Finow X5 Smartwatch

FINOW X5:

The Finow X5 is an Android smartwatch that accepts a 3G SIM to make calls, send texts and get online independently of your phone. At just £100, we see whether this cheap smartwatch is a worthy competitor to rival Android Wear watches from the likes of Motorola, LG and Sony. Also see: Best smartwatches 2016.

You can buy the Finow X5 from GearBest where, at the time of writing, it costs £100.99 with free shipping to the UK. However, note that you may have to pay import duty on goods sent from China to the UK - read our advice on grey market tech before you buy.

The X5 is compatible with both Android and iOS, but functionality may be limited with iPhone.

FINOW X5 REVIEW: THE ‘SMARTPHONE’ WATCH

The Finow X5 is more ‘smartphone watch’ than ‘smartwatch’ and can be used independently of your phone to get online and send and receive calls and texts, albeit using a very small and fiddly keypad or audible instruction. This is made possible by adding a Nano-SIM card.

The X5 also has Wi-Fi connectivity, which you can use to browse the web. We weren’t able to use the internet connection of a paired Samsung Galaxy S6, despite an option in the watch settings making it look as though this is possible. See all smartwatch reviews.

Before you start using the Finow X5 you should download the free Watch Helper app, which pairs to a smartphone and can be configured to deliver notifications from any app installed on your phone, and to push music-, image- and other files from phone to watch and vice versa. By default you will see notifications for calls and texts, and we also managed to set up Watch Helper to deliver WhatsApp, Gmail and Facebook notifications. Frustratingly, you see only the message subject line for email notifications, and once you’ve read the notification it’s gone from the watch.

Worse still, we found the X5 would lose the Bluetooth connection if it had been idle for a while. This might help battery life, but it prevents you from receiving any notifications until you physically reconnect it to the phone. And that makes this smartwatch pretty dumb.

To get more functionality, then, you really need to add a SIM to the Finow X5. The SIM slot is accessible by unscrewing the rear panel (a screwdriver is supplied in the box), but unfortunately this means the device does not have a waterproof seal and rules out its use as a true sports watch, despite the built-in heart-rate monitor and pedometer.

The need to use a screwdriver everytime you want to swap SIMs between phone and watch makes you much less likely to do so. With your SIM in the watch you won’t receive email-, WhatsApp- or other notifications, so ideally you need to keep the SIM in your phone at all times, or have one SIM in your phone and one in the watch.

And herein lies the major limitation for UK users: it isn’t possible to have two SIMs for the same phone number. Elsewhere in the world this is possible, and in some European countries you are able to make use of a paid-for service such as Proximus to clone a phone number on to a second SIM. You could try using a second SIM with a second number, but you won’t receive any notifications from your primary number, and your communication will come from a number your contacts don’t recognise. See all wearable tech reviews.

Apps are the second biggest limitation: the Finow X5, as we tested it, runs a version of Android 4.4 KitKat with no access to Google Play, and that's how we have reviewed it here. We have read online that others have been able to update the firmware or root the smartwatch in order to get Google Play installed and working, turning this Finow X5 into a proper Android Wear watch - the Bluetooth cutouts would still be an issue unless you used it in place of your smartphone, of course. GearBest tells us that it's possible to install Google Play without rooting and that "Any alterations such as upgrades or flashing a newer version will void the warranty."

Out of the box no update was available to us, which meant the only apps were those preinstalled and the three found in the built-in app store, none of which you’re likely to want to download - there’s Currency Check, Stock Quotes and the Watch Helper app (in Chinese).

So what stock apps do you get? First on the menu are Phone, Messages and Contacts. Phone comprises a dialer (which requries you to have a SIM inside) and call log; Messages lists your received SMS messages only; and Contacts can be synched with your phone to bring up your address book, but is of little use to you if you aren’t using the X5 with a SIM.

Settings is fourth on the menu, and gives you options to do such things as connect to a phone over Bluetooth, turn on Wi-Fi and GPS, change the clock face (54 are available or you can add your own background image, but you are then limited in how it appears on the watch so you will need to resize it first), adjust the display or volume settings, turn on power-saving options and uninstall apps (what apps we’re not sure).

