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 Strata review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£120Screen size:?Battery life:5.75 daysDisplay type:Transflective LCD

Metawatch Strata Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 15 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Metawatch Strata
5.5/10

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 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
Score components

35%

4.3

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

4.3

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 95% of smartwatches
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 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
Score components

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 94%
4.3

Technical score

Technical score
4.3/ 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
Score components

24%

1.8

Health

21%

7.4

Fitness

16%

4.4

Battery

14%

4.4

Smart features

12%

2.4

Connectivity

9%

7.5

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 96%
4.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
4.3/ 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

4.3

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

80%

7.3

Average grade

20%

7.8

Popularity

Grades by review (15)
10 reviews + 5 videos, average 7.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 97%
?

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-strata
metawatch-strata
Where to buy
    N/A~ £120

What reviewers say about the Metawatch Strata

Based on 8 · 5

Reviewers like the handy notifications and music controls, but the app is weak and features feel limited.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Metawatch Strata

Technical score
Technical score
4.3/ 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
Score components:

24%

1.8

Health

21%

7.4

Fitness

16%

4.4

Battery

14%

4.4

Smart features

12%

2.4

Connectivity

9%

7.5

Display & Design

4%

1.0

Hardware

4.3
Reviews score
4.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 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
Score components:

70%

5.5

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

6.8
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
yes
This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor. 67.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 3.7% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Distance tracking may depend on phone GPS/app on some models.
Show more
Battery life
5.75 days
This smartwatch lasts 5.75 days on a charge, which is shorter than 65.8% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
120 mAh
This smartwatch has a 120 mAh battery, which is smaller than 97.8% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.1% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
240 min
This smartwatch charges from empty in 240 min, which is slower than 99.4% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.4% of Smartwatches.
Normalized from hour-based sources to 14,400 minutes.
Show more
What reviewers say
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.
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
yes
This smartwatch supports third-party apps. 48.5% 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
What reviewers say
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
What reviewers say
Screen size
?
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
96x 96
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 96x96 which is lower than that of 97.1% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
101 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 101 ppi, which is lower than 99.2% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
0.43 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.43 GHz which is slower than that in 73.8% of smartwatches.
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0 GB
This smartwatch has 0 GB of internal storage, which is less than 76.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 23.5% of Smartwatches.
No local user storage for apps/media
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 Strata vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Cadence tracking
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • External heart rate monitor support
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 46.6% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Cadence tracking
    This smartwatch includes a cadence sensor, the average smartwatch does not. 32.9% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
    Cadence may require external sensor/app pairing on some models.
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • Better case material
    This smartwatch uses stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • 38.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.3/ 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

    4.3

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

    80%

    7.3

    Average grade

    20%

    7.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (15)
    10 reviews + 5 videos, average 7.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.3 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.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • 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 automatic activity detection
    This smartwatch does not support automatic activity detection, the average smartwatch does. 81.8% of smartwatches support automatic activity detection.
  • 38.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.3/ 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

    4.3

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

    80%

    7.3

    Average grade

    20%

    7.8

    Popularity

    Grades by review (15)
    10 reviews + 5 videos, average 7.0/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.3 vs 7.0
  • 13.5% worse value for money
    Metawatch Strata has a lower value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (6.84 vs 7.8).
    6.84 vs 7.76
  • 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.
  • 9 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2012 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    November 2012
    2012 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 inactivity alerts
    This smartwatch does not support inactivity alerts, the average smartwatch does. 92.6% of smartwatches support inactivity alerts.
  • 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 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.
  • 88 fewer exercise types
    This smartwatch includes fewer exercise types than the average smartwatch (2 vs 90). The average smartwatch includes 90 exercise types.
    2 vs 90
  • No live tracking
    This smartwatch does not support live tracking, the average smartwatch does. 89.5% of smartwatches support live tracking.
  • No achievement tracking
    This smartwatch does not support achievements, the average smartwatch does. 87% of smartwatches support achievements.
  • No voice feedback
    This smartwatch does not support voice feedback, the average smartwatch does. 63.5% of smartwatches support voice feedback.
  • 185 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery than the average smartwatch (120 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    120 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • Basic battery type
    This smartwatch uses a Li-ion battery, while the average smartwatch uses Li-Po.
    Li-ion vs Li-Po
  • 120 min slower charging
    This smartwatch charges more slowly than the average smartwatch (240 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch takes 120 min to charge from empty.
    Normalized from hour-based sources to 14,400 minutes.
    240 min vs 120 min
  • 1.25 days shorter battery life
    This smartwatch runs for less time per charge than the average smartwatch (5.8 days vs 7 days). The average smartwatch runs for 7 days on a charge.
    5.75 days vs 7 days
  • No GPS support
    This smartwatch does not support GPS, the average smartwatch does. 59.7% of smartwatches support GPS.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • No compass
    This smartwatch does not include a compass, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a compass.
  • 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
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 96x96, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    96x96 vs 360x360
  • 225 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (101 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    101 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • 14 g heavier
    This smartwatch is heavier than the average smartwatch (59 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    59 g vs 45 g
  • 1.3 mm thicker
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (13 mm vs 11.7 mm). The average smartwatch is 11.7 mm thick.
    13 mm vs 11.7 mm
  • No touchscreen
    This smartwatch does not have a touch screen, the average smartwatch does. 91.5% of smartwatches have a touch screen.
  • Basic band material
    This smartwatch uses tpu for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    tpu vs silicone
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a square form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    square vs round
  • 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 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 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

