Is the Popglory Smartwatch a budget-friendly alternative to a Garmin?

from Amazon
RRP  £20.99
Popglory Smart Watch

by Yours testing panel |
Published on

As someone who regularly engages in a variety of fitness activities, I was eager to test out the Popglory Smartwatch P22. For the past two weeks, I’ve used this watch alongside my Garmin Venu 3S to evaluate its performance in terms of fitness tracking, battery life, and overall usability. As a 50-year-old woman with a fairly intense fitness routine—averaging 2 to 3 activities per day including gym sessions, running, and walking—I was able to see how this budget-friendly option stacked up against a more expensive, feature-packed smartwatch like the Garmin.

Expert rating:
3.5
Yours
Price: $21.99

Pros

  • Its standout feature is its affordability, making it a great option for those on a budget who want basic fitness tracking capabilities. 
  • The battery life lasts several days on a single charge, even with daily use and multiple activities tracked. 
  • A straightforward set up process.
  • The user interface is simple and easy to navigate, ideal for users new to smartwatches or those who prefer a minimalist design.
  • The sleep tracking feature provides accurate insights.

Cons

  • The step counter can be inaccurate, which may be a dealbreaker. 
  • The watch's design is functional but lacks the sleek, stylish appeal of more premium models.
  • The blood pressure readings can be inconsistent.
  • Can be tricky to get the screen to turn on by flipping your wrist.
  • Ease of use:
    4.0
  • Value for money:
    4.5
  • Style:
    2.5
  • Comfort:
    3.0
  • Functionality:
    3.0
Display:1.69 inches
Battery life:Up to 15 days
GPS:Yes
Water resistance:Yes
Compatibility:iOS 5.0+ and Android 9.0+

Testing the Popglory Smart Watch

Upon receiving the Popglory Smartwatch P22, I was greeted with very basic packaging, which was expected for a budget device. Inside the box, there’s the watch itself, a charging cable, and a brief user manual. There isn’t a lot of extra flair or accessories, but for the price, this is not surprising. Setting up the watch was simple and quick. I was able to sync it with my smartphone in just a few minutes. The interface is straightforward, with a clean, minimal design that makes it easy to navigate through the menus. If you like a geeky feature as I do, then it felt a bit disappointing.

The P22 is certainly functional, but not the most stylish. The watch face is plain, and while it looks fine, it’s not particularly eye-catching. The design feels a bit basic compared to the sleek and polished look of the Garmin Venu 3S. I would have expected to see a more elegant aesthetic if this device is being marketed as a lifestyle accessory as well as a fitness tracker. The watch is comfortable to wear and the screen, though static, is clear and easy to read. The display doesn’t have the high-end vibrancy or sharpness of premium watches, but it works just fine for daily use.

Popglory Smart Watch
©Yours

Over the course of two weeks, I tested all aspects of the watch, focusing mainly on the core fitness tracking functions like step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and blood pressure measurement. Unfortunately, the step counter was quite inaccurate. This discrepancy became especially evident during runs and walks, where I knew my actual step count was higher than the watch indicated. If you’re serious about step tracking, this might be a significant drawback. However, for casual users who just want a rough estimate, it may still suffice.

On the other hand, the sleep tracking feature seemed much more accurate. While I can’t verify its precision down to the minute, the overall data seemed to align well with my Garmin, and how I felt in the mornings, making it a useful tool for understanding my rest quality. The blood pressure readings from the Popglory P22 were debatable. If you're just looking for a general sense of your blood pressure trends, the watch will do fine. However, it’s important to note that the readings take a little while to process, and the accuracy can vary. For anyone who requires precise blood pressure readings, I would recommend using a dedicated monitor instead. One of the standout features of the P22 is its excellent battery life. After daily use, including tracking multiple activities each day, I was able to go several days between charges.

Popglory Smart Watch
©Yours

The primary selling point of this watch is its affordability. At its price, the Popglory Smart Watch P22 is a good deal. It offers the essential features of a fitness tracker at an affordable price, but it lacks the accuracy and advanced functionalities found in higher-end models. It works well for basic fitness tracking, but if you're looking for high-precision data, particularly for step counting and blood pressure readings, this watch may not meet all your needs.

Final verdict

This product is ideal for casual fitness enthusiasts or someone new to fitness tracking. It's best for individuals who want basic health data without breaking the bank. If you're a seasoned athlete or someone who requires detailed and highly accurate readings, you may want to look elsewhere. The battery life was the biggest highlight. It’s a simple, easy-to-use watch that’s perfect for someone who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a fitness tracker.

The Popglory Smartwatch P22 offers a decent performance for a budget smartwatch, especially considering its price point. The setup is easy, the battery life is impressive, and the sleep tracking is accurate enough for most users. However, its fitness tracking features, particularly the step counter, could use significant improvement. If you're looking for a watch to track your health and fitness in a precise and detailed way, this may not be the best choice, as there are better products available at a higher price point.

Popglory Smart Watch
©Yours

In conclusion, the Popglory Smartwatch P22 delivers on its promise as a budget-friendly fitness tracker, but its limitations in precision and design suggest it’s best suited for those looking for a simple, cost-effective entry into the world of smartwatches.

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