Vital stats Zepp Z
Not good in alphabetical searches
€350 / eu.zepp.com
Zepp is a partner brand of Amazfit and a sub-brand of Huami, which is itself part-owned by Xiaomi. Not confusing at all. So what’s its Z got to offer?
● Skip to the blood bit
Six months ago nobody cared how much oxygen was in their blood; but after Apple made such a song and dance about it, if you release a smartwatch that can’t measure SPO2 now, nobody will give it a second look. So while the Oppo Watch basically cloned the Apple Watch design, Zepp has chosen to copy its features instead by offering SPO2 tracking. Everything is displayed on what appears to be a lovely 1.39in always-on AMOLED touchscreen with GPS and built-in Alexa.
● I can ski clearly now
The Z is made from a single piece of polished titanium alloy and has a 340mah battery, which lasts up to two weeks with typical use or 30 days if you just use it to tell the time. Despite its serious threads it’s waterproof to 50m and can track up to 12 different sports, including running, cycling, swimming and skiing. It works with both Android and IOS devices and will also alert you to an abnormally elevated heart rate – which could come in handy if somebody tells you they’re thinking of buying a smartwatch without SPO2.
● Samsung got me started
When it comes to the design, the Z clearly has another leading smartwatch in its sights: the Samsung Galaxy Watch3. This take on a more traditional-looking wristwatch is a departure from its previous Zepp E model, which was far more Apple Watch-like. Well, we did warn you things were a little confusing.