NO.1 D6 Android Smartwatch Review

NO.1 D6 Android Smartwatch Review

Chinese maker No.1 is well known for its smartwatch models. Their new Android smartwatch model D6 Offers almost identical specifications compared to an entry-level spec quad-core phone. The D6 offers a more clear-cut rectangular display than the previous generation and also should feature a metal body, leather strap, running under Android 5.1 Lollipop. Product specifications include MTK 6580 Quad-core Processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB EMMC Flash, 1.63 inches 320×320 pixels capacitive touch screen, 450mAh Li-polymer Battery, Bluetooth V.40, Built-in Wi-Fi support including Nano SIM Slot for GSM / WCDMA Connectivity.

NO.1 D6 Android Smart Watch Features

• Model: D6
• OS: Android 5.1
• CPU:  Quad-core MT6580  (Up to 1.3 GHz).
• GPU: Mali-400 MP
• Colors: Black, Silver, Golden
• Multi-Language Support (Android 5.1)
• Battery: 450 mAh Li-polymer battery
• Nano Sim Card Slot:  For Phone Calls / Web Surfing Functions.
• Android Applications from Google Play store.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth 4.0
• Display: 1.63-inch Curved Tempered Glass Screen for high responsiveness
• Functions: Pedometer, Phone book, Calls reminding, Anti-lost, Sleep monitoring, Call answer, Find phone, Sync SMS, Sedentary Reminder, Heart rate monitor, Sync.

Specifications

Package

The product came in a compact and straightforward colored package with the main specifications listed on the right side of the box.

Unboxing ( Package Content )

• 1x User Manual.
• 1x D6 Smart Watch.
• 1x Charging / Data Cable.
• 1x Mini Stylus Pen

Hands-on Review

Build Quality

Both product design and build quality look solid. I didn’t find any problems or defects in the external product design. Quality and feel were excellent as you would buy a premium watch.

Appearance

The D6 comes in three colors: back, golden, and silver. The watch comes with a metallic frame with a glossy, shiny surface which gives the product a clean and elegant look. As for the watch straps, they are not made from leather, but they look good.

At the bottom of the display, there are three navigation touch keys: Back, Home, and the settings key, which are similar standard keys used in regular mobile phones. On the right side of the watch, you can find a standard power on/off button.

Display

The D6 comes with a square-shaped capacitive two points touch screen display panel, measuring 1.63 inches with a resolution of 320×320 pixels, protected by hardened and durable Sapphire crystal glass. From the first impression, the screen responded well and has above average picture quality. With some eyes and finger coordination, you can also type with the virtual keyboard, without using the screen pointer that is also included in the package.

Software, Hardware, Performance

Software

The D6 runs under a customized android 5.1 OS. It is important to note that we are not talking about the official Android Wear OS, specially designed for smartwatches.  After playing with google play store, I didn’t have any issues installing and running apps. The screen, like any small-sized screen, has its limitations. For small watches, its highly recommended installing applications that support voice functions, which makes it a lot easier to communicate and get output information vs. just trying to click on small letters in a super small virtual keyboard that usually occupies art lest 30% of the watch screen.

NO.1 D6 | Software UI 

Updating Device Software (Manual)

Updating device firmware is very easy and done with the special USB charging cable. The cable is used to charge the unit and also update device firmware when new feature updates come out. The updating process is exactly as updating a phone. The tools needed are the USB Driver, SP Flash Tool, and the firmware files that also contain the device scatter file.

OTA Software Updates

Another alternative updating method to update device firmware through the OTA (Over the Air) feature, available under Settings ->About equipment ->Wireless update.

Watch Helper 

Because the D6 Watch doesn’t have any OTG port for transferring data to other external devices, it comes pre-installed with the “Watch Helper” App tool that enables the user to send/receive files to other mobile devices, such as phones or Tablet PCs through a Bluetooth connection.

Pushing Notifications 

One of the coolest features this watch has to offer is the ability to push (Display) notifications from the phone through the smartwatch. This feature is available in the “Watch Helper” App. With this tool, users can select the default app on the phone to push to the watch. The future support notifications on incoming e-mails, IM, SMS messages, or for example, when incoming phone calls are missed.

