Tag: Smartwatch

  • Amazfit Launches Active Max Smartwatch with AMOLED Display & 25-Day Battery

    Amazfit Launches Active Max Smartwatch with AMOLED Display & 25-Day Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lightweight Design: The Amazfit Active Max weighs only 39.5 grams and features a 1.5-inch AMOLED screen with automatic brightness adjustment, reaching up to 3,000 nits.

    2. Extensive Sports Tracking: The watch can monitor over 160 sports and activities, offering automatic detection, pausing features, and basic route planning for walking and running.

    3. Advanced Health Monitoring: It includes continuous heart rate tracking, alerts for high heart rates, and post-workout summaries covering training load, recovery, sleep quality, and heart rate variability.

    4. Long Battery Life and Navigation: The battery lasts up to 25 days with regular use, 14 days with intense use, and provides 64 hours of continuous GPS tracking. It also features offline maps for navigation.

    5. Payment and Pricing: The Amazfit Active Max supports contactless payments via Zepp Pay, is priced at €169.90, and became available in Europe on December 30, 2025.

    Amazfit has recently revealed the Active Max, the latest addition to its Active smartwatch lineup. This watch has a weight of 39.5 grams without the strap and features a 1.5-inch AMOLED screen that adjusts its brightness automatically. Amazfit states that the maximum brightness can go up to 3,000 nits.

    Sports Tracking Features

    The Active Max is capable of monitoring over 160 different sports and activities. These range from running and gym exercises to various outdoor pursuits. Certain sports modes come with automatic detection, pausing features, and basic route planning for both walking and running.

    Health Monitoring

    Continuous heart rate tracking is a key feature, with the ability to automatically detect the maximum heart rate and different heart rate zones. Users will receive alerts if their heart rate exceeds pre-set thresholds. Post-workout summaries are displayed on the watch itself as well as in the Zepp app, covering aspects like training load, recovery status, quality of sleep, heart rate variability, and Amazfit’s BioCharge energy metric.

    Battery and Navigation

    The battery life is estimated to last up to 25 days with regular usage. For more intense use, Amazfit claims it can last nearly two weeks, while continuous GPS tracking is said to provide up to 64 hours of use. The watch also supports navigation features and offers offline maps, which include topographic, ski, and contour maps.

    The Active Max comes equipped with a built-in microphone and speaker, allowing connection to Bluetooth headphones and other Amazfit devices. It has 4 GB of internal storage for offline music and podcast playback via mini-apps that can be downloaded using the Zepp app. Users can share activity data with platforms like Strava, adidas Running, Google Fit, Komoot, and Relive.

    Payment Options and Pricing

    For European models, contactless payments are facilitated through Zepp Pay, depending on the support from the bank and card. The Amazfit Active Max is officially available for purchase in Europe since December 30, 2025, with a retail price of €169.90.

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  • Xiaomi Watch 5 Launch: Elegant Smartwatch with Sapphire Glass, eSIM

    Xiaomi Watch 5 Launch: Elegant Smartwatch with Sapphire Glass, eSIM

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi Watch 5 is priced at about $285 for the rubber band version and approximately $330 for the eSIM version with a leather band.
    2. A 3D-printed titanium band is available for an additional $110, offering a stylish and durable option.
    3. Advanced health features include ECG monitoring and an EMG sensor that tracks hand muscle activity and recognizes gestures.
    4. The smartwatch has a 1.54-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels and a brightness of 1,500 nits, powered by the Qualcomm W5 chipset.
    5. The Xiaomi Watch 5 boasts a 930mAh battery for about 6 days of battery life, operates on Hyper OS 3, and is waterproof up to 5 ATM.

    Alongside the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra by Leica Leitzphone Edition, the brand has introduced the Xiaomi Watch 5 in China. This smartwatch features a rubber band priced at about $285, and there’s also an eSIM version that comes with a leather band for approximately $330. Additionally, customers can opt for a 3D-printed titanium band for an extra $110. The watch is available in four colors: black and silver with either a black or green rubber band, or a light blue or classic brown leather band.

    Stylish Options Available

    For those in search of a sophisticated smartwatch, the lightweight yet durable titanium band, which is crafted using 3D printing technology, is a great choice according to Xiaomi.

    Advanced Health Features

    The Xiaomi Watch 5 includes an ECG feature, and it’s equipped with an EMG sensor that can track muscle activity in the hand. It can differentiate between various hand and finger movements. For example, it recognizes a pinch gesture, which involves rubbing two fingers together, or when the user makes a fist. Xiaomi mentions that these gestures can be utilized to answer phone calls, silence alarms, or take pictures with a paired smartphone.

