NOTE: Tested this S9 ULTRA with a T-Mobile SIM in USA and it works perfectly for calls and data. A speed test demo is part of the full review video. Here's some technical info straight from the watch: th-cam.com/video/un4y1ulJlK8/w-d-xo.html
So the network works just as good as a ordinary phone right in the USA. So there's no delays and inconsistences in calling and browsing or unstable location sharing.
@@SWT I hope so too! The one frustration I've always had with Android watches was how hard it is to zoom in on content - enabling tap-to-zoom in Accessibility worked to an extent but it was always a bit clunky and hard to have fine control over. Pinch-to-zoom would make things so much better.
Just got mine today, one thing that's a bit of a drawback is it's using Android Go as a base, and an old one at that, so apps that need Notifications Access and some other misc features are out of luck. I like the form factor, but I'm hoping they come out with a North American version that has full Android at some point.
Hello. thanks for the great video. For me, it only makes sense to wear a smartwatch if it has a sim card. No need for a mobile phone. I want more smatwatch with sim card videos. Thank you very much. You make the best videos! Joe 😎 from Hungary
Appreciate the feedback! Also nice to know that these watches support WiFi so when in a WiFi zone, you can do all kinds of VOIP calls, like voice or video, etc. Haven't tried the retractable camera with a video call yet. Sounds like something interesting for another video if it works.
Can it be used with supermarket apps that use the android camera for QR code scanning and payment? From your previous short video it looks like when you deploy the camera it locks into photo/video mode.
yes but google pay is not working it say this device is not certified , another banking app working , i have s16 series 9 mix ultra design but this variant is only on polycarbonate means plastic frame
@@s7chauhangaming705 Thanks for the reply. Where I live the affinity shopping systems rely on your phone scanning a register QR code. I'd like to shop without my android phone in one hand, so the idea of an android watch that can display my shopping list, call up the store's affinity app and allow me to checkout by scanning the QR code would be cool.
I've installed a 3rd party camera app, an it opens the camera when launched, so I would imagine bar code reading apps and others that use the camera should work. In other words, the camera appears to not be locked to the stock app. With that said, pulling out the camera does launch the stock camera app, and I don't see a way to change that.
Nice video on Vwar watches. I'm interested on their dw99, similar specs for most part. I'm waiting for a N. america version 64gb comes out. Think you'll be able to do a video on that when it comes out 😮?
Is it sure that the 64 version will be released? Because if so then I'm waiting too👍. The important thing is that this dw99 is Android full and not Android Go like this S9 ultra that I already had.
@@vic6008 good question, I don't know either maybe ticks might know. I reached out to the watch company but they haven't responded yet. They have 64gb version for almost all other watches
Best would be to let Vwar know you want to see a review on SmartWatchTicks before you buy. They are still testing out if having their products reviewed is worthwhile to them. So far there have been some good sales of this model, so they are sending me another one to try out.
From what I can tell the Android "Google Go" apps are Webapps of the standard apps so they are running in a web page rather than supported by a beefy app interface. Makes them lean and smaller in memory and size. Techies, please correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks.
Hi Mr. Ticks! Longtime fan. Question for you: does the Android Go implementation allow me to use Google Voice, or do I need a Full Android Watch? Also, any other square/rectangular Android smartwatches you can recommend for first time FAW users ditching smartphones?
Which watch would you recommend for pairing with a Galaxy phone that still has a camera and be able to receive notifications from the phone? Used to use my Samsung gear 2, but it's no longer compatible with phones newer than 2021, also own the zeblaze thor 4, but I know what you mean by it is more of a standalone watch and it also has grainy pictures.
Great review mate. Given what you said, can you answer a call on the watch that’s connected to an iPhone? And can you use the internet from a phone for a the gps… google maps?
How’s the battery life? It seems to be dropping quite quickly even in this review. Think it said 20 mins since last full charge and was already below 90 percent.
i have the almost identical HK ultra one, it does run universal launcher, and using that you can get more watchfaces with a clockskin folder, but it's worth pointing out these watches are not android developer friendly and my one at least won't connect to any companion app, wiiwear etc, etc, so no extra watchfaces on the standard launcher, additionally, some of the specs seem to have been spoofed by the manufacturer despite that, it's my daily driver, the UI is great, and runs fluidly, i get an easy days battery life out of it, but i only use it for calls, there are a few software gliche's but nothing serious, the value for money proposition is tremendous as far as i'm concerned (the sound volume issue mrticks alluded to could be because the separate media volume profile was set lower than rings volume profile, needs checking)
No, it appears this one (and most of the new ones) are true stand alone smart watch phones without tethering to another phone. So you can sync things like Gmail or Chrome, but it would be like syncing your regular phone, not some special tethering connection.
