Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 stars5/5 Given the cost - not perfection though
Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2018
I read A LOT of reviews on this watch from multiple websites and the bad reviews almost convinced me not to get it, until I remembered that a large number of reviews are from people who are upset with a product and take the time to complain. I believe there are a lot of happy users that just don't want to bother writing a review. So with that being said, I've happily had this watch for 2 months and given the cost it is worth 5 stars.
PROS: It has so many features in a compact size. I am small and have tiny wrists so a small watch was most important to me. I also wanted a decent battery life, built in GPS, texting ability, HR, and sleep monitoring. This has all of those and then some. I don't think the battery lasts as long as they say, but it only takes about an hour to fully charge so not an issue. GPS usually connects almost instantly most of the time (MUCH faster than a Garmin watch I bought about 10 years ago). I also love that HR is built in so I don't have to wear that band around my chest. Speaking of bands, the watch band is holding up quite well! A lot of people had expressed issues with that. I have worn virtually 24/7 for 2 months and it appears fine. I am extra cautious because I am aware of the complaints about it, but I clean it daily and don't make it too tight and it seems perfect condition still. I love that you can select which phone apps will pop up with notifications on the watch. I especially like that when you get a text, it just shows up with the person's name so not everyone can see your message. All the features seem to work decently well. The Garmin app that goes with the watch is pretty cool. There are a few features on Garmin Connect website not available on their app, but that doesn't have to do with the watch so I'll let it be.
CONS: I get steps for moving my arm when I brush my teeth. My HR during a race was 140 (when it was probably closer to 180). I usually have to edit my bedtime because it won't register I'm sleeping, sometimes for up to 3 hours after I'd been sleeping. The range for the connection to the phone is terrible! If I leave my phone in my room and go to the kitchen to do dishes (with just the living room in between), I lose connection. Sometimes when I have my phone on me it will even disconnect. The screen sensitivity is sometimes poor; I find as long as I press in the upper half of the screen there isn't an issue. I am a little bummed the alarm is the only app I would have wanted to sync that I can't. They make you use their alarm, which you can't even set on the watch.
Overall, I am very happy with the watch. I've had a Fitbit and Samsung gear smart watch and I already like the Garmin way more. I'm guessing a lot of the accuracy problems this watch has would be in other ones of the same size. It is important to just remember that every measurement (HR, steps, sleep quality, etc) is a guideline. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
