Gadget of the Week: Oppo blends tradition, innovation

What is it?

The Oppo Watch X is an elegant smartwatch from the up-and-coming maker of well-priced high-end smartphones. It is equipped with a 1.75-inch AMOLED display that boasts a resolution of 430 x 372 pixels, ensuring vibrant colors and sharp images under various lighting conditions. Weighing in at 49 grams, it tends to sit heavily on the wrist, but offers a solid, premium build. Its standout hardware feature, a rotating crown, offers tactile navigation through its menus and apps, in a nod to traditional watch controls.

The Watch X shines with its array of sensors and features that cater to both health data and casual use. A dual-chip system both prolongs battery life but also enhances performance, allowing for seamless transitions between high-demand applications and passive monitoring. Health tracking includes accurate readings of heart rate variability (HRV), blood oxygen levels, and sleep tracking, which are comparable to some of the best health-oriented smartwatches on the market.

That means it will inevitably be compared with the Huawei Watch GT 4, which has the exact same screen size, at 1.43-inches, along with a stainless-steel frame and plastic back. The GT 4 looks more premium, due to an additional time and data dial around the screen, while the Watch X benefits from a no-fuss approach which allows the chosen watch face to shine.

The Oppo Watch X is also set apart by water resistance up to 50 meters, combined with a comprehensive set of workout modes, gearing it to swimmers and triathletes. The watch’s ability to maintain connectivity and provide notification support in water underlines robust engineering.

Wearing the Watch X for a week revealed its pragmatic yet refined operation. The rotating crown provided satisfying feedback that felt intuitive and efficient, far from the often-cumbersome touch-screen swiping other models require. During a 5K run, the watch tracked the route with precision thanks to built-in GPS, and offered motivational cues, which did tend to be irritating.

The Oppo Watch X is an impressive smartwatch that successfully marries the charm of traditional wristwatches with the functionalities of modern technology. Its health and fitness capabilities, coupled with its stylish design and affordable price, make it a strong contender in the crowded smartwatch market.

For those who appreciate a watch that offers both craftsmanship and innovation, the Oppo Watch X delivers quality and value in equal measure, setting a benchmark for what mid-range smartwatches can offer.

What does it cost?

The Oppo Watch X has a recommended retail price of R5,999 in South Africa, but typically comes in at R6,299 and above.

Why does it matter?

The Oppo Watch X is not cheap but strikes a balance between affordability and premium features. It is priced similarly to the Huawei Watch GT 4 but lower than the Apple Watch Series 7, while offering a comparable suite of health and fitness tracking options to both Apple and Samsung alternatives.

Its design and build quality feel on par with these high-end competitors, making it a value-for-money choice for those who seek both style and functionality without damaging their wallets too much.

What are the biggest negatives?

• Battery life could be improved, especially with GPS and Bluetooth in continuous use.
• Limited app ecosystem compared to competitors.
• Sits heavy on the wrist.

What are the biggest positives?

• Elegant design with traditional watch elements.
• Comprehensive health and fitness tracking.
• Robust build and water resistance up to 50 meters.

* Arthur Goldstuck is founder of World Wide Worx, editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram on @art2gee.