    Impressive Display and Performance

    Measuring 47mm, the Xiaomi Watch 5 comes with a 1.54-inch AMOLED screen that has a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels and a brightness of 1,500 nits. The smartwatch is powered by the Qualcomm W5 chipset and has a 930mAh battery, which is estimated to provide around 6 days of battery life in performance mode.

    Furthermore, the Xiaomi Watch 5 operates on Hyper OS 3 and is rated waterproof up to 5 ATM. It also tracks heart rate and blood oxygen levels. Although the Xiaomi Watch 5 might make its debut in Europe during the Mobile World Congress next March, a launch in the US seems quite unlikely.

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  • Lenovo Watch GT Pro: Affordable Price, 27 Days Battery Life

    Lenovo Watch GT Pro: Affordable Price, 27 Days Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lenovo has launched the Watch GT Pro, a smartwatch aimed at outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
    2. The watch features a sturdy build with a zinc-magnesium alloy frame and a Corning Glass display.
    3. It includes a 1.43-inch display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and GPS for accurate workout tracking.
    4. Health monitoring capabilities include heart rate and oxygen level sensors, along with a barometer and compass.
    5. The battery lasts between 7 to 27 days on a full charge, and the watch is priced at about $130 in China.

    Lenovo is well-recognized for its range of products, including desktop computers, laptops, and monitors. However, the company has also ventured into the wearables market, recently introducing a new model known as the Lenovo Watch GT Pro. This smartwatch targets outdoor lovers and athletes, featuring a design that is not particularly understated. Much like the Garmin Fenix 8 (which starts at $749 on Amazon), it has visible screws and a fairly thick bezel. Additionally, there are multiple buttons alongside a rotating crown located on the right side.

    Sturdy Build and Display

    The frame of the watch is constructed from a zinc-magnesium alloy, ensuring it’s quite tough. The display is safeguarded by Corning Glass, offering protection against scratches and significant damage. The Lenovo Watch GT Pro has a display size of 1.43 inches with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. It includes a GPS module that accurately tracks workout distances, providing more reliable data than merely counting steps. Furthermore, this smartwatch is capable of withstanding water exposure, being waterproof up to 5 ATM.

    Health Monitoring and Battery Life

    This wearable is equipped with optical sensors that monitor heart rate and oxygen levels. The 470mAh battery is designed to last anywhere from 7 to 27 days on a full charge. Lastly, the Watch GT Pro is fitted with a barometer and compass, and it has an official price of about $130 in the Chinese market. There is currently no information regarding a possible global release.

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  • OnePlus Watch Lite: 3,000 Nit AMOLED Display & 10-Day Battery

    OnePlus Watch Lite: 3,000 Nit AMOLED Display & 10-Day Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. OnePlus has launched the Watch Lite as a more affordable alternative to the Watch 3, priced at $249.99.
    2. The Watch Lite features a unique operating system, compatible with Android 9.0 and iOS 14.0 or above, instead of Wear OS.
    3. It has a slim design at 8.9 mm and a 1.46-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 464 x 464 pixels and peak brightness of 3,000 nits.
    4. The smartwatch offers up to 10 days of battery life, over 100 workout modes, dual-band GPS, and health tracking, but lacks NFC payment options.
    5. The OnePlus Watch Lite is available in the Eurozone and the UK for €159 and £159, but not in markets like India and the US.

    OnePlus has introduced the Watch Lite, a more affordable option compared to the current Watch 3, which is priced at $249.99 on Amazon. Instead of using Wear OS, the Watch Lite features a unique operating system that allows it to work with both Android and iOS devices, as long as they run Android 9.0 or iOS 14.0 and above.

    Design and Display

    The Watch Lite is significantly slimmer than the Watch 3, measuring just 8.9 mm compared to 11.8 mm. It boasts a 1.46-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 464 x 464 pixels and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Additionally, its large display is safeguarded by a 316L stainless steel casing, contributing to the smartwatch’s total weight of 59 grams, which includes a strap made from black or white fluororubber and a stainless steel buckle.

    Features and Functionality

    Among the impressive features, the Watch Lite offers up to 10 days of battery life, more than 100 workout modes, and dual-band GPS connectivity. It also tracks essential health metrics, such as skin temperature. However, it lacks NFC payment capabilities, which may disappoint some users.

