You can answer calls, get an overview of health metrics and track workout routines… that’s what most people want from a smartwatch. The Apple Watch is the gold standard for smartwatches, but not everyone wants to splurge. For Android phone users, there are a lot of options but many of them are slow, bulky, or lacking in features to be worth buying. Here’s one we have been trying out for a few days, and despite a couple of quibbles, it makes for a good purchase if affordability is something you care about — Redmi Watch Move.
responsive UI
Redmi Watch Move has almost all the features that many users look for. It comes with an AMOLED display, always-on mode, Bluetooth calling, sports tracking, health monitoring and a well-optimised OS. It even has a rotating crown that makes OS navigation easy.
The square design comes with a colour-coordinated frame and strap. The frame is sleek, packed with a matte finish to ensure there are no fingerprints or smudges. Next to the crown is a microphone, which will help with phone calls. The soft silicone strap comes with a buckle design, and the overall quality is more than acceptable for the price. The watch supports English and Hindi, which is not something easily found on other smartwatches.
Coming with an IP68 rating, the watch is dust and water resistant. You can wear it to a gym or run even if you are sweating or it’s drizzling. Technically, it can be worn in the pool, but the watch somehow doesn’t have a swim option in sports mode.
The smartwatch comes with a 1.85-inch AMOLED display with excellent colour reproduction — it’s vibrant and punchy. Even the smallest of font sizes is clearly visible. The watch faces can be changed by tapping down on the display. Everything looks gorgeous because the display goes edge to edge.
There is a peak brightness of 600 nits, making it comfortable to read the screen on a bright day. The raise-to-awake option is highly responsive and works flawlessly.
Excellent battery life
The Redmi smartwatch offers up to 14 days of battery life
It’s powered by Xiaomi’s HyperOS, which is well optimised. Since there is 60Hz refresh rate, the user experience is memorable. There is an always-on display option, but remember, it will drain the battery quicker. Also, there is an auto-detect feature in which the watch will send a reminder if it detects a workout.
To make phone calls, scroll to the phone app and then use the keypad. The speaker is loud enough, which helps if you are doing your morning walk and have to take calls. The vibration alert for incoming calls is quite strong. There are two microphones that help to cancel background noise.
There is app support for the device
I tested the heart rate and SpO2 readings with my Apple Watch. Both readings matched most of the time. There is also stress tracking, though I am not sold on how reliable the feature can be. In fact, you shouldn’t use any readings from any smartwatch for medical purposes, but if you think a reading is out of sync with your normal routine, call your medical practitioner.
There are more than 140-plus workout modes. But I am not sure why there is no swim tracking. The watch lacks built-in GPS because corners have to be cut to keep the price down. But you can use your phone’s GPS to track the same.
The battery life on the smartwatch is surprisingly good — 14 days. If you keep always-on mode on, it will be around eight or nine days.
Make the call
Most features users need from a smartwatch are present in Redmi Watch Move. The best part of the deal is the user interface. Even without built-in GPS and swim tracking, it’s a good smartwatch to own. Redmi Watch Move is about better battery and fitness tracking.
At a glance
Device: Redmi Watch Move
Price: ₹1,999
High notes
Bright AMOLED display
Smooth user interface
Great battery life
Enough health-monitoring features
Muffled notes
No swim tracking workout
Absence of built-in GPS