boAt Wave Ultima Smartwatch Review: Style Meets Affordability
The smartwatch market in India is booming, and boAt, a brand known for its affordable audio products, is making waves with its budget-friendly smartwatches. The boAt Wave Ultima is their latest offering, promising a blend of style and functionality without breaking the bank. After using the Wave Ultima for over a week, here's my comprehensive review.
First Impressions: The Wave Ultima immediately impresses with its large display and sleek design. It feels surprisingly premium for its price point. The vibrant colors and crisp resolution make it easy to read notifications and track fitness data. Setting it up with the boAt Crest app was straightforward, and I was ready to go in minutes.
Design and Build Quality
The boAt Wave Ultima features a rectangular dial with a metallic finish, giving it a sophisticated look. The silicone strap is comfortable to wear for extended periods, even during workouts. While the watch is primarily made of plastic, it doesn't feel cheap. It's also lightweight, which is a plus for all-day wear. The watch is IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, so you don't have to worry about splashes or sweat. However, I wouldn't recommend taking it for a swim.
Display: Bright and Vibrant
The 1.8-inch display is the highlight of the Wave Ultima. It's bright enough to be visible even under direct sunlight, which is crucial for outdoor activities. The touch response is smooth and accurate, making navigation a breeze. You can choose from a variety of watch faces to personalize the look of your smartwatch. I found the pre-installed watch faces to be quite appealing, but you can also download more from the boAt Crest app.
Performance and Features
The boAt Wave Ultima offers a range of features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, SpO2 measurement, and activity tracking. The heart rate monitor seemed reasonably accurate in my tests, but the SpO2 readings were sometimes inconsistent. The sleep tracking feature provides insights into your sleep patterns, including deep sleep, light sleep, and awake time. It also supports multiple sports modes, allowing you to track your workouts accurately. Notifications are displayed promptly, and you can even control music playback from your wrist. However, there's no built-in GPS, so you'll need to rely on your phone's GPS for accurate distance tracking during outdoor activities. reportersays, the user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.
Battery Life: Lasts for Days
One of the biggest advantages of the boAt Wave Ultima is its impressive battery life. In my testing, it lasted for about 5-7 days on a single charge with moderate usage. This includes heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and notifications enabled. If you disable some of the features, you can easily extend the battery life to over a week. Charging the watch is quick and easy, thanks to the magnetic charger.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Large and vibrant display
- Comfortable to wear
- Long battery life
- IP68 water and dust resistance
Cons:
- No built-in GPS
- Inconsistent SpO2 readings
- Plastic build
Alternatives in the Indian Market
The boAt Wave Ultima competes with other budget smartwatches in India, such as the Noise ColorFit Pro 4 and the Fire-Boltt Ninja Call Pro Plus. The Noise ColorFit Pro 4 offers similar features and a slightly smaller display. The Fire-Boltt Ninja Call Pro Plus stands out with its Bluetooth calling feature, which is missing on the Wave Ultima. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. As of today, March 28, 2026, all three are available online and offline.
Verdict
The boAt Wave Ultima is an excellent budget smartwatch that offers a great balance of style, features, and battery life. While it has some limitations, such as the lack of built-in GPS and inconsistent SpO2 readings, it's still a solid option for those looking for an affordable and feature-packed smartwatch. I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the boAt Wave Ultima worth buying?
Yes, the boAt Wave Ultima is worth buying if you're looking for an affordable smartwatch with a large display, long battery life, and essential fitness tracking features. It’s a good entry-level option for those new to smartwatches.
What are the pros and cons of the boAt Wave Ultima?
The pros include its affordable price, large display, comfortable design, long battery life, and IP68 rating. The cons are the lack of built-in GPS, inconsistent SpO2 readings, and plastic build.
How does the boAt Wave Ultima compare to alternatives like the Noise ColorFit Pro 4?
The boAt Wave Ultima and Noise ColorFit Pro 4 are similar in terms of features and price. The ColorFit Pro 4 has a slightly smaller display. The best choice depends on your brand preference and specific feature requirements.