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Smartwatches for the Space Age

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Fossil Q Explorist (4th Gen) HR Review

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Fossil Sport

This Fossil watch covers all the bases.

There were some gripes about the Fossil Q Control 3rd Generation relating to the design. But, isn’t that subjective? Some wanted more features, too. It didn’t offer NFC payments, nor did it have built-in GPS. For the price, around $250, alternatives do offer these things.

So, Fossil are back with the 4th Gen. They have addressed all concerns and included NFC and GPS. Additionally, an optical HR sensor. 

Fossil are a big name in the smartwatch world and their latest offering does not fail to deliver. A great watch for a reasonable price

The details

As with other Fossil smartwatches, this one runs Wear OS and can be paired with any Android or iOS device. Unlike the 3rd Gen, you get everything you want, feature-wise, in a smartwatch. It’ll accurately monitor your heart rate, you can use it for contactless payments and track your location whilst outdoors using the built-in GPS.

It offers 50m of water-resistance so you can shower with it on knowing it won’t get damaged. You can swim in it, but it’s best to stick to a pool and nothing deeper. It will track those swims for you, too.

There’s a built-in speaker to use with Google Assistant (but not calls). It will deliver your notifications, which you can also respond to, but it needs to be near your phone to do that.

Design

The 4th Gen is undeniably good-looking. It has a classic mechanical look about it. It also hasn’t strayed too far from its predecessor, and why would it? Furthermore, it has a big glass face and bezel with characterful notches and crown-like buttons.

The thing that differentiates the Q Explorist from the traditional mechanical watches of the world is a clear 454 by 454 pixel 1.4 inch display. The OLED panel is lazer-sharp, bold and colourful.

Fossil haven’t included any overt branding. They’ve left a small logo on the buckle of the strap, but that’s it. There are options to include the Fossil logo by using some of their pre-set watch faces. 

By default, the OLED screen is always-on. So these preset faces have been specifically designed to be low-energy.

The watch is 45mm in width, which is big by watch standards, but it doesn’t feel chunky. It’s lighter than the 3rd Gen by a considerable 14g, as well as being 2mm thinner. Dimensions are similar to the Samsung Galaxy Watch. Essentially, you’re getting prime screen real estate and little bulk.

On the belly of the Q Explorist you’ll find a heart rate sensor. It does stick out a little from the back, but, arguably the benefit of this is that the wireless charger sits snugly on it. 

The watch comes in five different colours and they all offer a variety of materials and colours when it comes to picking a strap. They’re mostly 22mm. You’ll definitely be able to achieve your unique look.

Features

As we’ve already praised Fossil for; in terms of features, they addressed every limitation the 3rd Gen had. Now you get contactless payments, GPS and a decent heart rate monitor. You can now walk out the door free of your phone. It’ll accurately log your distance, time and pulse. Don’t put this watch on a pedestal, though. It’s not going to replace sport watches.

It only takes a short time to set up Google Pay. Making contactless payments even easier than using your phone. You don’t need to be connected to the internet for it to work, either. It’s so convenient being able to stop at the store if you’ve remembered that you need something whilst out on a run.

Performance

You get everything you’d anticipated from a WearOS device. You can easily access Google Assistant, including using “OK Google” as a command. Or by simply swiping right on your home screen.

Mimicking the capabilities of Google Now, it’ll display everything you might want to know for your day ahead. Travel/traffic, weather and your calendar entries. 

Swiping right can be customised to bring up Google Fit. Here you’ll get another useful update. It’ll tell you overall activity, broken down into your ‘move’ minutes and heart points, similar to Apple’s rings. 

In the Quick Settings section you’ll see a lot has changed from the previous version. You’ll find quick shortcuts to Google Pay and a power-saving mode. You might also want to switch to airplane mode, do not disturb or change the brightness of the screen. It’s much more intuitive. 

