boAt Ultima Call Max: Smartwatch Review India 2026

boAt Ultima Call Max Smartwatch Review: Style Meets Affordability

boAt has become a household name in India, synonymous with affordable audio and wearable tech. This week, I got my hands on the boAt Ultima Call Max smartwatch, the latest contender in the crowded budget smartwatch market. At a price point hovering around ₹3,000, it promises a premium look with Bluetooth calling and a host of health tracking features. Does it deliver? Let's dive in.

Design and Build Quality: First Impressions

The Ultima Call Max immediately impresses with its sleek design. The metallic frame and 1.9-inch HD display give it a look that belies its price. The watch feels surprisingly sturdy, and the silicone strap is comfortable for all-day wear. The single button on the side provides easy navigation, though the touchscreen is responsive enough for most tasks. The watch has an IP68 rating, meaning it could easily handle the daily grind of sweat and splashes. I even wore it in the shower a couple of times (though I wouldn't recommend prolonged submersion).

Display and Performance: Bright and Functional

The 1.9-inch HD display is bright and vibrant, even under direct sunlight. Touch responsiveness is good, and navigating the interface is smooth. The watch offers a variety of watch faces to choose from, allowing for some personalization. Performance-wise, the Ultima Call Max is adequate for basic smartwatch functions. I didn't experience any significant lag while checking notifications, making calls, or tracking my activity. However, the UI feels a little clunky at times.

Health and Fitness Tracking: Adequate for Casual Users

The Ultima Call Max comes equipped with a heart rate sensor, SpO2 monitor, and sleep tracker. In my testing, the heart rate monitor was fairly accurate, aligning with readings from a dedicated fitness tracker. The SpO2 readings, however, seemed a bit inconsistent. The sleep tracker provides basic data on sleep duration and stages, but it's not as detailed as some other trackers on the market. The watch also supports multiple sports modes, allowing you to track your workouts. It’s a decent package for casual fitness enthusiasts, but serious athletes may want to consider something more advanced. reportersays that even the step counter was reasonably accurate when compared to my phone's health app.

Bluetooth Calling and Battery Life: Hits and Misses

Bluetooth calling is one of the standout features of the Ultima Call Max. The call quality is surprisingly good, both indoors and outdoors. I was able to make and receive calls with ease, and the built-in microphone and speaker worked well. The battery life, however, is a mixed bag. boAt claims up to 7 days of battery life, but in my testing, I only managed to get around 4 days with moderate usage (including Bluetooth calling). With heavy use, including frequent calls and activity tracking, the battery drained much faster, requiring daily charging.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Stylish design and build quality
• Bright and responsive display
• Bluetooth calling functionality
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Inconsistent SpO2 readings
• Average battery life
• Clunky UI

Alternatives in the Indian Market

The boAt Ultima Call Max faces stiff competition in the budget smartwatch segment. Some notable alternatives include:

• Noise ColorFit Pro 4: Offers a similar set of features with a slightly better UI and longer battery life.
• Fire-Boltt Phoenix Pro: Another popular option with Bluetooth calling and a focus on stylish design.
• Realme Watch 3: A well-rounded smartwatch with a good balance of features and performance.

Verdict

The boAt Ultima Call Max is a decent budget smartwatch that offers a stylish design, Bluetooth calling, and a range of health tracking features. However, it's not without its flaws. The battery life is average, and the SpO2 readings can be inconsistent. If you're looking for an affordable smartwatch with Bluetooth calling and don't need advanced health tracking, the Ultima Call Max is worth considering. But if battery life and accuracy are your top priorities, you might want to explore other options.

Rating: 3.5/5