I recently spent a day with the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra, not out of necessity, but out of curiosity. I wanted to determine if it would genuinely enhance my daily routine or simply become another forgotten gadget. After seeing a viral post on X (Twitter) raving about it, I decided to give it a try. This review offers an honest, unbiased perspective on using this watch as an everyday individual interested in both health and technology.
The Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra immediately caught my attention on Jumia. Its affordability, combined with a range of health and fitness tracking features, made it particularly appealing. After unboxing and wearing it for a full day, here are my initial thoughts.
This review covers everything from its lightweight design and easy setup to its health tracking capabilities and other notable features. I’ll also touch on a few areas where I feel the watch could be improved. My goal is to provide a comprehensive overview to help you decide if this smartwatch is the right fit for you.
First Impressions: Lightweight, Comfortable, and Minimalist
The first thing I noticed upon picking up the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra was its weight – or rather, the lack thereof. It’s incredibly light, a welcome change from some smartwatches that feel bulky on the wrist. At times, I even forgot I was wearing it.
The silicone strap is soft and flexible, ensuring no skin irritation, which is a significant advantage for someone like me who dislikes uncomfortable, sweaty watch straps. The watch face boasts a sleek, minimalist design, free from flashy or tacky elements. Its clean, modern aesthetic is perfect for those who appreciate simplicity.
One minor drawback is the screen brightness. While it appears clear and easily readable indoors, visibility can be challenging under direct sunlight. Adjusting the wrist angle helps, but it’s worth noting.
Setup: Quick and Easy, No Stress
I appreciate gadgets that don’t require a lengthy setup process. Fortunately, setting up the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra was a breeze. The steps were straightforward:
- Download the iPulse app from the App Store.
- Scan the QR code on the watch.
- Pair it with my phone via Bluetooth.
The entire process took less than five minutes, free from unnecessary complications. This user-friendly setup is a definite plus.
Health Tracking Features: The Good, the Useful, and What I’m Yet to Try
One of my primary reasons for purchasing this smartwatch was to evaluate its health and fitness tracking capabilities. Here’s what I’ve observed so far:
Step Counter
I appreciate the step counter feature, as it promotes awareness of my daily activity levels. After taking a short walk around my room, the step count seemed reasonably accurate. The watch also sets a daily goal of 4,000 steps, which serves as a gentle reminder to stay active.
Heart Rate Monitor
I tested the heart rate monitor throughout the day and compared the results with my mother’s blood pressure monitor. The readings were quite similar. While it may not be as precise as a medical-grade device, it’s sufficient for general health awareness.
Sleep Tracker
I’m particularly interested in the sleep tracker, which I plan to test soon. It claims to measure sleep patterns, distinguishing between deep and light sleep. If accurate, this feature could be incredibly valuable, as sleep quality significantly impacts mood, energy levels, and even weight.
Other Features I’ve Noticed So Far
Beyond the core health tracking features, the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra offers a few additional functionalities.
Synced Notifications
The watch syncs seamlessly with my phone to display notifications. While direct message replies aren’t possible, it’s convenient to quickly assess message importance without reaching for my phone. The ability to make calls is an unexpected bonus.
Different Exercise Modes
The inclusion of multiple workout modes, such as walking, running, cycling, skipping, badminton, basketball, football, swimming, climbing, and yoga, enhances its fitness tracking capabilities. These modes enable more accurate activity tracking compared to basic step counting. The watch also records workout duration, which is useful for timing activities like skipping.
Battery Life – So far, So good
After a full day of use, the battery is still performing well. Unlike some smartwatches that require daily charging, this model is expected to last several days on a single charge. I’ll continue to monitor its performance over the next week.
What I Wish Was Better (So Far)
While the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra offers several advantages, there are a few areas for improvement:
- Screen Brightness Outdoors: As mentioned earlier, the screen visibility could be better in direct sunlight.
- No Built-In GPS: This isn’t a major concern for me, but runners or those who prefer detailed route tracking will need to rely on their phone’s GPS.
- Limited Watch Faces: While the available options are decent, a wider selection of watch faces would be appreciated.
Conclusion: Is the Itel Smartwatch Worth Getting?
If you’re in the market for an affordable smartwatch that excels at the basics, such as step tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and displaying notifications, the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra is definitely worth considering. It’s comfortable, user-friendly, and provides valuable health insights without being overly complex. While it shouldn’t be considered a medical device, it’s a great tool for enhancing everyday fitness and well-being.
I plan to continue using the watch to assess its long-term performance. I recommend it to those seeking a simple, functional, and effective way to monitor their health.