Tech brand realme recently launched their Watch 2 series as part of the continuous stream of products the brand releases for its growing number of fans. With obvious improvements from the first generation, let’s see how the new model fares.
What’s in the box
- realme Watch 2
- Charging Base
- User Manual
- Warranty
Specifications
- 3.5cm (1.4”) screen size
- 320×320, 323 PPI 600 nits resolution
- Full-screen touch
- 257.6*35.7*12.2mm (W*H*L)
- 38g total weight
- Detachable silicone straps, 22mm (W), 130-220mm (L)
- 315mAh Li-Ion battery
- 3-axis accelerometer
- Heart rate sensor
- Blood oxygen sensor
- IP68 Water Resistance Rating
- Bluetooth 5.0
- realme Link APP
- Compatible with Android 5.0+ / iOS 11+
Design
Out of the box, the realme Watch 2 looks like a non-descript smartwatch. Sleek with its matte straps and shiny face. Those familiar with its first iteration will notice that the watch itself is now rectangular, even though its actual screen is still the same 320×320 pixels. The whole face is a touchscreen, and it has a single button on the side that serves as a sleep and wake, as well as a back button. At the back of the watch is where the sensors are located so that it has direct contact with your skin.
The realme Watch 2 still has an IP68 water resistance rating that means it can withstand dust, dirt, and sand, and can withstand submersion of up to a maximum depth of 1.5m underwater for up to thirty minutes. By definition, it should be able to survive a run in the rain or even wearing it in the shower but I don’t think that’s encouraged.
Hardware
Compared to the previous model, the realme Watch 2 has a much bigger 315mAh Li-Ion battery that is said to last up to 12 days. My first charge lasted me 8 days of fidgeting with the settings, constant syncing, changing the face, using it as a shutter remote, and constantly taking my pulse and 02 stats. The next charge lasted way longer with normal usage. Charging takes about 2 hours using the proprietary round magnetic disc that keeps the charging points aligned.
The realme 2 has a 3-axis accelerometer, a heart rate monitor, as well as a blood oxygen sensor that requires the wearer to be still for a few seconds, with the back of the watch placed firmly against the wearer’s wrist.
The watch comes with Bluetooth 5.0, and aside from the native connectivity to the realme Link app which allows it to control smart gadgets in that ecosystem, it is also compatible with Android 5.0+ and iOS 11+.
Depending on the wearer’s preference, the watch can alert you of calls, SMS, Facebook notifications, reminders, and the like so that you don’t need to keep taking your phone out. This is especially useful when you are exercising or taking public transportation. Oh, and for seniors moments, the find your phone is great, too.
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User Experience
The first order of the day upon turning the watch on was pairing (binding) it with the realme Link app. It then prompted to update (upgrading) the system that only took all of 2 minutes. Updating the OS unlocks the 90 sport modes available for tracking, as well as the additional functionality settings.
While I do not have use for almost all (LOL) of the sport modes, the step tracker serves as a reminder of how active (or sedentary) you were for the day.
With our current WFH situation, I feel that the stand-up and drink reminders are great not only for the wearer’s physical wellbeing but also for his/her mental health as well. From the app, the intervals of the reminders can be adjusted (from every 15 mins to 2.5h) as well as the time of day you receive them (ex. from 9 am to 5 pm).
Although the feature isn’t new, another timely feature is the blood oxygen monitor. Even though they have a warning that the watch cannot serve as a medical device, the readings are quite accurate when compared side-by-side to readings from my home oximeter.
While some people believe that bigger is better, I believe I could work with a slightly smaller screen for a more comfortable fit. Truth be told, I am scared to wear it bare as I might damage the watch case.
Personalizing the face is super easy using the app. You can choose from the vast selection available or use your own image. There are even ‘live” faces similar to live wallpapers, but naturally, they consume more juice.
Value / Price / Availability
For its launch price of Php 2990, the realme Watch 2 offers so much value especially since it shares a lot of functionality with the pricier PRO variant. Of course, you will get better hardware with the PRO (bigger screen and battery, dual-band GPS), but for the casual to moderate user, what you get is more than enough to track your activities and to enjoy the other functionalities.
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What we like
- Fast-charging
- Feature-packed
- Value-for-money
What we don’t like
- Strap is wide and can get itchy with sweat
- Water-resistant, not water-proof
- Doesn’t come with a watch guard for protection
P.S. I really had a hard time figuring out what to do with the Motion Activated Night Light they sent together with the watch but after trying it out on my night table (I already have a lamp) and in the bathroom (it was kinda redundant), but we had a bright idea to put it in my closet where we’d always find it hard to look for things due to the lack of proper lighting. Yeay!