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| Rowatch 12: Low-cost smartwatch with an AMOLED screen |
The budget smartwatch market is a crowded and often confusing place. Every month, a new contender emerges from relative obscurity, promising premium health tracking features for a fraction of the price of an Apple Watch or a Samsung Galaxy Watch. The latest device to enter the ring is the Rogbid Rowatch 12.
At first glance, the Rowatch 12 looks like a impressive value proposition. With a sleek design and a list of features that includes everything from heart rate monitoring to stress tracking, it certainly ticks a lot of boxes. But as with many ultra-budget wearables, the fine print—and the reality of the technology inside—tells a more complex story.
The ECG Question: Can It Really Read Your Heart?
The standout feature advertised by Rogbid is the smartwatch's ability to create and analyse electrocardiograms (ECGs). For those unfamiliar, ECG technology is a significant health tool that monitors the electrical activity of the heart to detect conditions like Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). Until recently, this was a feature reserved for high-end medical devices and premium smartwatches.
Technically speaking, generating a waveform is achievable even for low-cost wearables. The underlying sensor technology required to capture an electrical signal is relatively simple, and we have previously seen budget watches manage to produce a raw ECG tracing.
However, the crucial distinction lies not in generating the data, but in interpreting it correctly. The Rogbid Rowatch 12 claims to offer "analysis," but it is entirely unclear whether the onboard algorithms can accurately distinguish between a healthy sinus rhythm and a potentially dangerous arrhythmia.
Unsurprisingly, the Rowatch 12 is not a certified medical device. This is a vital distinction for consumers. For context, certified devices like the Samsung Galaxy Watch series have undergone rigorous clinical validation to ensure their readings are accurate enough to be trusted by users and, in some cases, shared with physicians.
Dubious Health Metrics and Missing Hardware
Beyond the ECG questions, the product page for the Rowatch 12 makes several other claims that warrant considerable scepticism. Among them is a supposed ability to assess depression risk and monitor blood pressure.
While optical sensors can track heart rate and blood oxygen levels (SpO2)—both of which the Rowatch 12 does via its optical sensor—they cannot measure cuff-less blood pressure reliably without frequent calibration from a real blood pressure cuff. Furthermore, the claim regarding "depression risk" is vague and, in the context of a $60 smartwatch, medically dubious. Such assessments typically require complex psychological evaluations and are not something a wrist-based sensor can accurately determine.
For fitness enthusiasts, another major omission is a GNSS module. While the optical heart rate sensor can help monitor exercise intensity during a workout, the lack of built-in GPS/GNSS means the watch cannot accurately track your pace or distance during outdoor activities like running or cycling without being tethered to your smartphone. For serious runners, this is a dealbreaker.
Design, Durability, and Pricing
From a purely aesthetic standpoint, the Rowatch 12 holds its own. It features a 1.47-inch AMOLED display, which should offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, and it comes housed in a stainless steel case, giving it a premium feel that belies its low price point.
However, potential buyers should pay close attention to the durability rating. The device is only IP68 certified. While this means it is dust-tight and can handle splashes, rain, and hand washing, it is not fully waterproof. The fine print here is critical: you should not wear this watch while swimming or submerge it intentionally. If you are a swimmer or enjoy hot showers with your watch, the IP68 rating is a significant limitation compared to the 5ATM or dive-grade ratings found on many competitors.
Price and Availability
So, how much does this feature-packed but question-filled wearable cost? The Rogbid Rowatch 12 is available now from the official Rogbid store for US$60.
The Verdict
The Rogbid Rowatch 12 is a classic example of the budget wearable dilemma. It offers a beautiful screen and a long list of features for a very accessible price. For $60, you are getting an AMOLED display and basic fitness tracking.
However, the health features must be taken with a massive grain of salt. While the watch may be able to generate an ECG trace, its ability to interpret it is unproven and unregulated. If you are looking for a reliable smartwatch for serious health insights, you may want to invest in a certified medical device like the Samsung Galaxy Watch models available here on Amazon.
If you are intrigued purely by the design and the low cost, you can check out the Rogbid Rowatch 12 directly via the official product page. Just remember to manage your expectations regarding those advanced health claims.
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| The smartwatch can generate electrocardiograms. |
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| It can also monitors blood oxygen levels and heart rate. |