Ticwatch E Review: A Robust Wear OS Watch We Could All Afford

With the release of the Ticwatch E back in November 2017, Mobvoi has promised its customers an equivalent experience to some of its biggest smartwatch contenders, such as the Apple Watch and the Samsung Galaxy Gear. It’s no debate that the price of the watch is alluring for those who are looking to make their first move into the smartwatch game. But with so many other options out there, is the Ticwatch the right watch for you?

Let’s find out with our Ticwatch E review.

• Display: 1.4 Inch, 400 x 400 Pixel Display with a 278 Pixel Density (PPI);
• Processor: 1.2Ghz Dual-core MTK MT2601;
• Software: Android Wear 2.0;
• Memory: 4GB Storage and 512MB of RAM;
• Sensors: Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, E-Compass and GPS;
• Color: Lemon, Shadow, and Ice;
• Material: Polycarbonate body and bezel;
• Weight: 41.5g;
• Dimensions: 43 x 43 x 13 mm;
• Water Resistance: IP67 Rated, protection against dust and water;
• Battery Life: 48 hour (Average) depending on usage;
• Compatibility: Android 4.3 and above, Iphone IOS 8.0 and above;
• Warranty: Up to 1 year for a replacement. Eligible for a refund within 30 days.

Who is it for?

You might love the watch for these reasons:

• Price – The retail price of the Ticwatch is $159.99, but can be found much cheaper on Amazon prime or other third party sites. The competitive price makes this a good option for a first smartwatch.
• Design – The simple design of the Ticwatch is definitely a selling point for some people, especially for those who prefer to blend in with the crowd.

You might not like the watch for the following reasons:

• NFC – Having no Ticwatch E NFC could pose a problem for those who want to use their watch as a method of payment.
• Design – The design is quite bulky and could be uncomfortable for people with smaller wrists or for those that prefer a slimmer style.

Price and Availability

With the retail cost of the watch E coming in at $159.99, it’s safe to say that if you’re searching for a capable smartwatch, this watch is a suitable option. The cost of the watch has since been reduced a lot and is now available on Amazon for $111.99.

The watch is available from various retailers, this includes sites like eBay and Amazon, and even directly from the Mobvoi website. Mobvoi is proudly said to deliver to over 150 countries worldwide, except for a few countries listed here on their Kickstarter FAQS section.

To see a list of similarly competitive watches, which may give Mobvoi a run for their money, check out our list of the top Kickstarter smartwatches here.

Design & Build

The Mobvoi Ticwatch E is an affordable way to explore what’s currently on offer in the smartwatch industry. It may not be ground-breaking in terms of design, but for the low price combined with the features it has on offer, it doesn’t need to be.

The E features a minimal design, barely setting it apart from your standard analog watch. The watch is made of polycarbonate plastic, which possesses a unique toughness and is a lightweight alternative to standard stainless steel.

Despite its rather hefty build, the watch itself is incredibly light, weighing in at just 41.5g. To put this into perspective, the slicker Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 weighs in at 47g. If you’re interested in learning more, we have compared Samsung Gear 2 with Gear 3 here.

The Tic Express boasts a sizeable 1.4-inch display, with a 400 x 400 screen resolution and an impressive 287 Pixel Density (PPI). With a sharp OLED display and vibrant colors, the specs of the screen leave little to be improved, especially when you consider the low price of the watch. The watch is also IP67 rated, making the Ticwatch e waterproof, and it also features anti-scratch glass to keep your watch looking as good as new for longer. 

Much like other watches running Android Wear 2.0, you’ll find a physical button that is used to bring up a list of your installed Ticwatch e apps. The difference with the Ticwatch is that the button is on the left side of the watch, as opposed to the right, which aside from aesthetics, doesn’t make any real difference. For those who wear their watch on their right hand, however, it may come in useful as you will be less likely to accidentally press the side button. The three color variants include the Ticwatch E Ice (White), Ticwatch E Shadow (Black), and Ticwatch E Lemon (Yellow).