Could you please do another video testing the bluetooth device mode? I need to know can I reply to text messages that comes through? Can use google assistant while in the bluetooth device mode? Thanks.
Sorry, no idea on Global 4G. It relies on the GSM network, so a good start is to see if that's the network style your carrier uses. I wouldn't expect this watch is more than splash resistant.
No, it doesn't seem to have that capability. There's no interface with an online face store and no connection to an app to provide it either. Traditional custom faces sideloaded into a "clockskin" folder doesn't work. If anybody finds a way to add faces, PLEASE let us know!
i get a full day out of it easily , it has 40 to 50 % left at the end of the day , it can play video continuously for 6 hours , if you run it in low power mode just as a watch I reckon you could get 3 days out of it
I haven't tried Bluetooth since there's no phone app to tether to. Yet another thing to look into. Funny, none of these issues come up when I watch flagship phone reviews. It's more about camera specs. 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth, volume, screen brightness, etc., are just expected to work. Android on a watch needs much more detail examination across the board.
Good afternoon i hope you are well. I always watch your video before i get a smart watch. I was wondering if you have done a review on G41 smart watch I would love to see your review on one.
I haven't heard yet. They seem to just drop things and suddenly they are there when we search. If any of you see a higher RAM/ROM version, please let us know here! Thanks.
NOTE: Tested this S9 ULTRA with a T-Mobile SIM in USA and it works perfectly for calls and data. A speed test demo is part of the full review video. Here's some technical info straight from the watch: th-cam.com/video/un4y1ulJlK8/w-d-xo.html
So the network works just as good as a ordinary phone right in the USA. So there's no delays and inconsistences in calling and browsing or unstable location sharing.
Can you verify the LTE Bands it uses? Tmobile for 4g uses 2,4,5,12, 66, 71.
Can I connect it to an iPhone?
@@damonsalvatore7312 You should be able to, watches such as these do have an iOS app.
Hi Mr. Ticks!
How did you manage to get the watch to work t-mobile usa? I got mine, and it doesn't get data at all.
For those looking to buy this, it DOES NOT have an AMOLED screen, it is LCD.
Can we install custom watch faces like casio rolex etc in this watch Sir?
Finally a new rectangular Android Watch *with Multitouch*! Taking a chance on this one :D
Hope it works out four your multitouch objectives!
@@SWT I hope so too! The one frustration I've always had with Android watches was how hard it is to zoom in on content - enabling tap-to-zoom in Accessibility worked to an extent but it was always a bit clunky and hard to have fine control over. Pinch-to-zoom would make things so much better.
@@doctorxadium use can use two finger to zoom in or zoom out in video , photos
How can I get this one
@@akosibasteangeles5064 from vwar youtube channel website
Just got mine today, one thing that's a bit of a drawback is it's using Android Go as a base, and an old one at that, so apps that need Notifications Access and some other misc features are out of luck. I like the form factor, but I'm hoping they come out with a North American version that has full Android at some point.
Good point. Thanks for the feedback.
@@SWTHi Mr., one questione for you...Is possibile to use watchdroid app with this android watch? (It would be usefull for syncronize notifications)
hello, could you please provide more video of the watchfaces?
Hello. thanks for the great video. For me, it only makes sense to wear a smartwatch if it has a sim card. No need for a mobile phone. I want more smatwatch with sim card videos. Thank you very much. You make the best videos!
Joe 😎 from Hungary
Appreciate the feedback! Also nice to know that these watches support WiFi so when in a WiFi zone, you can do all kinds of VOIP calls, like voice or video, etc. Haven't tried the retractable camera with a video call yet. Sounds like something interesting for another video if it works.
Can it be used with supermarket apps that use the android camera for QR code scanning and payment? From your previous short video it looks like when you deploy the camera it locks into photo/video mode.
yes but google pay is not working it say this device is not certified , another banking app working , i have s16 series 9 mix ultra design but this variant is only on polycarbonate means plastic frame
@@s7chauhangaming705 Thanks for the reply. Where I live the affinity shopping systems rely on your phone scanning a register QR code. I'd like to shop without my android phone in one hand, so the idea of an android watch that can display my shopping list, call up the store's affinity app and allow me to checkout by scanning the QR code would be cool.
