Smart watch Mobvoi TicWatch E3 is a good example of a smart watch that allows you to always be in good shape.
TicWatch E3 is the second smartwatch with the new Snapdragon 4100 chipset, after the Pro 3 version. Since the previous models on the Snapdragon 2100 and 3100, the performance was not high enough, the gadgets will not receive an update to Wear OS 3. Thus, the E3 will be one of few models with the new version of the Google operating system for wearable gadgets. TicWatch is planning an update to Wear OS 3 in 2022.
Design and Construction
Like the previous two models, the design of the TicWatch E3 watch is stylish and simple.
The frame and side keys are silver-gray, while the back surface with sensors is matte black. Mobvoi designers can create more interesting designs, as the Pro 3 and C2+ models prove, but the E3 is also cheaper.
The same goes for the materials used – while the Pro 3’s body is made from stainless steel, here it’s made from polycarbonate (plastic) and fiberglass. The build quality is good, together with the E3 strap it weighs only 48 grams. The dimensions are relatively large – 47 Ć 44 mm, with a thickness of 12.6 mm.
The display diagonal is 1.3 inches, and the screen is covered with a slightly rounded 2.5D glass. Unfortunately, the display is surrounded by a large black frame, which is reminiscent of smartwatches of yesteryear. The kit includes a black strap with a width of 20 mm, instead of which it is easy to put any other of the same width. And you should immediately buy a separate strap because the standard one is not of the best quality.
At least there is protection against water and dust IP68 – with TicWatch E3 on hand, you can dive into the water to a depth of 1 m. The function of removing water from the speakers is available – for this, you need to long-press the bottom key.
The complete 20mm wide silicone strap is always black, yellow, or blue options from Mobvoi and must be purchased separately. Alternatively, you can use almost any other 20 mm bracelet from other manufacturers. You will have to do this shortly after buying the watch because the included strap is not of the best quality. After a month of regular use, it is very worn out.
Smart watch Screen
Although the previous model of the series had an AMOLED display with a resolution of 400Ć400 pixels, in TicWatch E3 we get a TFT LCD screen with a resolution of 360Ć360 pixels.
However, the pixel density remains high, so the display content is easy to read even on a sunny day. But, the problems of LCD panels have not gone away: blacks are not the deepest, and the contrast is not very high. In addition, OLED technology saves battery power by not illuminating black pixels.
Another drawback of the E3 is the lack of a brightness sensor. Yes, when used indoors, the second level of brightness out of five is enough, outdoors you need a maximum. The brightness is easily adjusted via quick settings, but the automatic mode is more convenient and saves battery because you often forget to turn the brightness down.
Wear OS offers an always-on feature, however, the entire screen will be active at all times. This will use up the battery power very quickly, and the battery life will be halved. I advise you to use the function of turning your wrist to wake up the display. You will be shown a standard watch face, or only basic information: time, date, steps, battery status and heart rate. If you receive a notification when you raise your wrist, it will immediately appear.
In the Mobvoi apps and the Wear OS app store, there’s a huge selection of replacement watch faces, some even paid ones. If that’s not enough, there’s a third-party Facer app with 15,000 screensavers that’ll be enough for you. You can also set your own image as the background.
Management and Interaction
To control the TicWatch E3, there are two physical keys on the case.
The top one opens the list of applications if you are on the home screen, and in all other cases returns to this home screen. A long press will launch the Google Assistant and a very long press will open a menu with shutdown and restart options. Double-clicking the top key for a short time will raise the screen brightness to maximum.
The lower one allows you to show all types of workouts, and when pressed and held, a menu will open. With it, you can turn off the clock, restart it, set it to the main mode and specify what happens when you briefly press the bottom button.
All other navigation is via the touch screen. From the home screen, swipe left to launch the Google Assistant, which displays the weather widget and appointments. Swipe up to open the quick settings panel, and check connection status and charge level. Swipe down to check notifications, or swipe right to switch between ten selected widgets.
The vibration motor built into the E3 feels cheap and weak, especially when compared to Samsung or Apple smartwatches. However, the vibration strength is enough to wake up or find out about notifications. Instead, you can choose the sound signal through the built-in speaker.
Software
Thanks to the Wear OS 2.29 operating system from Google, you can install any application from the built-in store on your TicWatch E3 smart watch.
However, there are plenty of pre-installed apps, both from Google and Mobvoi. There is everything you need: a timer, an alarm clock, a stopwatch, a flashlight, a calendar, a phone finder, a calculator, and even a timer for washing hands. Since this is Wear OS, we have access to Google Maps and Google Assistant.
From the wrist, you can choose a destination on the map by viewing a detailed route. Since the E3’s small screen is not very convenient to use, you can listen to voice instructions through speakers or headphones. Although the Google Assistant is launched by pressing and holding the top button on the right side, it can also be called up with the standard phrase āOk Googleā. Thanks to the powerful Wear 4100 processor, the voice assistant responds instantly, quickly executing all commands.
The built-in NFC module allows you to make contactless payments in stores, and 4.5 GB of internal storage is enough for a huge amount of music. However, to listen, you need to install third-party applications. In the existing Spotify app, you can still only control playback on paired devices, but you canāt listen or download.
