Writing this OnePlus Watch 3 review, I was struck by how much smaller of a leap we've seen from the OnePlus Watch 2 to the OnePlus Watch 3, compared to the leap the Watch 2 made from the original. The first OnePlus Watch was considered bad by every metric, but the OnePlus Watch 2 was a spectacular improvement in every way.
The OnePlus Watch 3 has much less work to do, iterating on an already successful design. Like the OnePlus Watch 2, it’s got the look of a classic dress watch with its outer casing and bezel, now upgraded from stainless steel to titanium. Its AMOLED display is now comprised of 2D sapphire crystal for improved durability, and its battery life has been extended from the OnePlus Watch 2’s 100 hours to 120 hours, beating rivals like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra for longevity.
I’ve only used it for a few hours, but functionally it performs as smoothly and as well as any Wear OS watch I’ve yet used, including the Google Pixel Watch 3. It’s an option most Android phone users should consider, and it’s sure to make its way into our best Android watches list in future.
Its usability is vastly improved by the addition of a rotating digital crown, allowing for easier scrolling and navigation, especially during sweaty workouts in which the touchscreen would be harder (or grosser) to use.
My main gripe is with the watch’s size: I would have loved to see OnePlus bring out a second, smaller model for those with smaller wrists. Many people, including a lot of women, will find it’s just too big and heavy for daily wear. However, this issue aside, it’s a powerful, robust daily driver with modern health tools and a timeless look.
OnePlus Watch 3: Specifications
OnePlus Watch 3: price and availability
(Image credit: Future)
£319 in the UK (approximately $400 / AU$630)
Available in the UK / EU
Availability for other regions is TBC
The OnePlus Watch 3 is available in the UK, where it's priced at £319 (approximately $400 / AU$630), and in the EU. It's available to order from today.
We’re currently unsure if the watch will be available in the US and AU markets, but will update this full review with that information when we get it.
OnePlus Watch 3: Design
(Image credit: Future)
Sumptuous screen
Rotating crown
Very big for smaller wrists
As mentioned, the OnePlus Watch 3 shares many design similarities with the OnePlus Watch 2. However, there are a few changes both under the hood and, erm, over it. The watch still runs Wear OS 5 on its Snapdragon W5 chipset, but it also runs a second operating system, RTOS, powered by a new BES2800 MCU chip.
By switching from Wear OS to the low-power RTOS, the OnePLus Watch 3 is able to extend its battery life. In conjunction with the new chip, a bigger 631mAh battery means the Watch 3 lasts up to 120 hours, compared with the older model's 100 hours.
The shape and design of the OnePlus Watch 3 are very similar to the Watch 2 pictured below. At 46.6mm x 47.6mm x 11mm, not including the thickness of the sensor, it’s a hefty watch at 81g including strap. It might look like a timeless metal dress watch, which helps, but the sheer size of it will be off-putting to a lot of people.
However, its size does mean it’s packing a lovely big screen. Its 2D sapphire crystal and buttery-smooth AMOLED puts out 2,000 nits, the same brightness as the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The big screen makes reading messages and notifications a pleasure rather than an annoyance to, doubly so thanks to the other big new addition: a rotating digital crown. Pressing the crown takes you back to the main menu, and its wheel is used for scrolling, while the side button starts workouts. Coupled with the touchscreen, it’s all very intuitive, and a design that will be familiar to users of the best Apple Watches.
OnePlus Watch 3: Features
(Image credit: Future)
60-second heart health check-in
New ECG functionality
Dual-frequency GPS
As well as the rotating digital crown, tougher new screen and bezel, and longer battery life, there are software features aplenty, both new and returning. The beauty of the best Android watches (much like the best Apple Watches) is that you can stuff them full of third-party apps, and it’s the same case here. I’ve already got Strava, Spotify, AllTrails, Audible… all my usual suspects.
First up among the new stuff is the 60-second health check-in. By pressing your finger on the All-In_one sensor button, the OnePlus Watch 3 measures your heart rate, conducts an electrocardiograph scan (this feature will be available later in the year), and tracks blood oxygen levels, mental wellness, wrist temperature, sleep quality, and a new metric called ‘vascular age’, similar to Garmin’s Fitness Age, but specifically tailored to heart health.
A big emphasis is placed on heart heath, with vascular elasticity measured and the new ECG functionality working with this to create benchmarks based on age. Essentially, the OnePlus Watch 3 can tell you a rough idea of how 'old' your heart is in comparison to the rest of your body. If you’re in your thirties but very fit, you might have the heart of a 25-year-old for example, whereas someone out-of-shape might have a heart age edging towards the forties.
GPS is now dual-frequency for additional accuracy. The Watch’s basic workout app supports over 100 different sports mode, but only 11 of these offer ‘professional modes’ or unique metrics, such as running. The rest are nice-to-haves for instant input into your digital training diary.
I’ll be adding a Performance section, along with final scores, in my full review after I've worn and tested the watch over a longer period. Check back soon!
The Amazfit Up earbuds feature an open-ear design, making them a great choice for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music. This makes them particularly popular for fitness enthusiasts, outdoor runners, and anyone who struggles with traditional in-ear or over-ear designs.
But these earbuds take a different approach. While many of the best open-ear headphones rely on ear hooks that go over the top of your ear or neckbands for stability, the Amazfit Up earbuds "clip" onto the edge of the ear instead. This isn’t unique to Amazfit – other brands, most notably the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, have used a similar design, along with various budget-friendly alternatives.
However, the Amazfit Up buds could be a game-changer for those who find ear-hook designs uncomfortable, especially if you have thick hair or wear glasses (I’ve personally had trouble with them for both of these reasons).
Another key selling point is price. Amazfit, owned by Zepp Health, is known for its budget-friendly fitness smartwatches, like the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro, which we praised for covering the basics at an affordable price – though not without its drawbacks. The Amazfit Up follow a similar pattern.
Open-ear earbuds can be pricey, with brands like Shokz and Bose offering premium options that require a serious investment. And since open-ear listening isn’t for everyone, spending that much can feel like a gamble. The Amazfit Up buds offer a more affordable entry point, though, as with most budget-friendly devices, compromises are inevitable.
Read on to find out what I thought after three weeks of testing the Amazfit Up – and whether budget-friendly buds can deliver without cutting too many corners.
Amazfit Up: Price and release date
(Image credit: Future)
Priced at $49.99 / £44.99
Released in late 2024
Cheap compared to rivals – but competition is mounting
The Amazfit Up earbuds launched in late 2024 with a price tag of $49.99 / £44.99. At the time of writing, there’s no official pricing or release date for Australia.
This price makes them an incredibly budget-friendly option – not just among open-ear designs but among wireless earbuds in general, even compared to those in our best budget wireless earbuds guide.
For context, our current top pick for open-ear earbuds, the Shokz OpenFit, cost $179.95 / £179.99 / AU$289, making them significantly more expensive. While the Shokz model does have a more premium build and better sound quality, fit is subjective. Personally, I found the Amazfit Up more comfortable for my ears, making them an outstanding value prospect.
Some other earbuds with a similar clip-on design – where the buds attach to the edge of the ear rather than sitting in, over, or around it – are priced much higher. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which we rated highly in our review, are often considered the gold standard for clip-on earbuds but come at a steep $299 / £299 / AU$449.95. The Huawei Free Clip, another alternative, is also pricier at $212.37 / £169.99.
That said, the market for affordable clip-on earbuds is growing. Models like the JLab Flex Open and Anker Soundcore C30i are priced similarly to the Amazfit Up, offering more competition in the budget open-ear space.
So while the Amazfit Up is a strong contender at this price point, it’s not the only budget-friendly option. However, considering what it offers, it stands out as a great value – though it’s worth keeping an eye on the increasing competition in this space.
Amazfit Up: Specifications
Amazfit Up: Design
(Image credit: Future)
A clip-on design
Incredibly comfortable and light
Exterior looks a little cheap
The Amazfit Up earbuds feature an open-ear design often described as “clip-on.” While this term is becoming more common, I find it a little misleading since there’s no clamping or tight pressure involved.
Each earbud consists of a main housing that sits behind your ear, connected by a small curved band to a spherical speaker that rests lightly in your ear’s concha, just above – but not touching – your ear canal. While this design isn’t unique, it’s a clever take on open-ear audio, allowing sound to play close to your ears while keeping your ear canals free for situational awareness.
