs. Overall, though, my experience with the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro wasn’t ruined by these niggles and minor bugs.

Third-party apps perform well on the whole. However, Spotify – an app many are likely to use during their workouts – did give me a few issues, ranging from playback and UI failures to Bluetooth headphones disconnecting unbidden. Whether the blame lies with the Spotify app or the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro is hard to determine, but it’s an issue worth mentioning.

Mobvoi claims that the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro battery lasts up to 90 hours, 10 hours more than the Pro 5. During my tests, however, I was getting substantially less than this. Over the course of 12 hours, I went from full to 70% with minimal use. The upshot is that I was getting closer to three days of use out of the TicWatch rather than four. On the positive side, charging is quick, thanks to its fast charging capability.

You can turn on essential mode to extend the battery life to up to 45 days, but you can’t access any of the other features beyond what’s shown on the ultra-low-power display. Since you can’t access the settings or control the watch from your phone in this mode, to return to normal you have to restart by holding the side button, which takes longer than it should. It feels as if the mode switching could’ve been implemented better than this.

Performance score: 3/5

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro: Scorecard

Should I buy the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro?

Buy it if...

You do aerobic exercise
The TicWatch is at its most accurate when counting steps and tracking distance, with useful pace and route tracking functionality, thanks to the excellent GPS.

You have an Android phone
As a Wear OS device, the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro integrates superbly with Androids. Some of your favorite apps are also available from the Play Store.

Don't buy it if...

You do anaerobic activity
While runs can be tracked comprehensively, resistance training tracking isn’t at the same level.

You’re on a budget
With an asking price of $349 / £329 / about AU$504, it's more expensive than most Fitbit and even some Apple Watch models, and these may be better options depending on what you want from a smartwatch.

You have an iPhone
The TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro doesn’t work with Apple’s smartphones, so you’ll need to go for a Fitbit, Apple Watch or other compatible wearable if you want cross-device support.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro review: also consider

Apple Watch SE
Apple still reigns supreme in the smartwatch space, and for good reason. Although it’s not strictly billed as a fitness watch, there are plenty of apps for the Apple Watch SE, both first and third-party, that can add that capability. And at $249, it’s cheaper than the TicWatch. You will, of course, need an iPhone to get going with it, though, and beware: there’s no ECG or blood oxygen sensor. Read our full Apple Watch SE review

Fitbit Luxe
Fitbit was one of the first to kickstart the fitness wearables trend, and it’s still going strong with various models. In our Fitbit Luxe review, we said it’s one of the company’s best models. Note, however, that there have been a number of controversial changes to Fitbit services of late, including the axing of much-loved features, casting doubts over its longevity.

How I tested the Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro

Tested for one week
All features and first-party apps used
Regularly active

I tested the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro for a week, wearing it every day and some nights. During that time I went about my normal routine, which included working at a desk, walking and exercising. I did a mixture of resistance training and cardio work, both indoors on a treadmill and out in the wild.

I also used as many of the available functions and apps the watch had to offer as possible, including all the preinstalled health and fitness apps, as well as other third-party apps.

I partake in physical activities, such as walking and resistance training, between two to three times a week, with some cardio thrown in when I can. I also commute to work, which can vary from taking public transport – including 10-minute walks either side – or walking the whole two miles each way to the office and back.

Huawei Watch D2 review: Blood pressure monitoring at its best

7:09 pm | October 21, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: AMOLED, Apple Watch Series, China, UK | Comments: Off

Huawei Watch D2 review: One-minute review

If we had a 'best for blood pressure' category in our best smartwatches buying guide then the Watch D2 would be instantly catapulted into this position. It supersedes the Watch D that was released in 2022, and is looking set to reignite a watch series that was otherwise going to be consigned into the depths of smartwatch history.

Blood pressure monitoring in a smartwatch is an incredible achievement, a reality made possible through an airbag strip located behind the main watch strap. At first, I thought the strip would get in the way and be too uncomfortable to wear on a daily basis, but I was wrong. It sits neatly as part of the strip and (if anything) provides an extra layer of comfort.

