AQFiT W9 Smartwatch Review: Budget-Friendly Feature-Packed Wearable

The AQFiT W9 positions itself as an affordable smartwatch with a notable feature set, including Bluetooth calling, which is uncommon in its price bracket. Our hands-on experience reveals both its strengths and its limitations.

Design and Display Measuring 47.5 x 55 x 12mm and weighing in with a zinc alloy frame, the W9 adopts a classic circular watch look that leans toward a larger size, potentially less ideal for smaller wrists. The 1.33-inch IPS LCD panel, resolved at 240 x 240 pixels, appears pixelated across its expanse and lacks the vibrant contrast of an AMOLED alternative. Color reproduction remains subdued, and even at maximum brightness, outdoor legibility suffers. Surrounding the screen are generous bezels, with two identically functional buttons on the right side handling power and back actions, lacking customization options. The silicone strap proves comfortable and easily interchangeable.

User Interface and Connectivity The watch operates on a proprietary RTOS-based system. Navigation involves swiping down for a status bar containing quick settings and swiping up to access notification summaries. The right side of the homescreen displays app tiles for health metrics, music control, and camera triggers. Connection to smartphones occurs via Bluetooth 5.0, requiring the Da Fit app (available for Android and iOS). The app presents a straightforward layout, opening to a daily health and activity summary, with deeper settings adjustable through dedicated pages.

Health and Fitness Tracking For a budget device, the W9 covers essential wellness monitoring: all-day heart rate checks (recorded every 30 minutes), intermittent SpO2 sampling, and sleep analysis that categorizes rest into Light, Deep, and REM stages while assigning an overall quality score. Sleep data proves reasonably accurate in timing and disturbance detection. The smartwatch supports seven exercise modes—walking, running, cycling, skipping, badminton, basketball, and football—though it lacks built-in GPS and automatic workout initiation. External GPS tracking can be enabled through the app during outdoor runs.

Calling Features A standout aspect is the built-in microphone and speaker, enabling direct Bluetooth calls—a rarity at this price point. A dial pad allows number input, with quick access to recent calls and favorites. Call volume proves adequate for indoor settings, but external noise interferes with voice clarity, suggesting room for improved noise handling.

Battery Performance A 280mAh cell powers the W9, delivering roughly two days of normal use, including bright display settings, active health tracking, notifications, and occasional calls. Switching to low-battery mode extends standby longevity by about two additional days but restricts advanced features. A bundled magnetic two-pin charger replenishes the battery to full capacity in approximately two and a half hours.

Verdict For Rs. 10,500, the AQFiT W9 delivers a noteworthy package with Bluetooth calling and comprehensive fitness monitoring, standing out among similarly priced competitors. However, compromises in screen quality and battery endurance are evident. While the design is solid and the IP67 rating provides dust and water resistance, the companion app feels understated. It represents a sensible pick for users prioritizing call functionality and health tracking on a tight budget.