Then you get to the preinstalled apps: Health, which comprises a heart-rate monitor and a pedometer; Music, which can play back music stored on the watch itself, not a paired phone; Weather; Sound Recorder; Barometer; and Browser. You’ll also find an alarm clock, calendar, Watch Helper, the aforementioned and very barren AppStore, a File Manager and a list of recently opened apps, although its positioning at the bottom of the menu doesn’t exactly make them quick to access.

All in all, the Finow X5 as a smartwatch is majorly flawed. As a smartphone watch that lets you leave the phone at home, however, if all you need is calls and texts and no other apps, it might just fit your needs.

FINOW X5 REVIEW: DESIGN AND BUILD

Its limited functionality as a smartwatch is a shame, because for £100 the round-faced Finow X5 appears to be a mostly well-made and nicely designed watch. Our review sample had a black stainless steel case and a stylish 23mm black and tan leather strap that should be fairly easy to replace. It’s rather large (50x48x13mm), but you could say that about most smartwatches; being used to wearing a steel Sony watch, we didn’t find it too heavy either.

It’s not without fault: for example, there’s a thick black border between the display and the bezel, and twisting the crown has no effect that we could tell.

Used as a button, the crown will take you back to the home screen, while the button above takes you back one step, and the button below is a menu button that, again, doesn’t appear to do a lot with the apps installed on the watch.

At this price the 1.4in (400x400) colour AMOLED touchscreen is a great addition; it’s responsive and plenty bright enough, but lacking a little in contrast. We wouldn’t advise turning up the brightness all the way as this will drain the 450mAh battery and you’ll be lucky to get a full day’s life. Given that it charges from a dock rather than Micro-USB, you’ll want it to keep going at least until you get home.

The rear-mounted heart-rate monitor is also welcome at this price, and both it and the pedometer seem to work fairly well. It’s only a shame that this watch isn’t waterproof for sports use.

FINOW X5 REVIEW: SPECIFICATION

The X5 is pretty standard in terms of its specification as smartwatches go. It runs Android 4.4 KitKat (not Android Wear) on a 1.2GHz MediaTek MTK6572 dual-core processor (Mali-400 MP GPU) with 512GB of RAM and 4GB of storage.

It accepts a Nano-SIM but offers only 3G (not 4G) connectivity on the GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz and WCDMA 2100MHz bands. Wi-Fi support covers 802.11b/g/n, and there’s also Bluetooth 4.0 and GPS.

SPECS

Finow X5: Specs

• 1.4in (400x400) colour AMOLED round capacitive touchscreen
• Android 4.4 KitKat (also supports iOS phones)
• 1.2GHz MediaTek MTK6572 dual-core
• Mali-400MP GPU
• 512GB RAM
• 4GB storage
• 3G (Nano-SIM GSM 850/900/1800/1900MHz, WCDMA 2100MHz)
• 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 4.0
• GPS
• heart-rate scanner
• pedometer
• 450mAh lithium-polymer battery (one-day life)
• charging dock
• 23mm leather strap
• 50x48x13mm
• 80g

VERDICT

At £100 the Finow X5 sounds - and looks - like a great smartwatch. Unfortunately, a lack of app support (at least without Google Play as it was supplied to us) makes it unappealing for use in place of a smartphone, and it just doesn’t function very well as a companion device. For UK users at least, this smartwatch as supplied out of the box is of little use.

UWATCH U8 SMARTWATCH

UWATCH U8 SMARTWATCH – FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The U8 smartwatch is very affordable and I mean REALLY affordable, especially when you compare it to the likes of Apple, Tag Heuer or a Google Watch.

It is currently priced around $16-$30 and comes in 3 colours:

• black,
• red
• and white.

Sorry ladies, no rose gold or silver on this smartwatch, but the Uwatch looks and feels good. It has a relatively good fit on the wrist, but it also has some level of “geekiness” about its looks that may prevent some people from wearing it in public. Also, the overall appeal has “budget smartwatch” written all over it.

Nevertheless, it is a well-designed smartwatch for its class – especially for around $16-$30 at Gearbest.com and the price is basically the main selling point here. There are also many variations like the U8 Pro, U8 Plus and other, each incorporating a tad different features, like waterproofness, sleep monitor, etc.

