First impression of Elephone W2
The Smartwatch was kindly given to me for this review by TOMTOP made available.
The Elephone W2 is delivered in a modern watch box. In addition to the smartwatch, the watch strap made of real leather, two replacement button cells from the manufacturer Hitachi Maxell (CR2032), a watchmaker's screwdriver made of stainless steel and an instruction manual in English were included.
The smartwatch itself is available in two design variations, "Classic Silver" and "Champagne Gold". The first is an angular design, the second variation has a rounded housing. Stainless steel was used in both variations. You can also choose between “Stylish Striped” and “Retro Khaki” for the real leather watch strap.
The champagne-colored version of the watch that I tested is superbly processed. The case has no flaws, the back sits firmly on the case, closed with four screws, and the control buttons on the side have a very good pressure point, and the buttons have no play whatsoever. The sapphire watch glass also sits neatly. The watch strap was delivered separately and is attached to the case by means of a sliding clasp. A battery was already in the watch, so it was ready to go right away.
Commissioning the Elephone W2
In order to be able to use the smart functions of the Elephone W2, you have to download the so-called "ELE App" from the Google PlayStore or Appstore. Alternatively, there is a QR code on the back of the operating instructions that can be used to obtain a direct link to the app. The app is compatible with Android 4.3 and iOS 7 or higher.
How to connect the smartwatch to the ELE app is explained in the operating instructions in good English. German instructions were not included. After pressing the power button for 3 seconds, the smartwatch switches on. The 10 notification LEDs light up one after the other. To get into the Bluetooth pairing mode, you have to briefly press the power button again. The clock was then displayed directly in the app. A connection was established after brief confirmation. Then you have to enter your age, height and weight. Once the clock is set up, the app and Elephone W2 will automatically synchronize.
Features and App
Externally, the Elephone Smartwatch appears as a conventional, analog wristwatch. But inside, in addition to the well-known Ronda 762 quartz movement from the Swiss manufacturer of the same name, “Ronda”, a lot of modern electronics have been installed. Here is an overview of all functions and my assessment of them:
Call notification: The watch vibrates when a call comes in. Within the app, you can set the period from which the smartwatch should vibrate (3-30 seconds). Unfortunately this function didn't work for me. There was no vibration whatsoever with two tested smartphones. The app also did not appear under the apps with notification access, nor could it be added there.
Sleep monitor: The sleep monitor is comparable to that of a Mi Band. The time of falling asleep and waking up can be read in the app. In addition, deep sleep, light sleep and the time you were awake are displayed in hours and minutes. But here I would clearly prefer a fitness bracelet to the Elephone W2. Going to sleep with a watch is not what I want. However, I kept the watch on for one night to test the sleep monitor. The result is roughly the same as that of a Mi Band. It is also a bit annoying that you have to activate sleep mode using the control buttons on the clock.
Personal coach: The smartwatch has an integrated pedometer that counts the steps taken every day. Within the app, the steps taken, the distance covered and the calories burned are displayed. A daily goal can also be set. The daily goal can also be called up via the control buttons on the clock and is displayed via the 10 small LEDs. The values I recorded are also based on the values of a Mi band. There are minor deviations, but at the end of the day both results were almost the same.
Both the recorded values for sleep and for physical fitness can be viewed in the weekly, monthly and yearly review of the ELE app.
Movement reminder: After a set period of time without movement, the Elephone W2 vibrates to remind you to move again. You can specify which day of the week the clock should remind you of and within which period.
Alarm function: An integrated alarm function that works independently of the alarm function of the smartphone. Different profiles and days of the week can be set here within the app. However, I would not rely on the alarm function. The vibration is very weak and also short.
Camera: A separate camera app has been integrated into the ELE app. You can take pictures by pressing the control buttons on the smartwatch. Unfortunately, you have to rely on the integrated app and cannot use an alternative or standard camera app.
Find Phone: I couldn't find any function from this "function" either.
Elephone W2
High quality manufacturing
Attractive design
Genuine leather strap
Easy handling
Accurate pedometer
button cell
App in need of improvement
Weak vibration
The Elephone W2 makes everything right from the hardware point of view. The software is very much in need of improvement. Functions are sometimes poorly implemented or do not work at all. Although the important fitness functions and the sleep monitor work, the app could be extended and improved especially from the point of view of the notification functions.
Nonetheless, the Elephone Smartwatch has an excellent concept. The fact that the watch has a battery life of 3 months and is watertight until 30 Meter is a big plus point. Should the manufacturer devote to the ELE app in the near future and improve it, then this watch is a clear winner in the field of analog watches with smart functions.
Frank
11. April 2016 17 to: 21
Very nice review. Were you able to display notifications from WhatsApp on the Elephone W2?
Timo admin
12. April 2016 10 to: 01
Hello Frank, unfortunately notifications are not yet working with this watch. A call notification has been integrated, but this also rarely works.