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BLU is selling a dumb smartwatch (or is it a smart fitness tracker?) for $50
- The BLU X Link watch has an introductory price of $50, but lacks the WearOS platform.
- Blu’s watch might not have an app store, but it does have cellular connectivity via 2G networks.
- The wearable also offers a heart rate monitor, pedometer, and sleep tracking functionality.
If your name isn’t Apple, chances are good that you’re not selling loads of smartwatches. Now budget U.S. mobile brand BLU has taken a different approach with its X Link watch.
The new watch is available to pre-order on Amazon for an introductory price of $50. For this price, compromises will be made, so what has the company cut from the watch?
For one, the watch uses its proprietary platform instead of Wear OS. Unfortunately, it also lacks an app store, so you have to be content with the preinstalled apps. It does link up to your phone via Bluetooth and the BLU Fitness app though, delivering notifications to your wrist and fitness data to your phone.
Another major compromise is in the cellular department. Now, cellular connectivity isn’t usually seen in budget watches from major brands, but the BLU X Link watch only packs 2G support for phone calls and texts (that’s not a typo). The smartwatch also offers IP54 water/dust protection, so it’ll survive a sweaty wrist or light rain, but don’t go swimming with it.
Nevertheless, it seems to have some solid fitness tracking capabilities, featuring a heart-rate monitor, pedometer and sleep tracking functionality. In fact, given the lack of apps, Google Assistant, I’d say it’s less smartwatch and more fitness tracker, if anything.
As far as other features go, it packs a 1.1-inch IPS display, 4MB of user-accessible storage (presumably a typo), and a 320mAh battery. The device is available in gold, rose gold, grey and black.
Intrigued by the BLU X Link smartwatch? Then check out the Amazon pre-order page via the button below.