As for battery life, Fossil claim you will get a full day. This really depends on app use. It depends how you use your watch. There are some power-hungry apps, including Google Play Music. This might make your Q Explorist run other apps more slowly. But, if you’ve got music playing, logic would suggest you’re concentrating on a run and not other apps. When used intensely, the battery can be run down in as little as six hours. Again, you’ve been advised not to use this as a dedicated sports watch. 

This isn’t unusual for WearOS devices, though. Some will typically only give you half a day so you might want to charge it whilst you sleep.

Alternatives 

Prices have dropped significantly recently, which is great. You get a decent smartwatch at an acceptable price. Originally up for $250, you could spend a little more and get a Series 3 Apple Watch, which is arguably similar enough to a 5 that it’s still a powerful device. 

There’s always going to be the Samsung Galaxy Watch (around $280), which never disappoints. It might be a little more thickset at 46mm, but you get reliable GPS, NFC and offline Spotify. 

If those are too expensive, check out the Ticwatch E2 watch (closer to $125). Even more budget is the AmazFit Bip (around $75), which will give you a whole month of battery life. Can’t beat that!

Verdict

Fossil has taken some great leaps with the Q Explorist HR 4th Gen. It looks awesome and it has all the appeal of a fashion brand watch. It has some great features and smartwatch capabilities, even fitness.

For the price, you get a great watch. Our only advice is not to compare it to leaders Apple or Samsung, as it’s not on the same level. If Fossil continues to develop this range and a 5th Gen is in the making, you can guarantee it’s going to be a hot device to watch out for.

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Oppo Watch

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Oppo Watch

The new Oppo Watch released in China on March 24th. And has been intriguing tech fans with its striking similarities to the more expensive Apple Watches. It boasts a wide range of features and is due to be competitive on the pricing front. However, it has not yet been released globally. It has been promised to hit the European market later in 2020. Check out our review so that you know whether you should get your hands on one when they become available.

What Is the Design Of the Oppo Watch Like?

Apart from the obvious Apple Watch comparison, the new Oppo Watch offers an AMOLED display that comes in two size choices (1.9 inches and 1.6 inches). Furthermore, a choice of three colourways (gold, black or silver). You can also opt to have in aluminium or stainless steel. However, the latter option will set you back a bit more in the price department.

The strap is made from fluororubber and is incredibly comfy when it is on your wrist. This means that you will probably forget you are wearing it when you consider it only weighs in at 40g.

What Features Does the Oppo Watch Offer?

The good news is that the Oppo Watch comes with eSim so that you can use it alongside your phone. It is also water-resistant up to 50m so you can wear it when you head out for a swim or even in the shower.

It has a 1GM RAM and offers an 8GB internal storage capacity. There is no camera on this watch. However, like its inspiration, it can help you to take photos directly from your phone whenever you want! When it comes to charging, you will not be able to charge it wirelessly. It comes with its own charging cradle that it sits in when it is powering up. Talking about charging – you can expect it to be ready after just 70 minutes of charging. Furthermore, the battery is said to last around forty hours before it needs to be plugged back in.

Some of the best built-in features include:

  • Sleep tracking. This will tell you how well you slept and how much of each phase of sleep you managed to achieve.
  • Extended battery life. This is achieved by the watch knowing when to switch chips to get the most from the battery. While this mode will not allow you to use the watch features, you will be able to get notifications for up to three weeks when it is in this power-saving mode.
  • A skinny watch face that is only 4.5mm wide! This ultra-slim watch face will sit beautifully on any wrist, and it helps to make it seriously comfy to wear.
  • Super-fast charging that means you can get around twenty hours of charge from just fifteen minutes of charging. This is great when you want to wear it a bit longer before you plug it in for a full charge.
  • Wallpapers that match your outfit – we really are not joking. Oppo says that their AI watch face will be able to display a wallpaper that matches your outfit photo so that you are able to coordinate every single day!

