Mobvoi TicWatch C2 Hands-on Review

Stop looking at your phone, you do it too much. While you're at it, do not go and buy another phone to stop yourself at your phone. Instead, if you're really committed to reducing your daily life, Mobvoi wants to consider its new smartwatch, the C2 TicWatch – and in essence we're in agreement with them.

Why? It makes sense. Your phone stays in your bag, or in your pocket, and key alerts are sent to your watch. A quick glance at your wrist will tell you instantly if it's worth further investigation on your phone, or you do not need to worry about it until later. This is a new concept, it's why smartwatches were designed.

It's the best way to be effective because of your disconnection A smartwatch helps you overcome that fear, which may – if you've got the willpower – eventually help you stop looking at your phone so often.

Well designed for all wrist sizes

That's what Mobvoi wants you to think about the TicWatch C2, but it's irrelevant if the watch itself is not worth buying. We have been impressed, mainly because it looks and feels like it is more than $ 200 price tag. The body is comprised of two parts, a metal top section and bezel, along with a plastic case. There are three different models, and we like the stainless steel and gray most.

However, we were also pleased to see how to make the gold model, which is slightly less than 1 mm or so, and has a smaller male bezel and shape. The top button on the side has a different design too. It is not a ladies version, but it is a model for those with smaller wrists, Mobvoi said, and it has an 18mm strap rather than the 20mm strap on the black and stainless steel model. Made from leather, the straps were pliable and comfortable, and none of the watches looked large or too small on our wrist.

The 1.3-inch AMOLED screen shows the newest version of Google's Wear OS, but the watch was in fashion for our hands-on, so we can not comment on performance. It flicked through the menus speedily enough though. The C2 also has a heart rate sensor, GPS, and NFC for Google Pay, but we could not test these at the time. There are two buttons on the side, one for calling up the menu, and the other to activate assigned features. Not many smartwatches do away with the traditional and get away with it. The Skagen Falster 2 marbles, and we like the look on the TicWatch C2 as well.

Honest design, alternative marketing

What we really liked with the TicWatch C2 was its honesty, and the improvements made to the design over the TicWatch E, and the adoption of the more refined style we liked on the TicWatch Pro. We call it honest because it's not so easy. The design is minimalist and attractive, the features are comprehensive, and the price is just right. One could argue that this is the smartwatch most people would need, especially if their phone costs $ 500. You're looking at strong value, rather than high smartphones, and when smartphones can now cost $ 1,000 or more and smartwatches can also run to the same price, this is good news.

A value product does not, and really should not, always mean it feels cheap. The TicWatch E felt cheap (and it is), but no-one wants to strap on their wrist. Not everyone wants to spend $ 400 on a smartwatch from a fashion brand, given that a piece of technology has a finite life. The $ 200 TicWatch C2 sits very nicely in-between these two points, and with a design that edges towards the better looking smartwatches out there, rather than towards the cheaper models.

What about the TicWatch C2's ambitions as a device for helping you, 'digital wellbeing?' There are no specific Mobvoi-designed features that drive this aspect, and no tailored apps created to manage notifications in a less intrusive way. It's a marketing message here, but at least it's one of the most effective things you can do for your phone's screen. Whether this will lead to a reduction in your real-world smartphone will depend on your own personal ability.

That aside, as a smartwatch, the TicWatch C2 is well worth your consideration.