Unlike many earbuds that create pressure points over time, these distribute their lightweight 5g-per-bud so evenly that I barely noticed them, even after hours of wear. In fact, they’re some of the lightest, most comfortable earbuds I’ve tested – and I’ve tested a lot. That’s rare for me to say, as I usually experience some level of discomfort with most headphones. After wearing these for a while, everything else felt heavy in comparison.
For me, this design wasn’t just more comfortable – it was also far more practical. The area behind my ear, where many other open-ear buds sit, is already occupied. If I’m not wearing contacts, my glasses rest there. I also have thick, long hair and often wear hats, especially when running. This is why ear-hook designs tend to get in the way for me, and why the Amazfit Up felt like such a great fit.
(Image credit: Future)
For everyday use, they were ideal for walking and light jogging. While I wouldn’t trust them for intense activities like sprinting or inversions during yoga, they stayed more secure than I expected during running, especially compared to ear-hook designs.
Visually, they’re… fine. The textured design isn’t particularly sleek or premium-looking. A friend pointed out that they resemble a 1990s Star Trek: The Next Generation gadget, and I can’t unsee it now – especially with the small red light and ridged details adding to the sci-fi aesthetic. That said, once they’re on, all you really see is the sleek black band, which I actually loved.
The earbuds are IPX4-rated, meaning they can withstand light splashes, sweat, and rain. That’s fine for casual workouts, but some fitness-focused earbuds offer better water resistance, so it’s something to consider if you plan to use them in tougher conditions.
The charging case is compact and functional, but feels a bit flimsy. While it does the job, it doesn’t seem particularly durable, so it’s worth handling with care.
Design score: 4 / 5
Amazfit Up: Features
(Image credit: Future)
Multi-point connectivity
Connects with the Amazfit line of smartwatches
24 hours battery in total: 6 from the buds, 18 from the case
The Amazfit Up earbuds come with a decent range of features, though there are some gaps. One of the most notable omissions is the lack of an app, which is frustrating for those who like customization options. However, they do support voice assistants, including Zepp Flow and other phone-based assistants.
For controls, Amazfit has opted for actual buttons positioned behind the ear. I really appreciated this, especially for fitness use. A tactile button makes a huge difference – especially when your hands are sweaty, cold, or tired. These buttons allow you to adjust volume, play and pause music, skip tracks, answer or reject calls, and wake up your voice assistant. There are multiple input methods – single, double, and triple-taps, as well as a press-and-hold gesture. While the positioning behind the ear isn’t the most intuitive at first, I found the controls to be responsive once I got used to them.
One standout feature is multipoint connectivity, which is rare for budget buds and something even the Shokz OpenFit (our top open-ear pick) doesn’t offer. I connected the buds to two devices simultaneously, my Macbook Air and my iPhone, and the connection was seamless between them both.
Amazfit claims that the Up earbuds integrate well with Amazfit smartwatches, though I wasn’t able to test this firsthand. If you already own an Amazfit watch, this could be a nice bonus.
For calls and noise reduction, Amazfit advertises an “advanced AI algorithm” designed to reduce background noise, particularly wind. While I could still make calls outdoors, and they performed better than expected in windy conditions, the call quality was just okay – my voice sounded slightly muffled and distant according to the person I was calling. For casual use, they do the job, but if you rely on earbuds for frequent calls, you’ll likely want something with stronger microphone performance.
Battery life is decent but not outstanding. You get 6 hours per charge and a full 24 hours in total with the case too, which is lower than some competitors. For comparison, the Bose Ultra Open buds offer 7.5 hours per charge, while the Shokz OpenFit buds deliver 7 hours per charge and 28 hours total. So while the Amazfit Up holds its own, it’s not leading the pack.
Features score: 3.5 / 5
Amazfit Up: Sound quality
(Image credit: Future)
Decent clarity and crispness
Volume and bass okay considering the design
Only a little noise leakage
Open-ear earbuds aren’t designed for premium, immersive audio, especially at the budget end of the market. But I was pleasantly surprised by the way the Amazfit Up sounded – design and price considered.
Since they play audio just outside of your ear canal rather than sealing sound in, they naturally lack some punch, particularly in the bass. That said, there’s still enough low-end presence here to keep workouts energized, and I found the overall sound to be really enjoyable. Vocals come through well, instruments in the higher range are crisp, and the treble is clear – though occasionally a little on the sharp side. The soundstage has an expansive feel, making tracks sound open rather than compressed.
Compared to pricier alternatives like the Shokz OpenFit Air, the clarity isn’t quite as refined, but the difference isn’t huge, especially considering the price gap. Volume levels are decent here, though not the loudest. Then again, the whole point is you’re meant to be able to hear your surroundings, so what could be a negative with other designs is a plus here.
One thing I noticed was a slight vibration at times, which is common with this style of earbuds. Noise leakage is also expected, but in my testing, it was minimal. At about three feet away, people could detect a faint sound but couldn’t make out what was playing. Only those standing very close could actually hear the music, but even then, it wasn’t intrusive. So in the past, I wouldn’t have recommended this design to take from say a run to the office, but unless you’re used to strict silence, these can multi-task.
Ultimately, you’re not getting top-tier audio or ANC here, but that was never the point. Instead, for casual listening, workouts, and walks, the Amazfit Up buds deliver a surprisingly solid, well-balanced sound for the price.
Sound quality: 3.5 / 5
Amazfit Up: value
(Image credit: Future)
Excellent value for money
Cheap compared to rivals – though there is competition
A good way to try this design
The Amazfit Up earbuds offer excellent value for money, delivering a surprising combination of decent sound quality, excellent comfort, and good features at a budget-friendly price.
While open-ear designs typically come with compromises, the fit is a standout feature, making them far more comfortable – especially for those who struggle with ear-hook designs, many of which are significantly more expensive. They also seriously undercut premium clip-on competitors like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds while still offering a solid listening experience.
That said, the market for affordable clip-on earbuds is growing, with brands like JLab and Anker offering similar designs at comparable prices. While competition is likely to increase, the Amazfit Up still holds its own as one of the best budget-friendly open-ear options we've tested. If you’re looking for an alternative to ear hooks without spending a fortune, they’re well worth considering.
Value: 4 / 5
Should I buy the Amazfit Up?
Buy them if…
You want open-ear earbuds but dislike ear hooks A great alternative if the more common ear hook design don’t work for you. Ideal for those with long or thick hair or who wear glasses.
You have a clear reason for open-ear buds If you dislike the feeling of blocked ears, need to stay aware of your surroundings, or worry about external noise, these are worth considering. Otherwise, there are better options.
You’re on a budget They’re not the cheapest buds we’ve ever tested, but they’re significantly more affordable than most open-ear rivals – perfect if you’re unsure about this style and don’t want to risk it.
Don’t buy them if…
You need ultra-secure buds They’re more secure than expected, but they don’t match the stability of sports earbuds with fins or more robust ear hooks.
You’re unsure about the style They offer good situational awareness and decent sound, but their unique design won’t be for everyone.
You want a premium look, feel, and sound The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds may cost significantly more, but they offer better sound, a sleeker design, and an app for customization – something the Amazfit Up lacks entirely.
Amazfit Up: Also consider
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a good shout if you don’t have a budget to consider and you’re pretty convinced by the open ear form factor. They look sleek and deliver some excellent sound, all things considered. It does feel like a risk at this price though, so you’ve been warned. Read our full Bose Ultra Open Earbuds review
Shokz OpenFit If you like the idea of open-ear headphones but aren’t a fan of the clip-on style and want top-tier sound quality, the Shokz OpenFit are our top pick, featuring a comfortable ear-hook design. Alternatively, you might prefer the Shokz OpenFit Air, which we found to be even more comfortable during our testing due to their improved design.
Sony LinkBuds Fit If you’re here because you want sporty buds and don’t want to risk the design of these, then consider the Sony LinkBuds Fit. They sound good and are from a brand we trust to deliver, but we also recommend them as they’re incredibly comfortable – likely to appeal to those who haven’t liked in-ears in the past.
Tested at home, in a cafe, at the gym and outside in all sorts of weather conditions
I used the Amazfit Up open ear buds for three weeks before writing this review, and that involved listening to music and watching streamed movies. This gave me a good opportunity to trial them in a range of different environments and all sorts of situations.
