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| The Armor Watch Pro is built for durability |
If you’ve spent any time in the world of tough tech, you’ve likely heard the name Ulefone. The brand has carved out a solid reputation for crafting smartphones that can survive what life throws at them—quite literally. From construction sites to hiking trails, their rugged phones have been put through their paces. Now, Ulefone is applying that same durable DNA to a new category with the recently announced Armor Watch Pro, a smartwatch built not just for fitness, but for endurance.
Built to Endure: Water, Drops, and Daily Knocks
True to its "Armor" moniker, the watch is designed from the ground up for resilience. Ulefone claims a 5 ATM water-resistance rating, making it a capable companion for water sports like swimming, surfing, or simply enduring a downpour. While it might not be suited for deep-sea diving, it covers the vast majority of aquatic activities.
More impressively, the company states the watch meets the MIL-STD-810H standard. This military-grade certification suggests it can withstand shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. For anyone with an active job or adventurous hobbies, this promise of surviving accidental drops and daily bumps is a major selling point. This focus on durability is in Ulefone's blood, as seen in devices like the Ulefone Armor 27T Pro, a rugged phone that even packs night vision and a thermal imaging camera. You can read our in-depth review of that unique device here.
A Bright AMOLED Display with Tactile Controls
The Armor Watch Pro features a 1.5-inch AMOLED display with a sharp 466 x 466 pixel resolution. While its peak brightness is a modest 550 nits—which might challenge direct, bright sunlight—the AMOLED technology should ensure vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Ulefone has also made smart design choices for real-world use. Alongside physical buttons, the watch includes a pressable rotating crown. This is a crucial feature for usability with wet or gloved hands, where touchscreens often fail. The tactile controls ensure you can navigate menus and functions regardless of the conditions.
Feature Set: Strong Fundamentals with Some Omissions
The watch is equipped with a built-in GNSS module (supporting GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc.) for accurate outdoor activity tracking without needing your phone. However, it’s important to note that, unlike high-end multisport watches from brands like Garmin, the Armor Watch Pro lacks support for maps and on-wrist navigation. For detailed topographical maps and turn-by-turn guidance, you'd still be looking at options like the Garmin Fenix series, which you can find on Amazon.
For its core functionality, it covers the expected smartwatch bases well:
- Health & Fitness Tracking: Continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 measurement, sleep tracking, and support for multiple workout modes.
- Smart Features: An integrated microphone and speaker allow the watch to function as a Bluetooth speakerphone for calls and enable interaction with voice assistants.
- Battery Life: A 410 mAh battery is claimed to offer around one week of normal use, reducing constant charging anxiety—a key perk for a rugged device.
The Bottom Line
The Ulefone Armor Watch Pro shapes up to be a compelling option for those who prioritize durability and core functionality over niche smart features. It brings Ulefone’s proven rugged design philosophy to the wrist, with thoughtful touches like the rotating crown and a focus on week-long battery life.
The main trade-offs appear to be the lack of advanced navigation and a sunlight-visible display that may not be class-leading. As with many Ulefone launches, final pricing and specific availability dates are still to be confirmed. If the price is competitive, the Armor Watch Pro could become a go-to for adventurers, tradespeople, and anyone who needs a watch that works as hard as they do.
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| The smartwatch appears to lack support map-based navigation |