The smartwatch market is buzzing with new releases, but finding a device that balances robust features with a budget-friendly price tag can feel like a hunt for a unicorn. Enter Doogee, a brand known for its rugged and capable devices, which is now making a significant play in the wearable space with the new Doogee Anywise W1.
Positioned as the more accessible sibling to the advanced W1 Pro, the standard Anywise W1 is currently in a pre-order phase, offering early adopters a chance to secure one at a compelling price point. But with a $20 difference separating it from the Pro model, the big question is: what exactly are you getting, and more importantly, what are you missing? We’re diving deep to see if the base model is the smartwatch bargain of the year.
The Pro vs. The Base: Where the $20 Makes a Difference
At first glance, the price gap between the Doogee Anywise W1 and the W1 Pro seems minimal. However, the internal differences are substantial and could be a deal-breaker for some users.
The most significant divergence lies in memory and storage. The W1 Pro comes equipped with more RAM and a generous 2GB of internal storage. The standard Anywise W1, in contrast, operates with 256MB. This hardware limitation has a direct impact on one key feature: offline maps.
Without sufficient storage, the base model cannot store map data locally, meaning you cannot use it for navigation independently of your smartphone. For runners, hikers, and adventurers who rely on leaving their phone behind, this is a notable omission. The W1 Pro clearly holds the advantage for true offline independence.
Surprising Strengths: The Dual-Band GNSS Advantage
However, it's not all about compromises. In a surprising turn, the Doogee Anywise W1 boasts a sophisticated dual-band GNSS module. This means it can connect to multiple satellite constellations (like GPS, GLONASS, and BeiDou) across two frequency bands, significantly improving location accuracy, especially in challenging environments like dense cities or forested trails.
While you'll need your phone for the map interface, the watch itself will track your route with a level of precision often found in more expensive sports watches. This makes it an excellent tool for post-workout analysis on your preferred fitness app.
Design and Durability: A Rugged, Garmin-Esque Aesthetic
Picking up the Anywise W1, its build quality immediately impresses. Doogee has constructed the watch body from a zinc alloy, giving it a solid, premium feel on the wrist. The design, with its visible screws and prominent buttons, draws clear inspiration from the rugged aesthetic of Garmin's Fenix series—a very popular look among outdoor enthusiasts.
Complementing its tough build is a solid 5 ATM water-resistance rating. This means the watch can withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters, making it safe for swimming, showering, and surfing. You don’t have to baby this device.
For those interested in exploring this rugged new wearable, you can find more details and secure your pre-order directly on the official Doogee website. Check out the Doogee Anywise W1 here and see its full specifications.
Health and Connectivity Features: Well-Rounded for Daily Life
Beyond its rugged exterior, the Anywise W1 is packed with the health and connectivity features modern users expect.
Health Monitoring:
- Optical Heart Rate Sensor: Provides continuous heart rate monitoring.
- Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) Measurement: A crucial metric for understanding your overall wellness and exertion levels.
- Stress Monitoring: The watch can analyze heart rate variability to estimate your stress levels, prompting you to take a moment to breathe.
Smart Features:
Convenience is key, and the W1 delivers. With an integrated microphone and speaker, the watch doubles as a Bluetooth hands-free device. You can take calls directly from your wrist without fumbling for your phone. This integration also allows you to access and use your smartphone's digital assistant (like Google Assistant or Siri) for voice commands.
Display and Final Impressions
The watch face is a vibrant 1.43-inch AMOLED display, ensuring that your watch faces and notifications are sharp, colorful, and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. At 13.7mm thick, it has a substantial presence on the wrist, which aligns perfectly with its rugged, sporty character. An added LED light is a useful touch for quick glances in the dark.
The Verdict
The Doogee Anywise W1 presents a compelling case for the budget-conscious consumer who doesn't want to sacrifice core features. While the lack of offline maps due to limited storage is its primary drawback, it makes up for it with exceptional build quality, accurate dual-band GPS tracking, a brilliant AMOLED display, and a full suite of health monitors.
If your smartwatch usage revolves around phone-connected fitness tracking, health insights, smart notifications, and call handling, the Anywise W1 offers tremendous value. However, if true, phone-free navigation is a must-have, the Doogee Anywise W1 Pro is well worth the additional $20 investment. For everyone else, the base model stands as a rugged, reliable, and feature-rich smartwatch that punches well above its price class.
