Oraimo Watch ES2: A Perfect Blend of Style, Affordability and Smart Functionality

Smartwatches have become ubiquitous companions, seamlessly blending fashion with functionality. Unlike other brands that focus on high-end luxury timepieces, the Oraimo Watch ES2 seeks to carve its niche in the crowded smartwatch market, promising a compelling blend of style, innovation, affordability, and practicality.

We'll dive into its features, performance, design, and overall value proposition to determine if the Oraimo Watch ES2 lives up to the hype, offering a compelling alternative for those seeking a feature-rich smartwatch at a budget-friendly price.

Product Overview:

Forget chunky wearables of the past, the ES2 boasts a stunning 1.95" AMOLED display, making colors pop and visuals sharp. But it's not just a pretty face: this smartwatch wants to be your fitness buddy, health monitor, and even your personal communicator. You can take calls right from your wrist, monitor your heart rate and sleep patterns, and choose from over 100 sports modes to track your workouts. Sounds impressive, right?

Design and Build Quality:

Look and Feel:

The ES2 exudes elegance with its slim profile and metallic body. It's lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear, and the responsive touchscreen makes navigating its features a breeze. However, some users might find the silicone strap a bit on the generic side. The strap also leaves your wrist pale upon removal which is a turnoff for me. 

Putting it to the Test:

The ES2 shines in everyday use. Notifications are easily readable, and calls sound clear; I used it for calls like 5 times though, and later found it weird lifting my wrist to talk to a watch yet I’ve got pods in my ears, and health tracking features seem fairly accurate. The watch seamlessly connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to control music, take photos, and even find your phone. Its battery life is very impressive, lasting me up to 11 days on a single charge – a boon for forgetful chargers.

User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX):

Navigating the Interface:

The user interface is generally intuitive, but a slight learning curve exists. The rotating crown lets you scroll through menus and select options, while the additional button provides quick access to workout modes. However, some users report occasional lag and glitches, something the developers might want to address in future updates.

Performance:

In real-world scenarios, the Oraimo Watch ES2 delivers smooth performance, whether tracking workouts, receiving notifications, or accessing apps. With its MediaTek chipset and optimized software, it handles tasks efficiently without lag or slowdowns, well, at least for me. The inclusion of sensors like an accelerometer and heart rate monitor ensures accurate fitness tracking, enhancing its usability for health-conscious users.

Pedometer Accuracy

There is not much specific information available about the accuracy of the Oraimo ES Watch 2 pedometer.  However,  most fitness trackers and smartwatches, including the Oraimo ES Watch 2,  use accelerometers to track steps.  These accelerometers can be sensitive to arm movement so it's common for them to overestimate steps, especially during activities like cycling or pushing a stroller. 

Here are some things to keep in mind about the accuracy of the Oraimo ES  Watch 2 pedometer:

• It may overestimate steps or even keep counting even when in a car  
• Accuracy can vary depending on how you wear the watch.
• Wearing it loosely on your wrist can lead to more inaccurate readings.
• The way you walk can affect accuracy. 

There are some steps you can take to improve the accuracy of your Oraimo ES  Watch 2 pedometer:

• Wear the watch snugly on your wrist. 
• Make sure the watch is on your dominant wrist. 
• Calibrate the pedometer according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

Even with these steps, it's important to remember that the pedometer on your  Oraimo ES Watch 2 is not going to be 100% accurate.  However, it can still be a useful tool to help you track your activity levels and motivate you to move more.

A Feature Feast:

The ES2 tracks a decent variety of activities, from running and cycling to swimming (thanks to its IP68 water resistance). While not as precise as high-end fitness trackers, it provides a good overview for casual exercisers. The Bluetooth calling feature works surprisingly well, although call quality can be affected by your phone's signal and ambient noise. The vast array of sports modes caters to almost any fitness enthusiast, and the ability to make calls directly from the watch is a handy bonus if you badly need it.

From heart rate and sleep monitoring to built-in GPS and stress tracking, the ES2 packs a hefty punch when it comes to health features. The sleep tracking, in particular, seems accurate and provides very valuable insights.

The app also offers breathing exercises. However, features like GPS and advanced metrics are conspicuously missing.

Connectivity and Compatibility:

Connecting the Dots:

The ES2 seamlessly connects to Android and iOS smartphones via Bluetooth. The connection is generally stable, although some users report occasional drops. It syncs effortlessly with the Oraimo mobile app, allowing users to customize watch faces, set reminders, and track health metrics in detail. The watch also supports notifications from popular apps, ensuring users stay informed without constantly checking their phones. While Wi-Fi connectivity is absent, it's not a deal-breaker considering the watch's primary function.

Powering Through:

With moderate usage, the Oraimo Watch ES2 delivers impressive battery life, lasting up to 7 days on a single charge with fair usage. I comfortably lasted 11 days with it though on fair usage. Even with continuous heart rate monitoring and occasional GPS usage, it can easily endure through a busy week without needing frequent recharges. The magnetic charging dock ensures hassle-free charging, replenishing the battery within two hours which makes refueling a quick affair.

The Good, the Bad, and the Wallet:

Pros:

• Stunning AMOLED display
• Comfortable and lightweight design
• Wide range of health and fitness features
• Built-in call functionality
• Impressive battery life with fast charging

Cons:

• Occasional UI lag and glitches
• Generic silicone strap
• No Wi-Fi connectivity
• Lack of onboard GPS for precise location tracking 

Worth Noting

• Worth noting is that the Oraimo Watch ES2 is IP68 rated for water resistance and I have happened to shower with it unknowingly in a warm shower countless times before and it hasn’t had any issues.
• Comfortable yet noticeable - While the silicone strap feels comfortable, it can leave temporary indentation marks on your wrist after extended wear.
• Inaccurate step tracking - The step count seems to be unreliable, sometimes recording steps even while driving or commuting. This can lead to overestimated activity levels.
• Limited functionality during charging - Unfortunately, the watch becomes unusable while charging, as the screen displays only the charging animation

The Verdict:

The Oraimo Watch ES2 impresses with its stylish design, seamless performance, and rich feature set. It caters to a wide range of users, from fitness enthusiasts to professionals, seeking a reliable companion for their daily activities. Despite minor drawbacks like the absence of onboard GPS, its affordability and overall usability make it a standout choice in the smartwatch market. 

Bonus: Who Rocks the ES2?

Fitness enthusiasts, budget-conscious smartwatch seekers, and those who crave a touch of style on their wrist will find the ES2 a compelling choice.

Price and Value:

Priced competitively at Ksh 4700, the Oraimo Watch ES2 offers excellent value for money considering its robust build, extensive features, and reliable performance. While it may lack certain advanced functionalities found in higher-end smartwatches, its overall package makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers seeking a versatile wearable.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (Excellent value for money, but minor UI issues hold it back from perfection) 

Final Thoughts:

The Oraimo Watch ES2 is a strong contender in the budget smartwatch market. Whether you're tracking workouts, staying connected, or simply adding a touch of sophistication to your wrist, the Oraimo Watch ES2 delivers on all fronts. Its blend of style, functionality, and affordability makes it a worthy contender in the competitive smartwatch landscape.