Blood pressure readings appeared reliable and accurate, although the watch did struggle relatively regularly to get a reading at all. It required a certain level of accurate positioning on the wrist. I appreciate it's a medical piece of equipment, but I'd like to see increased predictability in the Watch D3.

As good as the Watch D2 is for blood pressure monitoring, it is equally let down by its lack of advanced smartwatch features. At a cost of £350 (around $400 / AU$700), I'm disappointed not to see the ability to make contactless payments, listen to music through Spotify or Amazon Music, or even listen to audio messages on WhatsApp.

I know a lot of the cost can be attributed to the advanced blood pressure capabilities, but I think that has limited this watch to a rather niche group of people and their needs. Wide market appeal might therefore be lacking.

The watch is certified by both the EU's Medical Device Regulation body and China's National Medical Products Administration. This opens up an almost global market, but the distinct lack of release in the US might further hamper appeal.

Having worn this watch for a number of weeks, I'm left with an overall positive feeling. It looks great, performs well, and provides an adequate extension to my smartphone. There's still room for improvement, which I'm sure will come in future releases but for now the D2 represents an important step in smartwatch development.

Huawei Watch D2 review: Specifications

Huawei Watch D2 review: Price and availability

£349.99 in the UK
Not available in the US / AU
Also available in China

The Huawei Watch D2 is available in the UK at a price of £349.99. Blood pressure monitoring is certified by the EU's Medical Device Regulation body. The device is also available in China but that's as far as Huawei's market's stretch.

Huawei continues to be banned in the US, which seriously limits the company's markets. Otherwise, the watch isn't cheap and is missing a few key smartwatch features at this price point, although the revolutionary blood pressure monitor makes up for it.

Value score: 4/5

Huawei Watch D2 review: Design

Good-looking design
1.82 inch AMOLED
Thick watch

Upon taking the Watch D2 out of the box my first impressions of the design were pretty positive. The 1.82-inch AMOLED display takes centre stage, providing a substantially sized screen for showcasing watch faces, health data, and notifications.

The colour display has a resolution of 480 × 408 pixels with a PPI of 347. Text and graphics look absolutely fantastic with a high level of clarity, definition, and vibrancy. There were no signs of pixelation or definition problems.

The display is encased by a black or gold case, which frames the watch nicely. Considering how impressive the display is, it would benefit from a much thinner bezel, especially at the top and bottom of the display. The watch itself is sized at 48 × 38 mm. The aluminium alloy case continues back to the rear of the watch where a black plastic panel takes over. The thickness is 13.3 mm, although this is at the thinnest location and excludes the sensor area.

This is one of my biggest gripes with the watch design: like its predecessor, it's just far too thick. The sooner Huawei is able to recess that sensor further into the watch the more comfortably it will sit on the wrist.

To the side of the watch is a rotating crown and a function/ECG button. These perform well and enhance the overall operation of the watch. I did find myself using the touchscreen more than the buttons but they're there if you want them.

The watch is built with premium materials, giving significant strength to the quality and level of durability. I had no concerns that I was going to damage the watch or that any individual parts weren't going to stand the test of time.

There are two watch strap options, including 'Black Fluoroelastomer' and 'White Composite Leather'. I was testing the former. The material looks great and, more importantly, feels nice on the wrist. The locking mechanism provides a quick and easy way to take the watch on and off.

The blood pressure monitor airbag strip is directly connected to the watch strap itself. I couldn't initially see how this was going to be comfortable but, in reality, it provided an extra level of cushioning.

The watch ships with a wireless USB-A charger, which is better than most that I have tested. The watch magnetically connects to the charger and doesn't require the watch to be in any particular orientation.

Design score: 4.5/5

Huawei Watch D2 review: Features

Blood pressure monitoring
Extensive tracking capabilities
Lacks advanced key smartwatch features

The single biggest standout feature of the Huawei Watch D2 is the Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM). ABPM is delivered through a 26.5 mm ultra-narrow mechanical airbag that is attached to the inside of the watch strap. It inflates quickly and easily, providing everything required to take this vital health metric. The idea behind the feature is to provide blood pressure monitoring at will without a large cuff. So, whether you're working, exercising, relaxing, or sleeping, it's now easier than ever to perform ABPM tests.

