The world of smartwatches can be overwhelming, with prices ranging from affordable to exorbitant. I decided to explore the budget-friendly end of the spectrum with the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra. My goal was simple: to determine if this affordable gadget could genuinely enhance my daily routine or if it would become another forgotten accessory. Inspired by a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), I purchased the watch on Jumia, drawn to its affordability, health and fitness tracking features, and user-friendly design. After a full day of use, I’m sharing my initial, honest impressions. This isn’t a deep dive, just a regular person’s take on using this watch for health and tech.
First Impressions: Lightweight, Comfortable, and Minimalist
The first thing I noticed upon picking up the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra was its weight – or rather, lack thereof. Unlike some smartwatches that feel like wrist-worn rocks, this one is incredibly light. In fact, I occasionally forgot I was even wearing it. The silicone strap is soft and flexible, preventing skin irritation, a significant advantage for someone like me who dislikes sweaty, uncomfortable watches. The watch face boasts a sleek, simple design, avoiding flashy or tacky elements in favor of a clean, modern aesthetic. This minimalist style is a definite plus.
However, the screen brightness is a minor drawback. While perfectly clear and easy to read indoors, visibility diminishes under direct sunlight, requiring a slight wrist tilt for optimal viewing. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s worth noting.
Setup: Quick, Easy, and Stress-Free
I despise spending excessive time setting up new gadgets, so I was relieved that the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra offered a frustration-free experience. The setup process involved just three simple steps:
- Downloading the iPulse app from the App Store.
- Scanning the QR code on the watch.
- Pairing the watch with my phone via Bluetooth.
No unnecessary steps or complicated procedures were involved. I was up and running in under five minutes.
Health Tracking Features: The Good, the Useful, and What’s to Come
One of my primary motivations for purchasing this watch was to evaluate its health and fitness tracking capabilities. Here’s what I’ve observed so far:
Step Counter
I appreciate the step-tracking feature, which makes me more aware of my daily activity levels. After a short walk around my room, I checked the step count, and the results seemed reasonably accurate. While I didn’t manually count every step, the numbers appeared logical. I also appreciate the daily step goal of 4,000, which serves as a gentle reminder to stay active, a welcome nudge given our increasingly sedentary lifestyles.
Heart Rate Monitor
I tested the heart rate monitor several times throughout the day by holding my wrist still for a few seconds. The watch promptly displayed my heart rate. To assess its accuracy, I compared the readings to those from my mother’s blood pressure monitor. The numbers were quite close. While it might not be as precise as a medical-grade device, it serves its purpose for general health awareness.
Sleep Tracker
I’m particularly intrigued by the sleep tracking feature, which I haven’t yet tested. It supposedly tracks sleep patterns, measuring deep and light sleep duration. If accurate, this feature could be incredibly beneficial. Sleep often receives insufficient attention, despite its profound impact on mood, energy levels, and even weight. I plan to wear the watch overnight to evaluate its accuracy. If it inaccurately records five hours of sleep when I was awake scrolling through my phone at 2 a.m., there will be an issue.
Other Noteworthy Features
Beyond the core health tracking functions, the watch offers a few unexpected extras.
Synced Notifications
The watch syncs with my phone to display notifications. While direct message replies aren’t supported, I can quickly assess the importance of a message without reaching for my phone. Plus, I can even make calls with it, which is a neat touch.
Multiple Exercise Modes
Beyond basic step counting, the watch offers various workout modes, including walking, running, cycling, skipping, badminton, basketball, football, swimming, climbing, yoga, and more. These modes enable more accurate activity tracking compared to simple step counting. For example, selecting the running mode focuses on distance, speed, and calorie burn, differentiating it from walking. The watch also records workout time, which is useful for timing activities like skipping without relying on my phone’s stopwatch.
Battery Life: Promising Initial Results
After a full day of use, the battery remains strong, having been charged to 100% yesterday. Unlike some smartwatches requiring daily charging, this one is expected to last several days on a single charge. I’ll be monitoring its performance over the next week.
Areas for Improvement
No gadget is perfect, and the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra is no exception. Here are a few areas where improvements could be made:
- Screen brightness outdoors: As mentioned earlier, outdoor visibility could be better, particularly in direct sunlight.
- Lack of built-in GPS: While not a major concern for me, runners or those seeking detailed route tracking will need to rely on their phone’s GPS.
- Limited watch faces: While the available options are acceptable, greater customization through a wider variety of watch faces would be welcome.
Final Verdict: Is the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra Worth Buying?
If you’re in the market for an affordable smartwatch that performs the basics well – step tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and notifications – then the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra is definitely worth considering. It’s comfortable, user-friendly, and provides valuable health insights without unnecessary complexity. While it’s not a medical-grade device, it’s a valuable addition to your routine for everyday health and fitness awareness. I plan to continue using the watch and will provide an update if anything changes. For now, I’m pleased with its simplicity, functionality, and contribution to staying on top of my health.
In conclusion, the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra offers a compelling package for budget-conscious consumers seeking a functional and user-friendly wearable. Its lightweight design, comfortable fit, and essential health tracking features make it a worthwhile addition to daily life. While it has a few limitations, such as screen brightness in direct sunlight and the lack of built-in GPS, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses, particularly given its affordable price point. As a tool for promoting health awareness and basic fitness tracking, the Itel Smartwatch Storm Ultra proves to be a valuable and accessible option.