UWATCH DISPLAY

The Uwatch smartwatch has a sensitive 1.48 inch LCD that is clear and easy to read indoors, but can be tough to read outdoors, especially on a sunny day. However, due to the highly responsive nature of the touchscreen on this smartwatch, the glass is very sensitive, and you need to be careful when using to avoid shattering it. I’d recommend applying a resized smartphone screen protector on the U8 to give your display a better chance surviving daily usage.

For the price of the U watch, you should not expect to get an HD Retina display anyway, but the the screen is probably the weakest part of the Uwatch U8.

WATCH FACES

The Uwatch comes with three unique watch faces: two analogue faces, and one digital face. The digital face can be easily set to either display the 24- or 12-hour style.

You will, however, have to set the device manually after unboxing, as it doesn’t sync the time and date with the connected smartphone. Also, the watch faces are designed with functionality in mind, so don’t expect any Mickey Mouse watch faces here.

BACKGROUND COLOUR

There are only three background colour options available in the Uwatch – black, pink and turquoise. Additionally, you can even set a custom background using a picture. Again, the basic idea here is “Design follows Function”. In this regard, a black background is the best option for better visibility and least offensiveness.

U8 APPLICATIONS – ALL PRE-INSTALLED

Even though it is not possible to install other 3rd party applications on the Uwatch, as is possible with the Moto 360 or Apple Watch, most of the essential and defining smartwatch apps are already pre-loaded on this device.

Some of the apps work independently without the need of connecting a smartphone. However, other applications, such as notifications and phone calls, require a connected smartphone (via Bluetooth) to function.

IOS SUPPORT LACKLUSTRE

All Android phones with Android OS 2.3 and above are compatible with the Uwatch after installing the BT Notifier application that is available for free. On the other hand, the level of compatibility with Android phones does not compare with what the Uwatch has to offer for the iPhone. Even though many of the applications function just fine when your iPhone is connected, the UWatch does not support notifications when used with iOs devices.

Considering how notifications are an essential part of the smartwatch experience, iPhone users will have to take this into consideration when deciding whether or not to buy the U8.

PLAY MUSIC

Apparently there is someone who would like to listen to their favourite tunes from small speakers on their wrist because this feature has been included in the U8 smartwatch. Frankly, in my humble opinion, a smartwatch should just be used as a kind of remote control when playing music on a smartphone.

Although the sound quality is not that bad, it should be the last option to use if you cannot seem to find your earphones and don’t care about weird looks you will get from passerbys and strangers.

CAMERA REMOTE CONTROL

The remote control camera feature is only limited to Android phones. Even though the U8 smartwatch does not come with a camera, it has a nice feature that allows you to trigger the connected smartphone’s camera to capture a photo on command.

You just open the camera app on the Uwatch and then your smartphone camera captures a picture. It is a handy feature, but iPhone users should not feel like they are missing out so much with this particular highlight.

ALARMS

The alarm feature on the Uwatch smartwatch is exactly the way it should be – simple and clear as well as independent of your phone. You can easily set up multiple alarms (up to 5) on the smartwatch that will be enabled by playing one of the many included tones or vibrate on your wrist.

The U8 excels in this particular aspect as the vibration is quite strong and since the alarms are not dependent on your phone, you can still use them when your smartphone is not near you or out of battery.

ANTI-LOST FEATURE

To be very clear in this U8 smartwatch review, the Uwatch does not have GPS functionality. Then, how exactly does its Anti-lost feature work?

Well, this particular feature is fundamentally an alarm which will warn you whenever the smartwatch is leaving the phone’s Bluetooth range. This feature is a great for people who tend to forget their phones at friends’ houses or restaurants as the Uwatch smartwatch will provide an alert before the user moves too far away from their phone.

PEDOMETER AND STOPWATCH

If you are a fitness enthusiast, you will enjoy the simplistic offerings of this smartwatch. The pedometer and stopwatch are all that are offered in exercise applications. There is no heart rate monitor or calorie counter here. The U watch smartwatch will unquestionably not replace your Fitbit, but it should motivate you to start tracking your steps.

PHONE BOOK

Even though many people claim that the Uwatch smartwatch can only synchronise contacts with Android devices, you can still bring in contacts from your iPhone into the watch using the same standard procedure.

Once synced, the phonebook allows you to call a person from your smartwatch directly. Thus, if the ability to make a call and also receive it on your U8 smartwatch is something you are interested in, then you should get this device.