What Operating System Does the Oppo Watch Use?

Rather than offering the generic WearOS, Oppo has opted for ColourOS. This operating system is their own version of the Google system and uses much of the same features to power the watch.

You will be able to access the Play Store and all the other WearOS features but will offer a new way of using the system and customised icons, fonts, and backgrounds for you to choose from.

Who Is the Oppo Watch Suitable For?

Oppo claims that this watch is suitable for anyone that wants to enjoy the stylish offering and wide range of features. We would say that the differently priced models make it more accessible to a wider market, and because there are three colour choices and two sizes, it will suit most wrists.

Because it takes the Apple Watch as its muse, you can be certain that Apple fans will be impressed by the quality of this watch as well as the smaller price tag that comes with it!

Pros and Cons Of the Oppo Watch

When weighing up your options, consider the following pros and cons of purchasing an Oppo Watch:

Pros
  • Thin, sleek design that looks and feels great on your wrist.
  • Customisable display that matches your outfit.
  • Range of tech features that rival the competition.
  • Range of design options to suit your personal taste.
  • A competitive price tag that will make you reconsider the Apple Watch when you can have an Oppo Watch that does the same for much less.
  • Features that are not yet available on Apple, despite consumer demand.
Cons
  • Not yet available outside of China, with no specific release date, offered other than later in 2020.
  • No matter how good it is, it is not an Apple Watch.
  • Limited consumer testing outside of China, so some of the features may not be as good as they seem.

Should I Buy An Oppo Watch When They Are Released?

No matter how good this watch is, it is not an Apple Watch, and if that is what you want, then you are better off sticking with the original. We are fairly sure that Apple will not be impressed by this blatant cloning of their design and are sure to come back with their views when it is released globally.

However, if you want a watch that is sleek and functional, then the Oppo Watch might just be a great buy. It is quick to charge, customisable and packed full of features that will entertain you, impress you and even match the colour of your outfit if you want it to! Keep your eyes peeled; we think the Oppo Watch is set to be a good buy.

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TicWatch Pro 2020

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You may remember that back in 2018 the Tic Watch Pro was launched by Mobvoi, but now there is a new kid on the block – the TicWatch Pro 2020. We have taken some time to carefully test and review this watch so that you can decide if it suits your requirements or if you are better off avoiding it at all costs! Read on to find out more.

What Fitness Tracking Does the TicWatch Pro 2020 Offer?

When it comes to exercise, Mobvoi has worked hard to offer a fully functional tracking system. You can count your steps and use it to monitor the amount of time you have exercised for in the day too. There is a sleep tracking function, and it can measure your heart rate too. The heart rate monitor is good for checking in, but it does struggle to give an accurate read when you are exercising.

Unfortunately, the in-built GPS tracker leaves a lot to be desired, and you will find that the watch struggles to find a signal when you are getting ready to go. However, when it is up and running, you can trust the mileage tracker to work correctly and provide accurate distance results each time you use it.

It is also important to note that the watch is compatible with other third-party apps, so if the brand’s own tracking does not suit your requirements, you can opt to swap to one that does.

How Good Is the Battery Life On the TicWatch Pro 2020?

Interestingly, the battery in the latest TicWatch is the same as the former version, so there is no change in what it offers. Mobvoi claims that the watch will last up to 30 days when it is in Essential mode and two days when it is in Smart mode. This means that you can expect it to last somewhere in between the two and the more you use the GPS, the quicker the battery will drain.

If you are keen on using GPS whenever you exercise, you can expect the battery to drain by around 10% per half an hour of exercising. This means that you will need to be charging it regularly to use the GPS function to its fullest potential.

What Design Features Does the TicWatch Pro Offer?

The design of the latest TicWatch offers the same as the 2018 version. It comes in a 4.5cm case, and you can choose between black and silver versions. It offers an AMOLED touchscreen and is 1.26cm thick. Sadly, Mobvoi has not improved the quality of the screen, and so it is nearly impossible to read it when you are out in bright sunlight.

