Oukitel BT10 Review: Things to Know Before You Buy!

The Oukitel brand has garnered a solid reputation globally and within our market, owing to the unique features and wide array of products they offer. Among these, their smartphones have consistently performed well in our tests. However, the company recently decided to diversify its offerings by venturing into the production of smartwatches. Our team had the privilege of testing out one of their latest releases, the Oukitel BT10. Despite being priced similarly to smart bracelets, traditionally more affordable than smartwatches, the BT10 packs numerous practical features, some of which are seldom found even in pricier models. Notably, its AI audio control capability allows for hands-free operation through voice commands.

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Specifications:

Screen	1.43″, AMOLED, touch-sensitive, 466 x 466 pixels
CPU	RTL8763EWE-VP
Protection	Gorilla Glass, IP68, 1 ATM, IP6x dust resistance, shock resistance
Battery	410 mAh, (standby: up to 600 hours; normal use: 72-360 hours; talk: up to 6 hours)
SIM	Does not have
Sensors	Heart rate, SpO2, heart monitor, sleep monitoring, calorie burn…
Connections	Bluetooth 5.2, speaker, microphone
OS	Own OS
Dimensions	48.8 x 48.8 x 12.6 mm
Mass	53.6 g
Material	Metal, plastic, rubber
The color	Black, black-orange

Unboxing

Upon unboxing, the accessories included with the Oukitel BT10 comprise a manual, charging cable, and the main unit itself. Unlike some other models, the band isn’t pre-attached to the main unit, necessitating manual attachment. While this trend has been gaining traction, it can initially be a bit cumbersome. However, this setup offers a versatile 22mm band, encouraging users to customize it with their preferred style—a sort of practice session for band swapping.

The manual provided offers instructions in multiple languages. However, it lacks detailed explanations, potentially leaving those unfamiliar with smartwatches feeling perplexed. Thankfully, once paired with the accompanying app, navigating the device becomes much more intuitive, with the app serving as a comprehensive guide.

Design and Display

Oukitel BT10 has a sizable 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, the Oukitel BT10 has vibrant colors and excellent visibility, making for an immersive viewing experience. Its robust build exudes a sporty vibe, enhanced by stylish orange accents. On the right side, two buttons provide easy access—the top button serves as the power/menu control, while the bottom button acts as a shortcut to sports mode.

Typical of smartwatches, the charging terminal and sensors are neatly arranged on the back. Charging is facilitated by a magnetic cable, making the process hassle-free. However, users should handle the cable with care, as it detaches quite easily during use.

Battery

In my experience, the official 15-day battery life claim for this device seemed a bit optimistic. In practical use, under what I would consider fairly heavy usage conditions, it lasted closer to 10 days. I put it through its paces during my review, cranking up the brightness to the max, receiving a constant stream of notifications (around 10-20 a day), and even testing Bluetooth calls. These demands surely pushed the device to its limits, so under normal, less intense usage, I’d expect it to hold out a bit longer, maybe by a few days.

One feature I appreciated was the Always On setting. It’s super convenient, but it does come at a cost. With Always On enabled, the battery took a hit of around 25% per day, meaning it only lasted about 4 days in total. Yet, for me, the trade-off is worth it. Even with half the battery life, the added convenience of having the screen always visible outweighs the shorter runtime.

Fitness Tracker

Being a fitness tracker means I’m all about keeping tabs on your health stats. From your heart rate to how many steps you’ve taken, even your sleep patterns and blood oxygen levels, I’ve got you covered. Plus, I can give you a quick check on your blood pressure, too. But wait, there’s more! I’m not just about the basics; I can also track your specific workouts. Whether you’re hitting the pavement for a run, taking a stroll, or just trying to rack up those step counts, I’m here to document it all.

Now, while I don’t have GPS built into me, I can still tap into your smartphone’s GPS to map out your routes accurately. And don’t worry, even though I’m tracking your activities, I won’t leave you hanging without knowing how your heart’s doing. You can peek at your heart rate data in real time, allowing you to adjust your workout intensity on the fly.

Always on

Always On functionality is a nifty feature made possible by leveraging the capabilities of the AMOLED display. With this, your screen remains partially active even when not in active use, displaying essential information without draining too much battery. Once a specified period of inactivity passes, typically around 5 seconds, the display transitions into Always On mode. In this state, the screen maintains a minimal level of illumination, showcasing basic details like the time. Plus, users have the option to switch between digital and analog displays according to their preferences.

However, navigating the settings, particularly in Japanese, can be a tad confusing. Initially, I struggled to locate the Always On feature, as it was labeled “Screen Clock”. This discrepancy caused some initial bewilderment until I figured it out. Moreover, the auditory feedback coupled with vibrations was a bit of a letdown. I would have preferred solely relying on vibrations for notifications, rather than both sound and vibration. It’s a minor quibble, but it does affect the overall user experience.

Connectivity

Bluetooth calls are seamlessly integrated into the functionality of the Oukitel BT10 smartwatch, adding a layer of convenience to your communication experience. With the Da Fit app, which has evolved significantly since my last use, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of customization options available. From media controls to the format of the clock display, and even the unit for distance measurement (meters), the app allows you to tailor your smartwatch experience to suit your preferences. Notably, the app also enables you to set up heart rate warnings and configure various other settings with precision.

One standout feature of the BT10 is its ability to facilitate Bluetooth calls. Equipped with a microphone and speaker, the smartwatch enables you to make and receive calls directly from your wrist. By pre-registering contacts through the app’s settings, you can effortlessly place calls without the need to reach for your smartphone. This proves particularly handy while driving or in situations where handling your phone isn’t feasible.

I find the prospect of using the BT10 for LINE calls or PushToTalk (PTT) quite appealing. While standalone devices designed for such purposes tend to be expensive, having these functionalities integrated into a smartwatch within an affordable price range would be a game-changer. The versatility of the BT10 extends beyond basic communication, offering a potential alternative to dedicated radio devices.

Verdict

I’ve had the chance to dive into the OUKITEL BT10 smartwatch over the past few weeks, and I must say, it’s been quite an experience. At its price point, it holds its own and even surprises in some areas.

Let’s talk about the display first. The 1.43-inch AMOLED screen is a standout feature for me. It’s not just about size; it’s about clarity and ease of use. Reading notifications or checking the time is a breeze, thanks to its crisp visuals. However, I did notice a trade-off here. While the constant display is a convenience, it does take a toll on battery life, cutting it in half. Yet, I find the sacrifice worth it for the added user-friendliness.

Speaking of notifications, this watch handles them like a pro. Whether it’s messages from LINE or other apps, the text is legible and well-organized. This is especially handy when you’re on the go, driving, or engrossed in work and can’t glance at your phone. Being able to stay updated at a glance is a real game-changer.

Now, let’s touch on the design and functionality. Unlike some other budget options, this watch lacks the digital crown feature. Initially, I felt a bit skeptical about this omission. However, upon reflection, I realized it’s not a deal-breaker. It adds to the watch’s durability and suitability for outdoor activities. Sometimes, simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, and in this case, I see it as a positive rather than a drawback.

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Read Also: Oukitel WP30 Pro: 108MP Camera, 120Hz Display, and Under $370