- Mobvoi has unveiled the TicWatch Pro S, an update to last year’s TicWatch Pro.
- You’ll find better durability, VO2 Max tracking, and swimming support.
- However, it’s also selling for $259.99 with a Snapdragon Wear 2100 from 2016.
Mobvoi is giving last year’s TicWatch Pro a (mostly) welcome update. The company has introduced the TicWatch Pro S, a refresh to improve health and fitness features. The Wear OS device is available now in the US, UK, and Europe from Mobvoi’s site and Amazon for $259.99.
The TicWatch Pro S promises “increased durability,” including IP68 water and dust resistance for swimming sessions. You can also expect an expanded 8GB of storage and a slew of software upgrades like VO2 Max (maximum oxygen volume) tracking, more in-depth sleep monitoring, a breathing exercise app, and noise warnings.
Beyond that, you’ll find a familiar 1.39-inch, 400×400 AMOLED main display as well as a signature “Essential Mode” screen that delivers only basic info, but promises outdoor readability and up to 30 days of battery life. That low-power panel is now available while you use Essential Mode on the TicWatch Pro S to both reduce battery drain and keep your watch from lighting up in the middle of the night.
Read more: The best Wear OS watches
You can also count on NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, and a 415mAh battery reportedly good for two to five days of typical use.
However, there’s a catch. Despite the various upgrades, the TicWatch Pro S is running a Snapdragon Wear 2100 — a chip Qualcomm unveiled in 2016. It’s a far cry from the Wear 4100 chip in Mobvoi’s own TicWatch Pro 3, and may feel outdated even next to the Wear 3100 in other Wear OS watches.
That could make the wristwear a tough sell. You can buy a number of Wear OS watches with comparable fitness features in this general price range. The TicWatch Pro 3 also doesn’t cost that much more despite its faster chip and larger battery. You’ll still save some money, but it might not be an easy choice.