    The OnePlus Watch Lite is now available for purchase in the Eurozone and the UK, retailing at €159 and £159, respectively. However, OnePlus has chosen not to release this smartwatch in important markets like India and the United States. For additional information, visit OnePlus’ official website.

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  • New Casio G-Shock Watch with MIP LCD Released in More Countries

    New Casio G-Shock Watch with MIP LCD Released in More Countries

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Casio G-Shock GMW-BZ5000GD-9 is now available in several European countries, following its recent launch in Japan.
    2. The watch is priced at €649 and has limited availability in markets like the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany.
    3. It features a gold finish with an ion-plated stainless steel case and strap, and offers customizable display options.
    4. The watch includes advanced technology such as Bluetooth connectivity, automatic time adjustments, and a variety of tools like a timer and stopwatch.
    5. Two additional models, GMW-BZ5000D-1 and GMW-BZ5000BD-1, are expected to be released around December 2025, priced at €599 and €649, respectively.

    The Casio G-Shock GMW-BZ5000GD-9 has recently become available in more countries across Europe. This model is one of three new GMW-BZ5000 watches that were launched in Japan not long ago, and they can also be found in markets such as the US and the UK.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the G-Shock GMW-BZ5000GD-9 watch for €649 at the Casio online store in countries including the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. As of now, the product page indicates that there is a limited supply of this model.

    Design and Features

    The G-Shock GMW-BZ5000GD-9 is designed with a gold finish and features an ion-plated stainless steel case and strap. This model from the 5000 series boasts a fresh design that aims to improve shock resistance while keeping the classic G-Shock aesthetic. It showcases a high-contrast MIP LCD screen with a light background and dark numbers. Users can customize the display with both Standard and Classic styles and choose from four different layouts.

    Advanced Technology

    This watch is a radio-controlled model (Multiband 6) that includes features such as automatic time adjustments through the Casio Watches app, made possible by its Bluetooth capabilities. On the watch itself, users can access tools like a timer, stopwatch, and alarms. It supports world time, is solar-powered, and has a water resistance rating of up to 200 meters.

    Future Releases

    As for the GMW-BZ5000D-1 and GMW-BZ5000BD-1, it’s not clear when they will be available in these European nations; however, they are anticipated to be released around December 2025, with prices set at €599 and €649, respectively.

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  • HMD Global Launches XploraOne Mini Smartphone Without Social Media

    HMD Global Launches XploraOne Mini Smartphone Without Social Media

    Key Takeaways

    1. The XploraOne is a compact touchscreen feature phone designed for adults and children, focusing on reducing distractions.
    2. It lacks an app store and social media apps, with parental controls for managing calls, photos, and calendar events.
    3. The device has no web browser and includes a rear camera with LED flash, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and 4G connectivity.
    4. Technical specs include a 3.2-inch touchscreen, Unisoc T127 ARM processor, 2 MP camera, and a 1,950 mAh battery.
    5. Pricing and availability details will be announced soon, with more information on the manufacturer’s official website.

    HMD Global has teamed up with Finnish company Xplora to create the XploraOne, a compact smartphone, or more accurately, a touchscreen feature phone. This device targets adults who want a secondary phone or children getting their first mobile device. Its limited features help reduce the common distractions linked to modern smartphones.

    Features for Parents

    The XploraOne lacks an app store and social media applications, meaning TikTok and Instagram won’t be accessible. It includes various parental controls that allow adults to manage the device’s functions for their kids. Parents can set limits on who can be called and when, plus they can oversee photos taken and calendar events recorded.

    Technical Specifications

    There is no web browser on the XploraOne. The device comes with a rear camera equipped with an LED flash, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and an integrated 4G modem. While the exact hardware details are not confirmed yet, it probably shares specs with the HMD Touch 4G, featuring a 3.2-inch touchscreen boasting a resolution of 320 x 240, a Unisoc T127 ARM processor, a 2 MP main camera, and a 1,950 mAh battery. It is very small, measuring 10.2 x 6.2 x 1.09 centimeters and weighing just 100 grams.

    Price and Availability

    Information about the pricing and when the HMD Global XploraOne will be available should be announced shortly. More details about the smartphone can be accessed on the manufacturer’s official website.