Throughout the testing period, I used the Amazfit Up alongside my iPhone 14 Pro via Bluetooth. Streaming was done via Spotify and Mubi.
I listened at home, whilst travelling on a train, working in a cafe, working out at the gym, running along the beach and in the countryside and walking outside in all sorts of weather conditions.
I've spent the past 12 years testing a wide range of headphones and earbuds, particularly those designed for fitness. I have a keen interest in tech that emphasizes comfort and user-friendly design.
The Nike Zegama 2 is a high-mileage trail shoe designed to handle pretty much anything you can throw at it. Nike put nearly two years of testing into the model, which is designed to offer supreme comfort and support over uneven, changing terrain.
Launched alongside the Pegasus Trail 5, it stands out against the latter as a more dedicated trail shoe rather than a road-to-trail offering.
While the first Zegama was cool, it fell down because of its limited grip. The Zegama 2 offers more traction, plenty of cushioning, and a really responsive ride. After a few weeks with it I've been really impressed. I'm not a trail runner by trade and find most trail shoes look a little too much like walking shoes. The Zegama 2 got me out on the trail and looked brilliant in the process.
(Image credit: Future)
Out of the box, the Zegama Trail 2 features a really striking design. Its large heel stack complete with shelf gives the shoe an imposing silhouette reflective of its rugged durability and exceptional support.
This is the Khaki/Hyper Crimson/Burgundy Crush/White option, a special design inspired by the Donghai Yunding trail in China. In all honesty, I love the design. The lighter jade color is also a real head-turner, as is the special Two Bays Trail blue version. Essentially, it's impossible to find a dull or disappointing colorway.
Not that you'll be keeping these clean, the Zegama Trail 2 is one of the best running shoes for the great outdoors. At its heart, Nike has adopted the extremely responsive and cushioned ZoomX foam midsole. In trials across tarmac, concrete, grass, and dirt trails I found the Zegama 2 to be very comfortable.
You wouldn't buy the Zegama 2 for road running, but we all need to get to the trail before the fun begins. These trainers will deliver you to your trail in style and won't put paid to your feet on the way. The ZoomX midsole felt responsive and springy, combined with a pronounced rocker motion that really helps propel you along.
Once you get to the rugged stuff and the bumps, jumps, ridges, and roots, the Zegama 2 brushes them all off with ease as you navigate your way along uneven terrain. I've never been much of a trail runner but the Zegama 2 instills a real sense of confidence and almost challenges you to seek out more treacherous and adverse terrain. I've no doubt these would also easily double as a durable hiking shoe, thanks to their extremely forgiving underfoot experience.
(Image credit: Future)
Stability is another big plus here, and crucial to the trail shoe experience. With uneven terrain all around, the last thing you want is movement and rotation. The fit of the entire upper is very comfortable. I found there was plenty of room upfront in the toe box, although I've seen a couple of complaints about the vertical space being more limited in this year's model. The snug upper combines with the ankle gaiter to give a supremely secure fit that also limits ingress of the great outdoors into your shoe.
Across all manner of uneven ground that I tried, there was never any sense of rolling an ankle or losing my balance.
The original Zegamas lost out big time because of its poor traction. For the Zegama 2, Nike has added the Vibram Megagrip and the effect is obvious. Living in Scotland I do all my running in the wet, and I couldn't believe how much traction the Zegama 2 delivered on wet grass, mud, and slippery concrete. Of course, the Megagrip does cake up with mud pretty quickly, so there's a little bit of slip-and-slide when the going gets really soft, but that's to be expected of any shoe in the conditions. By and large, the traction is excellent, and generally, this is regarded as the biggest upgrade Nike has made to the Zegama 2.
(Image credit: Future)
The Zegama 2 displays extremely good build quality and exudes durability. I have absolutely no concerns that this is a shoe built to last, with its chunkier features and rugged design lending themselves to hundreds of miles getting battered by the great outdoors.
(Image credit: Future)
If you like a more neutral feel to your run, then this might not be the shoe for you. Generally the Zegama 2 is excellent, and gives you a sense of being nudged along as you travel, which I really appreciated.
While there are a couple of overlays on the toes for extra durability, these shoes aren't waterproof. If you land yourself in a large enough puddle, your feet will get wet. If you do want a waterproof trail shoe, options from the likes of Saucony available.
Across my testing and research, the other drawbacks I've come across are few. They are on the heavier side, so if you want a lighter trail shoe you might want to look elsewhere. There are some concerns about how hot the shoe runs given how substantial it is. Again, as a resident of Scotland I'd chalk this up as a bonus, but it's definitely true and something to watch out for if you run in warmer climes.
Nike Zegama 2: price & availability
$180/£165/AU$250
Men's and women's options, 11 total colors
The Nike Zegama 2 is available from Nike.com and the usual array of third-party resellers. Its hefty and rugged build means it's a little pricier than your average running shoe at $180/£165/$250 AUD, although we have seen it discounted, including on Nike's website.
There are versions for men and women, with five or six colors respectively.
(Image credit: Future)
Nike Zegama 2: specifications
Nike Zegama 2: scorecard
Should I buy the Nike Zegama 2?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy if it...
You're running primarily on trails
This sounds obvious, but the Zegama 2 is for trail running, so make sure you're primarily on the rugged stuff if you're buying.
You want a trail shoe for longer distances
With its heavier, softer feel, this is a shoe that excels over longer distances.
Don't buy it if...
You're on a budget
There are a couple of cheaper options out there including Nike's own Pegasus Trail 5.
You want a lighter shoe for speed or agility
If you're doing faster trail runs the Zegama 2 might not be for you, it's more a long-distance shoe with comfort, rather than pace in mind.
If money is no object and you want one of the best golf watches at any price, then there are technically better options out there than the Shot Scope V5. However, if you aren’t looking to spend upwards of $500/£500/AU$900 on a watch that you only plan on wearing for golf, the V5 is a great option as it offers some features that you wouldn’t usually get in the mid-price range it falls in.
As well as providing the basic front, middle, and back yardage numbers, the V5 offers some other useful functions too, such as accurate distances to hazards, layups, and doglegs. It comes with 36,000 preloaded courses worldwide and you also get full maps of each hole so you can see what lies ahead as you prepare your strategy on the tee.
The V5 is button-operated rather than touchscreen, rather like some of the best running watches, which might seem a little outdated but it’s arguably more practical and efficient during activities. Many golfers find touchscreens can be a little erratic, especially in the rain or while wearing gloves. The button system is simple to use once you become familiar with it, making it easy to scroll through the hazards and record your score on each hole.
Where the V5 really stands out though is in the post-round shot tracking and the analytics on offer. It comes with 16 individual club tags which attach to the butt of a club’s grip and record data from each shot. After the round, you have access to all manner of useful data that allows you to hone the areas you need to improve. Other brands offer this too, but usually, you have to pay for the tags and/or a yearly subscription to access the data. Shot Scope offers all of this at a very reasonable single price point.
Shot Scope V5: Specifications
Shot Scope V5: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future / David Usher)
£239.99/$249.99/AU$429.99
One price and color
Cheaper than many rivals
The Shot Scope V5 costs £239.99/$249.99/AU$429.99 and is widely available from numerous online retailers. There is only one color choice (black) and there are no alternative strap color options either.
If you do want alternative color options then the very similar Shot Scope X5 might fit the bill, as it does offer a slightly more premium look and has a choice of five straps, but in terms of features and functionality, there’s very little between the V5 and the X5. In fact, almost all of the features are the same – but the V5 is button-operated whereas the X5 uses a touchscreen.
The V5 is £40 cheaper as a result of that, but many people will actually prefer the buttons, which makes the price very attractive. It’s also worth mentioning that touchscreens can often suffer in rainy conditions and buttons are certainly more reliable in the wet. The V5 has a longer battery life too, so in our view, it’s the better option, especially at this lower price point.
Value score: 5/5
Shot Scope V5: Design
(Image credit: Future / David Usher)
Simple, clean design
Comfortable and lightweight
Doesn't intrude on swing
The V5 probably isn’t a watch that many will choose to wear away from the golf course but personally, I’d have no qualms about doing so. It’s a simple, black design and looks nice on the wrist. It’s very comfortable and lightweight too (weighing just 50g), so on the course it’s not intrusive or distracting during the swing. The dust-resistant silicone strap is nice and flexible and sits snugly on the wrist. In fact, it’s actually one of the more comfortable golf watches I’ve tested.