OTHER FEATURES

NOTIFICATIONS

The iPhone community has been left out in as far as notifications on the UWatch smartwatch go. The notifications are only available for the Android OS, and only after installing the BT Notifier application that is. Nevertheless, the alerts work reliably for both texts and calls.

The lack of an ability to take further action on any notification on the smartwatch makes them more of “FYI” alerts as you will have to pull out your phone anyhow.

Also, the notifications are not displayed on the main watch face; instead, the Uwatch alerts you by vibrating and then you are supposed to open the related app to view the notification, thus, ruining the “glance capability” other smartwatches offer.

MISCELLANEOUS SENSORS – BAROMETER, THERMOMETER, ALTIMETER

There are the barometer and thermometer sensors that are included in the Uwatch U8 Pro smartwatch, but not in the basic version of the U8 watch for those who are passionate about keeping tabs on the weather conditions. You should, however, note that the watch only displays the barometric pressure and temperature of your present location only.

Also, since this function does not extend to the phone as the sensors are located in the smartwatch, you can only get the readings of whatever room you are currently in. That means that if you want to know how hot or cold it is outside, you will have to go outside first to get the accurate readings.

Also, if you have ever wondered how high your current location is, there is also an altimeter included in this smartwatch.

LANGUAGE SUPPORT

Many potential buyers had been scared away from the Uwatch due to the numerous non-English pictures around the web. What is a smartwatch good for if you can’t read the basic display notifications?

The truth is that the U8 is made by a Chinese manufacturer, but it supports a wide variety of languages, ranging from English and French to Spanish and many others.

BATTERY LIFE

Unsurprisingly, the U watch smartwatch had a good battery life. Even though it is still recommended to bring Micro-USB charger with you whenever you are travelling, the U8 lasted for more than three days in standby mode and roughly 36 hours of regular usage.

The battery could honestly be considered as one of the best parts of the Uwatch, especially when compared to its more expensive counterparts.

UWATCH U8 SMARTWATCH SUMMARY

As I finalise this U8 smartwatch review, one thing stands out about this smartwatch – it makes for an excellent first and cheap smartwatch. If you want to find out what all the fuss about smartwatches is about without breaking the bank, you should get this device.

However, for your minimal investment, the durability of the device is not guaranteed, especially the screen, which requires lots of care when handling it. Also, you do not get 3rd party applications and the notification functionality for iPhone users.

In conclusion, I am quite fond of the Uwatch, even if this U8 smartwatch review does not give the same impression. It is a good smartwatch and provides remarkable value compared to the low buying price.

Furthermore, most knock-off smartwatches that are able available on the market today are virtually identical with regards to functionality and style but are often more costly than the Uwatch. For people looking to buy knock-off watches, there is just no reason for paying more than $16-$30, since you are not likely to find any with features the Uwatch lacks.

Obviously, if you are looking for an “authentic or real” smartwatch experience, then that is another story altogether and you should save your money and buy a “real” smartwatch instead.

PROS

• Low price
• Does not rely on a connected smartphone for everything
• Looks pretty nice and is not very bulky for what it costs. There are uglier smartwatches in the market right now that cost a lot more
• Provides the essential smartwatch functionality of phone calls and notifications
• All the knock-offs in the market use the same OS, so many of the constraints of the Uwatch are universal
• The Anti-lost feature is quite handy and will help you avoid leaving your phone behind

CONS

• The absence of the notifications feature for iPhone users may render the Uwatch smartwatch inadequate in value
• The screen can be hard to read outdoors in direct sunlight and is also fragile
• It should depend on the smartphone for some features like temperature, but it does not
• The battery still drains pretty quickly with all features enabled (less than 6 hours!)
• Includes multiple features that are not commonly used by most smartwatch users, such as the altimeter
• A substantial absence of fitness features, as only a pedometer and stopwatch, have been included

FINAL VERDICT OF THE UWATCH

If you want an affordable smartwatch or an exciting gift for a kid who loves tech stuff, this is an excellent choice. The U8 will also serve you well if you just want a smartwatch for a small price that also happens to come with a couple of cute alarms. Most of the competitors in the knock-off sector are more interested in prices and design rather than functions. Hence, if you have been drawn to the simplistic design of this device, as many people do, do not waste your finances or time with a much more expensive device.