TicWatch C2 Review

The TicWatch C2 finished a bit ahead of the TicWatch E and just a point behind the Fitbit Ionic. The TicWatch C2 is a bit easier to use and has a more impressive set of smart functions than the Ionic, but doesn't match it in terms of fitness tracking abilities, display, or battery life. However, the C2 is quite a bit less expensive than the Ionic. The main differences between the C2 and the E are the addition of mobile payment capabilities and a much sleeker and more stylish design, but it's about $40-$50 more expensive, making it a much less attractive bargain buy.

Ease of Use

The C2 is quite easy to charge, having a connector that attaches to the back of the watch with a reasonably strong magnet. You do have to take a little bit of time to line it up properly, but it isn't jostled loose from minor movements. It still isn't as secure as the watches that have actual charging cradles.

The screen is a little slower than we would like to wake up when you raise, taking a full second before it illuminates. In terms of navigating menus, the touchscreen is decently responsive, though it can be a little finicky and register a swipe as a click. This is the only interface for scrolling on the C2, as it lacks a rotating crown or bezel.

It is super easy to swap wristbands, utilizing the typical watch mechanism, but the C2 isn't the most water resistant watch we have seen. While it is rated for IP68 — an improvement on its predecessor — it states that it shouldn't be taken swimming or in the shower, but is fine with rain and sweat. Unfortunately, we found it to be a bit finicky to take screenshots of the content on the watch and never really got it to work reliably through the WearOS (formerly Android Wear) app.

Smart Functions

The TicWatch C2 runs on WearOS, so it has the same amount of app compatibility as the other Android watches, with standalone versions of apps like Uber, Messenger, Spotify, Strava, and IFTTT all working normally. However, it doesn't come close to matching the library of available apps for the Apple Watch.

The C2 has an integrated microphone for voice command, but not a speaker, so you do need to use your phone to make or answer calls and can't rely on the watch alone.

We liked that this watch has a built-in GPS unit for navigation and fitness tracking, as well as NFC for mobile payment applications using Google Pay (Android Pay). It also has the standard set of basic controls when you are listening to music, letting you play/pause, adjust volume, or skip to the next track.

Display

This watch has a 1.3" circular AMOLED screen that is actually quite high-quality, but it can't compare to the quality of the top Samsung or Apple watches. It's super easy to read in the dark, but it can be a bit of a pain to see in bright light.

You don't have the option to set the backlight to automatically adjust, but you can set it to be always on — at the expense of your battery life.

Fitness Impact

This watch has a fairly accurate step counter, but the average discrepancy between the recorded count and the true count was about 40 steps over our mile-long trials.

We weren't huge fans of the HR monitor, as it would usually differ from the chest strap by about 5 bpm when stationary and would be wildly off when exercising.

The TicWatch doesn't track flights of stairs climbed, but will track a variety of different workouts. It uses the Fit Activity app for this by default, or you can use a third-party app, like Strava or Runkeeper, for activity tracking. It records a decent amount of data and has an integrated GPS unit, so you can go on a run and leave your phone behind without sacrificing the quality of the data recorded.

Battery Life

The TicWatch C2's battery only lasted between 24-30 hours with normal use, so you can expect to charge it every night. Compared to the other wearables we have reviewed, this is below average. However, it charges quite quickly, reaching a 50% charge in only 36 minutes and completely refilling a dead battery in about 80 minutes.

Value

This watch isn't a great value, as it isn't that much better than some considerably less expensive models.

Conclusion

All in all, the C2's performance puts it in a bit of an awkward spot. It is a little too expensive to be a great bargain option, but it can't match the top products. It is our favorite watch for $200, but only if you are spending exactly $200. There are watches that are quite a bit better that retail for only $30-$50 more, and watches that aren't that much worse that retail for $30-$50 less. If you want the best, it's worth paying more or buying a different model, especially if you are looking for a bargain.