In terms of construction, the V5 has a 1.2” daylight-readable color display made from hardened mineral glass. While I’ve mentioned already that for the watch itself, there are no color options other than black, in terms of the display you have five colors to choose from. Four buttons (two on each side) are used to operate the watch, but the buttons are quite discreet and certainly don’t stand out too much or detract from the aesthetics.
Design score: 4/5
Shot Scope V5: Features
(Image credit: Future / David Usher)
36,000 preloaded courses
Shot tracking
In depth stats
The V5 comes preloaded with 36,000 golf courses and you get the standard front, middle, and back yardages. However if you can see where the pin is on the green and want a more specific number, there is a function that allows you to move the pin around on the screen to the right location. This will provide more accurate yardage, but I had no interest in using this feature, to be honest; scrolling through the options to find the pin and then continually clicking the button to move the flag around to the desired spot can be irritating. Frankly, I don’t need a number to be that accurate, as I’m not that good of a player to know, to the exact yard, how far I’m likely to hit my approach shot. A ballpark figure is more than sufficient for me, but the option is there for those who want it.
You do have access to excellent shot tracking information if you use the tags that come with this watch. They attach to the grip of your club and will record each shot you hit which then gives you access to very detailed information on your performance. If you’re into that, then this is an excellent feature. It’s very similar to services provided by Garmin and Arccos, but the difference is that you have to pay a yearly subscription fee for those whereas Shot Scope provides this free of charge.
I could talk all day about how in-depth this is as there are statistics available for everything you can think of, as well as plenty that you probably can’t! As well as being able to get ‘shots gained’ data, there are other interesting things available, such as how well you historically play particular golf courses or even specific holes. If you’re a golf nerd, this is something that will really appeal to you, and given that you don’t have to pay for any of it once you have made the initial purchase of the watch, for me this is the main selling point of the Shot Scope V5.
Features score: 4/5
Shot Scope V5: Performance
(Image credit: Future / David Usher)
Unlock button can be annoying
Shot tracking not automatic
Very easy to use
Upon arrival at the course, I found that the V5 identified the course fairly quickly. It isn’t always the same speed though. The first time I used it I found it was very quick, probably less than 10 seconds. Other times it has taken a little longer and on one occasion it was around a full minute. I find that to be normal though, and I’ve tested premium Garmin watches that have taken longer to locate the course than the V5 does, so from that perspective, I was quite impressed.
The trickiest thing for me, to begin with, was getting used to pressing the unlock button before attempting to access any of the functions. Without pressing the unlock button (the bottom left button), nothing else works, and initially, it was quite frustrating simply because I normally use a watch where I don’t need to do that. By the time I got to the back nine, I was generally okay with it, although I would occasionally still forget. After that first round, though, it became second nature.
That being said, having to press the unlock button first does make it slightly more of a pain to access some of the functions I like to use, such as the hazard map and distances, but this isn’t a premium watch – so there will naturally be some compromises to be made.
The watch does not automatically track individual shots on the course, but you can activate the track option after hitting a shot. Again, this is not ideal for me personally, as I often forget to do it, especially if I’m chatting with playing partners or feeling rushed due to a group behind me.
Some more expensive watches, such as the Garmin Approach S62 (my current watch of choice) or the newer Garmin Approach S70, track shots automatically and you don’t have to do anything. You hit your shot, start walking and the watch will immediately begin counting the yards until you reach your ball. This is a feature I use all the time, not specifically so I can see how far I’ve hit it, but more because it makes finding a ball that has strayed from the fairway a lot easier. For instance, if like me you know you usually carry your drive 200 yards, then it really narrows your search area considerably if the watch is telling you where exactly 200 yards is and you’re having to just guess. Having used the Garmin Approach S62 for a few years I’ve come to completely rely on that feature, and because it does it automatically it is hard to then get into the habit of doing it manually.
So when testing the V5 I kept forgetting to activate it and it was very frustrating, but that’s more of a me problem than a failing of the watch. Automatic tracking would be nice, but at the price point the V5 comes in at, it would be unreasonable to expect it.
There’s a lot to like about the V5 though. The app is excellent and simple to use; it’s just a case of downloading to your smartphone, creating an account, and then adding your device (in this case the V5, but there are other Shot Scope products you can add too).
It was straightforward enough to set up the tags too. They are pre-marked so there’s very little to do other than screw them into the specific club. Then, in the app, you can make up your bag by adding in your specific clubs. There are 16 tags so you can have spare clubs, which is handy if, for example, you occasionally switch out a hybrid for an extra wedge or vice versa.
In terms of the charger, the cable is extremely secure. Perhaps too secure, as I had to be quite forceful to remove it and that makes me nervous. I’ve had enough iPhones over the years to know how easily charging ports can be damaged when you’re too heavy-handed with them.
Performance score: 4/5
Shot Scope V5: Scorecard
Shot Scope V5: Should I buy?
Buy it if...
You’re looking for detailed analytics without extra cost
For the golf nerd who wants to soak in as much information about their own strengths and weaknesses, this is a fantastic option and the club trackers come free with the watch.
You prefer using buttons to a touchscreen
While many people prefer the functionality of a touchscreen, it can be more difficult to use in wet or cold conditions. The V5 utilizes four buttons for navigation and (once you get used to them) it’s very easy to operate.
You want something with nice features that doesn’t cost a fortune
There’s enough here for the golfer who wants more than just the basic front, middle, and back yardages, and the detailed data available through the Shot Scope app when using the tags is really next level.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You want your golf watch to be a top smartwatch
If you're looking for your next golf watch to be a versatile, fully functioning smartwatch that you can wear all the time then this is absolutely not the watch for you. It isn’t going to allow you to read messages, track your heart rate, or do any of the other things you get from an actual smartwatch.
You want a watch with a touchscreen
As previously mentioned, the V5 operates using four buttons rather than a touchscreen. So if you’re used to a touchscreen and that’s your preference, you might want to look at something else.
I have played two full rounds and a further nine holes using the Shot Scope V5. Weather conditions were varied and on one occasion the rain was quite heavy for a time. To find out how accurate the GPS numbers were I compared the numbers to that of my Garmin Approach S62 and also used a laser for a more exact yardage. The Shot Scope V5 was always within two yards of the laser and was usually bringing up the same numbers as the Garmin.
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
(Image credit: Future)
$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
(Image credit: Future)
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.
(Image credit: Future)
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
(Image credit: Future)
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
(Image credit: Future)
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.
(Image credit: Future)
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.
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.
The Garmin Approach S70 is the brand’s top-tier flagship golf watch and has all the features and performance to match that mantle. Channeling all that makes Garmin watches great for sport, the golf-centered features of the S70 go a long way to put it apart from its competition.
Coming in at $649.99 / £549.99 / AU$1,099 for the larger 47mm model and $699.99 / £599.99 / AU$1,199 for the slightly smaller 42mm, it does have a considerable price of admission, but I broadly think it represents good value and is worth it for those golfers looking to get the most out of a companion watch.
Its design is immediately recognizable as a Garmin watch, and the slick black ceramic of the 47mm size I tested makes for a chic aesthetic, with its sleekness and pop of color provided by the red accenting. The 1.4-inch screen means everything on the watch is easy to read and digest at a glance or in more detail, while the three buttons make it easy to navigate and get around the menus, apps, and features.
The features on offer are excellent too. From the 43,000 pre-loaded courses, to the virtual caddie recommending clubs, all the way to the Enhanced PlaysLike Distance feature which takes into account weather, wind, and topography, players will find plenty to both help their game and get their teeth into to get more out of their game. You can even unlock more features, like green contour data, by subscribing to Garmin Golf. Presented on that beautiful AMOLED display and with fully full-color maps, the watch is a joy to use on the course.
As a pure golf watch, the S70 is, simply, the best golf watch I have ever used. Its suite of features, on top of its wonderful display and established Garmin excellence in golf means that the S70 performs brilliantly. The yardages were accurate (I compared it with another golf watch I find to be accurate too), the new PlaysLike feature is incredibly helpful, and the virtual caddie is super after it’s learned and racked up a bunch of data from your shots.
