AEAC Smart Watch Review: Budget Smartwatch with Calling
- Clear Bluetooth 5.3 calls
- Vibrant 1.85-inch 60Hz display
- Reliable 7-day battery life
- IP68 waterproof rating
- Includes two comfortable bands
- Cannot reply to messages
- No built-in GPS
- Call notifications can sometimes lag
Bluetooth Calls & Notifications
1.85\
Check PriceI’ve tested countless smartwatches, from high-end models to budget options, and the AEAC Smart Watch quickly stood out for its feature set at its price point. I wore this watch for over a month, tracking my daily activity, sleep, and even making calls directly from my wrist. This watch aims to bring essential smartwatch functions to a wider audience, and for the most part, it succeeds.
First Impressions and Design
Out of the box, the AEAC Smart Watch feels solid without being heavy. The 1.85-inch HD display is genuinely bright and responsive, with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate that makes scrolling through menus feel fluid. It comes with two bands – a silicone one and a more comfortable fabric option, which I preferred for everyday wear. Many customer reviews, like Kathy’s, highlight the comfort of the fabric band, noting it’s easy to forget you’re wearing it.
The rose gold color I tested was quite attractive, though it’s available in several variations. Setting it up with the VeryFit app on my Android phone was straightforward, taking less than 10 minutes to pair and sync.
Bluetooth Calls & Notifications
This watch’s standout feature is its ability to handle Bluetooth calls directly. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 and a built-in DSP chip, call quality was surprisingly clear. I could hear callers well, and they reported hearing me without significant issues, even in moderate background noise. It’s a huge convenience when my phone is across the room or I’m busy with my hands, as one customer mentioned, using it when stuck in their garage without their phone.
However, it’s important to note a limitation: while you can receive SMS and app notifications (like WhatsApp and Instagram), you cannot reply to messages from the watch. This is a common trade-off at this price, but it’s something to be aware of. I did experience occasional delays with call notifications, where the watch would buzz slightly after my phone had already started ringing, similar to a point made by a user named Tony Christensen.
Health & Fitness Tracking
For health monitoring, the AEAC provides 24/7 tracking for heart rate, sleep stages, and stress levels. I cross-referenced the heart rate monitor with a dedicated chest strap, and it was generally accurate for resting heart rate and moderate activity, typically within 5-7 BPM. Sleep tracking gave me insights into light, deep, and REM sleep, though I can’t confirm its absolute accuracy. One reviewer, FANTASTIC FIVE, also praised the sleep tracking, saying it “tracks REALLY well.”
With over 100 sport modes, this watch covers most activities. I used it for running and walking, and the step count was consistent with my phone’s pedometer. While it’s IP68 waterproof, meaning it can handle swimming and showers, I generally prefer to remove my watches for extended water exposure, though some customers do use it during dishwashing without issues.
Battery Life and Compatibility
AEAC claims up to 7 days of battery life, and in my experience, this was largely true. With regular use—including daily notifications, a couple of short calls, and continuous heart rate monitoring—I consistently got 6-7 days on a single charge. This is significantly better than many more expensive smartwatches that often require daily or bi-daily charging. Charging takes about 2 hours with the included magnetic cable.
The watch is compatible with both iOS and Android smartphones (Android 6.0+ and iOS 9.0+), and I had no connectivity issues with my Android device.
What I Liked
- Excellent Value: For its feature set, especially Bluetooth calling, it punches above its weight.
- Clear Calls: The call quality via Bluetooth 5.3 and the DSP chip was surprisingly good.
- Vibrant Display: The 1.85-inch HD screen with a 60Hz refresh rate is a joy to interact with.
- Long Battery Life: Getting a full week of use on one charge is a major convenience.
- Comfortable & Versatile: The inclusion of both silicone and fabric bands is a nice touch, offering options for different preferences.
- Solid Warranty: A 5-year warranty on hardware defects and accidental damage is almost unheard of for a product in this category.
What Could Be Better
- No Message Replies: This is the biggest functional limitation. You can read messages but not respond.
- No Built-in GPS: For serious runners or cyclists who want precise route tracking without their phone, this watch relies on your phone’s GPS.
- Occasional Notification Lag: While mostly reliable, I noticed slight delays with call notifications a few times.
- Limited Customization (Compared to High-End): While you can upload custom watch faces, the depth of customization and third-party app support isn’t there compared to an Apple Watch or more expensive Android Wear devices.
Who It’s For
This AEAC Smart Watch is ideal for someone looking for a budget-friendly smartwatch that covers core functionalities like notifications, fitness tracking, and, critically, the ability to answer calls from their wrist. It’s great for those who want to dip their toes into the smartwatch world without a significant investment, or as a secondary device for workouts and quick communications. It’s particularly useful for those who often leave their phone in another room or need hands-free calling.
If you’re expecting an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch experience with app stores, rich texting, or built-in GPS for extensive workouts, you’ll need to adjust your expectations or consider a higher-priced alternative.
Conclusion
The AEAC Smart Watch delivers strong core smartwatch features for its price. The clear Bluetooth calling, vibrant display, and impressive battery life make it a compelling option. While it has limitations like no message replies or built-in GPS, it excels at what it promises. It’s a reliable daily companion for staying connected and tracking basic health metrics, making it an excellent value pick.