The second generation of smartwatches with Android Wear has been launched, which should include the Motorola Moto 360 or the Huawei Watch. They are high-priced optionsThat's why a much more affordable proposal is so appealing: the Bluboo XWatch, which aims to be the cheapest Android Wear watch.
$100
Various international distributors that sell Chinese mobile phones are already pricing the new smartwatch. GearBest sets a price of $100Although its availability may vary depending on stock. Other stores list it at around $125In any case, it's a very competitive figure for an Android Wear watch. But is it a good buy?
The Bluboo XWatch is a watch similar to the first generation of Android Wear models. Includes a 1,4-inch circular display, MediaTek MT2601 processor geared towards efficiency, 512 MB of RAM y 4 GB storage, in line with many entry-level Wear OS devices. It will also be splash-resistant, though not submersible: You can wash your hands with itBut it's best not to put it in the pool.
Integra one 400 mAh battery and a heart rate monitor, but it lacks GPS, a common omission in the budget range; in fact, even more expensive models sometimes do without it. Its screen offers 360 x 360 pixel resolutionWith adequate, though not outstanding, exterior visibility for its segment. Its biggest advantage is having A at a very low cost, with access to apps and notifications.
What is Wear OS (Android Wear) and why is it of interest?
Wear OS, formerly known as Android Wear, is Google's operating system for smartwatches. Its value lies in the Android compatibility and integration with Google services such as Google Maps, Google Pay, Google Fit, and the Assistant. It also allows customize spheres and download apps from Google Play, and receive regular updates that improve functionality and security. Support for iPhones may be more limitedSome models require Android.
Health, sport and workload: what you can expect
The most complete Wear OS watches incorporate advanced health solutions: sensors for ECG, body composition (BIA), and continuous heart ratein addition to blood oxygen. Many add stress monitoring with breathing exercises Guided and detailed sleep monitoring with stages and nighttime SpO2.
In sports, it's not uncommon to see more than 90 recordable activitiesHigh-precision GPS in models that include it and water resistance of 5ATM for worry-free swimming. Under load, the usual thing is magnetic charger; in some ecosystems, such as Samsung's, it even exists reverse charge from a compatible mobile phone, useful in emergencies.
Top alternatives if you're looking for a cheap Android Wear device
If you are looking for something for all Economic commitment But if you want to compare, there are options with great value for money:
- Samsung galaxy watch4: elegant design, Wear OS Fluid and advanced tracking of activity, sleep, and body composition. Its digital rotating bezel makes navigation easy. Some users would like more batterybut its accuracy and the connectivity with Samsung mobiles stand out.
- TicWatch Pro 3: mixture of stainless steel and reinforced plastic1,4-inch AMOLED display with always-on mode and IP68K. Sensors of SpO2, IHB/AFib detectionFatigue and sleep assessment; integrated GPS. Approximate battery life of 3 days in normal use and to 45 days in essential mode Thanks to a secondary FSTN display. Charges in approximately 2 hours.
- Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: box of 46 mm and contained thickness, highly customizable spheres, Bluetooth, WiFi and NFC For payments with Google Pay and GPS. Compatible with Android and iPhone (with possible limitations). Battery life 500 mAh with up to 12 days depending on usage. Positive reviews for premium design and a crisp AMOLED screen; part of the community is asking for more battery life if all features are activated.
- Samsung galaxy watch8: brightness up to 3.000 nits Super AMOLED panel, chip Exynos W1000 Highly efficient and Wear OS with One UI. It provides advanced measurements such as circadian sleep analysisantioxidant index and vascular load. Highly rated for comfort and its fit into the Galaxy ecosystem.
More models with a good price-performance ratio
Depending on your needs, you may also be interested in: OPPO Watch X2 (titanium alloy, sapphire crystal, 1,5 inches and up to 2.200 nits, Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 + BES2800BP and long-lasting battery with NFC for payments), Google PixelWatch 3 (high-brightness AMOLED display, 41 and 45 mm versions, up to 24 hours of always-on display and 36 hours of savings, versions with LTE, WiFi 6 and NFC(requires Android), Fossil gen 6 (1,28-inch AMOLED, Snapdragon 4100+, 1 GB RAM and 8 GB internal storage, NFC and 3ATM resistance), TicWatch Atlas (certification MIL-STD-810HSteel and sapphire crystal, over 110 sports modes, multi-band GPS with compass and barometer, up to 90 h in smart mode and 45 days in essential) and OnePlus Watch 3 (1,5-inch AMOLED LTPO, up to 2.200 nits, Snapdragon W5 with coprocessor, 5 days of smart usage, 16 in savings, NFC and dual-frequency GPS, 5ATM resistance and military standard).
Buying advice, safety and compatibility
Sustainability and certifications
Some manufacturers incorporate sustainability programs that measure the carbon footprint of the product life cycleThere are Carbonfree certifications that verify that emissions have been reduced whenever possible and the remainder are offset through third-party audited projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency and forestryIf you value this point, look for references to verified life cycle assessment and compensation.
The Bluboo XWatch is a very affordable entry point to Android Wear: Adjusted PriceBasic specifications and the advantages of Google's system. If you need GPS, more advanced health metrics, or better outdoor brightness, there are Wear OS alternatives on the market with best battery, more sensors and NFC; but if the priority is to spend little and access notifications and apps, this model is still an option to consider.