The battery life is also very strong with the S70. I was able to easily complete two full rounds of 18 holes in GPS mode as well as two weeks’ of day-to-day usage on one charge.
All in all, the Garmin Approach S70 is absolutely one of the best golf watches money can buy right now, and should be at the top of your list if you’re after something that will give you the most bang for your buck, from golf features to battery life, to display.
Garmin Approach S70: Specifications
Garmin Approach S70: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)
List price of $699.99 / £549.99 / AU1,199 (47mm) / $649.99 / £499.99 / AU1,099 (42mm)
Premium end of the market but discounts becoming more common
Launched in May 2023
Given its punchy list price, the Approach S70 is one of the more expensive options on the market and its price tag is formidable; likely putting it out of range for most golfers. However, for those who can afford it, I believe the S70 goes a long way to justify the price tag and offers robust value for those looking at the top end of the golf watch spectrum.
It’s also worth noting that it still costs comfortably less than those super-premium models like the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition and Garmin’s own MARQ Golfer (Gen 2) watch. Thus, as a member of the top-end club, it still comes in much more affordably than those. Equally though, it comes in considerably higher than some excellent budget golf watches such as the Garmin S12 and the new S44.
Even though we’re seeing new watches from Garmin in the S44 and S50, the Approach S70 remains the premium model of the Approach lineup. However, it is also seeing more regular price cuts and discounts, making it even more attractive.
Value score: 4/5
Garmin Approach S70: Design
(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)
1.4-inch AMOLED screen is crisp, bright, and clear
Two sizes and three colorways available
Smart and chic aesthetic overall
The Approach S70 very much looks like the best Garmin watches right out of the box, and is a symphony in black ceramic and red trim. It’s a subtle and very agreeable aesthetic for a golf watch. It’s not quite as subtle as a conventional smartwatch, especially alongside the likes of the best Samsung smartwatches – the S70 looks like a chunky sports watch, for sure.
However it is worth noting at this point, that only the 47mm model that I tested comes in this colorway; the smaller 42mm variant comes in either a grey and peach or black and yellow unit, both with a grey strap as opposed to the 47mm’s black strap.
The three buttons on the right side of the S70 make navigation easy, and the screen of the S70 is beautifully crisp and clear making engaging with the features on the course, as well as choosing apps, functions and viewing messages simple.
Garmin’s proprietary charging port remains on the rear of the watch face which I think is a continuing weak point in the design of Garmin watches. This means you’ll always have to have the watch face down on a surface while you press in the connector and leave it to recharge.
Combine this with a cable that never feels quite long enough, and it’s rather an inelegant charging solution, not really befitting the price tag – even if the change to USB-C at the other end of the cable is welcome.
Design score: 4.5/5
Garmin Approach S70: Features
(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)
Extensive golf features are superb
Garmin’s suite of fitness trackers present
A monthly fee can open up more features
The golf features on offer on the Approach S70 will help out almost every type of golfer, and be incredibly useful. From simply navigating a hole shot-by-shot, to learning more about your game through tracking distances keeping score and marking where to hit shots, to incorporating real-time weather data to help your next shot, the feature-set on offer here is exquisite. The addition of the Enhanced PlaysLike Distance feature is the standout on the S70, meaning you can get accurate assistance on what shots are actually like, given the conditions.
If you want even more out of the Approach S70, you can access further features if you commit to the Garmin ecosystem with a Garmin Golf membership ($9.99 / £9.99 a month). The headline feature you get here is the green contour data you can get, adding further insight and assistance.
On top of the golf-specific stuff, you’re also getting Garmin’s superb range of fitness and sports tracking apps that mean the S70 can turn its hand to a whole host of other activities and workouts.
Throw in some good solid but unspectacular smartwatch functionality, and the S70 does go a long way to tick all the boxes and offer the full package in one watch.
Features score: 5/5
Garmin Approach S70: Performance
(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)
Wonderful on-course performance and features
Great battery life
Smartwatch performance is just OK
In short, the Approach S70 is the best golf watch I’ve ever tested and used. Its suite of golf features and functions are nearly second-to-none and translate into exceptional use out on the course – and considering it comes preloaded with 43,000 tracks from around the world, you’re going to be able to use it pretty much wherever you go.
Garmin’s excellence in distance accuracy and help with yardages is present once again, with the hole map providing a clear image of what shape the fairway and green are, as well as what hazards are on the hole, and how far away, well, everything is.
After playing some rounds, the shot tracking data is wonderful too, and the virtual caddie element of the watch will be able to provide some help in terms of suggesting clubs. You can also team it with the Garmin Golf App to record all your scores, penalties, and shot types too, as well as mistakes and successes.
Elsewhere, I particularly enjoyed the Enhanced PlaysLike Distance feature that gives you accurate yardage based not only on distance, but also topography (if you’re above or below the hole), wind direction, and weather. I have a good grasp on my yardages generally, but the extra assistance when it comes to external factors was really useful.
(Image credit: Future / Rob Dwiar)
I’ve briefly mentioned the battery life above regarding two weeks’ worth of use, and Garmin’s claims largely hold up. I used the Approach S70 for two weeks, as well as every day as a smartwatch, and threw in two 18-hole rounds of golf in GPS mode, and still had 9% of the battery left. Exceptional.
Practically, however, charging the watch is a little awkward, and is mainly due to Garmin’s proprietary connection. While the USB-C connection is welcome, the oval-shaped connector for the back of the watch is still subject to coming loose – and it also requires the watch to be on its face, all with a cable that never feels as long as it could or should be. I hope this informs future premium models as having a pad-like charging solution like Samsung smartwatches, or even a smart dock like my TAG Heuer has would feel more appropriate for the price tag and experience. Folks will have paid a lot of money for this, after all, so sticking a cable in the back, and awkwardly keeping it face down close to a socket feels a bit cheap.
As a golf-first watch the S70 excels, naturally, but this also shows in its use as an everyday smartwatch and I prefer my TAG Heuer or Samsung Watch3 as a daily smartwatch driver by some distance. One example of my gripes with the S70 as a smartwatch is that my WhatsApp messages wouldn’t be displayed with the most recent one first, so if I received a few messages in a group in quick succession (or even not so quickly) then I was unable to stay on top of the conversation at a glance.
It’ll be interesting to see in the future how the S70 stacks up against its new brethren in the S44 and S50, but the fact remains that it is an excellent golf watch and one that you’ll not regret going for.
Performance score: 4.5/5
Garmin Approach S70: Scorecard
Garmin Approach S70: Should I buy?
Buy it if...
You want the best suite of golf features
There’s no denying the S70’s feature set and it packs so much in for golfers who want to get excellent data for their game on their course.
You want a golf watch that can do fitness tracking too
Garmin’s trademark excellent fitness tracking is also present in the S70, so if your desire to track exercise and sport goes beyond just golf, then this is a great watch to get.
You’re already in the Garmin ecosystem
The S70 is an ideal step up if you've tested the waters already with one of Garmin’s budget golf watches and want to embrace something more feature-filled.View Deal
Don't buy it if...
You don’t need loads of features
The amount of features on hand in the S70 may actually be overkill for some golfers, and you’ll only get the most out of the watch if you fully immerse yourself in its capabilities.
You want something that’s a slick daily smartwatch
I much prefer using my TAG Heuer golf watch or my Samsung Galaxy Watch as an everyday smartwatch given their looks, styles, and daily functionality.
Also consider
TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition
Offering a more premium feel and performance in both golf watch and smartwatch functions, the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Golf Edition represents stiff but expensive, competition for the S70. If you’re after a super premium golf watch that does it all – and the small expense of some of the S70’s features – then this is the watch to aim for if you have the budget.
The S70s slightly older, less fancy brother still offers an excellent golf watch option from Garmin, having been its flagship golf watch when it was released back in 2022. It’s got a great set of features that will still help your game a couple of years after it came out, and with its moderate age comes increased value for money with its price dropping consistently.
I used the Garmin Approach S70 over the course of several months, using it for summer and winter golf rounds – and for more rounds than I can remember to put an actual number on. I put all the features to the test in all my rounds and relied on it solely as my only GPS or virtual caddie assist.
