Lenovo E1 smartwatch review: democratic sports hour under test

After a week in the company of the new Lenovo E1, we are here to offer more detailed impressions on the smartwatch that currently has the best price / performance ratio on the market.

The shape is certainly not original, but the display is excellent and the compromises given by the price are less marked than what one would expect: here and there still something to be fixed via software but the product is there and it is a good solution .

Lenovo E1, in prova l’ora sportiva democratica The Lenovo E1 during a run

  • 1 Lenovo E1, the review
  • 1.1 Second impression
  • 1.2 Smart, but without touch
  • 1.3 Display, the big surprise
  • 1.4 Smartwatch more or less
  • 1.5 During sports
  • 1.6 Considerations
  • 1.7 Pros:
  • 1.8 Cons:
  • 1.9 Price:
  • Lenovo E1, the review

    Second impression

    Compared to what we wrote in our first impressions of the Lenovo E1, the opinions have not changed, although obviously after a week some impressions have materialized.

    Aesthetically it is a zinc alloy smartwatch, with glass display and heart rate sensor on the inside.

    The strap is made of soft rubber, perhaps a little short for those with generous hands like the writer but it appears comfortable and with enough holes to prevent the wrist from sweating when it is (very) hot.

    Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni

    Smart, but without touch

    Contrary to what it seems from a quick glance, even knowing the competing models, the Lenovo E1 is not touch. Or yes, it depends on how you intend it.

    Let's explain: the display is not touch, the only touch part is a small touch button at the bottom of the display (you can see it against the light), which tends to all interaction.

    Also read:   Anker Soundcore Infini Pro review, the Dolby Atmos soundbar for everyone

    Incredible to say, but with a simple touch or a long touch you can do anything directly on the smartphone, even if here and there with obvious compromises (as for the music control).

    1 of 3 Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni

    Display, the big surprise

    The happiest note certainly comes from the display: large enough but very bright, well defined and always ready. Unbelievable to say, but the Lenovo E1 has one of the best displays around, which is enhanced by the fact that battery life is really important, admittedly ten days and in our opinion even more.

    There are three Faces available, all digital, where the first can be customized with a photo of your choice while the other two are simpler, but much more readable.

    The writer would have liked to have a hand mode (analog) but maybe it will come with a software update, but the fact remains that the display is brilliant and capable, even if not generous with animations.

    1 of 3 Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni

    Smartwatch more or less

    From a technical point of view, the Lenovo E1 is not a pure smartwatch, because it does not have an App Store, even if there is no lack of dialogue with the system that hosts it.

    Combined with an iPhone 8, it immediately asked to access Health data and also opened to notifications, all already active by default (a flaw in optimism), specific for messaging apps (Telegram is missing, too bad), generic for all the others. A small LED above the display shows that there is some notification pending.

    Lenovo E1, in prova l’ora sportiva democratica

    The heartbeat detection is not continuous, but only at the request of the user, who must select the App from the display and wait a few seconds: the activity is still recorded by the App.

    Also read:   MYNT review, the tracker that's not just a tracker

    Integrated apps are available for smartphone music control and remote shooting.

    Finally, the silent alarm clock: easy to configure, has too weak haptic feedback and lasts too short (only about ten seconds), comparable to a mosquito in the morning. You notice, but it takes more to get up.

    The App is simple but has all the things you really need: some Italian translations to improve, some “Faces” to insert but basically no real shortcomings.

    1 of 6 Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni Lenovo E1 in prova, le prime impressioni

    During sport

    Although Lenovo E1 is a smartwatch designed for the everyday user, it is inevitable that it will not be thought of even for some more intense activity, such as an outdoor run or something similar.

    In fact, the activities available directly from the E1 display include running, walking, football and some other side activities.

    During the activity, the display shows the main data in real time, recording everything as a memorandum in the display, which can also be retrieved at a later time (limited to the last activity). However, as we understand it, sports activity does not pass to the App, which instead limits itself to recording the sports sessions managed directly by the App itself, which at this point, we think, detects everything independently using the gyroscope and the GPS of the smartphone.

    A limit, undoubtedly, for those who place great importance on this aspect, but it is a limit probably given by the cost-effectiveness of the proposal, rather than a real flaw in the technology itself.

    1 of 3 Lenovo E1, in prova l’ora sportiva democratica Lenovo E1, in prova l’ora sportiva democratica Lenovo E1, in prova l’ora sportiva democratica

    Considerations

    The final considerations on this model are affected, we could not do without, the selling price of 35 Euros, a figure that is less than 10% of an Apple Watch and 20% of a Fitbit Versa, just to look at the most coveted models. on the market.

    Also read:   Vernee M6 review, comfortable, light and practical smartphone

    The construction is good, the display excellent, the functions are there: animations are missing (completely), something here and there to be fixed via software, some interactions are a bit cumbersome, unavoidable compromises and a limit from a sporting point of view that can be of interest or not according to personal tastes.

    The product is good, but it becomes excellent with an eye to the price: an excellent gift for those who do not have a smartwatch, or for those looking for one just to play sports (not professional) or even a little thought for themselves, at 35 Euro it is one whim that is worthwhile.

    Lenovo E1, in prova l’ora sportiva democratica

    Pro:

    • Unrivaled price / performance ratio • Unoriginal but elegant design • Excellent display • Very good battery life

    Cons:

    • Excellent characteristics, expressed at a basic level • Sports activity is not registered • The interaction via touch is not made for those in a hurry

    Price:

    • 53 Euro on offer with GearBest

    Currently available in black and green, the Lenovo E1 smartwatch can be purchased for only 32 euro by clicking on this direct link and applying the coupon H374D6C919E1D001 .

    The offer is valid while stocks last; for more information on shipping costs and times, any charges and order management, you can consult the seller's website.

    Leave a Comment