Mobvoi TicWatch E3 Review: A Budget-Friendly Wear OS Powerhouse

Mobvoi has launched the TicWatch E3 as an affordable alternative to its higher-end TicWatch Pro 3, delivering impressive performance while making some necessary compromises. The TicWatch E3 is powered by the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset, making it one of only two smartwatches available with this powerful processor besides the Pro 3. This allows for a smooth Wear OS experience with responsive app launches, menu navigation, and UI transitions. The watch offers 1GB RAM and 8GB storage, providing plenty of space for apps and data.

In terms of design, the TicWatch E3 features a circular polycarbonate case in Panther Black, measuring 44 x 47 x 12.6 mm and weighing just 32 grams without the strap. While the build feels less premium compared to stainless steel or titanium alternatives, the watch is comfortable to wear and features a 20mm universal silicone strap that can be easily swapped. The watch is IP68 dust and water-resistant, offering decent protection for everyday use.

The display is a 1.3-inch HD LCD panel with a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels and a 2.5D glass surface. While it lacks the vibrant colors of an AMOLED screen and has a thicker bezel than ideal, the display remains sharp and legible. The watch offers five brightness levels but lacks auto-brightness adjustment. Wear OS allows users to choose from thousands of watch faces available on the Play Store.

Performance is where the TicWatch E3 shines. The Snapdragon Wear 4100 chipset, manufactured on a 12nm process, delivers 85% better CPU and memory performance, 2.5x faster GPU, and 2x better camera experience compared to the previous generation Wear 3100. This results in smooth app navigation, responsive UI interactions, and overall snappy performance. The watch supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC, allowing for app downloads without a smartphone, actionable notifications, and Google Pay functionality.

Health and fitness tracking features are extensive. The TicWatch E3 offers 21 workout modes with auto-detection for walking, running, and cycling. It includes built-in GPS for accurate tracking without needing a phone, VO2Max monitoring, and various sensors for heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep tracking. While auto-workout detection is limited to three types, the watch accurately tracks workout duration, pause times, and provides lap counting. The built-in GPS performs well both indoors and outdoors, locking onto a signal quickly.

The watch provides 24-hour heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, stress monitoring, and sleep analysis. While continuous blood oxygen monitoring is limited by the need to remain still, stress monitoring can be slow. Sleep tracking generally accurately records bedtime and wake times but occasionally flags awakenings that may not have occurred. The companion app could use improvements in data visualization and user experience.

Battery life is decent, with the 380mAh battery lasting around 23.5 hours with typical use including health monitoring, connected to a phone, and approximately 50 minutes of GPS usage. Turning off GPS can extend battery life to around 32 hours. The watch features an Essential Mode that activates at 5% battery, providing basic functions and extending battery life significantly. Charging is done via a proprietary magnetic connector and takes approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes.

Despite some drawbacks such as the polycarbonate case, LCD display with muted colors, a weak vibration motor, and the lack of wireless charging, the TicWatch E3 offers exceptional value for money. It outperforms many alternatives in the under $200 price range, providing a flagship-level Wear OS experience with robust fitness tracking capabilities. The watch is an excellent choice for those seeking a feature-rich, affordable smartwatch without the premium price tag.