The Nike Pegasus 41 isn't the best running shoe in nearly any of the specialist categories you can think of, and for that reason, it's probably the best shoe for nearly everyone.
The Pegasus 41 is a mainstay, your only dance move, ol' reliable. There's a reason this shoe has been around since 1982. It doesn't have a carbon plate or a super light upper, it's not a race-day shoe or a high-mileage hero with more foam than a mattress. Quite simply, it's the one running shoe that I'd recommend for almost everyone in nearly every situation.
Of course, if you're an experienced runner with multiple shoes in rotation and a bandolier full of Kendal Mint cake, the Pegasus 41 might not be on your radar. Even still, I'd argue it's a brilliant middle-distance everyday trainer and a perfect starting point for beginners and enthusiasts looking to return to running. There's a running shoe for every distance and discipline these days, but if you only ever buy one, I'd probably make it the Pegasus 41.
(Image credit: Future)
I've had the Nike Pegasus 39 for a number of years, variously used for running, the gym, grocery shopping, and beyond. I couldn't quite believe just how much the Pegasus had improved when I first laced on the Pegasus 41.
New for the latest Pegasus is a full-length foam midsole made from Nike's ReactX foam (the first Pegasus to feature it). My 39s definitely feel pretty squashed and battered, so it's great to see Nike boosting overall durability and responsiveness, an upgrade that is immediately evident underfoot.
At any pace, there's a lot more cushioning than I expected with the Pegasus 41. It's not going to offer the ultra-plush ride of the Nike Invincible 3 or the upcoming Vomero 18, but I was pleasantly surprised nonetheless.
The cushioning is loaded towards the heel, as you can probably tell from the profile of the shoe, and this is definitely a shoe engineered more for heel strikers. The heel stack clocks in at 37mm, 4mm more than the previous trainer, a good indicator of how much more cushioning Nike has added.
If you fall somewhere in the middle you should be fine, but anyone running on the forefoot might find the sensation a little strange because there's not much cushioning up front. You do get a forefoot (and heel) Air Zoom unit, but I found this leads to a pretty firm feel at the front. At the back, it works much better.
(Image credit: Future)
The entire upper of the Pegasus 41 is really very comfortable. There's a more breathable mesh compared to previous versions, and something Nike calls the Dynamic Midfoot Fit system. The laces are tied to an internal midfoot band that wraps around your entire foot. The shoe feels really snug and secure from heel to toe and comes laced, out of the box, so you can get running without doing any rewiring.
I also think the Pegasus 41 is unbelievably stylish. I normally wouldn't go for a black colorway, but even the dark option I was sent is a head-turner in my opinion. There are a ton of colorways including the stunning Blueprint and the electric Racer Blue, which is new for 2025.
(Image credit: Future)
You'll find that the Pegasus is a little heavier than other everyday shoes like the Saucony Ride 17, but it's not clunky or cumbersome.
As mentioned, this isn't really a specialist shoe. If you're a runner looking for the softest, plushest ride possible, then there are far squishier and more pliable options on the market. Likewise, if you want something with a bit more rock and responsiveness underfoot, you'll definitely find zippier shoes out there. For races and speedwork, any speed shoe or carbon-plated alternative will give you the edge, and the Pegasus 41 isn't a shoe for lighting up the timesheets.
(Image credit: Future)
During my runs I found the Pegasus 41 to be extremely neutral. The ride is very inoffensive and pretty comfortable, but it doesn't give you a sense of being propelled along the ground. There's certainly a bit more response compared to my Pegasus 39s, and the rocker motion is also a lot more noticeable than that older shoe. Nike has definitely improved the formula relative to that model, though it's still modest compared to the wider market.
It's also noticeably more stable than my previous Pegasus. I found very little lateral movement inside the shoe, and even over bumpier or uneven ground, stability felt very solid.
I'd say for longer distances the Pegasus 41 will probably start to fall off; that firm and thin forefoot just doesn't offer enough cushioning. However, I think it's excellent as a short and middle-distance shoe. While it can't match the best gym shoes on the market, it's also perfectly good for your warmup and stretching, and even a bit of strength and agility work.
The shoe is snug but pretty spacious, I have fairly large feet and didn't feel any cramping in the toe box or any discomfort.
Nike Pegasus 41: price & availability
$140/£129/$200 AUD
Men's and women's options, myriad of colors
Frequently discounted
The Nike Pegasus 41 is available from Nike.com and a plethora of third-party retailers. Its list price sits at $140 / £129 / AU$200 but even a cursory glance around the web will score you a pretty hefty discount.
There's a huge range of colors, these vary depending on whether you're picking men's, women's, or juniors. There's also an Extra Wide variant for the larger-footed among you. The Pegasus 41 runs true to size, so no need to size up or down.
(Image credit: Future)
Nike Pegasus 41: specifications
Nike Pegasus 41: Scorecard
Should I buy the Nike Pegasus 41?
(Image credit: Future)
Buy if it...
This is your first running shoe
With its decent price point, neutral ride, and good comfort, this is a great starter shoe if you're ready to take the plunge and see if running is for you.
You want an everyday trainer
The Pegasus 41 will excel in shorter, everyday runs.
You're a heel striker
There's plenty of cushioning underneath the heel, which makes this an ideal everyday shoe for heel strikers.
Don't buy it if...
You want a specialized running shoe
While it excels at the everyday, there are plenty of options out there with more cushioning, speed, or response if you're a more experienced runner.
You want a shoe for the gym
This is a running shoe at heart, and won't serve you well long-term for weight training, strength and conditioning, or anything that isn't running.
You're a toe striker
This firm toe and bulky heel make this shoe one to avoid for toe strikers.
Also consider
(Image credit: Future)
Saucony Ride 17
The latest iteration of Saucony’s popular all-rounders.
The Instinct 3 runs along very much the same lines, with a selection of cool colorways, a variety of sizes, and two key screen options. The smallest 40mm size is called the Instinct E, and is most reminiscent of the Instinct 2: there’s only the MIP (Memory in Pixel) option with no solar charging and no flashlight. In 45mm and 50mm sizes, you can choose between a bright, smartwatch AMOLED screen and a classic Garmin MIP screen equipped with Garmin’s Power Glass solar charge technology, offering ‘unlimited’ battery life in bright enough conditions, if you’re out and about with it exposed to sunlight for several hours.
It only really makes a big difference during endurance exercise on sunny days, when it can slow down the GPS mode’s drain on the battery life, but it’s nice to have. We got the AMOLED 45mm version to test in its cool, minty Neotropic colorway, but I do have a soft spot for the digital watch-esque MIP screens that the best Garmin watches used to use as standard. As is, this feels more like a Garmin Forerunner 265, with limited map capabilities, although the case design is still stereotypically Instinct.
The Instinct series has never offered the full-color topographical maps more premium watches in Garmin’s range have, and I was wondering if the AMOLED screen meant we’d finally see topographical maps on an Instinct, but there are no maps or touchscreen here. I suppose Garmin has to distinguish between the ranges and keep the Instinct’s price down somehow.
The Instinct 3 has handled all my training with accuracy, and was as intuitive to use as the Instinct 2. It was easy for me to replace my daily Instinct Crossover with this with barely three minutes of setup, seamlessly taking over with my sleep tracking, Body Battery and Training Readiness scores from my old watch.
Overall? As a pre-existing Instinct fan, I love it. It’s fast, it’s bright, it looks fun, and most importantly, it’s useful. Yes, it’s chunky and plasticky, and if you don’t like the old design, you won’t like this one either. But it’s not a sleek metal communications tool: it’s a toy, and it’s best played with outside.
Garmin Instinct 3: Price and availability
(Image credit: Future / Stephen Warwick)
Instinct E starts at $299 / £259 / AU$549
45mm Instinct 3 starts at $399 / £349 / AU$829.
50mm Instinct 3 starts at $449 / £429 / AU$929
The Garmin Instinct 3 is available now on Garmin’s website and other retailers, slightly confusingly with five different prices, depending on which model you pick.
The cheapest Instinct E is available now for $299 / £259 / AU$549. The 45mm watch starts at $399 / £349 / AU$729 for the MIP Solar screen, rising to $449 / £389 / AU$829 for the AMOLED screen option. The largest 50mm watch with MIP Solar screen is available from $449 / £429 / AU$829, rising to $499 / £449 / AU$929 for the AMOLED screen option.