The Watch D2 lets users run a 24-hour auto-monitoring plan. This is helpful for noticing trends across a whole day, including when you're sleeping. Do be prepared to be woken up through the night though unless you have a special skill of sleeping through the air-bag inflation.

Another relevant feature is the ECG analysis. Huawei have improved their technology from the Watch D, now providing more accurate and responsive results. If you're interested in this level of detail, then you can get the data required to help you identify the potential presence of common heart conditions.

Additionally, Huawei have included a sleep mode that includes heart rate, SpO₂, respiratory rate, and abnormal breathing tracking. As you wake in the morning, you can see detailed results through the Huawei Health App. It also includes white noise, natural soundscapes, and relaxing music to help you get to sleep.

The Watch D2 also includes a range of smartwatch features, including notifications, making and receiving calls, and listening to offline music. Unfortunately there are quite significant limitations, including the inability to make contactless payments, listen to WhatsApp audio messages, or listen to music through Spotify or other music providers. It's all got to be done through your phone.

Features score: 4.5/5

Huawei Watch D2 review: Performance

Accurate blood pressure monitoring
Good exercise tracking
Responsive display

ABPM is a rare commodity in a smartwatch, so I was keen to test the accuracy and reliability of the feature. Having set the watch up and got the watch and my arm in position, I proceeded to set the watch off on its monitoring. With the air-bag inflating, I was keen to see what the results would be.

I ran the same tests numerous times and gained very similar results, which showed a pleasing level of consistency. I'm aware of what my normal blood pressure levels are and the watch delivered results within that spectrum.

I did have some problems with reliability and at times, I couldn't get the watch to take the measurement at all. This will have mostly been down to my incorrect positioning of the watch but despite that, I would like to have seen more consistent monitoring capabilities.

Other health tracking metrics are measured with ease, as they don't require quite the same level of mechanics or precision on positioning. Its sleep tracking accurately detected all my wakings as well as times that I was in deep or light sleep.

I then took the watch out and about while I walked, ran, played football, and cycled. The D2 picked up GPS without any problems at all and accurately detected where I was located. All of this was displayed on maps and I experienced no problems with the watch getting this wrong. Metrics were all recorded and tracked without problem and the Huawei Health app proved a faithful companion for digging deeper into those.

Battery life is advertised as six days with normal usage. I experienced a range of different lengths with a greater range when I was only doing exercise tracking and basic smartwatch features as well as a shortened range when using it more intensely.

Performance score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Huawei Watch D2?

Buy it if...

You want regular blood pressure monitoring
Being able to perform ABPM at will is one of the best features of the Watch D2. It's fast, effective, and a big leap in smartwatch technology.

You want a top-quality display

The 1.82-inch AMOLED display looks fantastic thanks to the 480 × 408 pixels resolution with 347 PPI.

You want great battery life

The Watch D2 has an impressive battery life especially considering what monitoring and tracking it is performing. Battery life does reduce significantly if regular ABPM is performed.

Don't buy it if...

You want advanced smartwatch features

There is a distinct lack of contactless payments and the ability to listen to music on streaming services.

Huawei Watch D2 review: Also consider

Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch Series 9 is the best smartwatch for most iPhone users. It offers a Double-Tap gesture, all-day battery life, and excellent health features. Read our full Apple Watch Series 9 review.

Suunto Race S
One of the best watches for runners or athletes in general. Fantastic tracking features and a long battery life provide users with everything required to get exercising. Read our full Suunto Race S review

Huawei Watch D2: How I tested

I've enjoyed wearing the Huawei Watch D2 for several weeks and have tested as many of its features as I possibly could. I focused on blood pressure monitoring, ECG analysis, and exercise tracking. I tracked walking, running, football, and cycling to give a good spread of activities.

I paired the watch with the Huawei Health app to get the complete health tracking experience offered by Huawei.

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid watch review: Hot hybrid watch from Ferrari designer

5:19 pm | October 10, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Comments: Off

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: One minute review

The Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid is vying for a position as one of the best hybrid watches options out there, yet without actively doing so. In fact, it's more about style and sophistication, with the smart features there as an added bonus.