I've installed a 3rd party camera app, an it opens the camera when launched, so I would imagine bar code reading apps and others that use the camera should work. In other words, the camera appears to not be locked to the stock app. With that said, pulling out the camera does launch the stock camera app, and I don't see a way to change that.
Do they have an update of this watch
Ordered mine from Ali express, looking forward to my new toy arriving
Have fun! Periscope up!
Just one quick question, is it a real difference between 2gb and 4gb or it's fake?
Ian Fleming and 007 would be proud of this watch
Yea, especially if they add a laser beam to the other side of the camera for getting 007 out of a jam.
Nice video on Vwar watches. I'm interested on their dw99, similar specs for most part. I'm waiting for a N. america version 64gb comes out. Think you'll be able to do a video on that when it comes out 😮?
Is it sure that the 64 version will be released? Because if so then I'm waiting too👍. The important thing is that this dw99 is Android full and not Android Go like this S9 ultra that I already had.
@@vic6008 good question, I don't know either maybe ticks might know. I reached out to the watch company but they haven't responded yet. They have 64gb version for almost all other watches
Best would be to let Vwar know you want to see a review on SmartWatchTicks before you buy. They are still testing out if having their products reviewed is worthwhile to them. So far there have been some good sales of this model, so they are sending me another one to try out.
@@vic6008hmm . What is Android go and Android full? I thought both watches are basically operating android 8+
From what I can tell the Android "Google Go" apps are Webapps of the standard apps so they are running in a web page rather than supported by a beefy app interface. Makes them lean and smaller in memory and size. Techies, please correct me if I'm wrong. Thanks.
Hi Grady from Illinois nice watch where did you order it from.
Hi Grady! Check the show notes under the video. I try and put the current buying information there. Enjoy!
Hi Mr. Ticks! Longtime fan. Question for you: does the Android Go implementation allow me to use Google Voice, or do I need a Full Android Watch? Also, any other square/rectangular Android smartwatches you can recommend for first time FAW users ditching smartphones?
Which watch would you recommend for pairing with a Galaxy phone that still has a camera and be able to receive notifications from the phone? Used to use my Samsung gear 2, but it's no longer compatible with phones newer than 2021, also own the zeblaze thor 4, but I know what you mean by it is more of a standalone watch and it also has grainy pictures.
Great review mate. Given what you said, can you answer a call on the watch that’s connected to an iPhone? And can you use the internet from a phone for a the gps… google maps?
How’s the battery life? It seems to be dropping quite quickly even in this review. Think it said 20 mins since last full charge and was already below 90 percent.
One question, does the chip on this watch work with operators in Brazil?
i have the almost identical HK ultra one, it does run universal launcher, and using that you can get more watchfaces with a clockskin folder, but it's worth pointing out these watches are not android developer friendly and my one at least won't connect to any companion app, wiiwear etc, etc, so no extra watchfaces on the standard launcher, additionally, some of the specs seem to have been spoofed by the manufacturer
despite that, it's my daily driver, the UI is great, and runs fluidly, i get an easy days battery life out of it, but i only use it for calls, there are a few software gliche's but nothing serious, the value for money proposition is tremendous as far as i'm concerned
(the sound volume issue mrticks alluded to could be because the separate media volume profile was set lower than rings volume profile, needs checking)
Thanks for the feedback. I'll mess around with the volume a bit more and see if I can get it louder.
Does it sync with your phone?
No, it appears this one (and most of the new ones) are true stand alone smart watch phones without tethering to another phone. So you can sync things like Gmail or Chrome, but it would be like syncing your regular phone, not some special tethering connection.
@@SWT Is it possible to update the Android version? thanks
Hi, thank you for the great review
Can you use the facer app with the watch.
I don't think so, but I'm not sure. Good question for the advanced face designers at fullandroidwatch.org
Which app i can use for this? Fitpro and QiFit not working and connecting
It works without App, i know it's strange, because you can't send the data to your phone
Hi, is there an Android version update .zip file for this model? Thanks
Wow how did you get cellular to work?
sim card as shown on the box of the watch
@@darshdodeja what are the setting you get it to get on 4g iam still on 3g on tmoble im the the plus plan still getting 3g speeds
@@waltroman1233 I don't know about that, maybe try contacting vwar(the company of this watch)
@@waltroman1233 maybe ask t-mobile to change to 4g data
@@darshdodeja i did and it still on 3g speeds
Would this work with Bluetooth to phone or is this sim operation only?
This one is SIM only. I have a review coming up for an Android watch with no SIM and Bluetooth calling. Subscribed?
How do u turn off do not disturb? On it?
That Camera is crazy. Apple needs to step its game up.