If an Android smartphone is connected to the watch, you can make Bluetooth calls. Notifications are configured through the built-in Wear OS app. You’ll also be able to respond to messenger notifications and messages via quick replies, emoji, voice typing, or the improved Gboard keyboard.
Processor Performance
The TicWatch E3 is powered by the new Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor, manufactured in a much more efficient 12nm process.
The performance of the new chipset is 85% faster than the previous Wear 3100. So with 1GB of RAM, TicWatch’s E3 is one of the most powerful Wear OS smartwatches out there. All operations are fast and the animations are very smooth. Typing or launching applications is instantaneous, without any delay.
This smoothness should be the norm for all Wear OS smartwatches, but most models still run on the Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor. In this regard, performance is the main advantage of the TicWatch E3 over competitors. Like the more expensive Pro 3, we get 8GB of internal storage. Naturally, part of the memory is occupied by the system, so 4.5 GB is available for user applications, music and files.
Health Tracking
The new TicWatch E3 comes with a huge range of health tracking features. You get two sets of apps: Mobvoi and Google.
The TicWatch Oxygen has a function to monitor blood oxygen (SpO2), once per hour, although the heart rate is measured constantly. If your heart rate is too high or too low, thanks to the TicPulse app, the watch will notify you. TicNoise – will measure the level of ambient noise, however, the option is only started manually. Thanks to TicZen, your stress level will be analyzed once every half an hour, when TicBreathing helps you do breathing exercises lasting 1-5 minutes.
The TicHealth app measures steps, exercise time, activity hours, calories burned and distance traveled. Partially, these functions are performed by the Fit service from Google, and in the application store, you can download any other software from third-party developers. All collected information is stored in detail on the smartphone, in the Mobvoi application.
Sports Features and Navigation
In addition to body tracking, the TicWatch E3 is great for sports.
The built-in TicExercise app supports the following workouts: outdoor or treadmill running, walking, cycling or stationary cycling, free workout, pool swimming, HIIT, rowing, aerobics, elliptical, trail running, yoga, football, basketball, pilates, taekwondo, badminton, table tennis and ice skating.
When playing sports outdoors, the watch will determine the location using GPS, GLONASS and Beidou. You can also use the Google Fit service with 100 workout types available. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) allows you to add 11 different exercises for maximum efficiency.
Despite the support of several satellite navigation systems at once, it takes about 30 seconds to find a location. But the tracking itself is accurate, and the connection is stable. The E3s from TicWatch are great for walking and running outdoors. The only thing missing is a barometer to determine altitude, as well as a compass.
The TicExercise app has a feature to automatically start a workout. With its help, the watch detects walking, running and cycling (exercise bike), asking five minutes later if you want to track this exercise. Workout information is synced to Strava, Runkeeper and Google Fit via the Mobvoi app on your smartphone.
Sleep Monitoring
The TicSleep app is used to monitor sleep. In it, you can select periods of time when you do not need to collect data, which will save battery power.
You can also choose the “ideal” time to sleep, for example, from 23:00 to 07:00, after which TicWatch will remind you to take a break. There is also a smart alarm that informs you 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes before the selected time if you are in the phase of light sleep. During sleep, heart rate and oxygen saturation continue to be measured, although the measurement of the second indicator can be turned off to save energy.
Unfortunately, TicSleep does not have settings for the days of the week, which is why the wearable gadget will wake you up on the weekend if you forget to turn off the alarm. I advise you to use the alarm clock from Google, or download any other application.
Autonomy TicWatch E3
One charge of TicWatch E3 is enough for 1.5-2 days of intensive battery life, which, at first glance, is not enough.
But here, the E3 outperforms most Wear OS smartwatches that last a maximum of one day. Yes, the Pro 3 model will provide 2-3 days of use, but you should not expect more from a 380 mAh battery, especially since the display here is not AMOLED.
The power-saving mode, which is activated at night and disables unnecessary functions, will help increase the operating time. With it, even with the most intensive use, you can hope for two days of work from a charge. If you constantly use GPS, only for a day and a half.
Fully charging the battery takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. Unfortunately, there is no fast charging function here, unlike the same OnePlus Watch.
Outcome
Given the price of 15 thousand rubles, TicWatch E3 is in for the serious competition. TicWatch’s more powerful Pro 3 costs a little more, offering a more interesting design, a metal body, an AMOLED display, and better battery life.
Alternatives
For a little more, you can get the Galaxy Watch 3 or Galaxy Watch 2 . These models also support third-party apps through the Galaxy Store and contactless Samsung Pay. If you’re looking for a good smartwatch for sports, there’s the Huawei GT 2 Pro with a titanium case and sapphire crystal.
Choose TicWatch E3 if you are looking for a Wear OS smartwatch and want to use Google Pay for payment. But recently the Galaxy Watch 4 came out, which runs on a new processor and Wear OS 3. Of course, the Samsung model is more expensive, but the functionality is better.
Is it worth buying
However, the TicWatch E3 is by no means a bad smartwatch. If you need a wearable gadget on Wear OS for under 15 thousand rubles, for now, you wonāt find a better option. They run on the new Snapdragon Wear 4100 processor and have all the modern features.
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