**The TicWatch Pro 5 Review: A Capable Smartwatch with Room for Improvement**
The TicWatch Pro 5, developed by Moboi, is a smartwatch that boasts an impressive array of features and technologies. Its main display, a 1.43-inch OLED screen, is a standout feature that offers smooth touch response, bright colors, and excellent visibility outdoors. However, it's worth noting that the contrast ratio could be improved, with some users potentially noticing a secondary display on the top.
In addition to its sleek design, the TicWatch Pro 5 also features Corning Gorilla glass protection, which provides an extra layer of durability against scratches and other forms of damage. This added layer of protection is certainly a welcome feature, but it's clear that even with this advanced technology, the watch is not completely immune to wear and tear.
One of the most interesting aspects of the TicWatch Pro 5 is its Health monitoring features, which include heart health analysis, SpO2 tracking, stress and breathing rate measurement, and more. The watch can detect irregularities in heart rate levels, such as tachycardia and bradycardia, making it a valuable tool for those looking to monitor their cardiovascular health. However, the user experience could be improved with deeper insights into how and why certain health metrics are off from normal.
Another notable feature of the TicWatch Pro 5 is its "One Tab Measurements" capability, which allows users to quickly measure heart rate, SpO2, stress, breathing rate, and more with a single tap. The watch also supports over 100 exercise modes and can log heart rate data with impressive accuracy. However, when testing it alongside the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, we found that Moboi's algorithm was slightly off in determining the target heart rate zone.
The recovery time suggested by the TicWatch Pro 5 is also somewhat dubious, with estimates ranging from several hours to an entire day before a user can safely resume exercise. This is likely due to the fact that Moboi's algorithms are not as advanced as those used by Samsung and other watch manufacturers. Furthermore, the sleep tracking feature of the TicWatch Pro 5 has been known to fail on multiple occasions, recording incomplete or inaccurate data.
Despite these issues, the TicWatch Pro 5's built-in GPS is surprisingly accurate, quickly capturing location data in most situations. However, accuracy can be compromised when navigating dense areas or moving at high speeds.
One of the biggest drawbacks of the TicWatch Pro 5 is its companion app, Moboy Health. The app's UI/UX is woefully inadequate, taking an excessive amount of time to render health stats and failing to provide access to many settings for the watch itself. While it's possible to sync data with Google Fit, this falls short of a truly comprehensive experience.
**Conclusion**
Overall, the TicWatch Pro 5 is a capable smartwatch that offers an excellent battery life and access to the Play Store, thanks to its Qualcomm flagship chip. However, there are several areas where Moboi needs to improve, including Health Services and the companion app. With a price cut, the watch could become a more attractive option for those looking for a reliable smartwatch with advanced health features. As it stands, the TicWatch Pro 5 is an intriguing device that has potential but requires further development and refinement.
**Recommendation**
Based on our review, we would recommend the TicWatch Pro 5 to anyone looking for a smartwatch with excellent battery life, heart rate monitoring capabilities, and access to advanced Health features. However, due to its numerous flaws, including an inadequate companion app and somewhat unreliable health tracking, we would caution potential buyers to weigh their options carefully before making a purchase.
In the current market, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro offers a similar experience with more refined Health services and a user-friendly interface. Additionally, last year's TicWatch 5 Pro is available at significantly discounted prices, making it an attractive alternative for those on a budget.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase the TicWatch Pro 5 will depend on individual preferences and priorities. With ongoing software updates and improvements, Moboi may yet address some of the device's shortcomings and create a truly exceptional smartwatch experience.