Razer Nabu Watch hands-on review
Our Verdict
Cheaper than most rivals, the Razer Nabu Watch gives a chunky retro take on the smartwatch which will suit some users. Things are kept simple here with the split digital chronograph and second smart screen like the Martian Notifier and the price reflects this.
Razer has expanded its Nabu wearable range with a newsmartwatchwhich has two batteries. Here’s our Razer Nabu Watch hands-on review from CES 2016.See also:Best smartwatches 2016.
Razer Nabu Watch review: Release date and price
Instead of having to wait weeks or months for a new product, the Nabu Watch is already available from theRazer Storeif you’re happy to but the Forged Edition for $199. The regular model is more affordable at $149 and will start shipping ‘late January’.
In the UK, the store only lists the Forged Edition which will cost£159but there’s no release date, instead you can sign up for notifications.
Read:Hands on with the Casio outdoor smartwatch.
Razer Nabu Watch review: Design and build
True to form, the Nabu Watch has Razer’s distinctive style with a black and signature green design. The chunky plastic design won’t be for everyone but the device does have a 5ATM water resistance rating meaning you can plunge up to 50m under water with it.
We like the retro style which features that LCD screen and the large buttons around the edge which are practically impossible to miss when you press them.
Both models of the Nabu Watch are bulky but it’s the Forged Edition which provides a more premium build. Unfortunately, this wasn’t on show at CES so we can’t comment on it but it offers ‘ machined stainless steel buttons for added durability and a premium black finish’.
Razer Nabu Watch review: Hardware and specs
When it comes to hardware, the Nabu Watch is split into two sections; hence why it has two batteries, in a similar fashion to theMartian Notifier.
For starters, you have the digital chronograph which is backlit and is the classic Razer green colour. This comes with the kind of functions you would expect such as a countdown timer, stopwatch, World time clocks and alarms.
It also has a retro hourly time signal but more importantly will last a year before you need to replace the button battery (CR2032) which you can buy for next to nothing.
Below the digital clock is a secondary screen which is where the smart functions kick in. The OLED display is 128×16 in green and is controlled with the larger button below. You’ll use this to cycle through the Nabu functions such as fitness tracking (steps, distance, calories etc) via the accelerometer. You can track your sleep if you wish but the watch is a bit bulky to wear in bed if you ask us.
Connect the Nabu Watch to an iPhone 5 or later (iOS 8 and above) or Android 4.3 or later with Bluetooth and you’ll get smartwatch notifications including calls, text messages, emails and app alerts. The screen can also be activated by lifting your wrist.
As the price suggests, there’s no advanced features such as built-in GPS or a heart rate monitor so this is a fairly basic setup. However, the Nabu Watch’s smart segment will last longer than most rivals with a seven day battery life. You can then charge it up with the supplied proprietary magnetic cable.
Lastly is the ability, the slightly odd ability, to exchange Facebook and Twitter info easily with a handshake. This works across all Nabu devices including the original Nabu and Nabu X.
Specs
Razer Nabu Watch: Specs
Author: Chris Martin, Reviews Editor, Tech Advisor
Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been at Tech Advisor for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.
