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

Pebble Classic review: 127 specs compared

Avg. price:~£90Screen size:1.26 inchBattery life:7 daysDisplay type:MIP LCD

Pebble Classic Review: Compare 127 technical specifications and 39 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

Pebble Classic
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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 55% of models
Score components

35%

4.9

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.0

Reviews score

10%

8.8

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 55% of smartwatches
7.8

Value for money

Value for money
7.8/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 51%
4.9

Technical score

Technical score
4.9/ 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 88% of models
Score components

24%

3.3

Health

21%

6.3

Fitness

16%

6.3

Battery

14%

4.5

Smart features

12%

3.0

Connectivity

9%

7.7

Display & Design

4%

2.4

Hardware

â–¼Worse than 88%
8.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.0/ 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–² Better than 51% of models

80%

7.8

Average grade

20%

8.7

Popularity

Grades by review (39)
21 reviews + 18 videos, average 7.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 51%
?

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
  • pebble
  • pebble
  • pebble
  • pebble
pebble
pebble
pebble
pebble
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.

What reviewers say about the Pebble Classic

Based on 10 · 11

Reviewers value the handy notifications and water resistance, while battery, apps and design divide opinion and storage feels limited.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Pebble Classic

Based on 27 owners sharing their experience in online comments

48%positive30%mixed22%negative

Owners value the simple, glanceable design and useful apps, while setup, service changes, and hardware failures can frustrate.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report the watch sometimes fails to pair with the phone, needing manual pairing and reboots. After losing Bluetooth, iPhone notifications may stop until each app is reconnected.3
  • Owners report the display can go fuzzy with broken lines, and some say the watch died completely soon after unboxing or after a short charge.3
  • After the official servers shut down, some features like weather and the microphone stopped working under Rebble, and owners say newer iPhones no longer pair.3

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

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of smartwatch Pebble Classic

Technical score
Technical score
4.9/ 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 88% of models
Score components:

24%

3.3

Health

21%

6.3

Fitness

16%

6.3

Battery

14%

4.5

Smart features

12%

3.0

Connectivity

9%

7.7

Display & Design

4%

2.4

Hardware

4.9
Reviews score
8.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.8/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.8
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
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 30.4% 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
no
This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope. 71.3% 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
7 days
Market range: <1 day – >20 days
This smartwatch lasts 7 days on a charge, which is longer than 36.1% of Smartwatches and the same as 15.9% of Smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
?
Battery life with GPS on
N/A
Battery power
270 mAh
Market range: <200 mAh – >500 mAh
This smartwatch has a 270 mAh battery, which is smaller than 66.7% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.7% of Smartwatches.
Charge time
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
Pebble OS
This smartwatch runs Pebble OS, which is less advanced than the system in 53.2% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.8% 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
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
1.26 inch
Market range: <1.2 inch – >1.83 inch
This smartwatch has a 1.26 inch screen, which is smaller than 83% of Smartwatches and the same as 0.4% of Smartwatches.
Display type
MIP LCD
This smartwatch uses MIP LCD, which is less advanced than the screen in 62.5% of Smartwatches and equal to 5.7% 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
176 ppi
Market range: <213 ppi – >461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 176 ppi, which is lower than 97.3% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.6% of Smartwatches.
Display brightness
?
Show more
What reviewers say
CPU speed
0.08 GHz
This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.08 GHz which is slower than that in 92.7% of smartwatches and equal to that in 0.4% of smartwatches.
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
0.008 GB
Market range: <0 GB – >32 GB
This smartwatch has 0.008 GB of internal storage, which is less than 76% of Smartwatches and equal to 0.3% of Smartwatches.
8 MB internal flash 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
What reviewers say

Pebble Classic 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.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs mineral glass
  • 14.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 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–² Better than 51% of models

    80%

    7.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (39)
    21 reviews + 18 videos, average 7.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 7.0
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS
  • 17.3% higher sentiment score
    8.8 vs 7.5
  • 6.5 mm narrower case
    This smartwatch has a narrower case than the average smartwatch (36 mm vs 42.5 mm). The average smartwatch measures 42.5 mm across.
    36 mm vs 42.5 mm
  • 7 g lighter
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (38 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    38 g vs 45 g
  • 14.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.0/ 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–² Better than 51% of models

