Considering that my order did actually arrive a couple of weeks after my original review, I felt I needed to give an update. Really wish North Edge will decide to brand the smartwatches they sell properly, as the generic box and packaging really does give off the vibe of a cheap Temu-special. However, once you get the watch out of the generic box, download the app and start using it, you will note that it is quite a good device, considering the price. I quite like the metal bezel &crown/buttons of the watch and overall design is quite striking. Seems to be well put together (not sure about that IP-rating though, even with a swim-mode included). Screen is good and gets pretty bright, with AOD that matches the watch face chosen. I do miss auto brightness adjustment but can live without it at this price point. Compass works well, and so does the barometer/altimeter on board, although measurements do seem a bit erratic. Still nice it is included here, along with independent GPS (which I am yet to test). Battery life seems on-par with what was advertised, dropping about 35% after three days of tinkering and having the AOD on (think I could get about a week, perhaps more, on normal use. UI is pretty simple and navigates well, with smooth animations and transitions. App is surprisingly good for an off-brand app, with most functions laid out neatly and working well. Solid Bluetooth connection and decent notification support rounds out the package. Not so fond of the rattly vibration motor, and the speaker can sound quite tinny. Biggest letdown however, is the rotating crown. While it is metal and ridged, it is really hard to use properly since the software jutters and jumps uncomfortably when you turn it. There is a small fin protruding from the body which I imagine is meant to protect the crown, but it actually also makes it very hard to operate it with one finger. I applaud that a rotating crown is included here, but it is just too fiddly and unpleasant to use, especially when coupled with the buzzy haptics (luckily this can be switched off in settings). I think most users will just stick to swiping on the Amoled screen (which is luckily very responsive!). Knocking a star of for the horrid crown as well as the bland and boring watch faces pre-loaded & available for download (they do not do the screen justice!). But despite these points, I still think this is a pretty good smartwatch, particularly when you consider the price, as well as the (mostly) decent hardware, useful functions and an above-average companion app. South African buyers: note again that you will need to deal with the state-owned postal service if ordering direct from North Edge. Hoping North Edge considers adding a choice of delivery service in future...I will gladly pay a bit extra for reliable and speedier delivery!
