The Oppo Watch X enters a crowded Wear OS smartwatch market. Positioned as a modern Wear OS device, it aims to provide a smooth and efficient user experience. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the Oppo Watch X, focusing on its real-world usage, performance metrics, overall value, specs, design elements, and features.
Design
The Oppo Watch X is remarkably similar to the Huawei Watch GT 4 in terms of size, shape, button configuration, and overall user interface.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
The Oppo Watch X presents itself as a strong contender in the Wear OS smartwatch arena. It excels at providing a smooth and responsive user experience along with impressive battery life, a rare feat for Wear OS devices.
However, its main drawback is the lack of a distinctive “X-factor” that would allow it to truly stand out from established competitors like Samsung and Google. This shortcoming is further demonstrated by the basic software experience and limited health and safety features.
User Experience and Features
The watch runs Wear OS, providing access to a wide range of apps available on the Play Store, including popular options like WhatsApp. It also integrates seamlessly with Google’s suite of apps, such as Maps, Gmail, and Wallet, ensuring a consistent and familiar experience for Android users.
However, sources indicate that differentiation among Wear OS smartwatches relies heavily on brand customization. While the Oppo Watch X is equipped with flagship-level specifications, including scratch-resistant sapphire glass, fast dual-band GPS, a bright 1,000-nit display, and advanced multi-path optical heart rate sensors, it lacks unique features that set it apart.
Feature Shortcomings: The Oppo Watch X lacks several features found in competing smartwatches:
Bio-impedance sensor: Found in the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 and Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro.
Electrical skin activity sensor: Found in the Google Pixel Watch 2.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor: For monitoring heart health.
Skin temperature sensor: For advanced sleep and menstrual health tracking.
Fall detection, medical ID, emergency contact, or safety check: Beyond the basic SOS mode, the watch lacks comprehensive safety features.
Software limitations: The OHealth app is a significant weakness, offering only basic data reports with minimal interaction or additional coaching options. The app lacks gamification elements, community features, and advanced fitness options. The fitness menu is limited to running and walking, falling short of the comprehensive offerings of Xiaomi’s Mi Fitness app and Huawei Health app.
Performance and Battery Life
The Oppo Watch X delivers fast and responsive performance. Thanks to the Qualcomm W5 Gen 1 chipset, it ensures smooth operation and fast app loading times. The 500mAh battery is a standout feature, offering exceptional battery life that can last up to five days with typical usage, including smart features, health sensors, and an always-on display.
This even surpasses the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro, which has a larger 590mAh battery. To further improve battery life, the watch offers two main modes: Smart Mode and Power Saving Mode. Additionally, an automatic sleep mode is available to further extend battery life.
Workout tracking is reliable and accurate, with responsive heart rate monitoring during both outdoor and indoor activities. The watch offers detailed running metrics, including ground contact time, ground balance, and running power generation. It also offers custom workout tracking options, such as a badminton mode that tracks strokes and swing speed. However, the automatic countdown feature for outdoor runs can result in inaccurate GPS tracking at the start of the activity, and there’s no option to disable it.
Competitive Landscape
Oppo aims to attract consumers by offering a pure Wear OS experience with superior battery life at a competitive price. However, the market also offers compelling alternatives such as the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, which offers similar flagship-grade specs and a similar Wear OS experience at a more affordable price (S$300). Additionally, the Huawei Watch GT 4 offers a more comprehensive health and fitness package with exceptional battery life at a lower price (starting at S$250).
Conclusion
The Oppo Watch X is a capable Wear OS smartwatch that offers a smooth user experience and impressive battery life. However, its lack of unique features and underdeveloped software prevent it from truly standing out in a crowded market. While its competitive price and streamlined Wear OS experience may appeal to some users, potential buyers should also consider alternatives like the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Huawei Watch GT 4, which offer similar or better features at a lower price.
Oppo Watch X Price
Price in US Dollars: $275
Price in Egypt: 13,549 Egyptian Pounds
Price in Saudi Arabia: 1,031 Riyals
Price in the UAE: 1,009 Dirhams
Price in Qatar: 1,001 Riyals
Price in Kuwait: 83 Dinars
Price in Iraq: 360,250 Dinars
Price in Algeria: 36,575 Dinars
Price in Morocco: 2,717 Dirhams
Price in Jordan: 193 Dinars
Price in Libya: 1,348 Dinars
These Prices are approximate to the official price and vary from store to store or depending on offers.
