~Sorry for the lengthy message, guys. I want to provide as comprehensive a picture as possible gradually from the purchase.
I received it yesterday.
The first impression it leaves you with is quite good in terms of construction and quality. It has a fabric strap which I believe is better for sweat as well as leather in terms of allergies. The watch comes with an additional black strap in the packaging in case someone wants to change it. In the photo, you can see how it fits on my wrist, which is 18 centimeters in circumference. In terms of appearance and impressions, it definitely attracts attention as it is not the classic slim small smartwatch. It has a noticeable size that is apparent and leaves good impressions.
Yesterday I manually set the altimeter. Today, when I went to work and checked it (I am a surveyor), the altitude difference was about 3 meters compared to my GPS measurements. I will say this here. Having a 3-meter altitude difference between two measurements at exactly the same point is an issue. The issue ceases to concern even the most skeptical when one measurement comes from a watch costing 350 euros and the other from a GPS designed for millimeter-precise point recording. For this reason alone, I will say that the watch's measurement is sufficient and leaves me satisfied.
I will return in the next period to write impressions about GPS, route recording, calories, indoor sports, in canyons where there is no signal at all, in static exercises, etc.
Its connectivity is just fine. It connects directly with iOS devices.
7/11/2023 EDIT
One full month has passed with full use of the watch, and I have the following to say:
In terms of "smart" functions, it does not have perfect accuracy, and I will explain.
Regarding the altimeter, you can place the phone in an open area to auto-adjust the altitude; it takes about 10 minutes, and the result is OK. The good thing is that the compass that the watch follows when recording is correct, so if the altimeter drifts by 2-3 meters from the start, it will continue to record with that deviation.
The pedometer is below average. HOWEVER, since this particular watch is NOT a smartwatch, nor has the company given importance to having a good pedometer, it shouldn't be a major concern. Generally, for accuracy in step measurement, you should get a regular pedometer and not a watch.
The heart rate monitor gives me some numbers, but nothing significant. I read in a forum that this is normal and happens in many devices. They said it will probably be fixed in the next update.
One of its nice features is that you can create or upload routes (GPX/KML file).
In terms of measurement accuracy.
I checked the watch during flat running, trail running, and hiking. I was impressed with its GPS accuracy even in areas where the phone has no signal at all. It is incredibly accurate to the point that looking at the route you took, it has recorded even from which side of the trail you passed.
You can also set your measurements in laps, for example, if you want to close a measurement cycle after a certain distance or time (e.g., every 10 minutes or every kilometer).
The functions it has are countless (it even has a countdown timer), so the watch will definitely be tested in other activities over time.
The battery life is about 5-6 days with the heart rate monitor on only during exercise time, which means 5 times a week for about 2 hours. If you leave it permanently on and have sleep tracking and stress recovery active, it will definitely consume it faster. I have those last two permanently off.
It takes its time to charge, but I think this can be resolved with a good charger.
What remains from the watch is that it was made purely for athletic activities. It is not the classic customizable smartwatch where you can put whatever wallpaper you want, etc. If exercise is a part of your daily routine, then yes, it is worth getting. If not, there are cheaper options available. I will return at some point with a more comprehensive picture.
MINI UPDATE 25/11/2023
Barometer.
The region of Epirus experienced something today that experts say happens once every 100 years. While the atmospheric pressure is about 1020 hPa, today we had about 980 hPa with values fluctuating locally. The watch synchronized perfectly with the atmospheric pressure, therefore! It will definitely have similar results at high altitudes.
MINI UPDATE 29/08/2023
Almost a year after its purchase.
The three most important things I want to mention are:
1st. Far from the sea. It is written in the forums, but if you don't see it for yourself, it doesn't mean anything. I don't know exactly what percentage the altimeter is affected by the barometer and what by the satellites and GPS, but as soon as the watch approaches the coast, the altitude starts to play in crazy ranges (it showed me -135 meters). We're talking about depths that even with a diving suit, you wouldn't reach. Also, swimming in a river is exactly the same. As soon as the watch is in the water, the barometer goes haywire and shows whatever altitude.
2nd. GPS and route tracking. I mentioned it above; I am extremely satisfied. The only point where it lost the route in the year I've been using it was at the Mytikas gully. Those who have been to that specific spot will understand the reason. Great slope, reflection error, and terrain surrounded by high rocks, it is logical that it would affect the GPS, which surprisingly recovered very quickly!
3rd. Altitude recording. Calibration before starting exercise recording and everything is fine. It loses a bit, as is logical, but it's not something that will leave you dissatisfied. Indicatively, the watch performed very well with route recordings in Tymfi, Olympus, and Tzoumerka.
I hope this "essay" for the review didn't tire you. I hope I won't need to return. Safe and good routes to those who made it this far!