Haylou Solar 5: A Budget Smartwatch with Premium Features

When it comes to smartwatches, there are tons of options on the market, ranging from budget-friendly to ultra-premium. But finding a great watch that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket while still offering premium features can be tricky. Enter the Haylou Solar 5, a smartwatch that brings an impressive feature set, all for an affordable price.

Design and Build

First impressions matter, and the Haylou Solar 5 doesn’t disappoint. It boasts a 1.58-inch AMOLED display with a 480 x 480 resolution—the screen offers a sharp, vibrant visual experience that is perfect for everyday use. The brightness level, rated at 1000 nits, ensures that the display remains easy to read even under direct sunlight, which is a common issue with lower-end smartwatches. What sets the display apart is the 60Hz refresh rate, a feature that you typically only see in higher-end models. This refresh rate guarantees smooth scrolling and interactions. The 2.5D curved screen also adds a touch of elegance, making the watch both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The watch itself is built to last, featuring an alloy middle frame that’s both lightweight and durable. And, with an IP68 waterproof rating, the watch can handle splashes, handwashing, and even sweat during intense workouts. Just don’t take it for a dive, and you’ll be fine! As the metal components can corrode over time. Despite being rugged, the Haylou Solar 5 doesn’t compromise on style. The stainless steel strap gives it a sleek, professional look, though you can swap it out for a silicone band if you prefer a sportier look.

Key Features

One of the more innovative aspects of the Haylou Solar 5 is its Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, which allows one to make and answer calls directly from the watch. This feature makes it incredibly convenient for those who are always on the go. You won’t need to fish out your phone for every incoming call, making it ideal when you’re driving or in a situation where your phone isn’t easily accessible. The sound quality during calls is surprisingly clear, thanks to its built-in microphone and speaker. Additionally, you can receive SMS notifications and reply using pre-set messages, which helps you stay connected without constantly reaching for your phone.

For fitness enthusiasts, the Haylou Solar 5 shines with its comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities. The watch supports over 100 different sports modes, ranging from everyday activities like running and cycling to more specialized exercises like swimming and mountaineering. The multi-channel PPG sensor ensures accurate tracking of vital metrics, such as heart rate and blood oxygen levels (SpO2), both during exercise and rest. It even offers stress monitoring, which measures your stress levels throughout the day. You can pair this with guided breathing exercises to help manage stress in real time. The sleep monitoring feature is another helpful tool, giving you detailed reports on your sleep patterns, including REM stages, which can be used to improve sleep quality.

What makes the Haylou Solar 5 unique is its attention to personalized details. It comes with customizable watch faces, allowing you to choose from over 100 dynamic options to suit your style. Whether you prefer something minimalist or a face that shows off detailed information, the watch offers plenty of variety. Even better, you can upload personal photos from your gallery to use as watch faces, adding a personal touch to your device.

Battery life is often a critical factor when choosing a smartwatch, and the Haylou Solar 5 doesn’t disappoint. With a 360mAh battery, the watch can last up to 15 days in regular usage and an astounding 40 days in power-saving mode. This means you won’t be constantly reaching for the charger. This kind of battery longevity is impressive, especially considering how many features the watch packs.

The built-in recorder is another practical addition to this smartwatch. With up to 70 minutes of recording time, it’s ideal for anyone who needs to capture quick audio notes during meetings, lectures, or brainstorming sessions. The watch supports NFC access control, which allows you to use it to unlock compatible smart locks with a simple tap.

The Haylou Fun app, which syncs all your health and activity data, is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. The app’s intuitive design makes it easy to review your progress, set goals, and even customize the settings on your watch.

Final Thoughts

At a price point of around $45, the Haylou Solar 5 offers premium features that you typically find on more expensive smartwatches. The impressive display, solid build quality, advanced Bluetooth capabilities, and extensive health tracking make it an all-around great choice for those who want a premium smartwatch experience without paying a premium price. So, this watch is worth checking out!