Like its predecessor, it offers a leather strap that has a silicone underside, making it comfortable when you wear it all day long, even when you are exercising. However, it is not waterproof, and so you will need to remove it for swimming and showering.

It has a large face and is very noticeable when it is on your wrist, which is good if you want a statement piece but a bit impractical when it comes to the gym. It appears that Mobvoi has tried to create something that is fitness-focused and traditional all at the same time. Unfortunately, it does not really work and leaves you confused as to where and when you should wear it.

Which Operating System Does the TicWatch Pro 2020 Use?

Mobvoi uses WearOS for its watches, and this model is no different meaning that it can be used with all the smartphones that are on the market. The WearOS allows you to view your notifications as well as download the apps you want for the watch rather than having to stick with preinstalled ones that do not hit the mark.

One area that has been upgraded is the memory on offer, giving you a full 1GB RAM to use along with the 2100 Qualcomm processor. Even though there is little in terms of upgrading the tech that powers this watch, it performed well without lagging so that you can enjoy all the features it offers with relative ease.

Pros and Cons Of the TicWatch Pro 2020

When it comes to making a decision about whether to purchase the new TicWatch Pro 2020, we have listed all the major pros and cons for you to consider before diving in.

Pros
  • RAM increase from 512MB to 1GB.
  • WearOS keeps the watch functioning well.
  • The strap looks good and fits comfortably all day long.
  • Decent enough battery life but be wary of overusing GPS as it will go flat quickly.
  • The GPS is able to accurately measure distance.
Cons
  • Very little has changed from the 2018 model, leaving us questioning why the company pushed to release it now.
  • The design is confusing and leaves you questioning when you should wear it.
  • The screen is impossible to read in sunlight.
  • The heart rate monitor is not accurate during exercise.
  • It is very chunky and large on the wrist, which can cause issues when exercising.
  • The GPS struggles to get started, and it can be difficult to get a signal when you want to use it.

Should I Buy a TicWatch Pro 2020?

In reality, the TicWatch Pro is so similar to the original that there seems to be very little point in buying one to replace your 2018 version. While there are many good features for you to use, they just fall short of what you would expect from a new smartwatch. We would go so far as to say that your money would probably be better spent on a better known brand.

In our opinion, we would suggest that you swerve this model and wait for Mobvoi to come up with something better in the future!

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Fitbit Charge 4

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If you love Fitbit, then the new Fitbit Charge 4 is sure to impress with the addition of GPS. This means that you will be able to track where you go, wherever you go. Check out our full review of this newest addition to the Fitbit family.

When Was The Fitbit Charge 4 Released?

The Fitbit Charge 4 was initially introduced on the 15th April 2020 and cost £129.99 on release. The price was a huge shock to most people. The expectation was that it would come with a much larger price tag due to the additional GPS and Fitbit Pay.

Interestingly, the low price also fares well when you compare it to the Fitbit Versa 2 that has an integrated Alexa but does not offer GPS.

What is the Fitbit Charge 4 Design Like?

When it comes to looks, you would be hard-pressed to tell any difference between this model and the Fitbit Charge 3. However, first impressions can be deceptive! You can choose from two different styles: black or storm blue. There is also a special edition that comes with two different straps for you to choose from.

One area we did feel slightly let down by was the lack of colour screen. Fitbit decided that the Charge 4 was not the edition for this step forward. However, the lack of colour does not affect the functionality. After wearing it for a few hours, you will forget it was ever a problem!

The charger has not changed in design. You just need to clip the watch onto the charging port for it to work. A full charge will set you up for a minimum of a week’s worth of use, even when you use your GPS to track your daily activity.

What Is Included In the Fitbit Charge 4 Spec?

When you get hold of this new fitness tracker, you will be pleased to see that is has retained its lightness and slim style. Meaning that it will sit comfortably on your wrist without you even noticing it is there for most of the time.