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  • Xiaomi Black Shark GS3 Ultra Smartwatch: Dual-Band GPS & AMOLED Display

    Xiaomi Black Shark GS3 Ultra Smartwatch: Dual-Band GPS & AMOLED Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. Black Shark has launched a new smartwatch model called Ultra, continuing its focus on gaming-oriented devices.
    2. The new smartwatch features a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and can reach up to 1,000 nits brightness.
    3. Battery life for the smartwatch can last up to 18 days on a single charge, but this will decrease when using dual-band GPS and sports modes.
    4. The GS3 Ultra tracks various health metrics, but it does not support skin temperature, ECG, or blood pressure monitoring.
    5. Pricing and availability details for the smartwatch are not yet revealed, but it is expected to be available globally.

    Black Shark has introduced a new model in its smartwatch lineup, now branded as Ultra. The company, which was originally known for its gaming smartphones, continues to offer gaming-oriented tablets like the Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro.

    Clarifying the Names

    It’s important to note that Black Shark’s Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro should not be confused with Xiaomi’s similarly named products (curr. $482.50 on Amazon). Black Shark usually pairs its tablets with smartwatches and various accessories. Despite this, the brand still seems to have a strong connection to Xiaomi, similar to the relationships between Poco and Redmi.

    Specs and Features

    Moving on, the latest smartwatch from Black Shark builds upon the previous model, the Watch GS3. It features the same 1.43-inch AMOLED screen as the earlier version, offering a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and reportedly reaching up to 1,000 nits brightness under optimal conditions.

    Moreover, the company asserts that the new smartwatch can last for as long as 18 days on a single charge. However, this duration will probably decrease significantly when using its dual-band GPS across one of its 160 sports modes.

    Health Tracking and Availability

    As expected, the GS3 Ultra tracks a variety of key health metrics, although it lacks support for skin temperature, ECG, or blood pressure monitoring. Details about the pricing and availability are still undisclosed, but it seems likely that the smartwatch will be available globally. For further information, you can visit the company’s website.

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  • New Amazfit Smartwatch Launching Soon: What to Expect

    New Amazfit Smartwatch Launching Soon: What to Expect

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new Amazfit smartwatch, model “A2557,” has received certification from SIRIM on November 25th.
    2. Amazfit has launched several new devices in 2023, including the Active 2 series and Bip 6.
    3. Previous Amazfit models appeared in the SIRIM database 3 to 6 weeks before global launches.
    4. The new smartwatch may belong to the Cheetah line or the high-end Falcon series, which haven’t been updated recently.
    5. Further details will be announced by the Zepp Health team in the future.

    A new Amazfit smartwatch seems to be on its way. This year, the company has already launched several new devices, which includes the Active 2 series, the Balance 2, the Bip 6, and the T-Rex 3 Pro (48 mm Tactical Black curr. $379.99 at Amazon).

    Certification Details

    Recently, a model named “A2557 (Smart Watch)” was spotted in the database of the Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM). It received certification on November 25th. Notably, previous releases from earlier in 2025 appeared in the SIRIM database between three to six weeks before they launched in various countries around the globe. This could mean that the new Amazfit smartwatch might hit the market later in 2025 or early in 2026.

    Speculations on the New Model

    Unfortunately, the SIRIM database does not provide any specifics about the forthcoming Amazfit smartwatch. It is possible that this could be a new addition to the Cheetah line of running wearables or the high-end Falcon series, since these collections haven’t seen updates in a while. Still, we will need to wait for an official announcement from the Zepp Health team to learn more about this new Amazfit smartwatch.

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    New Amazfit Smartwatch Launching Soon: What to Expect

     

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  • OnePlus Launches Affordable Watch Lite Smartwatch for Beginners

    OnePlus Launches Affordable Watch Lite Smartwatch for Beginners

    Key Takeaways

    1. The OnePlus Watch Lite is set to launch in Europe on December 17th, alongside the OnePlus 15R and OnePlus Pad Go 2.
    2. The smartwatch features a silver casing, a rotating crown, and a light-colored silicone strap with orange stitching.
    3. Expected functionalities include step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and environmental metrics like temperature and humidity.
    4. A special promotion offers a £50/€50 discount for newsletter sign-ups or a chance to win the OnePlus 15R smartphone.
    5. Availability in the US is uncertain, with current offerings limited to the older OnePlus Watch 3 Obsidian Titanium.

    OnePlus has made an important announcement regarding the Watch Lite in Europe. This latest smartwatch was earlier hinted at on the company’s website as the ‘OnePlus New Watch’. Initially, the only information shared was a simple outline of the device.

