OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Smartwatches Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Smartwatches Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v3.0

HOT Watch review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£130Screen size:?Battery life:3 daysDisplay type:E-Ink

HOT Watch Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 2 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

7.5/10

Overall score

Score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 67% of models
Score components

35%

7.3

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.9

Reviews score

10%

9.7

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 67% of smartwatches
8.2

Value for money

Value for money
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

â–²Better than 71%
7.3

Technical score

Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

24%

8.5

Health

21%

7.8

Fitness

16%

5.7

Battery

14%

7.3

Smart features

12%

6.6

Connectivity

9%

7.0

Display & Design

4%

7.8

Hardware

â–²Better than 69%
6.9

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.9/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.4 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 59% of models

80%

7.3

Average grade

20%

5.7

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
2 reviews, average 5.0/10. We use 5 reviews; the 3 missing count as the category's typical 8.0: (5.0 × 2 + 8.0 × 3) ÷ 5 = 6.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 59%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £130
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What owners say about the HOT Watch

Based on 94 owners sharing their experience in online comments

70%positive1%mixed29%negative

Owners praise long battery life and useful health features, while many say the watch still needs charging too often.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners get under a day per charge, sometimes 7 to 20 hours; always-on display and workouts drain it quickly.23
  • Owners say swiping to change faces was removed, and the hand-washing timer and weekly step total are gone.5
  • Owners say the Series 12 display is smaller than the Series 10, with thicker bezels that look bulkier; some get used to it.4
  • Owners say some features need a paid app upgrade, and weightlifting can't be added to the workout app.3
  • Samsung models do not pair with iPhones, and cellular on one Ultra stopped working after moving abroad.3
  • Owners report the watch reboots on its own, and a hard reset does not stop it; some see false unread-text alerts.3
  • Owners say a new Ultra that died after water exposure was refused exchange and sent for repair, though phone support later sent a replacement.3
  • Owners say the sport loop is too short to put on easily, and a trail loop worked loose during a dive.3
  • Owners say double-tap gestures don't work as advertised, and a two-finger screen tap to show the time doesn't respond.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch HOT Watch

Technical score
Technical score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 69% of models
Score components:

24%

8.5

Health

21%

7.8

Fitness

16%

5.7

Battery

14%

7.3

Smart features

12%

6.6

Connectivity

9%

7.0

Display & Design

4%

7.8

Hardware

7.3
Reviews score
6.9
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 71% of models
Score components:

70%

7.5

Overall score

30%

9.8

Price

8.2
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 9.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 30.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
Readings are for wellness use, not medical diagnosis.
ECG
yes
This smartwatch supports ECG. 82% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 49.5% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports HRV tracking. 54.9% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
Show more
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.5% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
no
This smartwatch does not include a barometer. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 28.9% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
3 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 3 days on a charge, which is shorter than 76.7% of Smartwatches and the same as 3.5% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
48 h
Market range: <6 h – >48 h
This smartwatch records workouts for 48 h on a charge, which is longer than 88.6% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.5% of Smartwatches.
48 (100 hours in power-saving.
Battery life with GPS on
37.5 h
Market range: <6 h – >46 h
This smartwatch lasts 37.5 h with GPS on, which is longer than 82.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.3% of Smartwatches.
Battery power
450 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 450 mAh battery, which is larger than 79.6% of Smartwatches and the same as 1.1% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
120 min
Market range: <60 min – >150 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 120 min, which is quicker than 13.3% of Smartwatches and the same as 44.6% of Smartwatches.
Show more
Operating system
Proprietary OS
This smartwatch runs Proprietary OS, which is less advanced than the system in 54.2% of Smartwatches and equal to 42% of Smartwatches.
Software update frequency
ended
This smartwatch has ended software update support which is less active than that of 46.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 53.9% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
no
This smartwatch does not support third-party apps. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 30.8% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
Cellular module
yes
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 83.5% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
?
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 40.3% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
no
This smartwatch does not support Galileo navigation. 43.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Dual-frequency GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support dual-frequency GPS. 15.1% of Smartwatches offer this.
Show more
Screen size
?
Display type
E-Ink
This smartwatch uses E-Ink, which is less advanced than the screen in 97.9% of Smartwatches and equal to 2.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
144x 168
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 144x168 which is lower than that of 95.1% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.9% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
326 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi, which is higher than 45% of Smartwatches and equal to 8.7% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
?
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

