Mobvoi TicWatch E vs S Comparison: Which Wear OS Smartwatch Is Better?

Mobvoi’s Ticwatch series are likely to be the collection of smartwatches you’ve heard the least about. However, both the Ticwatch S and E incredibly powerful smartwatches with technology designed by Android and designs to rival that of the Apple Watch. Their price tag is also what makes them stand out, a great deal cheaper than competitor brands. One was even cheap enough to make it into our best budget smartwatches list.

But when looking at the company’s first flagship smartwatches, the Ticwatch E and the Ticwatch S, which one is better?

The Ticwatch E is the original iteration of the two. The Ticwatch S is marketed and engineered as a specialist sports watch, claiming to improve on the GPS technology and maneuverability of the first watch. It’s main competitors in this respect are fitness tracker companies like Fitbit, and to a lesser extent, Garmin.

The Ticwatch E vs. S smartwatch debate is a complex one, but we’ve assessed the design, build, software, and wear of both of these two Ticwatch products. Below, we detail the differences and advantages in each smartwatch’s design, concluding with which one (if either) we would suggest.

TicWatch E vs S: Side-by-Side Comparison

What is the Difference Between TicWatch E and S?

Design

Both Ticwatch E and Ticwatch S employ a circular watch face design. This may surprise some as the two watches look quite distinctive from each other. Appearance is where a fundamental difference lies between the two. The Ticwatch E smartwatch utilizes removable watch straps, giving its face a more rugged look.

The Ticwatch S’s face is built into its overall design. The design gives the Ticwatch S a much more distinctive sporty look, along with a more comfortable feel and sturdily-built appearance. The S is the watch you would wear on a run or a heavy exercise session. However, Ticwatch E’s design feels a little more classy. The E is a smartwatch you can wear for any occasion. If you are searching for an even more formal look, the Ticwatch 2 provides a broader range of smart designs.

The color choices offered are virtually the same with the Ticwatch E’s ‘lemon’ color shining a bit more vibrantly than the similar ‘aurora’ color in the Ticwatch S’s range. Strangely, the E has a more vibrant color choice, even though brightness integrated into the S could double as a high-visibility feature while exercising in the dark.

Size & Display

Tic watch E vs S when it comes to their display is a draw, both sport an identical 1.4 inch OLED, 400x400px display. This display is crisp and clear in almost any lighting, providing a bold and dynamic display.

Both watches boast a collection of swappable smartwatch faces with the Ticwatch S providing a little more than the E. However, the S and E have a wide range of faces available for them on the Play Store.

The water-resistance of both the S and E Ticwatch is IP67, classifying the watch as ‘splashproof.’ This means that you would not be able to wear it in the shower or while swimming. IP67 is slightly disappointing from a smartwatch of this caliber. Especially considering the sport-centric watch needs to be a little more durable and ready to wear in any weather.

Features & Software

The software that runs on both watches is WearOS (previously Android Wear) after the company disbanded its proprietary Ticwear OS. Google-powered WearOS is an incredibly powerful asset for both the Ticwatch E and the Ticwatch S, allowing it access to apps like Spotify, Uber, and Messenger. WearOS also proves easy to use, you don’t need to be a Ticwatch pro to navigate through the interface of the smartwatch.

WearOS also means that both smartwatches come equipped with Google Assistant. A voice-activated assistant that allows you to control other connected smart objects and set reminders and calendar information.

Each watch comes with a heart rate sensor, a step counter and GPS functionality. Again, an odd occurrence as one is supposed to be directed at fitness enthusiasts, especially. The claim is that the GPS antenna is built into the band of the Ticwatch S allows for more accurate fitness and distance readings. But upon testing this, a massive difference was not found.

Health & Fitness

As mentioned, the fitness aspects of both the Ticwatch S and Ticwatch E smartwatch are plentiful. The different monitors provided give the user a comprehensive selection of fitness gauges through which they can understand their fitness regimes.

In terms of sleep tracking technology, neither of these iterations of Mobvoi Ticwatch have the features in their basic design. But, sleep tracking is available on the Mobvoi app that syncs your smartphone and the watch. Also, Sleep as Android is available to download and utilize. It comes complete with a smart alarm system and sleep talk recording as well.

Several different fitness apps are available to the Ticwatch user via the GooglePlay store.

Both also feature a sedentary reminder, helping you to keep active.

The bottom line is in an in-depth review of differences, there is not much separating the two watches for fitness, even though one is engineered for sports.

Battery & Mobile App

The battery life of both the Ticwatch S and Ticwatch E isn’t the best aspect of either watch by far. The 3.7V Battery gives each watch around 48 hours of battery life. This means that you’ll have to plug it in near enough every day to keep it at a reliable charge. Battery life is an aspect that Mobvoi improved upon with the Ticwatch Pro.

The good news is that the magnetic charging cable is sleek and fits perfectly. However, you won’t find a USB plug within the box upon purchase, which is a bit problematic.

The proprietary app that is free for both watches is titled Mobvoi. Mobvoi allows the Ticwatch user to analyze the fitness information and sleep cycles as well as set reminders. Though the reviews for it don’t regard it as the best application, there’s no doubt that it provides the most straightforward means of connectivity for your smartwatch, your smartphone.

Value for Money

Value is an advantage that plays into the hands of both the Ticwatch E and S. Both watches are still available from Mobvoi’s website. Even though the website, the two watches cost a reasonable price for the amount of internal storage, the advanced technology, and the overall product you are getting. The Sport iteration still costs a little more than the standard Express version.

Both watches are available on Amazon for a little cheaper. The Express costing just under $100, and the Sport just over the $100 mark.

Value for money is one thing that both Ticwatch smartwatches deliver on fantastically. For the price you are paying, you are getting a tremendous amount of utility. Both of the watches are ones to look out for if you are looking for a budget smartwatch.

What are The Best Alternatives?

When it comes to comparing the two watches, it’s close. But the main point is that it shouldn’t be. Both watches provide the same technology in fitness features, but one claims to prioritize sport due to improved GPS accuracy. Apart from this and a few exclusive watch faces, there is not much that separates the two.

Having said this, both are incredible smartwatches. Their operating system and fitness features far surpass the amount of money you are asked to pay for them. Their design is streamlined and attractive, the technology is advanced without being complicated, and they are a pleasure to use.

If you are a fitness enthusiast and feel that you need that extra bit of reassurance that your activity is being tracked accurately, purchase the Ticwatch Sport. The improved band design is also great for those who are just looking to wear a sturdy smartwatch, with no need to customize or change it.

The Ticwatch Express is for those who want a bit more customizability in their watch, and also want to choose the value option of the two. It provides a great deal of the Ticwatch Sport’s fitness features and accuracy, for a little less of a price.