Known for working with Ferrari and Alfa Romeo for decades, the Pininfarina brand is synonymous with style. However, this instance is a simple licensing of the name by Globics, the company behind the watch, so while this might not have been designed by Pininfarina it certainly looks like it was. It follows the company's first foray into the hybrid watch world with the well-received Solaris: aside from looks, the two are very similar internally as well.

Outwardly, this is a premium analog watch – but thanks to that small AMOLED display, plethora of smart sensors and smartphone connectivity, it can do so much more. To be clear, this is a step towards a smartwatch with notification functionality, but isn't meant to replace a dedicated smartwatch like a Garmin or an Apple Watch. So it will keep you connected and cover some health tracking metrics, but it's not typically built for sports users.

Expect a long battery life with plenty of smartphone controls, like music and camera shutters able to be operated on-watch. It will track your sleep – whether you want to wear it at night will be another matter.

You can track sports, but with no GPS onboard, the utility is certainly limited. Yet with the tough design and waterproof build, this is a watch that can go beyond its formal looks and keep up with you as you sweat it out too. So is this the best hybrid watch for you – or do you need a more dedicated option like the Garmin Instinct Crossover?

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid specs

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: Price and Availability

$379 / £379 / AU$732
Cheaper than premium smartwatches
Relatively affordable with the screen smarts

The Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid is available to buy now starting at $379 / £379 / AU$732.

That makes this a relatively expensive notifications-based watch, or a very affordable premium analog watch, depending on how you look at it. Since it straddles both of those classifications, the price isn't out of the realms of possibility: it's cheaper than the Instinct Crossover and a little more expensive than the Withings Scanwatch 2. You get a premium-looking and feeling analog watch without losing out on smartphone connectivity and all that goes with that.

There are other straps you can go for with multiple color options at the outset. Or change straps by buying more as after-market options to suit your needs.

Value score: 3.5/5

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: Design

Useful dial controls
Clear AMOLED display
Premium casing and crystal finishes

Right from the outset the Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid feels premium. It arrived in a big fancy box with calligraphy writing on the outside that immediately had me excited for what was inside. Sure enough, the watch itself stayed true to that with a reassuringly weighty feel and a high-end, genuine Italian leather strap.

I could tell it was decent quality from feel: this is made using 316L Stainless Steel for the case while the glass uses a sapphire crystal finish with an anti-smudging layer to keep fingerprints off. This leaves you feeling comfortable in the knowledge that this is going to be resistant to scratches and damage, to maintain that quality look for longer. The two-year warranty and 5ATM waterproofing along with that also helped set me at ease.

The outer case features three chunky buttons, the central of which is a crown dial that can be rotated to scroll through menus and pushed in to select. All that makes for a great look but also an easy-to-use feel as you work through the menus, or quick select sports tracking using just a few button presses.

The model tested features a black face and strap but you can also pick from Azure Horizon that has a blue finish on the face and strap, Midnight Rose which has rose gold accents on black, or Sand Dune with a light brown strap and white face. All feature the same 44mm case and premium leather strap finish.

On the rear is a heart rate monitor that's also kitted out to measure oxygen levels so you can get detailed SpO2 data. The watch also tracks movements to give you step counts and sleep tracking, although there is no GPS onboard - you'll need to be connected to the app to use the phone's GPS for accurate tracking.

Design score: 4/5

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: Features

Detailed HR tracking data
At-a-glance notifications
Remote control options

The main smart features of the Pininfarina are a suite of health tracking tools, remote camera / music controls and on-wrist notifications. The tracking comes from the combination of the movement and HR trackers combined with that AMOLED display located at the top of the watch face. That means you can twist and tap the crown dial a few times and have your heart rate measured live, or check your O2 levels on the small AMOLED screen as and when you need.

The screen is also used for onboard weather reports and WhatsApp notifications. There is the option to use the watch to control the phone's music to skip tracks or control volume, or to use the watch as a remote to take photos on the cameraphone from a distance.

You can use the watch to give you reminders if you're too sedentary and need to be told when to move, like most of the best fitness trackers. It'll also work as a compass, letting you find your way with its digital readout.

