Canyon Otto SW-86: A stylish budget smartwatch with surprising stamina
If you're looking for a budget smartwatch that breaks away from the usual round or square shapes, the Canyon Otto SW-86 might catch your eye. I've spent the last two weeks wearing it daily, comparing it with my Apple Watch Series 10, and while it doesn't try to compete feature-for-feature, it's got its charm.
Design
The first thing you'll notice about the Otto SW-86 is its bold octagonal bezel — a unique change from the endless stream of generic smartwatch designs on the market. That said, I'm not personally enamoured with it. While the construction doesn't scream luxury, it feels well-built and sits comfortably on the wrist, even during sleep or workouts.
At 44mm, it's not too bulky, and the display is bright enough for most lighting conditions. The watch has a silicone strap that uses standard 20mm, easily replaceable lugs. I'm not a fan of silicone straps anymore, so it's something I'd consider replacing, but that's just a matter of personal preference.
You can switch between the six pre-loaded watch faces by pressing and holding the clock face, then swiping to choose your favourite. For even more options, the Canyon Life app lets you download additional faces, adding a nice layer of personalisation. That said, when compared to the vibrant always-on display and smooth animations of the Apple Watch Series 10, the Otto's user interface does feel a bit basic, but given the price point, it's a forgivable compromise.
Features and performance
The Otto SW-86 covers the essentials well. You'll get notifications for messages and calls, weather updates, and music and camera control from your wrist. It syncs reliably with your smartphone, and while you can't reply to messages or take calls directly like you can with the Apple Watch, it's a great companion for staying on top of alerts.
Fitness-wise, it offers 25 sport modes, including swimming, thanks to its IP68 waterproof rating. I tested it during walks and cycle trips. Step counts and heart rate readings were generally not as accurate with my Apple Watch. The blood pressure readings should be viewed more as rough estimates than accurate clinical data. When I compared the watch's readings with those from a medical-grade blood pressure monitor, the differences were too significant to rely on for anything beyond casual tracking.
Battery life is where the Otto easily beats the Apple Watch. I got under eight days on a single charge, compared to barely two with my Series 10. For anyone tired of nightly charging, this is a big win.
Verdict
The Canyon Otto SW-86 isn't here to dethrone the Apple Watch. Still, for a fraction of the price, it has enough basic features and excellent battery life, and just enough fitness tracking to make it a casual everyday companion. Otto deserves a look if you're after a budget-friendly smartwatch with style and staying power.
€49 mintplus.ie
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