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

Metawatch M1 review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£220Screen size:1.30 inchBattery life:4 daysDisplay type:Transflective LCD

Metawatch M1 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.

Metawatch M1
5.0/10

Overall score

Score
5.0/ 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–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

35%

3.5

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

3.5

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 99% of smartwatches
6.3

Value for money

Value for money
6.3/ 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–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

70%

5.0

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 99%
3.5

Technical score

Technical score
3.5/ 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–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

24%

2.0

Health

21%

3.5

Fitness

16%

4.7

Battery

14%

3.6

Smart features

12%

3.0

Connectivity

9%

6.4

Display & Design

4%

3.1

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 99%
3.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
3.5/ 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 99% of models

3.5

Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

5.7

Popularity

Grades by review (2)
2 reviews, average 7.5/10. We use 5 reviews; the 3 missing count as the category's typical 8.0: (7.5 × 2 + 8.0 × 3) ÷ 5 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 99%
?

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
  • metawatch-m1
metawatch-m1
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Metawatch M1

Technical score
Technical score
3.5/ 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–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

24%

2.0

Health

21%

3.5

Fitness

16%

4.7

Battery

14%

3.6

Smart features

12%

3.0

Connectivity

9%

6.4

Display & Design

4%

3.1

Hardware

3.5
Reviews score
3.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.3/ 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–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

70%

5.0

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

6.3
Heart rate monitor
no
This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor. 90.7% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
no
This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring. 69.7% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 18.2% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
no
This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
HRV tracking
no
This smartwatch does not support HRV tracking. 45.2% 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
?
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
no
This smartwatch does not support distance tracking. 96.4% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
Battery life
4 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 4 days on a charge, which is shorter than 72.7% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.7% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
210 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 210 mAh battery, which is smaller than 84.4% of Smartwatches and the same as 2.5% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
?
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.
Uses a proprietary OS with companion-app ecosystem support. OS detail: Proprietary OS (RTOS).
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
no
This smartwatch does not support voice assistants. 69.3% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
Cellular module
no
This smartwatch does not include a cellular module. 16.7% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
0
GPS
no
This smartwatch does not support GPS. 59.8% 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
1.3 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.3 inch screen, which is smaller than 67.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 10.8% of Smartwatches.
Display type
Transflective LCD
This smartwatch uses Transflective LCD, which is less advanced than the screen in 68.3% of Smartwatches and equal to 2.1% of Smartwatches.
Resolution
128x 128
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 128x128 which is lower than that of 96.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.5% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
139 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 139 ppi, which is lower than 98.6% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.4% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
CPU speed
0.025 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.025 GHz which is slower than that in 98.1% of smartwatches.
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

Metawatch M1 vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
    Rugged design supported by MIL-STD/military-grade durability claim.
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses rubber, leather, stainless steel for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    rubber, leather, stainless steel vs silicone
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
    Rugged design supported by MIL-STD/military-grade durability claim.
  • Better band material
    This smartwatch uses rubber, leather, stainless steel for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    rubber, leather, stainless steel vs silicone
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 50.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    3.5/ 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 99% of models

    3.5

    Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    5.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 reviews, average 7.5/10. We use 5 reviews; the 3 missing count as the category's typical 8.0: (7.5 × 2 + 8.0 × 3) ÷ 5 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    3.5 vs 7.0
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • 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 irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • 50.0% lower review score
    Reviews score
    3.5/ 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 99% of models

