Oppo Watch X Review: A Worthy Apple Watch Competitor?

The smartwatch market in India is booming, with consumers demanding more from their wristwear than just telling time. This week, I’ve been putting the new Oppo Watch X through its paces, and I'm here to give you the lowdown. At a starting price of ₹22,999, it's aiming to take on the likes of the Apple Watch SE and Samsung Galaxy Watch. Does it succeed? Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Premium Design and Build

Out of the box, the Oppo Watch X feels decidedly premium. The build quality is excellent, with a stainless-steel case and a vibrant AMOLED display. It's available in two colours: Platinum Black and Mars Brown. I tested the Platinum Black version, and it looks sleek and understated. The watch feels substantial on the wrist without being overly bulky. The rotating crown and side button offer tactile feedback and easy navigation. The fluoroelastomer strap is comfortable for all-day wear, even during sweaty workouts.

Display: Bright, Crisp, and Responsive

The Oppo Watch X boasts a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. The screen is bright and vibrant, making it easily readable even under direct sunlight. Colours are punchy and blacks are deep, providing an immersive viewing experience. The touch screen is responsive, and navigating through menus and apps is smooth and fluid. I had no issues with accidental touches or lag during my testing.

Performance and Software: Smooth Operator

Under the hood, the Oppo Watch X is powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 Wearable Platform, coupled with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. This combination delivers smooth and responsive performance. Apps launch quickly, and multitasking is a breeze. The watch runs on Wear OS by Google, offering access to a wide range of apps and watch faces through the Google Play Store. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. Oppo has also added its own customisations, such as the HeyTap Health app for fitness tracking.

Fitness Tracking: Comprehensive and Accurate

The Oppo Watch X is packed with sensors for comprehensive fitness tracking, including a heart rate sensor, SpO2 sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and GPS. It can track a wide range of activities, from running and cycling to swimming and yoga. During my testing, the heart rate sensor proved to be accurate, closely matching the readings from a dedicated chest strap. The GPS tracked my runs accurately, and the step counter was also reasonably precise. The HeyTap Health app provides detailed insights into your workouts, including heart rate zones, pace, and cadence.

Battery Life: Impressive Endurance

Battery life is a crucial factor for any smartwatch, and the Oppo Watch X doesn't disappoint. Oppo claims up to 4 days of battery life with typical usage, and I found this to be largely accurate. With moderate usage, including fitness tracking, notifications, and occasional phone calls, I was able to get around 3 days on a single charge. With light usage, I could stretch it to almost 4 days. This is significantly better than the Apple Watch SE, which typically requires daily charging. The watch also supports fast charging, allowing you to get a full charge in just over an hour.

reportersays that the Oppo Watch X offers an impressive array of features for its price point.

Camera: No Camera

Unlike some older smartwatches, the Oppo Watch X does not include a camera. This might be a dealbreaker for some, but the lack of a camera contributes to the watch's sleek design and longer battery life.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Premium design and build
• Bright and vibrant AMOLED display
• Smooth performance
• Comprehensive fitness tracking
• Excellent battery life

Cons:

• No camera
• HeyTap Health app could be more polished

Alternatives in India

The Oppo Watch X faces stiff competition in the Indian smartwatch market. Some notable alternatives include:

• Apple Watch SE: A great option for iPhone users, but it's more expensive and has shorter battery life.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: Offers similar features and performance, but some users may prefer Wear OS over Tizen.
• OnePlus Watch 2: A strong contender with a focus on fitness tracking and long battery life.

Verdict

The Oppo Watch X is a well-rounded smartwatch that offers a premium design, smooth performance, comprehensive fitness tracking, and excellent battery life. While the lack of a camera might be a drawback for some, the overall package is compelling, especially considering its price point. If you're looking for a stylish and feature-rich smartwatch that won't break the bank, the Oppo Watch X is definitely worth considering. I'd give it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.