boAt Ultima Call Max Smartwatch Review: Budget King?

boAt Ultima Call Max: First Impressions

boAt has been making waves in the Indian audio market for years, and now they're aggressively expanding into the smartwatch arena. The Ultima Call Max is their latest offering, positioned as a budget-friendly option with calling features. After using it for a week, I'm ready to share my thoughts on whether it lives up to the hype. At a price of ₹2,799, it certainly looks appealing on paper with its large display and Bluetooth calling. But does it deliver a premium experience without breaking the bank?

Design and Build Quality

The boAt Ultima Call Max sports a typical smartwatch design, with a rectangular dial and a silicone strap. The build quality is decent for the price; it doesn't feel cheap, but it doesn't scream premium either. The watch is lightweight, which makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods. The side button is responsive, and the overall construction feels sturdy enough to withstand daily wear and tear. The watch is also IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, meaning it can handle sweat and splashes without any issues.

Display: Large and Vibrant

The smartwatch features a large 1.9-inch display, which is one of its biggest selling points. The colors are vibrant, and the brightness is adequate for outdoor visibility, even under direct sunlight. Touch responsiveness is generally good, although I noticed some occasional lag. The display resolution is decent, making text and images appear reasonably sharp. The large screen makes it easy to read notifications and navigate through the watch's various features.

Performance and Features

The boAt Ultima Call Max comes packed with features, including Bluetooth calling, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, SpO2 monitoring, and multiple sports modes. Bluetooth calling works surprisingly well; the call quality is clear, and the microphone picks up voice effectively. Health tracking is fairly accurate, although, like most budget smartwatches, it shouldn't be considered a substitute for professional medical equipment. The smartwatch also supports notifications from various apps, allowing you to stay connected on the go. reportersays, after a week of usage, the user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. The watch also has some useful features like music control, camera control, and weather updates. I tested the step counter against my phone, and it was within 5% - acceptable for this price point.

Battery Life: Lasts for Days

Battery life is one of the strongest aspects of the boAt Ultima Call Max. In my testing, the watch lasted for about 5-6 days on a single charge with moderate use, including Bluetooth calling and health tracking. With light use, you can easily stretch the battery life to a week. This is impressive for a smartwatch with a large display and Bluetooth calling features. It takes about 2 hours to fully charge the watch.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Large and vibrant display
• Bluetooth calling
• Long battery life
• Affordable price
• IP68 water and dust resistance

Cons:

• Occasional lag in touch response
• Health tracking accuracy could be improved
• Build quality could be better

Alternatives in the Indian Market

The boAt Ultima Call Max competes with other budget smartwatches in the Indian market, such as the Noise ColorFit Caliber 2 Max (priced around ₹2,499) and the Fire-Boltt Ninja Call Pro Plus (priced around ₹2,999). The Noise ColorFit Caliber 2 Max offers similar features and battery life, while the Fire-Boltt Ninja Call Pro Plus boasts a slightly more premium design. However, the boAt Ultima Call Max stands out with its large display and reliable Bluetooth calling.

Verdict: Worth the Price?

The boAt Ultima Call Max is a solid budget smartwatch that offers a good balance of features and performance. While it's not perfect, its large display, Bluetooth calling, and long battery life make it a compelling option for those looking for an affordable smartwatch. If you're on a tight budget and need a smartwatch with calling functionality, the boAt Ultima Call Max is definitely worth considering.

Rating: 4/5 stars