Thanks to haptic feedback, all those features can be interacted with clearly and (crucially) without the need for invasive audio or flashing screens, using vibration alerts to get your attention instead. Any of these can be disabled in-app, so you have as few or as many alerts as you want, removing distracting email notifications but enabling health-based alerts, for example.

While the watch doesn't have built-in GPS, it can piggyback off your phone so you can track a run or ride with accuracy using the data all pulled into the app, which can be sent to Strava or similar services. The battery life is decent, helped by that lack of GPS, so you can rely on a good few weeks of use at a minimum before you need to think about recharging.

Features score: 3.5/5

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: Performance

Decent battery life
Awkward display
Limited sports uses

The idea of a hybrid watch and the reality proved to be quite different. On the plus side, I barely thought about battery life as this went for a good two weeks before that even got close to being a sub-20% issue. And recharging only took a few hours so that did offer a peace of mind that some sports watches can't attest to. That said, many Garmins now manage to achieve similar results even with moderate GPS use.

As an analog watch, it's lovely to look at thanks to that chronograph face and it's easy to read at a glance. Add in the display and you have access to heart rate, weather information and more. However, the reality is that the display is hidden if the hands are pointing up and covering that screen. The designers have addressed this, as the hands move out of the way once you start scrolling the menu. However, if you have a WhatsApp notification and want to glance at it, you can't if the hands are in the way. So I found the reality was that one of the most sought-after features – at-a-glance notifications – was largely useless at certain times of day as I either couldn't fully read the message on the small screen behind a watch hand, or I missed it and there was no way to have it display again easily.

The app did offer a lot more data, but even that was limited to that day's data – or after some menu diving, you could get yesterday's. There are options to see more overarching trends so the data is all there, it's just not as easy as some apps are at letting you get to what you need easily.

The lack of GPS was also an issue for anyone using this for sport. I found that using it as a timer and heart rate monitor at the gym was fine – although even then heart rate wasn't displayed front-and-center at all times. Wearing it in the gym also felt like being overdressed and I was constantly concerned about catching and scratching it. Then if you want to go for a run or ride without your phone, it's just a timer and HR monitor. If I wanted to carry my phone then I'd have that to track me anyway, so this is very specifically for those who want to have their phone with them and to use this for wrist-based heart rate data as well.

Performance score: 2.5/5

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: Scorecard

Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid: Should I buy?

Buy it if...

You want analog that's smart

The Pininfarina Sintesi Hybrid gives you that premium analog look and feel, with some smartphone connectivity.

You want better battery life

The battery life is long enough that you don't need to charge often, and can use regularly.

You need heart rate tracking

A great option to add heart rate data to your analog watch without too many other extras.

Don't buy it if...

You want GPS

The lack of GPS onboard means you always need a phone for sports tracking, so keep that in mind.

You need clarity

The display is small and often obscured by the watch hands, so don't go for it if you want a clear and large data readout.

You want a dedicated sports watch

This falls short on lots of the sports tracking features that other dedicated watches can offer.

Also consider

Apple Watch Ultra 2

A fully fledged high-performance premium smartwatch.

Read our full Apple Watch Ultra 2 review

Garmin Instinct Crossover

A dedicated sports watch tool, like a smart Casio G-Shock.

Read our full Garmin Instinct Crossover review

Suunto Race S review: a worthy competitor to rival Garmin

2:22 pm | October 1, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Smartwatches | Tags: Apple Watch Series, Garmin Fenix | Comments: Off

Suunto Race S review: One-minute review

The Suunto Race S is a cracking smartwatch that is a credible alternative to any of the dedicated running watches that Garmin produces. With tracking capabilities like on-board GPS and heart rate monitoring, the smartwatch provides all that is needed for accurate measurements.

The AMOLED display looks great thanks to its high-definition resolution. Navigation using the touchscreen is easy and natural, although the device is a little bit let down by the underperforming crown button. Overall build quality is very good, though, with robust components that will stand the test of time. The watch itself is most definitely on the larger side so it won't suit everyone but if you have a wrist that can accommodate it, then it'll certainly look the part.