    80%

    7.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (39)
    21 reviews + 18 videos, average 7.8/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.0 vs 7.0
  • 17.3% higher sentiment score
    8.8 vs 7.5
  • Rugged construction
    This smartwatch has a rugged design, the average smartwatch does not. 41.2% of smartwatches have a rugged design.
  • Stronger display glass
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass vs mineral glass
  • 7 g lighter
    This smartwatch is lighter than the average smartwatch (38 g vs 45 g). The average smartwatch weighs 45 g.
    38 g vs 45 g
  • 6.5 mm narrower case
    This smartwatch has a narrower case than the average smartwatch (36 mm vs 42.5 mm). The average smartwatch measures 42.5 mm across.
    36 mm vs 42.5 mm
  • More advanced operating system
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS).
    Pebble OS vs Proprietary OS
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • 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 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 route tracking
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 77% of smartwatches support route tracking.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • No VO2 max measurement
    This smartwatch does not measure VO2 max, the average smartwatch does. 51.3% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • 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.
  • 8 years older
    This smartwatch was released earlier than the average smartwatch (2013 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    January 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 inactivity alerts
    This smartwatch does not support inactivity alerts, the average smartwatch does. 92.6% of smartwatches support inactivity alerts.
  • No barometer
    This smartwatch does not include a barometer, the average smartwatch does. 53.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • No route tracking
    This smartwatch does not support route tracking, the average smartwatch does. 77% of smartwatches support route tracking.
    Route support available via companion app.
  • No coaching features
    This smartwatch does not support coaching, the average smartwatch does. 58.8% of smartwatches support coaching.
  • No gyroscope
    This smartwatch does not include a gyroscope, the average smartwatch does. 71.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
  • No auto-pause
    This smartwatch does not support auto pause, the average smartwatch does. 62.6% of smartwatches support auto pause.
  • No step tracking
    This smartwatch does not support step tracking, the average smartwatch does. 99.2% of smartwatches support step tracking.
  • 5,534 m lower altitude rating
    This smartwatch has a lower altitude rating than the average smartwatch (3,000 m vs 8,534 m). The average smartwatch is rated to 8,534 m.
    3,000 m vs 8,534 m
  • 35 mAh smaller battery capacity
    This smartwatch has a smaller battery than the average smartwatch (270 mAh vs 305 mAh). The average smartwatch has a 305 mAh battery.
    270 mAh vs 305 mAh
  • 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.
  • 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 (MIP LCD vs AMOLED).
    MIP LCD vs AMOLED
  • Weaker ingress protection
    This smartwatch has weaker ingress protection than the average smartwatch (IP67 vs IP68).
    Water resistance is listed as 5 ATM (ATM/pressure rating, not an official IP code).
    IP67 vs IP68
  • Lower resolution
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 144x168, while the average smartwatch reaches 360x360.
    144x168 vs 360x360
  • 0.14 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.
    1.26 inch vs 1.4 inch
  • 150 ppi less sharp screen
    This smartwatch has a less sharp screen than the average smartwatch (176 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch has a pixel density of 326 ppi.
    176 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • Less practical form
    This smartwatch uses a rectangular form, while the average smartwatch uses round.
    rectangular vs round
  • 7 mm taller case
    This smartwatch has a taller case than the average smartwatch (52 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch is 45 mm tall.
    52 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.
  • Basic band material
    This smartwatch uses tpu, rubber for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    tpu, rubber vs silicone
  • 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 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 speaker
    This smartwatch does not include a built-in speaker, the average smartwatch does. 56.7% of smartwatches include a built-in speaker.
  • 99.8% less internal storage
    This smartwatch has less internal storage than the average smartwatch (0 GB vs 4 GB). The average smartwatch has 4 GB of internal storage.
    8 MB internal flash storage.
    0.008 GB vs 4 GB
  • Slower CPU speed
    This smartwatch uses a CPU configuration of 0.08 GHz, while the average smartwatch uses 1 GHz.
    0.08 GHz vs 1 GHz