Note:  The “Watch Helper” App is available for both Android and iOs operating systems.

Selecting Apps to be pushed trough “Watch Helper” (Android App)

 Hardware

The NO.1 D6 is powered with an MT6580M Quad-core Processor running at clock speeds up to 1.3GHz along with Mali 400 MP GPU. Computing power is equivalent to an entry-level smartphone that sold between 50-70 USD. That said, the system worked very smoothly for me without glitches or any freezes. In my benchmark tests, this device was tested with the latest AnTuTu v6.1.4 and ranked 23213.

NO.1 D6 AnTuTu Test Results

Heart Rate Sensor

One of the highlights of this watch is the heart measuring function. From my few tests, this feature did not give accurate readings compared to a Digital Blood pressure monitor / Heartbeat (Heart Rate) Detector.

Test Results:

1. Watch reading: 76 bpm
2.  Heart rate / Blood pressure monitor: 63 bpm

Storage Space

The Unit comes with 8GB internal eMMC internal storage space with a clean ROM that includes the following pre-installed applications:

• WhatsApp
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Weather
• heart rate
• Barometer
• Pedometer
• AppStore

The only drawback with this product is the internal storage space of 8GB eMMC limitation and also the fact that the manufacturer didn’t add a Micro SD expansion card slot. After installing a few applications that included the “Here Maps” Navigation App, the total remaining space left was approximate ~4GB.

Connectivity

The D6 comes with a Nano Sim Card Slot. To reach it, you need to open the back cover of the unit as you would open a phone back cover. Because I didn’t have any Nano Sim in my reach, my tests when the device was connected to a home Wi-Fi LAN. Streaming YouTube and also running speed test applications showed that everything worked fine and smoothly. Important to note that just like with a phone watch, the battery is drained faster when enabling the GPS and 3G functions. If you don’t use them regularly, its best to keep them disabled to consume power.

Speaker

Both Sound Quality and Audio levels were good in comparison to a mobile phone. More than enough for making voice calls with Skype, WeChat, Facebook, WhatsApp, and so forth. Pointing out again that voice supported apps are highly recommended for smooth operation, with minimal need for typing. Recommended Applications that worked well for me are Google Voice Search and Google Translator.

Microphone

Microsoft sensitivity was tested with the default “Sound Record” Application that comes pre-installed with the Android system. Test results were relatively good considering that the device is not intended to be used as a “Tape recorder.” to get a bright and high volume, you will need to be in a distance range of about ~1M. If you are still interested in using the watch as a voice recorder, Product Its more practical for recording business-related conversations.

GPS

Worked “out of the box” without any need for special tweaking with third end Apps. GPS performance was also tested with GPS Test Application, available in google play store. From a total of 12 views (viewable satellites), 7 – 9 were active with an accuracy of 10-12 feet, which is considered to be a relatively good result. In the second test, GPS performed well navigating with “Here Maps” application in offline mode, without any active data (Internet) connection.

Battery

Under the back cover of the D6 watch, you will find a 3.7v 450mah Li-ion Polymer Battery, that is connected to the watch PCB via a mini connector plug. The battery itself is detachable, but it is not recommended to remove it unless it’s defective or has problems. Just beneath the battery, you will find a Nano type Sim card slot. According to the manufacturer, the watch can work in low power mode (Standby) for about 2-3 days. Again, it depends on what settings are enabled. The brightness level of the screen can also be changed according to specific environment needs and help consume more power.

Final verdict

The D6 is a great watch with excellent design and high build quality. As an end-user, I prefer not to operate it with a 3G connection. What I do recommend is using it with the “Watch Helper” App to get notifications from a phone and also occasionally connect to Wi-Fi public networks when available for some voice messaging. Bottom line, highly recommended product and defiantly worth the price.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent Design.
• Excellent Build Quality.
• Lots of Features.
• Cost-Effective.

Cons:

• No Micro SD Card Slot.
• Inaccurate Heart Rate Sensor.