In addition to its features for athletes, the Race S also offers smartwatch functionality like notifications and music control. It has a long battery life, which can last around 10 days in smartwatch mode and up to 30-35 hours in training mode.

While the Suunto Race S offers a great set of features for athletes, it lacks some of the features found in other smartwatches. If you're more into performance tracking, then the Race S is up there with the best.

Suunto Race S review: Specifications

Suunto Race S review: Price and availability

The Suunto Race S 45mm model costs $349 / £325 / AU$599. There are an abundance of strap options, including Black, Powder Grey, and Powder Pink. For the test, I have the gorgeous orange strap, which has a graduated color from orange to purple. All strap options cost the same.

The watch is available in the US, UK, and AUS. If you'd like the slightly larger 49mm model, then that goes by the name 'Suunto Race' and attracts a slightly higher price, especially if you opt for the titanium strap. It is not only larger but also has a longer battery life.

Suunto Race S review: Design

Great-looking watch
Abundant strap options
Solid build quality

The Suunto Race S is a great-looking watch, especially with the Powder Orange strap that I tested. With seven different strap colors available, there are no shortage of ways to customise the watch. We'll come back to the strap in a minute but let's focus first on the watch itself.

The first thing I was struck by was how chunky this watch is. The 45mm diameter provides a fantastic display size with enough real-estate to display all your vital metrics. Unfortunately, the thickness of the watch is nearly 12mm, which makes the whole thing sit very proudly indeed. The overall dimensions make it very similar to the Garmin Forerunner 265, which is similarly bulky. At this size, and with a weight of 60g, this is a watch for thick wrists that can accommodate it; otherwise, it'll just look plain odd.

The stainless steel case looks great with the simple color palette, causing the watch display to take centre stage. It houses an AMOLED display with a 466 x 466 pixel resolution. As a result, all of the on-screen graphics look super sharp with no sign of any pixelation. Unfortunately, Suunto has left a tiny gap between the glass and the case that catches dirt, and because it's so thin is difficult to remove.

The build quality of both the watch and the strap are second to none. I used it while performing various types of exercise, including contact sports, and never managed to damage it. In fact, I was never concerned about doing so, such was the quality of the components.

The three buttons are all located to the right-hand side of the watch and are small enough to not rub against your hand. The top button launches you into activity mode by taking you straight to a list of exercise types, while the bottom button takes you back to a menu.

Between the two standard buttons is a crown, which is very similar to what is now seen on other smartwatches, including the Apple Watch. A crown-style button is great to have but I don't think Suunto has nailed the engineering of it. I found it tricky to rotate predictably and, because it sits lower than the watch face, it's actually quite difficult to use with one finger. I actually ended up ditching it in favour of swiping.

As with all smartwatches, the sensor is on the back. It's a little prouder than I would have liked, but it does enable a range of tracking types as well as training functionality.

The strap not only looks great but is extremely comfortable. Most importantly, it wipes clean, an essential for athletes who sweat a lot. The catch is unique in its design but it provides the necessary security to keep the watch safely on your wrist.

All in, I've really enjoyed wearing the watch. It's comfortable, makes a statement, and functions incredibly well. At this price, the design competes with even the best that Garmin has produced. If they can improve the crown and the overall thickness, then this would be the running watch to beat.

Design score: 4/5

Suunto Race S review: features

Numerous features designed for runners
Extensive tracking capabilities
Lacks some key smartwatch features

Suunto Race S boasts a range of training features and support for all types of exercise including heart rate zones, power zones, and pace alerts.

If you love to be prepared ahead of time, then you can plan your route before you even leave the house. It shows you where you're located and gives you updates on what you're about to encounter. In that regard, you'll always feel prepared. You'll have no worries about getting lost thanks to support for all types of sections.

Features include heart rate sensing, an altimeter, and a gyroscope. These accurately track your movements and provide feedback on how you're getting on. Whatever exercise you're doing, the watch can capture your data accurately every time. I had no problems with any GPS signal dropouts, even when sweaty or wet. In general, I was very impressed with the speed of readouts and the accuracy of them.