It’s cheaper than most Forerunners and Fenix watches, although it does make up for this by using less premium materials and skipping some premium software features. Overall a good value package, but not ludicrously so, especially compared to some of Polar and Coros' cheaper offerings. You won't be disappointed by the price, but it's not quite a steal.
Value score: 4/5
Garmin Instinct 3: Specifications
(Image credit: Future / Stephen Warwick)
Below are the specifications for our review unit, the 45mm AMOLED Instinct 3.
Garmin Instinct 3: Design
(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)
Chunky polymer casing
Choice of screens
Intuitive, unchanged Garmin layout
The Instinct 3 builds closely on the design legacy of the Garmin Instinct 2, and the casing looks mostly the same. It’s got loads of colors, it’s roughly the same thickness, roughly the same weight (with just a gram of difference between the 45mm Instinct 3 versus the 45mm Instinct 2), and it’s still got five buttons and similar bezel indentations. The main differences are the metal accents, the new AMOLED screen option, and the flashlight, neither of the latter are available on the smallest Instinct E.
The new AMOLED screen is clear and bright, although it's not a touchscreen. I like the default watch face layout, although this is easily changed, and navigating around the watch with the five-button control interface is intuitive for me (a regular Garmin user) even if my Apple Watch-wearing fitness writer, Stephen Warwick, was offended at the lack of touchscreen.
While Garmin’s Forerunner, Venu and Fenix watches have adopted the hybrid of buttons and touchscreen, it’s another feature missing from the AMOLED Instinct 3 to keep it affordable. The same could be said of the chunky ‘fiber-reinforced polymer’ (read that as ‘thick plastic’) casing, with slim metal accents the only thing separating it from being too childish for some users. Metal screws give it a rugged edge.
Functionally, the heart rate and skin temperature sensor array have not been given a slight upgrade, with the watch still sporting the Elevate Gen 4 heart rate sensor instead of the more accurate Gen 5. Garmin should really have included the up-to-date sensor, even if it skimped on a couple of premium software features. The universal Garmin proprietary charger remains the same, only with a newer USB-C cable instead of USB-A, as is standard with most Garmins now.
Design score: 4.5/5
Garmin Instinct 3: Features
(Image credit: Future / Matt Evans)
Almost all of Garmin’s wellness features
New torch is useful
Basic directional maps
For the uninitiated, opening a Garmin watch and scrolling down with the ‘down’ button provides a list of wellness, navigational, and quality-of-life widgets. Outdoor-focused widgets range from the weather, sunrise and sunset times, and a compass shortcut to your sleep tracking information. Wellness stuff includes your last completed workout, sleep, Body Battery and your Training Readiness score. As a watch tailored to the great outdoors, all the functionalities you expect can be found here and the list can be customized as usual to suit your needs. Climbing a mountain? Stick the altimeter at the top. A keen marathon runner? Choose the ‘Race Calendar’ widget.
It’s fun, intuitive and acts like the watchOS 11 widget stack, but less flashy. I found most of the usual Garmin stuff there, but some premium features like Endurance Score and Hill Score were missing. They would have been nice to have. As previously mentioned, there’s no topographical maps functionality either, just basic directional guidance, but there have never been maps on an Instinct watch, and most of the time directions are all you need. You can, however, still retrace your steps with the ‘TracBack’ feature, along with a slew of other navigational tools.
Hardware-wise, the new torch is very useful: it comes in four intensities and a less dazzling red option, just like the torch on the Garmin Fenix 8. I’ve already used the red light on an evening run and the white light to help me stumble my way to the bathroom at six am. In the morning, you’ll get a daily digest, Garmin’s ‘Morning Report’ detailing information on your sleep, the weather, your Training Readiness, and a motivational message. Garmin’s been doing this for a while and it’s refined the feature over the last couple of years. Its long battery life means you won’t shy away from wearing it to bed.
Features score: 4.5/5
Garmin Instinct 3: Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Superb battery life
Navigational features fine
Comparable to other Garmins
The bottom line is, if you’ve used another Garmin, this will all be very familiar. There’s no reinventing the wheel here, and as I’m trying to review the watch in a vacuum, I can’t really dock points for lack of innovation. It’s a superb running and walking watch, with lots of features at a reasonable price point.
Heart rate tracking doesn’t betray any major inaccuracies compared to pace and cadence of runs and walks, even though it uses the older sensor. It showed comparable statistics to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. it’s got a serviceable strength training mode most people won’t bother with, and will even track other outdoor disciplines such as surfs with GPS information, including travel speed and estimated number of waves caught.
All of Garmin’s outdoor-focused features are clear and present here, and the AMOLED screen offers a similar experience to the Garmin Forerunner 265 and 965: intuitive to navigate with the buttons, even with gloves on, and the widget list is easy to customize. I tried TracBack on one long run, and that worked fine even without maps, helping me retrace my steps easily enough. Even the screens viewed during exercise are customizable, not just the home menu of widgets.
The battery life is really good, far outperforming many other running watches in its price bracket, with the exception of Coros. The AMOLED 45mm Instinct doesn’t reach Coros’ 24-day heights, but its listed 18-day battery life was accurate based on my testing period. I occasionally used the torch indoors and outdoors at night and found it bright enough for my needs, but not as bright as the Epix Pro (Gen 2)’s more powerful, similar torch.
Performance score: 5/5
Garmin Instinct 3: Scorecard
Garmin Instinct 3: Should I buy?
Buy it if...
You exercise outdoors This is an excellent adventure watch for running, cycling, hiking, surfing and more.
You don’t own an up-to-date Garmin watch It’s a good buy for those without a Garmin already, as it’s a quintessential Garmin experience at a lower buy-in than a Forerunner or Fenix watch.
You don’t care about maps Don’t need full-color, GPS, topographical maps, and happy with a little arrow offering directions instead? You’ll be fine with the Instinct 3.
Don't buy it if...
You're a heavy metal fan The Garmin Instinct 3’s polymer casing is rugged and durable, but can feel a bit plasticky compared to metallic watches.
You want a smartwatch experience This is very much a fitness watch, first and foremost. Those looking to use third-party apps to their fullest extent or answer emails should look elsewhere. View Deal
You’re a gym bunny Predominantly workout indoors? The Garmin Instinct 3 has little to offer you in comparison to an Apple or Samsung Watch. View Deal
Also consider
Coros Pace 3
The best value running watch, and an excellent Garmin alternative.
I wore the Garmin Instinct 3 during strength training workouts, boxing workouts, runs and even went surfing with it. I tested its TracBack features on a long out-and-back run, checked its heart rate readings against an Apple Watch Ultra, and ran the battery down over 16 days of use.
I'd been reading about Oclean’s toothbrushes for a while and was impressed at how popular the brand had become in some markets in a short period of time. We already consider the Oclean X Pro to be one of the best electric toothbrushes, so I was rather excited when, in November 2024, the Oclean X Ultra S finally arrived in Australia, where I am based, after being released in the US in April 2024.
The Oclean X Ultra S is a sonic electric toothbrush that boasts some seriously smart features, including leverage bone-conduction technology to provide verbal feedback in real time to help you brush correctly. I’ve been using it since its Australian release late last year and there’s hardly been a day when I haven’t been scolded for doing something wrong.
What I mean by ‘scolded’ is that the voice alerts sound like a 4- or 5-year-old child telling you off. You’ll hear feedback like “over pressure” suddenly pipe up in your ear or, as has happened to me a few times, “hold the brush at a 45º angle”. I mean, you can’t exactly measure that angle while you’re brushing, can you? While I didn’t get scolded for brushing too quickly, there is a prompt for that too. The most common verbal feedback from the X Ultra S is to “switch area” every 30 seconds.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Despite sounding like a petulant child sometimes, I think the verbal feedback is helpful as I found it improved my brushing habits over time, although understanding what the voice is telling you to do isn’t always clear. It took me a couple of times to realize I was being told to hold the brush a certain way (at a 45º angle), and even the “switch area” prompt can occasionally sound a little incoherent over the brush’s buzzing. I would have preferred the voice prompts to be a touch clearer, but I’m really glad it’s not loud.