    Availability and Design

    Now, the OnePlus Watch Lite is listed on the brand’s websites in European nations such as the UK and the Netherlands. This is anticipated to be the company’s entry-level smartwatch. The single image available of the device reveals a silver casing, complete with a rotating crown and a button situated on the right side. It comes with a light-colored silicone strap featuring orange stitching and a silver clasp. There are rumors suggesting that this model could be ultra-slim, measuring approximately 8.9 mm (~0.35 inches) thick, but the brand has not yet confirmed these details.

    Features and Specifications

    While OnePlus has not revealed specific features, the watch face hints at functionalities like step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and an estimation of calorie burn. Additional environmental metrics displayed include temperature, pressure, UV index, humidity, and wind speed.

    The OnePlus Watch Lite is set to launch in Europe on December 17th, coinciding with the release of the OnePlus 15R and the OnePlus Pad Go 2. As of now, the pricing for the smartwatch has not been disclosed. However, customers who sign up for the company’s newsletter will receive a discount of £50/€50 on their purchase or have a chance to win the OnePlus 15R smartphone.

    Future Release in the US

    It is still uncertain if or when this smartwatch will be available in the US, where the company currently offers the older OnePlus Watch 3 Obsidian Titanium (priced at $249.99 on Amazon). For reference, the launch of the OnePlus 15 smartphone in the US has been delayed due to the government shutdown, which has affected the essential FCC certification process.

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  • Why Big-Brand Smartwatches Are Overpriced and Invasive

    Why Big-Brand Smartwatches Are Overpriced and Invasive

    Key Takeaways

    1. Preference for Simplicity: The author values simple features over complex smart functions, finding little use for health tracking and notifications.

    2. Importance of Alarm Functionality: The primary desired feature is a gentle alarm, as the author prefers waking up without disturbing others.

    3. Battery Life Concerns: Long battery life is crucial; the author dislikes frequent charging and prefers devices that last longer without needing power.

    4. Design Preferences: The author favors round designs that resemble classic watches and is dissatisfied with the available options that focus on fitness tracking rather than basic timekeeping.

    5. Privacy and Data Concerns: There is discomfort with sharing personal health and activity data with manufacturers and third parties through smartwatches.

    Maybe I’m the odd one, but I just can’t bring myself to spend hundreds of dollars on a watch or smartwatch — that $400 Apple Watch can go away. Honestly, I’m not interested in most of those so-called “smart” features.

    Prefer Simplicity Over Complexity

    I sleep just fine without any sleep tracking. When I’m playing indoor soccer, I don’t care about my heart rate as long as I’m making slick passes, assists, blocks, and scoring goals. If I wanted to track my bike rides, I could do that with my phone anyway (and honestly, I haven’t felt the need to!). Plus, every time I see someone lifting their arm every few minutes to check notifications, it gives me the creeps — I really don’t want that (I tried it once, but turned it off after just two days).

    Alarm Clock Matters Most

    You can call me old-school, but besides telling the time, the only feature I truly value is alarms: I love being gently woken up by a light vibration on my wrist rather than some loud alarm that ruins my morning. Ideally, it won’t wake anyone else who’s sharing the bed with me.

    Battery life is super important for me too — I really don’t want to be charging my watch every few days. My last smartwatch, the Amazfit Bip, lasted over a month because I hardly used it! The feature-packed watches today hardly compare.

    Design & Functionality Issues

    However, I wasn’t a fan of the Bip’s square design. To set alarms, I always had to take out my phone and use the app (it was the Mi app, but I switched to Gadgetbridge). After many years — surprisingly, the battery is still holding up — the watch is pretty much done: the glass cracked, came loose, had to be taped during a trip, the strap-pin holes are worn out, and it just looks worn out.

    Unfortunately, reasonably priced smartwatches (around 50 euros) that just offer alarms are almost non-existent. “Just look at fitness bands,” people suggest. But I don’t want a rectangular fitness tracker (I don’t care about fitness features anyway). I’d rather have a round design that resembles a classic watch. “Why not check out regular watches?” they ask. Apparently, some even have alarm features — but they’re tough to find and, after losing market share to smartwatches, often quite pricey too.

    Am I truly the only one who doesn’t care about tons of smartwatch features but still desires good design, strong build quality, and long battery life at a reasonable price? Am I the only one who feels uneasy about linking my personal activity, sleep, and health data to an app that sends all that info to manufacturers and third parties?

    Maybe smartwatches with long battery life, basic features, and optional phone connectivity just aren’t profitable (less data to collect), but to me, almost all popular smartwatches are overloaded, overpriced, and way too invasive!

     

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