COLMI P82 2.13" AMOLED GPS Smart Watch - Product Review

COLMI P82 GPS Smart Watch: An In-Depth Review – A Budget-Friendly Powerhouse?

The smart watch market is booming, offering a range of options at various price points. While premium smart watches from established brands such as Apple and Samsung often boast a comprehensive feature set, they can be prohibitively expensive for many. Introducing the all new COLMI P82 GPS Smart Watch, a budget-friendly smart watch aiming to bridge the gap between affordability and functionality. With its massive 2.13-inch AMOLED display, built-in GPS, a suite of health tracking features, and more, the P82 promises a compelling package. But does it deliver on its promises? Let’s dive into a detailed review to explore the COLMI P82's strengths and weaknesses and determine if it truly stands out in the crowded budget smartwatch arena.

First Impressions and Design:

The COLMI P82 makes a relatively strong first impression. Its rectangular design, reminiscent of some higher-end smart watches, feels modern and appealing. The 2.13-inch AMOLED screen is undoubtedly the star of the show. The vibrant colours and sharp resolution (410 x 502 pixels) provide an excellent viewing experience, making it easy to read text and view graphics even in direct sunlight. This is a significant advantage compared to the often dull and pixelated displays found on many budget smart watches.

The watch case is made of plastic, which is expected at this price point. The material feels reasonably durable, though long-term wear and tear remain to be seen. The included silicone band is soft and comfortable to wear for extended periods, although it does attract dust easily. It's easily replaceable with standard 22mm straps, allowing for personalisation. The watch features a single physical button on the side, used for navigating the interface and accessing certain functions.

Key Features in Focus:

Let's delve into the key features that COLMI highlights for the P82:

• Built-in GPS: The inclusion of GPS is a major selling point for the P82, setting it apart from many other budget smart watches that rely on a connected smart phone for GPS data. This allows for accurate tracking of outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking, providing precise distance, pace, and route information. The EPO technology claims to assist in faster GPS lock-on. Whether this claim holds up in real-world testing is something we will assess.

• 2.13-inch AMOLED HD Display: As mentioned previously, the display is a standout feature. The AMOLED technology provides superior colour reproduction, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making the user experience significantly more enjoyable than with traditional LCD screens. The large size provides ample screen real estate for displaying information and navigating the interface.

• Comprehensive Health Tracking: The COLMI P82 offers a range of health tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen (SpO2) measurement, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, step counting, distance tracking, and calorie burn estimation. While these features are common in smartwatches, the accuracy and reliability can vary significantly. We will examine how well the P82 performs in this regard.

• Bluetooth 5.2 Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 is a significant improvement over older Bluetooth versions, offering faster data transfer speeds and a more stable and reliable connection with paired smart phones. This improves the overall user experience, ensuring smooth syncing of data, faster notification delivery, and a more robust connection for calls.

• Voice Assistant: The integrated voice assistant allows for hands-free control and voice commands, adding convenience to daily use. The effectiveness of the voice assistant depends on its responsiveness and accuracy, which we will evaluate.

• Multiple Watch Faces: Customisation is key, and the availability of multiple watch faces allows users to personalise the look of their smartwatch to suit their style and preferences.

• Professional Waterproof Rating: The waterproof rating ensures that the P82 can withstand splashes, sweat, and even shallow submersion, making it suitable smart watch for workouts and outdoor activities. However, it's important to note that "Professional Waterproof" can be vague, and users should check the specific IP rating to understand the limitations.

• Call & Message Notifications: Seamlessly receive call reminders, message alerts, and app notifications directly on your wrist, keeping you connected without needing to constantly check your phone.

• Remote Control Functions: Control music playback and camera shutter from your smart watch, adding convenience to daily tasks.