If you want to add your personal touch to the Ticwatch E, then Mobvoi makes that possible with their stylish range of Ticwatch straps. These straps are available in Silicone, Leather, and Nylon. If Mobvoi doesn’t have the style you desire, there are plenty of other Ticwatch bands available from third-party sellers. These sellers generally offer a wider variety of styles and colors. The Ticwatch E band size is 20mm, so any 20mm band should be compatible with Tic Watch.

Features and Performance

Since the Ticwatch 2 android wears debate, Mobvoi has moved on from using its proprietary operating system, Ticwear OS. Although some people consider it a shame, there are many benefits to using Android Wear OS instead, so many people welcomed the Ticwatch E update. Although the lack of Ticwatch NFC means you can’t use Android Pay, it does give you access to the Google Play Store. From there, you can download countless apps for your Mobvoi Ticwatch, including new watch faces.

The Ticwatch E GPS isn’t aimed at pleasing fitness enthusiasts. Although the watch has all the necessary features you’d want in a wearable, including Heart-Rate monitoring, the S is considered to be the sporty model. The difference between the S and E model is the GPS antenna on the S being built into the strap. This, in turn, improves GPS accuracy and makes for a better fitness tracker.

TicHealth is Mobvai’s health and fitness app, and it comes preinstalled on the watch alongside your standard Android Wear Apps. While the app is stable and works as it should, many find the addition of another preinstalled app to be a waste of valuable storage space. This is because Google Fit is already part of Android Wear OS, and pairs with any compatible smartphone. 

Google Assistant comes as standard on the watch and can be used to respond to messages and calls, search google, and even have your own assistant. This is all using the on-board microphone and speaker.

The Ticwatch e battery life isn’t a strong selling point either. With it coming in at 300mAh, it is reported that with mixed usage, the watch can go up to 2 days on a single charge, but this is reduced when using the always-on display.

Comparing this with the Apple Watch Series 3, however, which has an estimated battery performance of 18 hours, does highlight the better battery on the Ticwatch.

Another feature that seems to be missing from the watch is the convenience of wireless charging since The Ticwatch E charger is a magnetic charging dock instead.

The Competition

Ticwatch S

When it comes to GPS performance, the S gives the E a run for its money. With the GPS antenna now located in the strap, it has supposedly improved both the dependability and accuracy of the watches tracking features.

The downside to this alteration is that the watch straps are no longer interchangeable, and the new ruggedized exterior on the sporty model isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Luckily, it doesn’t cost a whole lot more, with the price coming around $127.99.

Misfit Vapor

Much like the Tic, this watch also touts a minimalist style but has a less pronounced bezel surrounding the screen. The watch’s selling point is its swim-proof design and water resistance, protected up to 50m. This is great for fitness fans who want to be able to track their swimming sessions.

The price does, however, come in a little higher, at $127.99. Misfit’s website also offers customization options when purchasing your watch, such as different colors and an assortment of strap materials. This does increase the base price depending on what you choose, though.

Fitbit Charge 3

The Fitbit Charge 3 is a great alternative to the Mobvoi Ticwatch E. The price is slightly higher, but this is justified for its advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities. Read our full Fitbit Charge 3 review here.

Unlike the Fitbit Versa, which is more of a smartwatch accessory, the Charge 3 is part of a group of trackers, primarily designed for smart fitness monitoring. With its small and simple design, it is also perfect to compliment your wrist.

Is it worth it?

The Ticwatch isn’t the most trendy smartwatch option available on the market, nor is it the fastest, but for $111.99, it provides you with all the vital features a watch needs. It is a great way to dip your toes into the smartwatch pool, for a reasonable cost. 

Despite a somewhat cumbersome body, the choice of materials used makes for a sturdy and reliable watch, without sacrificing too much in the looks department. If you can overlook the bulky frame and the lack of NFC, then this versatile watch is both a strong and affordable contender in today’s smartwatch market.

If our Ticwatch e review has sparked your interest, then take a look at it for yourself, it is retailed on Amazon for less than $130.