Apple Watch has a new rival, and it’s one that Apple should be worried about. That’s not because the new Ticwatch is better, but because it’s ultra-affordable at under $100.
For that, you get a simple and colorful design, GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and Android Wear 2.0.
Ticwatch comes in two models — Ticwatch E and Ticwatch S — both of which give you pretty much everything you get from an Apple Watch for around a third of the price. They’re almost identical, but there is one subtle difference.
Ticwatch S (which stands for “Sport”) is the more expensive model, with its GPS antenna build into its fixed strap for better tracking. Ticwatch E (which stands for “Express”) is slightly more affordable, with its GPS is built into its body and replaceable straps.
The S is also a bit heavier at 45.5 grams, while the E weighs just 41.5 grams. Both offer the latest version of Android Wear with all of Google’s newest features, plus 1.4-inch OLED displays with 287 pixels-per-inch, Bluetooth 4.1 and Wi-Fi connectivity, and a 300mAh battery.
They also have heart rate monitors — something you don’t usually see in more affordable smartwatches — and they’re IP67-rated for water-resistance. Color options currently available include lemon, shadow black, and ice white.
To take advantage of the ultra-low pricing, you’ll need to pre-order Ticwatch through Kickstarter, where the E model is just $99 at early bird pricing, and the S starts at $119. When they eventually hit retail, they’ll cost $159 and $199 respectively.