Pros of the COLMI P82 GPS Smartwatch:

• Stunning AMOLED Display: The vibrant and sharp AMOLED display is a major highlight, offering a premium viewing experience that is rare in budget smart watches.
• Built-in GPS: Standalone GPS functionality allows for accurate tracking of outdoor activities without relying on a smart phone connection.
• Comprehensive Health Tracking: A wide range of health tracking features provide valuable insights into your fitness and well-being.
• Bluetooth 5.2 Connectivity: Ensures a stable and reliable connection with your smart phone.
• Affordable Price: The P82 offers a compelling set of features at a budget-friendly price point, making it accessible to a wider audience.
• Multiple Watch Faces & Customisation: Allows users to personalise the look of their smart watch to their liking.
• Comfortable Design: The lightweight design and comfortable silicone band make it suitable for all-day wear.

Cons of the COLMI P82 GPS Smart Watch:

• Plastic Case: While functional, the plastic case lacks the premium feel of more expensive smart watches.
• Accuracy of Health Tracking: The accuracy of heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen measurement, and other health tracking features may not be as precise as dedicated medical devices. This is a common limitation of budget smart watches.
• Da Fit App: the Da Fit App can be clunky, and it does not always sync properly. The app is an important component of a smart watch, so hopefully the app receives updates frequently.
• Voice Assistant Performance: The responsiveness and accuracy of the voice assistant may vary, and it might not be as seamless as more established voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.
• Battery Life: While advertised as up to 5 days, real-world battery life may vary depending on usage, especially with GPS enabled. Frequent GPS use will significantly drain the battery.
• Vague Waterproof Rating: The term "Professional Waterproof" is not standardised, and users should exercise caution when exposing the watch to water.
• Software and Updates: The long-term software support and frequency of updates are uncertain. Budget smart watches often lack consistent software updates, which can lead to compatibility issues and a decline in performance over time.

The Da Fit App and User Experience:

The COLMI P82 GPS Smart Watch relies on the Da Fit app for syncing data, customising settings, and accessing advanced features. The app is available for both Android and iOS. The app interface is relatively straightforward, but it can feel a bit clunky and less polished compared to the companion apps of premium smart watches. Users have reported some syncing issues and occasional glitches. The app experience is an important factor in the overall user experience of a smart watch, and the Da Fit app could benefit from further refinement and optimisation.

Is the COLMI P82 Worth Buying?

The COLMI P82 GPS Smart Watch presents a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious consumers seeking a feature-rich wearable. Its stunning AMOLED display, built-in GPS, and comprehensive health tracking capabilities set it apart from many competitors in its price range. While the plastic case and potentially limited accuracy of some health tracking features are drawbacks, the overall package offers a lot for the money.

Who is this smart watch for?

• Budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts: Individuals looking for a smart watch with GPS for tracking runs, hikes, and other outdoor activities without breaking the bank.
• Users who prioritise display quality: Those who value a vibrant and sharp display for easy readability and a more enjoyable visual experience.
• Individuals interested in basic health tracking: People who want to monitor their heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels for general health awareness.
• Those seeking a stylish and customisable smart watch: Users who appreciate the modern design and the ability to personalise the watch face.

Who is this smartwatch NOT for?

• Serious athletes and healthcare professionals: Those who require highly accurate and reliable health data for medical or performance monitoring should opt for more expensive and specialised devices.
• Users heavily invested in a specific ecosystem: Those who are already deeply integrated into a particular ecosystem, such as Apple or Samsung, may find the Da Fit app and overall integration less seamless.
• Users seeking premium materials and build quality: Those who prioritise premium materials and a more luxurious feel should consider higher-end smart watches.

Conclusion:

The COLMI P82 GPS Smart Watch offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and affordability. While it's not perfect, its strengths, particularly the AMOLED display and built-in GPS, outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile option for budget-conscious consumers looking to enter the world of smart watches or upgrade from a basic fitness tracker. Just be aware of its limitations and the potential need for patience with the Da Fit app. If you can live with those limitations, the COLMI P82 provides a surprisingly robust and enjoyable smartwatch experience for the price.