HOT Watch vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • ECG support
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 18.1% of smartwatches support ECG.
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • 28 h longer training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (48 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    48 (100 hours in power-saving.
    48 h vs 20 h
  • Fall detection
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 23% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • 16.5 h longer GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer with GPS on than the average smartwatch (37.5 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    37.5 h vs 21 h
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • 29.3% higher sentiment score
    9.7 vs 7.5
  • ECG support
    This smartwatch supports ECG, the average smartwatch does not. 18.1% of smartwatches support ECG.
  • Temperature sensing
    This smartwatch includes a temperature sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 31.9% of smartwatches include a temperature sensor.
  • HRV tracking
    This smartwatch supports HRV tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support HRV tracking.
  • Calorie tracking
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.7% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
    Tracks calories burned rather than food intake. Food logging may require a companion or third-party app.
  • Perspiration monitoring
    This smartwatch tracks perspiration, the average smartwatch does not. 15.1% of smartwatches track perspiration.
  • 30 more exercise types
    This smartwatch includes more exercise types than the average smartwatch (120 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    Reported as at least 120 exercise modes.
    120 vs 90
  • 28 h longer training battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (48 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h in training mode.
    48 (100 hours in power-saving.
    48 h vs 20 h
  • 16.5 h longer GPS battery life
    This smartwatch lasts longer with GPS on than the average smartwatch (37.5 h vs 21 h). The average smartwatch lasts 21 h with GPS on.
    37.5 h vs 21 h
  • Solar charging support
    This smartwatch supports solar charging, the average smartwatch does not. 2.3% of smartwatches support solar charging.
    Supports solar charging.
  • 145 mAh larger battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a larger battery than the average smartwatch (450 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    450 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • Built-in cellular module
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 16.6% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • NFC functionality
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 45.2% of smartwatches support NFC.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • 2 mm slimmer strap
    This smartwatch has a slimmer strap than the average smartwatch (20 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    20 mm vs 22 mm
  • Fall detection
    This smartwatch supports fall detection, the average smartwatch does not. 23% of smartwatches support fall detection.
  • Emergency SOS
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 44.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (E-Ink vs AMOLED).
    E-Ink vs AMOLED
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • 49 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1 m vs 50 m
  • No barometer
    This smartwatch does not include a barometer, the average smartwatch does. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • No pace tracking
    This smartwatch does not support pace tracking, the average smartwatch does. 80.6% of smartwatches support pace tracking.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 76.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a button-cell battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    button-cell vs Li-Po
  • No low-power mode
    This smartwatch does not include a low power mode, the average smartwatch does. 93.1% of smartwatches include a low power mode.
  • 8 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2013 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    December 2013
    2013 vs 2021
  • No smart scale support
    This smartwatch does not support smart scale compatibility, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support smart scale compatibility.
  • No barometer
    This smartwatch does not include a barometer, the average smartwatch does. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • No pace tracking
    This smartwatch does not support pace tracking, the average smartwatch does. 80.6% of smartwatches support pace tracking.
  • No swim mode
    This smartwatch does not include a swim sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 76.9% of smartwatches include a swim sport mode.
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a button-cell battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    button-cell vs Li-Po
  • 4 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (3 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    3 days vs 7 days
  • No low-power mode
    This smartwatch does not include a low power mode, the average smartwatch does. 93.1% of smartwatches include a low power mode.
  • Less current Bluetooth version
    This smartwatch uses a less current Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • More basic display
    This smartwatch uses a more basic screen than the average smartwatch (E-Ink vs AMOLED).
    E-Ink vs AMOLED
  • 49 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (1 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    Based on IP immersion rating (controlled lab conditions, not a swim/diving certification).
    1 m vs 50 m
  • Weaker ingress protection
    This smartwatch has weaker ingress protection than the average smartwatch (IP67 vs IP68).
    IP67 vs IP68
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 144x168, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    144x168 vs 360x360
  • 12 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (57 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    57 g vs 45 g
  • 3.4 mm wider case
    This smartwatch has a wider case than the average smartwatch (45.9 mm vs 42.5 mm). The average smartwatch measures 42.5 mm across.
    45.9 mm vs 42.5 mm
  • No third-party apps
    This smartwatch does not support third-party apps, the average smartwatch does. 51.6% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
  • No widget support
    This smartwatch does not support widgets, the average smartwatch does. 84.4% of smartwatches support widgets.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Overview video
Shop video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
cnet.com
≈ estimated
20/08/2013
Hands-on test · Hands-free calling
Verdict
The Hot Watch is a slim watch that takes hands-free calls through its wrist strap, but this was only a prototype, so the final version may differ.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about HOT Watch

  • Unique 'Hot Gestures' allow for hands-free calls by placing your hand to your ear
  • Slim design at approximately 8mm thick, making it more svelte than many competitors
  • Always-on e-ink display provides good visibility and power efficiency
  • Includes a built-in speaker and microphone for direct calling
  • Privacy feature where audio is directed towards the hand to prevent eavesdropping

What customers don't like about HOT Watch

  • Software frequently lags behind modern OS updates, leading to compatibility issues
  • Unresponsive touch screen makes navigating menus and tracing 'Hot Gestures' frustrating
  • Frequent bugs where the date and time reset automatically when the watch shuts down
  • Incomplete or confusing online instruction manuals
  • The physical protrusion for the speaker/microphone can be aesthetically unappealing or awkward

Verdict

The HOT (Hands On Technology) Watch is an early pioneer in the wearable space, distinguished by its unique 1.26-inch e-paper LCD touchscreen (144 x 168 pixels) protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Its standout characteristic is the 'palm-based' calling feature, which utilizes a directional speaker and microphone built into the strap, allowing users to take private calls by simply cupping their hand to their ear. The device includes an ARM Cortex-M3 processor, a 3-axis accelerometer for gesture controls like twisting the wrist to hang up, and standard fitness tracking for steps and calories. Main pros include its extremely slim 8mm profile, multi-platform compatibility with both iOS and Android, and the innovative privacy-focused calling system. However, notable cons include a relatively short battery life of roughly 1 to 3 days depending on usage, a display prone to fingerprint smudges, and long-term software stability issues as later OS updates outpaced its proprietary firmware.

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