Sleep tracking monitors your sleep quality while also feeding back if your sleep patterns might be affecting your performance. Personally, I wasn't overly keen on using the watch as a sleep tracker, as it was just uncomfortably big to wear at nightime.

The watch has a wide range of features, with a particular focus on athletes and those keen on staying fit. It also offers features that will appeal to those who just want it to integrate with their smartphone. For example, you can control music playback from the watch, helping you stay focused on your exercise.

Additionally, the watch receives notifications for calls and messages, so you don't have to keep checking your phone. For the price, I would have liked functionality to allow for replying to text messages but, then again, this is primarily a running watch. The watch is compatible with both Android and Apple phones, although I only tested it with an iPhone.

In conclusion, the Suunto Race S is a smartwatch that is focused primarily on athletes. All of the tracking abilities provide the necessary data for mid-exercise updates and post-exercise reports.

Features score: 4/5

Suunto Race S review: performance

Fast and responsive
Accurate GPS
Amazing battery life

The Suunto Race S is a strong all-round performer, especially for athletes like runners, swimmers, and cyclists. Getting the watch set up took no time at all, with charging to full taking no more than one hour. Downloading the Suunto app and pairing the watch was equally straight-forward. I was up and running, pardon the pun, in no time at all.

Then it was time to get exercising. The first thing I did was jump on my bicycle to test the GPS and tracking functionality. Once I was outside, the watch picked up GPS quickly and easily. I had initially tried to launch it while inside but it failed to connect, a common problem with all GPS enabled devices.

Once on my bike, the Suunto Race S coped admirably, tracking my route perfectly along with accurate distances and measurements. All of the data is displayed on the large 45mm display but there are also additional screens that provide further more in-depth information.

The Suunto app provides even more data for you to drill down into how you are performing. The app is really well designed with a good layout that is easily navigated. I especially love the maps of routes travelled and graphs providing health data. It also provides some reporting so you can improve on your performances each time.

I've already discussed the sketchy performance of the crown button in the design section but in general, interaction with the watch was very positive. The touchscreen responsiveness is good and I had little problem moving around the menus. The swipe gesture was able to handle moving up and down long lists without any fuss. The responsiveness was even fine while sweating or when I had just gotten out of the swimming pool.

The battery life delivers great performance too. Having worn the watch for a couple of months, I was able to test it for long periods with both light use and heavy use. Just using the device as a watch and a few other features, including checking messages, I was able to get about two or even three weeks out of the battery.

Tracking exercise with GPS enabled had an expected effect on battery life. When I used it for daily cycling commutes, playing football, and running, I found that the battery would last around five to seven days. The battery life was so impressive that each time I actually had to think about where I had left the charger because it had been so long.

Performance score: 4/5

Should I buy the Suunto Race S?

Buy it if...

You want an affordable running watch
The watch had a good range of features and great build quality, and it's not as expensive as many of the Garmin alternatives.

You want a high resolution screen
The 466 x 466px AMOLED display looks fantastic, with all text and graphics as sharp as you need. It's also bright enough to use in the midday sun.

You want unbelievable battery life
With light use, this watch will last around two to three weeks. Even with heavy use, you'll still get several days' life out of it.

Don't buy it if...

You want a slender-looking watch
The Suunto Race S may be the smaller version but it's at 45mm diameter and nearly 12mm deep, you'll need a wrist that's thick enough to warrant it.

Suunto Race S review: also consider

Garmin Fenix 7
Garmin's other premiere outdoors and fitness watch, the Fenix 7 was the top ultra-marathon watch around until the Enduro 2 tore its crown off its head. Still worth a look if you can find it at discount. Read our full Garmin Fenix 7 review

Suunto Race S review: how I tested

I've been proudly wearing the Suunto Race S for two months and have tried to put it through as many types of exercise as I can, including running, playing football, swimming, and table tennis. It's incredible how many different types of activities it supports, so I thought it only right to try as many as I could!

To test it's waterproof rating, I took it while swimming and managed to get it down around 3 m. It's nowhere near the advertised 50 m but I figured my test would be sufficient for most users.

I also paired it with the Suunto app to get a fuller picture of what the watch is capable of. The pairing process was simple and straightforward, and I loved the app.