Video reviews

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

8.0
DeonReviews
✓ explicit
10/05/2014
Unboxing · hands-on review · notifications and display tests
Verdict
Metawatch Strata is a good watch for basic notifications rather than a true smartwatch; rugged, but limited and fits loosely.
5.0
nodch.de
≈ estimated
16/12/2012
Software overview · app, watch faces and call alerts
Verdict
Metawatch Strata's software is still limited and buggy, but call alerts work well enough for a first look.
7.0
TodaysiPhone
≈ estimated
27/02/2013
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
Metawatch Strata is comfortable and light, though its reflective screen has weaker contrast than you might expect.
Not graded
Overview video
Brand video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
12/09/2012
Hands-on review · Open-source watch
Verdict
The MetaWatch Strata is a durable notification watch that is fine for swimming and lasts a working week, but social media and third-party apps are still missing.
8.0
zdnet.com
≈ estimated
04/03/2013
Hands-on test · Customizable watch
Verdict
The MetaWatch Strata is a light, comfortable notification watch for tinkerers, since its official Android app is basic and community apps add most of the useful features.
6.0
au.pcmag.com
✓ explicit
12/03/2013
Hands-on review · Widget smartwatch
Verdict
The MetaWatch Strata shows the most information at a glance, but its confusing buttons and cramped widgets make it less intuitive than the Pebble.
5.0
cnet.com
≈ estimated
01/04/2013
Hands-on test · Early-stage smartwatch
Verdict
The MetaWatch Strata Stealth lasts about four days and stays readable in sunlight, but frequent connection drops and a single watch face make it feel unfinished.
6.0
uk.pcmag.com
≈ estimated
16/05/2014
Week-long test · Widget-based smartwatch
Verdict
The MetaWatch Strata is one of the most feature-packed smartwatches on the market, but its busy widget screens and confusing buttons make it hard to use.
5.0
thewatchnerd.co.uk
≈ estimated
23/07/2014
Year-long wear · Opinion column
Verdict
The MetaWatch Strata is handy for quick glances at your wrist, but it looks like a plastic bracelet and has no standout app to justify wearing it.
9.0
droid-life.com
≈ estimated
01/02/2013
First impressions · Android smartwatch
Verdict
The MetaWatch Strata feels comfortable on the wrist and works well after a day of use, with Android community apps adding themes and screensavers.
8.0
maison-et-domotique.com
≈ estimated
05/12/2013
Hands-on test · Smart home alerts
Verdict
The MetaWatch Strata is a light watch with a mirror-style screen that stays readable outdoors and suits home alerts, though its features are basic.
8.0
app4phone.fr
≈ estimated
16/03/2014
Two-week test · iPhone-linked watch
Verdict
The MetaWatch Strata suits iPhone users who want simple widgets and music controls, but its widget choice is still limited.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Metawatch Strata

  • Reliable delivery of smartphone notifications (calls, SMS, and emails) directly to the wrist
  • Excellent outdoor readability in direct sunlight due to reflective mirror display technology
  • Highly durable design with a 5 ATM water resistance rating suitable for swimming
  • Affordable entry-level pricing compared to contemporary competitors
  • Customisable watch face featuring useful modular widgets for weather, calendar, and stocks
  • Ability to control smartphone music playback (volume and track skip) from the watch

What customers don't like about Metawatch Strata

  • Frequent Bluetooth connectivity issues, including difficulty reconnecting after going out of range
  • Poor indoor visibility and narrow viewing angles due to the unorthodox reflective screen
  • Significant drain on the paired smartphone's battery during active use
  • Bulky and thick physical profile compared to other smartwatches of its era
  • Unintuitive user interface and button functions that are difficult to learn
  • Glitchy official companion app with limited options and occasional freezing/restarting of the device

Verdict

The MetaWatch Strata is a rugged, sports-oriented smartwatch featuring a 1.3-inch reflective polymer network LCD with a 96x96 resolution and a durable double-injection molded polyurethane body. Key specifications include 5 ATM water resistance, a 3-axis accelerometer, ambient light sensor, and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity for delivering notifications and controlling music on iOS and Android devices. Main pros include its highly sunlight-readable 'mirror' display, 5–7 day battery life, and a modular widget system that allows for extensive watch face customization. However, common cons include a bulky 13mm thick profile, limited contrast in indoor lighting, a cumbersome proprietary charging clip, and occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues.

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