Design and Build Quality
The TicWatch E4 sports a functional, no-nonsense aesthetic prioritizing durability over luxury. Its lightweight polymer case (weighing just 36 grams) feels surprisingly robust, resisting minor bumps and scrapes during workouts. The matte finish minimizes fingerprint smudges, while the interchangeable 22mm silicone strap proves comfortable for 24/7 wear, even during intense sweating. Two physical buttons provide reliable navigation alongside touch controls, though the right button occasionally requires a firm press. Water resistance up to 5ATM (50 meters) means it confidently handles swimming, showering, and heavy rain. While not a premium fashion statement, its practical construction excels for active lifestyles, balancing sturdiness with everyday comfort.
Display Experience
Mobvoi equips the E4 with a vibrant 1.3-inch AMOLED display boasting a sharp 360×360 resolution. Colors pop vividly, blacks appear truly deep, and brightness peaks at 450 nits – sufficient for clear visibility under harsh sunlight. Auto-brightness adjustments work reliably in most environments. The touchscreen responds accurately to swipes and taps, minimizing input lag during navigation. Always-on display functionality is included, though enabling it noticeably impacts battery endurance. The circular screen maximizes viewing area efficiently, presenting notifications, fitness stats, and watch faces with pleasing clarity. For a budget device, the visual quality is a standout feature, enhancing both utility and aesthetics.
Performance and Software
Powered by the aging Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 platform paired with 1GB RAM, the E4 delivers smooth performance for core tasks. App launches, menu navigation, and workout tracking feel responsive without significant stuttering. It runs Wear OS 2 (with an upgrade path to Wear OS 3 confirmed but pending rollout at time of review), providing access to essential Google services like Assistant, Maps, Wallet, and Play Store apps. Notifications sync reliably from paired Android phones, offering quick reply options. iOS compatibility exists but lacks reply functionality and some integrations. The interface occasionally exhibits minor delays when loading complex apps or switching between intensive tasks, but overall stability is commendable for the price. Mobvoi’s companion app handles health data aggregation effectively.
Health and Fitness Tracking Capabilities
As a fitness-focused device, the TicWatch E4 packs comprehensive sensors: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, heart rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and barometer. Outdoor GPS acquisition is reasonably quick (under 30 seconds typically) and tracks routes accurately during runs, cycles, and hikes, with minor deviations only in dense urban areas. Heart rate readings during steady-state cardio align closely with chest strap monitors, though intervals or rapid intensity changes see slight lag. Automatic workout detection (running, walking) proves useful, prompting to start tracking if movement persists.
The watch supports 100+ workout modes, including swimming, yoga, and strength training. Post-workout data in Mobvoi’s app includes detailed maps, pace/speed zones, heart rate trends, calories, and VO2 Max estimates. 24/7 monitoring covers steps, sleep stages (with SpO2 during sleep), stress levels, and heart rate variability (HRV). Sleep tracking accuracy is moderate – correctly identifying deep/light/REM phases but occasionally mistaking awake periods. The TicExercise, TicHealth, and TicOxygen apps provide accessible on-device insights, making the E4 a credible health dashboard.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery endurance is a major strength. The 380mAh cell consistently delivers 2 full days (48 hours) of typical use with always-on display disabled, notifications active, and one 30-minute GPS workout daily. Disabling tilt-to-wake extends this to 3 days. Intensive GPS activities drain approximately 15-20% per hour. Using always-on display reduces longevity to around 30 hours. Charging via the included magnetic puck takes roughly 1.5 hours from 0-100%. While not revolutionary, the battery performance outshines many Wear OS competitors in this price bracket, reducing daily charging anxiety significantly.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable phone connections within typical ranges (up to 10 meters unobstructed). Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) allows standalone app updates and notifications when away from your phone. NFC enables Google Pay contactless payments – a valuable convenience. Speaker and microphone quality suffice for voice commands and calls via Bluetooth, though ambient noise can hinder clarity. Storage is limited to 8GB, with roughly 4GB user-accessible for apps and music offline playback. Pre-installed utilities include a weather app, stopwatch, timer, and alarm. Third-party app support via Play Store remains robust, including Spotify, Strava, and MyFitnessPal.
Value Proposition
Priced consistently under $200, the TicWatch E4 delivers exceptional value as a fitness-centric smartwatch. It outperforms similarly priced trackers by offering full Wear OS flexibility – including third-party apps, Google integration, and responsive touch controls – while matching dedicated fitness bands in sensor accuracy and battery life. Key compromises include the plastic build (lacking premium materials), delayed Wear OS 3 updates, and occasional performance hiccups. However, its combination of reliable GPS, robust health monitoring, multi-day battery, and smart features creates a compelling package. For budget-conscious users seeking a versatile fitness companion with genuine smartwatch capabilities, the E4 remains a top contender against alternatives like the Amazfit GTR series or older Fitbit Versa models.