Oppo Watch X Review: A Solid Android Smartwatch Contender

The Oppo Watch X has landed in India, and after a week of rigorous testing, I'm ready to share my thoughts. Priced at ₹22,999, this smartwatch aims to deliver a premium experience with its robust build, Wear OS integration, and focus on fitness tracking. Does it succeed? Let's dive in.

Design and Build Quality: Ready for Anything

First impressions matter, and the Oppo Watch X makes a strong one. The watch features a stainless steel body that feels incredibly solid. The 5ATM water resistance rating gives you peace of mind whether you're swimming or caught in a Mumbai monsoon. The watch face is protected by sapphire crystal, which has already proven its scratch resistance in my daily use. It’s a bit on the larger side, which might not suit those with smaller wrists, but I found it comfortable enough to wear day and night. The included rubber strap is comfortable and easily replaceable with standard straps.

Display: Bright and Vibrant

The 1.43-inch AMOLED display is a visual treat. Colors are vibrant, and the brightness is sufficient even under direct sunlight – a crucial factor for outdoor use in India. The resolution is sharp enough that text and graphics look crisp. The always-on display is a welcome feature, allowing you to quickly glance at the time and notifications without raising your wrist.

Performance and Wear OS: Smooth Operator

Powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 platform, the Oppo Watch X offers a smooth and responsive user experience. Navigation is fluid, and apps load quickly. Wear OS provides access to a wide range of apps via the Google Play Store. The integration with Google Assistant is seamless, allowing you to control smart home devices, set reminders, and answer questions with your voice. Reportersays the watch also supports NFC for contactless payments via Google Pay, which is increasingly useful in India's growing digital economy.

Fitness Tracking: A Workout Companion

The Oppo Watch X excels in fitness tracking. It accurately tracks steps, distance, heart rate, and sleep. The watch offers a variety of workout modes, including running, cycling, swimming, and yoga. The built-in GPS accurately tracks outdoor activities. I compared its heart rate readings with a chest strap monitor, and the results were consistently close. The sleep tracking feature provides detailed insights into your sleep stages, helping you understand your sleep patterns. The watch also supports blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2), although it's important to remember that this is not a medical device.

Battery Life: Lasts a Day (and then some)

Battery life is always a crucial factor for smartwatches. The Oppo Watch X delivers decent, but not exceptional, battery performance. With typical use (including always-on display, notifications, and some GPS workouts), I managed to get around 36 hours on a single charge. Turning off the always-on display and limiting notifications can extend the battery life to nearly two days. The watch also supports fast charging, which is convenient for topping up the battery quickly.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Solid build quality with sapphire crystal display
• Vibrant AMOLED display
• Smooth performance
• Accurate fitness tracking
• Wear OS with Google Assistant and Google Pay

Cons:

• Battery life could be better
• Relatively large size might not suit everyone
• Price is on the higher side

Alternatives in India

In the same price range, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (starting around ₹29,999) offers a similar premium experience with a more refined design and slightly better battery life. The Google Pixel Watch 2 (around ₹32,999) offers seamless integration with the Google ecosystem and excellent health tracking features. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Amazfit GTS 4 (around ₹15,000), which offers a good balance of features and price.

Verdict

The Oppo Watch X is a solid Android smartwatch that delivers a premium experience with its robust build, vibrant display, and smooth performance. While the battery life could be better, and the price is on the higher side, it's a worthy contender in the Indian smartwatch market. If you're looking for a durable and feature-rich Wear OS smartwatch, the Oppo Watch X is worth considering. I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 stars.