Every step you take will be tracked. Furthermore, you can get updates on your daily progress by using the screen counter. In addition to your steps, your heart rate will also be measured per second during your workouts. And when you are not exercising, it will update every five seconds. This way you know precisely what your current heart rate stands at.

The GPS has to be the most stand out feature of this new device as it fulfils the need to track your exercise in a way that Fitbit has not offered in the Charge series before. There is also a range of other great features that come as standard in this watch; they include:

  • Fitbit Pay for all your contactless transactions.
  • Spotify to play music when you are exercising.
  • Water-resistant up to 50m so that you can wear it when you swim.
  • Touchscreen that lets you move through menu options with ease.

How Good Is the Activity Tracking In the Fitbit Charge 4?

The Fitbit Charge 4 was designed as a fitness tracker, and so you would expect it to have a good range of tracking features! Currently, you can track six specific activities, plus all your steps. To make life easier for you, you can programme shortcuts to the activities you use the most, and you can keep an eye on your steps on the screen too.

The great thing is that you can head into the app when your workout is over and see how well you exercised, how many calories you burned and other interesting data. If you selected the activity so that the GPS kicked in, then you will also be able to see the route you took as well as your speed and total distance.

Pros and Cons of the Fitbit Charge 4

If you are seriously considering getting hold of one of these fitness trackers you may want to take some time to check out our pros and cons to get a fair overview of what it offers and what it lacks!

Cons
  • No colour screen, which seems a bit behind the times!
  • Only offers basic data analysis for the activities it tracks.
  • Only tracks six activities.
  • You have to pay a monthly subscription for the premium app.
Pros
  • The addition of GPS is very welcome!
  • It is lightweight and comfy on your wrist so that you hardly notice that you are wearing it.
  • You can use it to play music as you exercise to help keep you motivated.
  • The price is great when you consider it has not increased from the previous model.
  • The battery life is great when you consider it lasts for a week, even when it uses GPS for activity tracking.
  • The compatible app is impressive and offers a wide range of data so that you can track and monitor your progress.

Is It Worth Buying a Fitbit Charge 4?

If you are looking for a fitness watch that offers GPS and allows you to track every move, then this is a great choice, and we would happily suggest that you get hold of one! In addition to the easy to use interface, you will gain access to a top-class app that can help you to analyse your workouts, track your sleep and help you to change your habits. Plus, if you upgrade to the premium app, you can make the most of workouts and guides to move your fitness up a notch or two!

Ultimately, this is a really great watch by Fitbit, and we have no problem with suggesting that it may be the perfect option for you if you want to track your fitness accurately and stylishly.

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Misfit Vapor X Review

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Misfit Vapor

The Misfit Vapor X smartwatch is a Wear OS triumph. It fits into your lifestyle so well because it tackles the common smartwatch issues of low battery life and laggy software.

The design is subtle. The Misfit range has a simplicity to it. It goes with most outfits. Especially if you like the black version. 

Design

The Misfit brand is great at beautiful minimalism. The Vapour X does it the best. The design is effortless but doesn’t lack identity. Misfit is technically a sports brand but you won’t immediately feel that the Vapour X is a sports watch. You can wear it just as easily to the gym as you can at work. 

The Vapour X is lighter than it looks. It’s 42mm by 12mm and weighs 43g. The strap is 20mm and silicon. It’s compact and lightweight so you easily forget it’s on your wrist.

The round screen is subtle. There’s character in its oversized crown, which has a button and wheel for scrolling. 

On the flank, you’ll find smooth buttons which activate the Google Fit and Google Pay features. You can change these if you like.

The AMOLED screen is 1.2inches and bright. The bezel surrounding it is a decent size. It gives solid readability even in sunlight. It has an always-on feature to boot.

