Why Is This Smartwatch So Expensive? Zepp E REVIEW

Some days ago, we posted an article about Amazfit GTR 2. Now, we have another new smartwatch from the same company – Zepp E. The manufacturer of both watches is Huami.

You know, even the application on the smartphone for Amazfit GTR 2 is called Zepp, just like the watch we’re going to talk about in this review.

Zepp E is about $70 more expensive than Amazfit GTR 2. You can buy this watch for $250. However, is it better than Amazfit GTR 2? Let’s talk about the main features of the new Zepp watch.

Unboxing

So, here is the box of Zepp E smartwatch. On the front, we can see the watch in full size, and the Zepp logo.

On the back, there is information about Huami company. You can also see that I have a circle version with a diameter of 42mm and a polar night black color.

When you open the box, you will see a smartwatch with a factory film and leather strap. There is also a charging cable, user manual, and another longer strap for those who have a large wrist.

You know, this is the first watch I have tested that has a second strap included. Overall, the box and the package of Zepp E tells us that this is a premium watch.

Design

The first impression of the Zepp E smartwatch is that it is very compact and lightweight. For comparison, this is my Amazfit GTR. As you can see, Zepp E is much smaller.

The size of the new Zepp smartwatch is 42.2 by 42.2 by 9.1mm.

Yes, this watch has a thickness of only 9.1mm. Also, the watch is very lightweight – only 32 grams.

I have a version with a polar night black color. The front of the watch is black, but the main case is silver.

On the right side, we can see a physical button, but it is rectangular, not round, like the other watches.

On the back, there is a heart rate sensor, SpO2 blood oxygen sensor, and charging connectors.

My smartwatch has a black leather strap, so, this is not a sport version. However, the watch has many sport modes, including swimming in the pool. If you plan to play sports with this watch, then I recommend buying a silicone strap. You can buy any strap you want, but make sure it is 20mm wide.

By the way, as I already said, Zepp E has the second leather strap in the package. It is longer than the first one – 130 mm.

So, the new Zepp E really looks and feels like a premium watch. It is compact and very lightweight. The body is made of high-quality stainless steel, while the strap is leather. This watch is good for both men and women.

Display

You know, Zepp E smartwatch is available with circle and square display. As you can see, I have a circle version. It has a 1.28 inch diagonal and 416 by 416 pixels.

This is an AMOLED touch panel. The screen is very good. The problem with budget watches is that you can see nothing on the screen in direct sunlight. However, Zepp E doesn’t have this problem.

Finally, let’s turn the watch on and look at the functions.

Functions

Before using the watch, you need to download the app on your smartphone and bind the watch. Later we will talk about the app.

You know, the user interface and most functions of Zepp E are the same as Amazfit GTR 2. The watch has three watch faces pre-installed, but you can download much more through the app on your smartphone. Also, the watch faces support widgets, so you can choose what information is displayed on the screen.

In the quick settings menu, you can see the time and date, battery level, weather, connection with the mobile device. Also, you can use some useful functions, such as flashlight, screen brightness, do not disturb mode, battery saver mode, screen lock, find phone, and theater mode.

The screen with new notifications is at the bottom. You can also swipe left or right to check your daily activity, such as steps and distance, measure heart rate, control music on your smartphone, check the weather, and PAI.

The menu with all apps and functions is opened by pressing the physical button on the right side. Here is PAI, Heart Rate, SpO2, Workout, Activities, Stress, Activity goal, Weather, Music, Alarm, Events, Widgets, and Settings menu.

In the settings, you can choose the watch face, adjust the screen brightness, select the time for auto screen off, turn on/off always on display, as well as choose the style for always on display. You can also adjust the vibration power of the watch.

Now, I want to measure my heart rate. The first result 61 is when I am calm. The second one 90 is after I did a quick workout for 2 minutes. I think the watch measures heart rate quite accurately.

Also, I have tested SpO2. As you can see, I have a result of 98%. I googled and found out that I am OK and healthy.

By the way, I want to check if I can start the sport mode and control the music on my smartphone. Zepp E has 11 sport modes. Yes, you can start any sport mode, and use all the functions of a smartwatch, including music player, notifications, etc. It means that the Zepp E smartwatch supports multitasking. That’s very good.

App

The application for the Zepp E smartwatch is the same as for Amazfit GTR 2, and other Huami watches. The app is very useful because you can download watch faces, setup notifications and reminders, add vibration method for the incoming call, notifications, etc.

There is also a health monitoring menu in the app. Here you can choose the heart rate detection method, detection frequency, activity detection, and heart rate alert. There is also a beta version of a sleep breathing quality monitor. The last function is All-day pressure monitoring.

In the watch settings, you can find display and brightness, vibrate, off-wrist lock and password, band location, and even watch system language. By the way, Zepp E supports many different languages, including Chinese, English, Russian, Spanish, and others.

If you don’t want to have certain apps on the watch, you can hide them in app list management.

Of course, there is a main screen of the app with steps, calories, distance, sleep time, SpO2 and heart rate measurements, PAI and sleep score.

Battery

Talking about the battery life of the Zepp E smartwatch, it is 7 days in typical usage and up to 15 days in basic watch mode. As you understand, the battery life depends on usage.

If you do many sports, for example running with active GPS, then the battery will drain faster. Also, the measurement of heart rate and blood pressure affects the battery life of the watch.

Anyway, 7 days of battery life is a very good result for the smartwatch.

Conclusion

At the beginning of this article, I was wondering which smartwatch was better: Zepp E or the Amazfit GTR 2.

I cannot say for sure, because each of them has its advantages. Zepp E has a premium design, compact size, and high-quality materials. Also, I like the user interface and multitasking, so you can start a sport mode, control the music, measure blood pressure, etc.

From other side, Amazfit GTR 2 has the same user interface and multitasking, but also Amazfit watch has Bluetooth calls function, so you can receive phone calls on the watch.

In addition, Amazfit GTR 2 has built-in storage for music. You can upload the music on the watch, connect the wireless earbuds, and listen to music without a smartphone. You cannot do the same on Zepp E.

So, if you need Bluetooth calls and built-in storage for music, then it is better to buy Amazfit GTR 2. Besides, it is cheaper than Zepp E.