    3.5

    Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 7.9 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    5.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (2)
    2 reviews, average 7.5/10. We use 5 reviews; the 3 missing count as the category's typical 8.0: (7.5 × 2 + 8.0 × 3) ÷ 5 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    3.5 vs 7.0
  • 22.4% worse value for money
    Metawatch M1 has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (6.34 vs 7.8).
    6.34 vs 7.76
  • 2x more expensive
    Metawatch M1 is more expensive than the average smartwatch (£220 vs £110).
    £220 vs £110
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • No blood oxygen monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support blood oxygen monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 69.6% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
  • No irregular heart rate alerts
    This smartwatch does not support irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • No stress monitoring
    This smartwatch does not support stress monitoring, the average smartwatch does. 68.7% of smartwatches support stress monitoring.
  • No heart rate monitor
    This smartwatch does not include a heart rate monitor, the average smartwatch does. 90.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
  • No cycle tracking
    This smartwatch does not support menstrual cycle tracking, the average smartwatch does. 66.8% of smartwatches support menstrual cycle tracking.
  • No smart scale support
    This smartwatch does not support smart scale compatibility, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support smart scale compatibility.
  • 7 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2014 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    September 2014
    2014 vs 2021
  • No multi-sport mode
    This smartwatch does not include a multi-sport mode, the average smartwatch does. 71.7% of smartwatches include a multi-sport mode.
  • No automatic activity detection
    This smartwatch does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 81.8% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
  • 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 distance tracking
    This smartwatch does not support distance tracking, the average smartwatch does. 96.3% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
  • No route tracking
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 77% of smartwatches support route tracking.
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 58.8% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No auto-pause
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 62.6% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • 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.
  • No route support
    This smartwatch does not support route support, the average smartwatch does. 54.4% of smartwatches support route support.
  • No goal setting
    This smartwatch does not support goal setting, the average smartwatch does. 98.1% of smartwatches support goal setting.
  • No live tracking
    This smartwatch does not support live tracking, the average smartwatch does. 89.5% of smartwatches support live tracking.
  • No voice feedback
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • No exercise tagging
    This smartwatch does not support exercise tagging, the average smartwatch does. 94.2% of smartwatches support exercise tagging.
  • 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.
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 3 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (4 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    4 days vs 7 days
  • 95 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery than the average smartwatch (210 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    210 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
  • 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 (Transflective LCD vs AMOLED).
    Transflective LCD vs AMOLED
  • 40 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (85 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    85 g vs 45 g
  • No ambient light sensor
    This smartwatch does not include an ambient light sensor, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches include an ambient light sensor.
  • 20 m shallower water rating
    This smartwatch is rated for shallower water than the average smartwatch (30 m vs 50 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 50 m.
    3 ATM class (ISO 22,810 shallow-water rating, not diving certification).
    30 m vs 50 m
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 128x128, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    128x128 vs 360x360
  • 187 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (139 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    139 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 0.1 inch smaller display
    This smartwatch has a smaller screen than the average smartwatch (1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch). The average smartwatch has a 1.4 inch screen.
    1.3 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 6 mm taller case
    This smartwatch has a taller case than the average smartwatch (51 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45 mm tall.
    51 mm vs 45 mm
  • No touchscreen
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.5% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • 4 mm wider strap
    This smartwatch has a wider strap than the average smartwatch (26 mm vs 22 mm). The average smartwatch has a 22 mm strap.
    26 mm vs 22 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 music playback
    This smartwatch does not support music playback, the average smartwatch does. 57.1% of smartwatches support music playback.
  • No voice assistant
    This smartwatch does not support voice assistants, the average smartwatch does. 69.2% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
  • No call answering
    This smartwatch does not support call answering, the average smartwatch does. 60% of smartwatches support call answering.
  • No voice command support
    This smartwatch does not support voice commands, the average smartwatch does. 68.1% of smartwatches support voice commands.
  • No passcode
    This smartwatch does not include passcode protection, the average smartwatch does. 70.4% of smartwatches include passcode protection.
  • No smart alarm
    This smartwatch does not support a smart alarm, the average smartwatch does. 50.6% of smartwatches support smart alarms.
  • No gesture control
    This smartwatch does not support gesture control, the average smartwatch does. 79.6% of smartwatches support gesture control.
  • No camera remote
    This smartwatch does not include built-in camera remote control, the average smartwatch does. 85.5% of smartwatches that are equipped with a camera include built-in camera remote control.
  • No stopwatch
    This smartwatch does not include a stopwatch, the average smartwatch does. 99% of smartwatches include a stopwatch.
  • No speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This smartwatch has fewer microphones than the average smartwatch (0 vs 1). The average smartwatch has 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • Slower CPU speed
    This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.025 GHz, while the average smartwatch uses 1 GHz.
    0.025 GHz vs 1 GHz

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.9
cnet.com
✓ explicit
03/09/2014
Pre-release test · Notification watch
Verdict
The Metawatch M1 looks like a regular steel watch and lasts days on a charge with a clever notification filter, but its six buttons can frustrate.
8.0
theverge.com
✓ explicit
03/09/2014
Two-week test · Watch-style smartwatch
Verdict
The Metawatch M1 suits traditional watch fans who want a metal, watch-like design and five days of battery, and can do without apps or voice commands.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Metawatch M1

  • Premium build quality with stainless steel and leather options
  • Stylish 'watch-first' design that resembles traditional luxury timepieces
  • Excellent outdoor visibility due to the highly reflective LCD screen
  • Advanced notification filtering via the Meta app for both iOS and Android
  • Comfortable 'gullwing' lug design that helps the watch hug the wrist
  • Always-on display for quick 'at-a-glance' information

What customers don't like about Metawatch M1

  • Extremely limited functionality beyond basic notifications (no third-party apps)
  • Confusing and inconsistent six-button navigation interface
  • Poor battery life when Bluetooth is constantly active, often requiring daily charging
  • Weak and ineffective screen backlighting in low-light conditions
  • Lack of a touchscreen, which feels dated compared to contemporaries
  • High initial launch price was considered poor value for the features provided

Verdict

The MetaWatch M1 is a luxury-oriented smartwatch designed by Frank Nuovo that emphasizes a classic timepiece aesthetic over complex computing. It features a 1.3-inch, always-on, high-contrast 128 x 128 memory pixel LCD and utilizes a unique stainless steel armature system designed to conform comfortably to the wrist. Key specifications include 3 ATM water resistance, Bluetooth 4.0 LE connectivity for iOS and Android compatibility, and a substantial battery life of 5 to 7 days. Pros include its premium build quality, sunlight-readable display, and a refined notification filtering system that allows for discreet 'glanceable' updates. However, it lacks a touchscreen, relying instead on six physical buttons, and has been criticized for a weak backlight, a somewhat confusing menu interface, and a lack of third-party app support.

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