Performance

Under the hood is a 3100 Snapdragon processor carrying 512MB of RAM and no less than 4GB of built-in storage. This makes it a direct alternative to the Fossil Sport. 

The Vapor has smooth scrolling and quicker reactions. It does rely on a connection to your phone but this isn’t something new.

The battery life is good. Using Google Fit to track your activities and assuming regular notifications, you can get up to two days between charges. Charging itself takes around an hour.

It’s advisable to charge it every night whilst you sleep.

Features

The Vapor X has built-in GPS. It has a few handy sensors like a heart rate monitor, gyroscope altimeter, microphone and NFC.

There isn’t a dedicated app. You’ll need Wear OS software which you can pair with Android or iOS.

You can track fitness via Google Fit. All you need to do is swipe left or press one of the buttons to activate it. If you’re happy to have a general overview of your workout this will suffice. 

The GPS is pleasantly accurate as it works in conjunction with Google Maps. 

There are no bells and whistles with this smartwatch. No apps. No fancy features. This is positive because the simplicity serves a sleek performance and reduces the risk of lagging.

Wear OS

Powered by Wear OS you get reliability with this smartwatch. Without those power-hungry apps and demanding faces the processor is left to perform to its best ability.

You can use Google Assistant by pressing the crown or swiping right on the display. It’s always listening, even in the busiest of environments. It’ll send a WhatsApp message using your voice, which is pretty cool.

Some users have reported an issue connecting their phone to their smartwatch. Sometimes it might be easier to get your phone out. 

Notifications are more reliable if your phone is Android. Although these can be persistent if you don’t check them the first time. It’s certainly not a contender for the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy range.

Price

You can find the Vapor on Amazon for around $99.99 – $219.99.

It comes in black champagne, rose gold gunmetal. There are strap options of grey, purple or green. If you want something more durable there’s a stainless steel or NATO strap too.

If you buy it through the Misfit website directly you’ll get a 2 year warranty. 

Summary

The Misfit Vapor X will do everything you want a smartwatch to do. It’ll give you notifications and track your activity. There are no sleep tracking abilities so take this as your opportunity to charge it overnight. 

The minimalistic design offers character, believe it or not. Much like the way Skagen does. You’ll easily be able to wear it every day and it’ll find a happy place with most outfits.

Alternatives?

You might want to consider an Apple Watch Series 3 which you can get for $200 now. This would be wise if you’re an iPhone user considering the synchronisation issues and preference toward Android.

As we’ve said, you should also look at the Fossil Sport which is around $225. Mobvoi brings the $160 Ticwatch E2, which carries a great minimalist design to rival the Vapor. Again for $200 you can get better fitness tracking from the Fitbit Versa 2.

If you’ve got a little more money to play with Garmin is the king of fitness trackers. The Forerunner 235 is still a fantastic choice.

Should I buy a Misfit Vapor X?

If you’re happy with the fact that the functionality isn’t going to rival the likes of Apple or Samsung, this is a great option. If you’re interested in your general fitness data over the course of the day, the Vapor is a great shout. Furthermore, if you like minimal design, this is a cost-effective way of tapping into Danish-style that competes with the likes of Skagen. 

The Vapor is water-resistant to 50m. The case is made from aluminium and will be fairly resistant to wear and tear. The silicon strap is soft for all-day wear. 

It’s a no-mess-no-fuss smartwatch that will serve you well for around 2 years. 

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Diesel On Full Guard 2.5 Review

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The Diesel On Full Guard 2.5 ($199.99) is a stylish Wear OS smartwatch with fitness capabilities.

Diesel Smartwatch On Full Guard 2.5

Introduction

The fashion-minded will love this Fossil Group production. In development, it had the same treatment as the fourth-generation smartwatches. This translates to contactless payments, a heart rate monitor, built-in GPS and the safety of water-resistance. There are very few reasons to take it off. Which you’re unlikely to, as it carries a design iconic to Diesel fans.

