NORTH EDGE X-Trek 2 Smart Watch Review

NORTH EDGE X-Trek 2 Smartwatch: A Comprehensive Product Review

The smart watch market is saturated with options, ranging from the premium options to the ultra-budget offerings. Finding a balance between affordability and functionality can be quite a challenge. The NORTH EDGE X-Trek 2 Smart Watch aims to be that bridge, boasting a robust feature set typically found in more expensive devices while maintaining a competitive price point. This in-depth review will delve into the X-Trek 2’s design, features, performance, and overall value, highlighting what makes it stand out in the crowded budget smart watch landscape.

Product Design:

The NORTH EDGE X-Trek 2 has a rugged, outdoorsy aesthetic. The combination of stainless steel and ABS+PC in the middle frame gives it a durable feel without being overly bulky. The 47mm case size is substantial, making it suitable for larger wrists. While it might look a bit imposing on smaller wrists, the design is undoubtedly geared toward adventure and activity.

The 1.43-inch AMOLED display is arguably the best feature. With a resolution of 466x466 pixels, it's incredibly sharp and vibrant. The colours are rich and the brightness levels are more than adequate for outdoor visibility, even in direct sunlight. The AMOLED technology also provides excellent contrast and deep blacks, contributing to a premium viewing experience. This is a significant advantage over many budget smart watches that often use lower-resolution LCD panels.

The silicone strap is comfortable to wear for extended periods and feels durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. It's also easily replaceable, allowing users to customize the look of the watch with different straps.

Key Features and Functionality:

The X-Trek 2 is packed with features that punch above its weight class. Here's a detailed look at some of its most notable capabilities:

• Built-in Independent GPS Module: This is a major selling point and a feature rarely found in budget smart watches. The independent GPS allows for accurate tracking of outdoor activities like running, hiking, and cycling without needing to be connected to a smart phone. This is a huge benefit for those who want to leave their phone behind during workouts. The watch supports GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO, ensuring reliable positioning in various environments.

• Bluetooth Calling: The ability to make and receive calls directly from the watch is convenient, especially when you're on the go. The Bluetooth connection is generally stable, and the high-volume speaker ensures clear audio, even in noisy environments. The integrated microphone also performs well, allowing for clear communication.

• 1.43” AMOLED Display (466×466px): As mentioned earlier, the display is exceptional for a smart watch in this price range. The high resolution and vibrant colours make it a pleasure to use, whether you're checking notifications, monitoring your heart rate, or using the built-in compass.

• Water Resistance (3ATM): The 3ATM water resistance rating means the watch can withstand splashes, rain, and brief submersion in water. While it's suitable for swimming, it's not recommended for diving or prolonged exposure to high-pressure water. This level of water resistance is a welcome addition for those who lead active lifestyles.

• Mobile Music Control: Controlling your phone's music playback directly from the watch is a convenient feature for workouts or commutes. You can easily play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume without having to reach for your phone.

• Comprehensive Smart Features: The X-Trek 2 offers a range of useful smart features, including:

  • Alarm Clock: Set multiple alarms with different settings.
  • Timer: Useful for timing tasks and workouts.
  • Stopwatch: Accurate stopwatch functionality for measuring elapsed time.
  • Weather Forecast: Provides current weather conditions and forecasts.
  • World Clock: Displays the time in different time zones.
  • Flashlight: The watch utilizes the screen to emit a white light, which can be surprisingly useful in dark situations.
  • Vibration-based Water Ejection: This feature uses vibrations to help expel water from the watch's speaker and microphone after exposure to water.
  • Find My Phone: A handy feature to locate your misplaced phone by triggering an audible alert.
  • Raise Wrist to Wake: Automatically activates the screen when you raise your wrist, making it easy to check the time or notifications.
  • Do Not Disturb Mode: Silences notifications to help you focus.
  • Always-on Display: Allows you to keep the screen constantly visible, albeit at the expense of battery life.

• Health and Fitness Tracking: The X-Trek 2 offers a decent range of health and fitness tracking features, including:

  • Heart Rate Monitoring: Tracks your heart rate continuously throughout the day and during workouts.
  • Sleep Monitoring: Analyses your sleep patterns, providing insights into sleep quality and duration.
  • Step Counting: Tracks your daily steps and distance traveled.
  • Activity Tracking: Supports over 120 sports modes, allowing you to track a wide variety of activities.
  • SpO2 (Blood Oxygen Saturation) Monitoring: Measures your blood oxygen levels.
  • Stress Monitoring: Estimates your stress levels based on heart rate variability.
  • VO2 Max Estimation: Provides an estimate of your maximal oxygen consumption during exercise.

Performance and User Experience:

The NORTH EDGE X-Trek 2 Smart Watch generally performs well for a budget smart watch. The user interface is relatively intuitive and easy to navigate. The touchscreen is responsive, and the watch reacts quickly to commands.

The Zeroner Health app (compatible with iOS and Android) is used to pair the watch with your smart phone and sync data. The app provides a decent overview of your health and fitness data, but it's not as polished or feature-rich as some of the apps from more established brands.

GPS accuracy is surprisingly good, especially considering the price point. It locks onto a signal quickly and provides accurate tracking during outdoor activities. However, it's worth noting that GPS accuracy can be affected by factors such as environmental conditions and signal strength.

Battery life is decent, lasting around 18 days in standby mode. With typical usage, including GPS tracking, Bluetooth calling, and health monitoring, you can expect around 7-10 days of battery life. Enabling the always-on display will significantly reduce battery life. The watch charges relatively quickly, taking around 2 hours to fully charge.

Pros:

• Excellent Value for Money: Offers a feature-rich experience at a competitive price point.
• High-Quality AMOLED Display: Sharp, vibrant, and easily visible in sunlight.
• Built-in Independent GPS: Accurate GPS tracking without requiring a smart phone connection.
• Bluetooth Calling: Convenient for making and receiving calls directly from the watch.
• Comprehensive Smart Features: Wide range of useful smart features, including notifications, music control, and more.
• Decent Battery Life: Lasts for several days with typical usage.
• Rugged and Durable Design: Suitable for outdoor activities and everyday wear.
• 3ATM Water Resistance: Resistant to splashes, rain, and swimming.

Cons:

• Zeroner Health App: The companion app could be more polished and feature-rich.
• Design: The rugged design might not appeal to everyone.
• Limited Third-Party App Support: No access to a wide range of third-party apps.
• Health and Fitness Tracking Accuracy: While decent, the accuracy of heart rate and sleep tracking may not be as precise as dedicated fitness trackers.
• Build Quality: While generally durable, the materials might not feel as premium as more expensive smartwatches.

Conclusion:

The NORTH EDGE X-Trek 2 Smart Watch is a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a feature-packed smart watch with a rugged design. It stands out from the competition with its excellent AMOLED display, built-in independent GPS, and Bluetooth calling functionality. While it has some limitations, such as the Zeroner Health app and limited third-party app support, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, especially considering its price.

If you're looking for an affordable smart watch that can track your outdoor activities, provide basic health and fitness monitoring, and keep you connected on the go, the NORTH EDGE X-Trek 2 Smart Watch is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for those who want a taste of premium smart watch features without breaking the bank. Although the health and fitness tracking is not as accurate as high-end smart watches, it is still a great option for average day-to-day fitness tracking. The built in independent GPS is a major selling point for outdoorsman who are looking for a watch that is capable of accurately tracking outdoor activities. Despite some lacking features, the NORTH EDGE X-Trek 2 Smart Watch is a solid smartwatch that is a great choice for people who want a smart watch on a budget.