Really fun stuff. Kinda takes that simple rotating crown and rubs Apple's nose in it.
Exactly.
I’m about to get one . Lol
That's change with S12 version update ?
that's a S12 version.
the newer one is S16.
it has round shape on the corners of the glass screen.
Seems as soon as I review one, another one is on the market!
Could you please do another video testing the bluetooth device mode? I need to know can I reply to text messages that comes through? Can use google assistant while in the bluetooth device mode? Thanks.
The one with the S16 motherboard is the best version.
It has a round edge corner glass but not flat like the S12 one.
Does it go by the same S9 ULTRA name? What makes the S16 motherboard better?
Great review 😊 How is typing on this puppy?!
It's good, actually. Keyboard works well, even the edges.
Will it work in Australia on our 4G network? IP rating?
Sorry, no idea on Global 4G. It relies on the GSM network, so a good start is to see if that's the network style your carrier uses. I wouldn't expect this watch is more than splash resistant.
Any chance to add new watchfaces to this watch?
No, it doesn't seem to have that capability. There's no interface with an online face store and no connection to an app to provide it either. Traditional custom faces sideloaded into a "clockskin" folder doesn't work. If anybody finds a way to add faces, PLEASE let us know!
yeah , there is a video on here about it , search 800 watchfaces and you will find it
What variant do you have ?
Firmware suffix is 20240111-1442 for DW_W377_EW12_V31
Works well with T-Mobile SIM in USA for calls, texts, and data.
Does the GPS actually work? I'm using the vwar S9 ultra 2, the GPS is not working. Google map and Strava cannot detect any GPS location.
It works perfectly BUT not on wrist
I think that it doesn't support GPS, but i am not sure
How to change my wallpaper
Android 8.1 seems old. But these cellular watches all seem to have it...
is it waterproof ?
i would not even try it to be honest , its a phone on your wrist , its camera would probably let water in
yeah fair point. thanks mate, I decided not to get one.
Can I connect it to an iPhone?
Impossible to be connected to any smartphone, also, you can't transfer data to your pc through USB cable
Anh chance for zeblaze beyond 3 pro review? Couldnt find any so far. 😅
Got one up now! Thanks for asking.
@@SWT Gor mine since few days too. Thats my last attempt to zeblaze watches. Translation os poor, crown in only a button, overall Im dissapointed.
how many hours of screen on time are you getting with the alleged 1280 mah battery?
Sorry, I haven't done any battery testing on it. Anybody out there able to help out with your battery life experiences?
i get a full day out of it easily , it has 40 to 50 % left at the end of the day , it can play video continuously for 6 hours , if you run it in low power mode just as a watch I reckon you could get 3 days out of it
Very nice 👌 👍
Thank you! Cheers!
is seem than the digtal crown is not working
I got one of these but for the life of me. I cannot get it to connect to Bluetooth on my phone. Any suggestions?
if memory serves i had the same problem with my HK one ultra, i think i had to give access to internet and contacts on the device to get it going
I haven't tried Bluetooth since there's no phone app to tether to. Yet another thing to look into. Funny, none of these issues come up when I watch flagship phone reviews. It's more about camera specs. 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth, volume, screen brightness, etc., are just expected to work. Android on a watch needs much more detail examination across the board.
The sound quality and not being able answer calls or WhatsApp messages from your mobile is a killer for me. What a shame
i doubt the 4G works in the usa
can I make and take whatsapp calls and messages on this watch?
VLC player usually lets you amp volume up to 200x
Good to know! I'll have to try it out.
Really wish the endomondo running app was still available. Perfect companion for these watch types.
Perhaps an earlier version could be side loaded.
Good afternoon i hope you are well.
I always watch your video before i get a smart watch.
I was wondering if you have done a review on G41 smart watch I would love to see your review on one.
good smartwatch
Yes! I'm having fun with this one. What's a Gita factory?
Ticks, anyword when the 64gb becomes available? Im joping yo future proof my next watch a little wirh the 4gb/64 😂
I haven't heard yet. They seem to just drop things and suddenly they are there when we search. If any of you see a higher RAM/ROM version, please let us know here! Thanks.
but you have to pay for cellular phone service, ridiculous
True. Got a rare Android smartwatch that does Bluetooth calling, not SIM calling coming up for review soon.
Don't necessarily need to pay for service if you just want to call 911
@@SWTplz share that link for an android watch that connects to phone via BT.
Thanks
I want to use this as my phone and wirelessly hotspot from it.
nice watch but body is plastic🙁
Dumpster fire smart watch tbh