It comes in at just shy of $200 if you’re considering the stainless steel option. Certainly cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 5 or Galaxy from Samsung. Still, it costs more than a Fitbit Versa 2.

The first version of the On Full Guard was clunky. The software was a little underdeveloped. The battery life was poor. The 2.5 sees improvement across the board. 

Let’s take a look:

Design and features

  • Masculine 47mm case
  • 13mm thickness
  • Water-resistant to 50m
  • Heart rate monitor
  • Google Pay contactless payments
  • Built-in GPS
  • 300mAh battery
  • Microphone and speaker

If you’re into Diesel already then you’ll love what you see. It’s inspired by the classic Diesel watch design. Very industrial. 

There are 4 options. You can choose brown leather or silicone strap. The former is a little more expensive but looks awesome with the stainless steel.

Whilst the case is a hulk, this version isn’t as cumbersome as the first iteration. The diameter is the same, it’s 1mm thinner and considering the additional features, it’s actually lighter.

Some features remain. Two twistable personalised buttons. These sandwich the rotating crown which then gives you a way of navigating the menus. Great for those who don’t want to totally rely on the touchscreen alone.

The screen is a bold AMOLED that reads perfectly. It’s been shaved by 0.1mm to 1.39mm.

The best bit about this version is that it’s water-resistant. Similar to the Skagen Falster 2, you’re able to swim in this watch. It’ll track your activities via a third-party app. The silicon strap is certainly better if you’re a swimmer.

Extras

As with the first version, the 2.5 operates on Wear OS. This means you get notifications, bespoke watch faces (including a funky neon), Google Assistant and third-party apps. 

If you’ve been a Wear OS user before then you’ll get everything you’re used to. Google has made improvements to the interface. Google Fit had a software revamp. You swipe for notifications. It’s easy to turn Do Not Disturb on or change the brightness of the screen.

Wear OS is a fair contender but it doesn’t hold a torch to alternatives like Apple, Samsung or even Fitbit. The core features work consistently, but it’s just not as evolved as the others.

Diesel made this feel like more than just a host for Google software. They have given the user a load of individual watch faces. Some are very on-brand for Diesel.

There’s an additional app called Dial Effects. This lets you see secondary information like the weather or your activity.

There’s the stylish T-On-i, which gives you an overview of your day which includes the weather and your step count. It’s more novel than the choices that come with the watch, but it’s another way to make it uniquely yours.

There are no major complaints about the software. The watch is run on a Snapdragon 2100 Qualcomm processor. There is a newer version of this, the 3100, but Diesel didn’t put it in. Reasons unknown. Perhaps the hardware isn’t able to handle it. This can give a laggy performance at times. It’s possible there could be an update in the future which would fix any frustrations.

Fitness Features & GPS

Some question their necessity. It’s a smartwatch with fitness features, not a fitness tracker. This is similar to the likes of Fossil for the recreational fitness fan. They’re alright, but if you’re serious about sport then this isn’t the brand you want on your wrist for your training sessions.

Accuracy of the GPS seems to be fine for 5k runs. Heart rate tracking for exercise is generous in comparison to a heart rate chest strap for measure. Again, this watch is better for its convenience than as a dedicated fitness tracker.

If you’re relying on Google Fit, you’re advised to try a third-party app instead. The Google experience is a little lacking. It’s alright if you want an overview of your activities during the day but it can be underwhelming on data.

Battery life

The battery power is a lot better than the first version. You’ll get two days out of it. The first Full Guard would give you a day at best.

For Wear smartwatches, between one and two days is about what you get. Two days is wishful thinking. The brightness and apps drain it pretty quickly.

Summary

If you’re a Diesel fan this is a great smartwatch for you. If you have a casual interest in your fitness level and want something that looks masculine, you’ll love it.

However, if you’re looking for more of a sports watch with smart capabilities, we point you to the Garmin Forerunner 945.

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