TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS is the Android smartwatch also for sports

TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS the smartwatch of Mobvoi based on Google’s Wear OS operating system with a name as long as it is complex. In reality, TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS is a classic Android smartwatch with a robust external structure and a package of classic features that make it more identifiable in the category of traditional smartwatches rather than in that of sports watches, while not lacking specific functions for the sports enthusiast and outdoor activities.

In fact, we find in the menus a large number of pre-configured sports activities, thanks to which we can better record our training sessions by monitoring the state of health through the Mobvoi APP. The latter can be linked to your Strava account, Runkeeper or Google Fit so that our activities are automatically exported to these platforms as well.

TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS a smartwatch with an important overall size, equal to 47x48mm with a thickness of 12.3mm, but this is accompanied by a low weight of only 41 grams. The 1.4-inch diameter screen has a resolution of 454×454 pixels and based on AMOLED + FSTN technology: has Corning Gorilla Glass while the interchangeable rubber strap has a 22mm pitch. The presence of two screens of different types is one of the peculiar characteristics of this smartwatch: the FSNT panel always activehaving very little impact on consumption and providing basic information in a clear way, while the AMOLED one is activated when needed obscuring the FSNT one and showing the various menus and advanced options. In this way TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS manages to balance a very good operating autonomy, especially taking into account the typical impact on the batteries of AMOLED panels and allowing the screen to be accessible in always on mode with the FSNT screen.

There stainless steel structure, with two buttons mounted on the right side in the center of which there is space for the microphone; on the right side no buttons the two small openings that allow the integrated speaker to work at its best. The operating system takes advantage of a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 platform with a second low-power paired processor developed by Mobvoi. Under the body we find a system RAM of 1GB, combined with 8GB of memory dedicated to data storage; the battery has a capacity of 577mAh while the structure has IP68 certification.

The operating system is the classic Wear OS, with all the main functions that can be expected from this product: integrated Google assistant, support for NFC payments through Google Pay, possibility of download and install the APPs through the Google Play Store platform. From the point of view of operation as a traditional smartwatch for notifications and information connected to your smartwatch, TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS shows a behavior in line with that of the other Wear OS models on the market, proving to be very complete and rich.

Rotating the smartwatch we find in the lower part the optical heartbeat sensor, flanked by the one that detects the level of oxygenation of the blood. We can also note the connector for the power cable, of the proprietary type, which is combined with the smartwach through a small magnet: the cable longer than the average of what is supplied with competing smartwatches, a very appreciable feature. TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS therefore allows not only to detect the track of our sports activities and the trend of the heartbeat, but also to monitor the oxygen saturation level in the blood as well as detect stress and quality of night’s rest.

What is the behavior of the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS when using it during a sporting activity? An example is the running track of about 12.5 km during which the heartbeat detection of the Mobvoi smartwatch was compared with what was detected by a Garmin HRM-PRO chest heart rate monitor connected to a Garmin Fenix ​​7. There are differences in the detection between the two devices in the order of a few beats but overall it is noted how the behavior of the optical sensor of TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS is mirrored to what is detected by the heart rate monitor, without any appreciable differences.

It is noted for a certain stabilization of the detected signalas if the data sampling did not take place every second but with a longer periodicity: this can influence the reported values ​​in the event of sudden changes in heart rate but in the performance of a typical aerobic activity it does not allow to highlight any significant differences. Similar dynamics that we have detected regarding the accuracy of the GPS signal: also in this case the differences are limited, with a pattern that is typical of comparing two products of this type.

At the end of the training session, summary information is provided on what has been done, with indications of distance and pace, calorie consumption, altimetric variation, cardio trend, estimate of VO2 Max and indication of the overall intensity of the training.

TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPSboasts a good operating autonomy with battery: in ordinary use it is not difficult to go beyond 2 days of autonomy, thanks above all to the construction that sees the simultaneous presence of two screens to optimize battery operation. An operation of this type also winks at the sportsman, who can also use this smartwatch for his own longer-lasting activities, although not reaching what is allowed by more specialized products.

TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra GPS is offered at an official price of 299 including VAT on the Italian market, even if it is not difficult to buy it in promotion at a price of around 250; this is an interesting price list for a complete product, to be purchased as a practical and functional Android smartwatch which can also be requested for those monitoring functions typical of a non-specialist sportwatch and which for this reason can adapt well to the needs of many users who are in movement.