Video reviews

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

8.0
Browningate
≈ estimated
07/04/2024
Full review · long-term use and comparison with TicWatch
Verdict
Pebble Classic is dated and flawed, but it remains a good, useful watch more than a decade later.
8.0
Tech Raccoon
≈ estimated
31/01/2021
Used-buy review · repair and one week of use
Verdict
Pebble Classic is still a great smartwatch in 2021 if you find one cheap, though it has a few drawbacks.
9.0
What Time Watch Time
≈ estimated
27/07/2018
Owner review · battery, comfort and app outlook
Verdict
Pebble Classic is still a very viable, simple smartwatch in 2018, especially for notifications and basic use.
9.0
Asher Tech
≈ estimated
24/07/2017
Hands-on review · waterproof test and one month of use
Verdict
Pebble Classic is a nice, cheap watch that works extremely well, though it lacks a touchscreen.
6.4
MobileReviewsEh
✓ explicit
09/05/2015
Hands-on review · app ecosystem and daily use
Verdict
Pebble Classic is useful mainly for its third-party apps, though the hardware is limited and it lags behind newer smartwatches.
4.0
Tech Raccoon
≈ estimated
02/07/2023
Short review · update failure after long storage
Verdict
Pebble Classic is one to skip, since this older watch stopped working after a firmware update loop.
8.0
Browningate
≈ estimated
31/12/2015
Follow-up review · used purchase and daily use
Verdict
Pebble Classic is an excellent, economical choice for Bluetooth watch buyers despite its awful software.
8.0
TechSolid
≈ estimated
16/10/2015
Long-term test · four months of daily use
Verdict
Pebble Classic is overall a great device, though it has connectivity issues, glitches, and a charger that can easily come loose.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
07/12/2016
Hands-on review · Notification smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble is an elegant, waterproof notification watch, but its hard-to-read screen and flaky connection suit tinkerers more than everyday users.
7.6
cnet.com
✓ explicit
10/02/2014
App-focused review · Plastic smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble Watch is a waterproof, comfortable choice with a new app store, though its four buttons make apps harder to use.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
28/06/2013
Hands-on test · Simple first smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble Classic is a simple, comfortable smartwatch with long battery life and an easy-to-read e-paper screen, but it works best with Android phones.
6.0
t3.com
✓ explicit
02/04/2013
Hands-on test · Early Pebble smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble is a simple watch for busy people who need to check messages, but its battery died early and its app selection is limited.
8.0
stuff.tv
✓ explicit
01/03/2013
Hands-on test · Launch-day smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble is a crisp, minimal smartwatch and the first useful one for phones, though its battery life and missing reply feature hold it back.
8.0
wornandwound.com
≈ estimated
12/02/2013
First impressions · Early Pebble smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble is a light, good-looking smartwatch that works well with an iPhone, but its backlight was unreliable and app choices were thin at launch.
5.0
programmingzen.com
✓ explicit
02/02/2014
Personal review · Basic smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble is a basic watch that's handy for time, texts and music control, though its battery life and weather faces let it down.
8.0
techcrunch.com
≈ estimated
18/02/2013
Two-person review · Early Pebble smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble is the best-looking early smartwatch with simple menus, but its notifications and backlight are still flawed, and it feels like a first-generation product.
8.0
theverge.com
≈ estimated
09/01/2013
Hands-on test · Simple notifications
Verdict
The Pebble Classic is a simple watch for notifications and music control, but it cannot do much more than that yet.
8.0
gpsradler.de
≈ estimated
29/03/2016
Cyclist's review · Long-battery watch
Verdict
The Pebble Classic is a monochrome watch with a week-long battery and sunlight-readable screen, but fitness and automation need extra apps.
9.0
die-smartwatch.de
≈ estimated
11/05/2016
Full review · E-paper watch
Verdict
The Pebble is a light, simple watch with an always-readable e-paper screen and a large app store for extra features.
9.0
smartdroid.de
≈ estimated
07/04/2014
Hands-on test · E-paper watch
Verdict
The Pebble is a black-and-white watch that lasts about a week per charge and gets many extra features from its large app store.
8.0
iphonesoft.fr
✓ explicit
24/06/2013
Unboxing and test · iPhone use
Verdict
The Pebble Classic is light, waterproof and easy to read in sunlight, with about a week of battery life, but its iPhone notifications and apps are limited.
7.0
frandroid.com
✓ explicit
02/07/2014
Ten-day test · Notification smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble is a simple watch for notifications with a week-long battery, though its bulky design and missing features hold it back.
5.2
01net.com
✓ explicit
17/12/2013
Two-week test · Simple smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble is a simple watch with a week-long battery and vibrating alerts, but it has few features and glitchy Android support.
9.0
pisapapeles.net
≈ estimated
28/07/2014
Hands-on review · Monochrome smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble is a light, comfortable watch with long battery life and readable e-paper, recommended for gadget fans but limited to eight installed apps.
7.6
smartworld.it
✓ explicit
28/01/2014
Full review · E-paper smartwatch
Verdict
The Pebble suits gadget fans who can live with its chunky buttons, few apps and limited memory.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Pebble Classic

  • Exceptional battery life, often lasting 5-7 days on a single charge
  • Always-on e-paper display with excellent readability in direct sunlight
  • Water resistance up to 50 metres, making it suitable for swimming and showering
  • Seamless cross-platform compatibility with both iOS and Android devices
  • Lightweight and comfortable design for all-day wear
  • Instantaneous wrist notifications for calls, texts, and emails
  • Highly customizable with a vast library of community-created watch faces

What customers don't like about Pebble Classic

  • Plastic polycarbonate build can feel 'toy-like' or 'geeky' rather than premium
  • Lacks a touchscreen, relying entirely on physical side buttons for navigation
  • Screen is monochrome and can be difficult to read in dim indoor lighting without the backlight
  • Limited advanced hardware features such as GPS, heart rate monitoring, or NFC for payments
  • The magnetic charging cable can be finicky and disconnects easily
  • Official app store closure in 2016 requires using community platforms like Rebble for full functionality
  • Buttons are sometimes described as 'mushy' or 'sticky' by some users

Verdict

The Pebble is a pioneering smartwatch featuring a 1.26-inch, 144x168 pixel black-and-white e-paper (transflective LCD) display that remains always-on and highly readable in direct sunlight. It is powered by an ARM Cortex-M3 processor with 128KB of RAM, connects via Bluetooth 4.0 to both iOS and Android devices, and includes a three-axis accelerometer, magnetometer, and ambient light sensor. Key advantages include an exceptional battery life of up to 7 days, 5 ATM water resistance (up to 50 meters), and a vast library of customizable watch faces and third-party apps. However, it lacks a touchscreen, relying instead on four physical side buttons for navigation, and does not include advanced hardware like a heart-rate monitor, GPS, or a built-in speaker.

Compare Pebble Classic with other Smartwatches

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Pebble Classic and other Smartwatches

No results found