If you happen to live in a crowded house (or are traveling), people around you will barely know you’re being told off for not brushing particularly well. A few weeks after I began testing the Oclean X Ultra S, I traveled overseas for a 4-week family holiday and no one heard a thing when standing about two feet away from me. In fact, as a sonic toothbrush, the X Ultra S isn’t loud – the motor, despite delivering up to 84,000 movements per minute, doesn’t buzz above 45dB. To put that into perspective, that’s about how loud a library would get.
Brushing data is available in (gory) detail within the Oclean Care+ smartphone app. The toothbrush tracks 8 zones by dividing the oral cavity into 4 areas and counting the inner and outer sides of your pearly whites separately. It doesn’t, however, track the biting surfaces of your molars and premolars. Not only are you presented with a clover-shaped diagram to indicate your brushing score, number of times you’ve brushed that day and for how long, but a 3D movable denture diagram shows you how well you’ve done each session. You are also provided with information on how much excessive pressure you might have used or if there was any lateral movement.
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(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
In fact, some of this information will be displayed on the bright color touchscreen on the brush itself, including the clover. This display comes on automatically as soon as you pick up the brush from its charging base or travel case, displaying a default mode based on the time of day – Sunrise Soothing in the morning or Sunset Clearout at night. A total of 6 modes are saved on the brush, including the so-called Exclusive Mode that you can select on the app from a choice of 14 (yes, there are a lot of brushing modes here!). You can even set up your own custom brushing mode if you want via the app and have it saved on the brush. Swiping downward on the side of the touchscreen will let you cycle through the 6 saved options.
The Oclean X Ultra S connects to the app via both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with a remarkably easy setup. While traveling, the brush can save up to 7 days of cleaning data, then transfer this information to the app when it’s back within the original Wi-Fi network. I was away for a total of 3.5 weeks on an overseas trip during my testing period and, sadly, wasn’t able to transfer the early brushing data to the app, but the last week of travel is visible on the app. Incidentally, this information can also be sent to the Apple Health app if you happen to be an iPhone user.
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(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
While it comes with a small, round charging base that also doubles as its stand, there’s even a magnetic wall mount with a double-sided adhesive pad on it. Oclean says there’s wireless charging capabilities here but that didn’t work for me and, to be absolutely honest, I didn’t miss the feature at all – it seems rather superfluous to me when it has an impressive battery life of up to 40 days.
Admittedly, this remarkably long battery life will only be possible if you are brushing twice a day for just the recommended 2-minute session each, although I think the Oclean X Ultra S is capable of going longer. At the end of my 26-day overseas trip, the X Ultra S dropped down to 40% battery from a full charge, and that’s using the Unlimited Clean mode that let me brush for over two minutes each time (my average was 4 minutes). There are other brushes that offer similar battery life too, but I am yet to see a travel case that can charge the brush while you’re away.
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(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
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(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
While it does seem to be relatively fragile compared to some of the travel cases that ship with say, Philips Sonicare and Oral-B electric toothbrushes, the Oclean X Ultra S has a case that looks premium and well made. Importantly, it has a USB-C port that can actually top up the toothbrush – something you’d be hard pressed to find with other popular brands. The case also stores two brush heads.
The X Ultra S comes with three replaceable brush heads in the box, each one catering to a different type of clean, like gum sensitivity or whitening. They look like any other sonic brush head, and the design of the brush itself isn’t anything remarkable. However, the color touchscreen is bright and looks rather smart when it's lit up. It’s capable of displaying festive greetings and showing you the weather. Even the light around the bottom of the brush, which goes from white to red when you’ve exerted too much pressure, adds to the brush’s aesthetic.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
All in all, the Oclean X Ultra S is one of the best electric toothbrushes I’ve used – available in Sage Green and Black colorways, it cleans really well in various modes and is arguably the smartest electric toothbrush yet. Perhaps a little too smart, because my only (tiny) issue with the brush is how the verbal feedback sounds – like a child scolding you. Other than that, this is a toothbrush you could definitely… well, sink your teeth into, but maybe consider buying it when it's discounted.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Oclean X Ultra S review: price & availability
Announced at CES (January) 2024; released April 2024 in the US
Available to buy now in the US and Australia; unavailable in the UK
List price of $129.99 / AU$449.95
As mentioned earlier in this review, the Oclean X Ultra S made its debut in January 2024 at the CES tech trade show and quickly made headlines as the only talking electric toothbrush. It was subsequently released in the US in April 2024, then made its way to Australia in November 2024. While it officially hasn’t been released in the UK, it may be possible to find it on Amazon but being shipped and sold by third-party resellers.
The Oclean X Ultra S will set you back $129.99 in the US and a whopping AU$449.95 in Australia, which is a much higher pricepoint as compared to other markets, even taking taxes into consideration. However, the X Ultra S can be had for half its Aussie price during major sales (which it was during Black Friday 2024, just days after its release Down Under).
If you’re in the UK, I’ve seen it listed online from anywhere between £93 and £219.99 at third-party retailers. UK customers who would love to try an Oclean brush can opt for the X Pro Elite instead, which has a list price starting from £69.90.
Given its various smart features and its build quality, I think the Oclean X Ultra S is absolutely worth considering if you’d like to stop using a manual brush or are keen to upgrade to a new electric one. Just keep in mind that it might take you a while to get used to the verbal prompts – if you can be patient, you’ll definitely see an improvement in your brushing habits.
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
Oclean X Ultra S review: specs
Oclean X Ultra S: score card
Should I buy the Oclean X Ultra S?
Buy it if...
You want the smartest electric toothbrush on the market
With its real-time voice prompts and feedback, plus a very detailed brushing report at the end of each session, the Oclean X Ultra S was designed to ensure you develop better oral hygiene.
You wear braces or have specific dental issues
Not only are there several brushing modes available via the app to cater to different needs, including one for people who wear braces, it also allows you to set up your own custom mode that would be best suited to you.
You travel a lot
Given its rather impressive battery life and the fact that the brush can be charged via its charging case using any USB-C cable, it’s a good one to take with you on the go.
Don't buy it if...
You want simplicity in your brushing routine
While its features can help improve oral hygiene, it’s also overkill for many users. If you don’t need all its bells and whistles, you can opt for a simpler electric toothbrush.
You prefer an oscillating electric toothbrush
While sonic toothbrushes like the Oclean are good for people with sensitive teeth and gums, some people might require the circular motion of an oscillating brush instead. In which case, you’ll need to opt for an Oral-B.
You don’t want to use an app
There’s no getting away from the Oclean Care+ app here – you’ll need it even to set up the brush and choose your preferred modes. If you don’t care for app dependency, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Also consider
If you aren’t sold on the Oclean X Ultra S or are looking for something different, below are a couple of options to consider – one is an oscillating toothbrush while the other is a sonic alternative.
Oral-B iO Series 6
If you want the power of rotating brush heads, Oral-B is the go-to brand and the iO Series 6 is a fantastic option that is frequently discounted, so you won’t need to shell out a lot of money for it. There are 7 brushing modes, a timer, pressure detection sensor and a basic travel case. Importantly, it’s easy to source the brush heads.
Coming close to what the Oclean X Ultra S can offer – sans the voice prompts, although you still get real-time feedback via the app. It’s a beautiful-looking brush, with a very quiet motor, but gets you only 5 brushing modes. You will, however, be rather dependent on the app to make adjustments to the modes and brushing intensity settings.
Testing period included a 26-day overseas trip without the charging base
Tried different brushing modes and brush heads
(Image credit: Sharmishta Sarkar / TechRadar)
I swapped out my Oral-B oscillating toothbrush for the Oclean X Ultra S in November 2024, soon after its release to the Australian market (I am Sydney-based). I’ve used it twice a day since (and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future), trying out different brushing modes already available in the app and trying to set up my own custom mode. It took me a few sessions to realize that the maximum voice feedback comes via the Exclusive Modes and, for me, that was what helped improve my brushing habits over time.
A planned overseas holiday about three weeks after I began testing the Oclean X Ultra S was an excellent chance to test its claimed battery life. I didn’t carry its charging stand and, although I knew I could use the travel case with any USB-C cable to top up the brush, I didn’t have the need to.
I’ve been using different electric toothbrushes over the years – both sonic and oscillating – and have used this knowledge to rate the Oclean X Ultra S.
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.
(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?
(Image credit: Future)
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.
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.
