Smartwatches have rapidly evolved from niche gadgets to essential devices in our daily lives. Blending technology, style, and functionality, these wearables offer a variety of features that cater to fitness enthusiasts, tech-savvy users, and anyone looking to simplify their daily tasks. In today’s digital world, technology has infiltrated nearly every aspect of our lives, and one of the most wearable forms of innovation is the smartwatch. These compact, multifunctional devices have evolved beyond being just timekeepers. They have become personal assistants, fitness trackers, communication devices, and style statements all rolled into one. Smartwatches are more than just accessories; they represent the fusion of technology with convenience and lifestyle. Shortly after, tech giants like Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit entered the space, bringing advanced operating systems, customizable interfaces, and better integration with smartphones. The debut of the Apple Watch in 2015 was particularly transformative, as it redefined the category with a sleek design and powerful ecosystem integration, opening doors for other manufacturers to explore innovative features. Our review artists searched the web for a more budget friendly smartwatch and found a gem in the HK10 Ultra 3 which can be purchased for a very low price of just £22 from AliExpress.

Review: HK10 Ultra 3 Smartwatch 

The HK10 Ultra 3 smartwatch is a feature-packed wearable that has been making waves for its balance between design, performance, and affordability. Marketed as a high-tech device for fitness enthusiasts and tech-savvy users alike, it promises to deliver an all-around experience in fitness tracking, health monitoring, and smartphone integration. In this review, we will dive into the design, features, performance, and how it stacks up against its competition. 

Design, Build Quality & Display

The HK10 Ultra 3 boasts a sleek, modern design that rivals premium brands. With a high-quality metal frame and a lightweight, slim profile, it sits comfortably on the wrist however depending on your wrist size it could feel bulky. The watch face is customizable, featuring a bright and responsive 2.02 inch AMOLED display that offers sharp visuals and vivid colors. The display is protected by tempered glass, making it resistant to scratches and minor impacts, ideal for active users. 

The overall design of the HK10 Ultra 3 blends functionality and aesthetics. Its rounded edges and ergonomic design make it easy to wear, while the interchangeable bands allow users to switch styles from sporty silicone to more formal leather or metal bands. The water-resistant rating (typically IP68 or higher) ensures that the watch can withstand sweat, rain, and even brief submersion. We do not recommend taking this device on your next swim.

The HK10 Ultra 3 features a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display with a resolution that offers crisp and clear visuals. The brightness is adjustable, making it visible under direct sunlight, which is a significant advantage for outdoor activities. The smooth touch responsiveness combined with an intuitive user interface allows for easy navigation through menus, apps, and notifications. After multiple test and hours of use we can honestly say there are no glitches and the interchange between screens are smooth.

One of the standout aspects of the display is the Always-On feature, which keeps key information visible without waking up the watch. This is a convenient option for quick glances during workouts or meetings without needing to raise your wrist or tap the screen. Additionally, the watch faces are highly customizable, allowing users to personalize their experience to suit their preferences. You can even add your own personal photos as your backdrop.

The HK10 Ultra 3 is a bit hit and miss in the health and fitness department. It comes equipped with an array of sensors that monitor various aspects of your health, including:

• Heart Rate Monitoring: Real-time heart rate tracking helps users stay informed about their cardiovascular activity throughout the day, whether during intense workouts or resting. We found this feature to be a bit of a downer. The heart rate monitor would only work if the watch was very tight on the wrist and even still this did not register all the time.

• Blood Oxygen (SpO2) Monitoring: This feature is particularly useful for individuals looking to monitor their blood oxygen levels, especially during high-altitude activities or for those with respiratory concerns. 

• Sleep Tracking: The watch is supposed to show insights into sleep patterns, breaking down sleep stages such as light, deep, and REM sleep. This helps users understand their sleep quality and make adjustments for better rest. However as the heart rate monitor was a bit broken this was impossible to get a full nights sleep tracked.

• Step Count and Calorie Burn: It accurately tracks steps, distance traveled, and calories burned, making it ideal for those focused on meeting daily fitness goals. As far as step counters go this is again pretty average like the rest. For clarification a sudden sharp hand moevment would calcualte as a step.

• Multi-Sport Modes: The watch includes a range of activity modes for running, cycling, swimming, and other sports. These modes offer tailored metrics for each activity, allowing users to get more precise data depending on their exercise routine.

Smart Features and Connectivity

In terms of smart features, the HK10 Ultra 3 functions well as an extension of your smartphone. It supports notifications for calls, messages, emails, and apps like WhatsApp. The watch allows you to view messages and incoming call information directly on your wrist, though responding to messages or answering calls may be limited based on compatibility with your smartphone. The speaker on the watch isn't the best nor the worse you can hear a quite muffled sound being distorted.

The watch integrates well with both iOS and Android devices, however syncing via Bluetooth can be a struggle. To be up and running you will need to download the WearFit app to make use of all additional features. One of the key features is its music control function, allowing users to manage music playback directly from the watch without needing to take out their phone during workouts or commutes. NFC payment capability, available in some models, enables contactless payments, which is a convenient feature for quick purchases on the go. The device even has local music already stored on the system for you to sing a long to.

Battery life is a strong point for the HK10 Ultra 3. It advertises up to 10 days of usage on a single charge, depending on the intensity of use. With moderate use, including notifications, fitness tracking, and occasional GPS tracking, users can expect it to last a full week before needing a recharge, from the moment we turned on the device and browsing for a good couple of hour we only consumed 10% battery life. The charging process itself is fairly quick, with a full charge taking around 1.5 to 2 hours to restore the device up to 100%.

The overall performance of the HK10 Ultra 3 is impressive for its price range. The watch is powered by a capable processor that ensures smooth transitions between apps and swift responses to touch commands. Whether you’re tracking a workout, checking notifications, or adjusting settings, the device handles multitasking without lag. Be warned the Bluetooth function is not the best, if your connected to your phone and move into the next room the connection lags and/or goes completely and you find your self having to reconnect again which can be annoying.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Stylish and durable design with customizable watch faces.

• Long battery life 

• Affordable pricing compared to premium competitors.

• Bright, responsive AMOLED display.

Cons:

• Hazy Heart rate monitor

• Bluetooth disconnects

• Not the best speaker

OUR SCORE

7.5/10

SILVER RATING

ALL IN ALL

The HK10 Ultra 3 is a well-rounded smartwatch that offers an excellent balance of design, functionality, and price. For fitness enthusiasts, it covers all the essential metrics with a high degree of accuracy, while also offering a range of smart features to keep you connected. While it may not have the expansive app ecosystem or premium features of higher-end competitors, it provides great value for its price, making it a smart choice for users looking for a capable and stylish smartwatch. 

PA