Croma Velocity AR Smartwatch review: Affordable choice with AMOLED display and smart features

The Croma Velocity AR Smartwatch comes with essential features like Bluetooth calling and water resistance, but does it truly make an impact? Let’s find out.

Croma, known as a popular consumer electronics retailer in India, has steadily expanded its in-house product range. From TVs and soundbars to kitchen appliances like microwaves and now wearables like smartwatches and earphones, Croma is making its mark in multiple categories. Their latest budget smartwatch, the Croma Velocity AR, is priced at ₹2,799. With the growing demand for smart wearables, this watch aims to offer essential smart features without breaking the bank. The Croma smartwatch can be bought on their website or from your nearest Croma store.

Croma Velocity AR Smartwatch review: Know everything before you buy.

I had the chance to test the Croma smartwatch thoroughly, checking every feature, from design and display to fitness tracking, notifications, and battery life. Budget smartwatches often come with compromises, so my goal was to see if the Croma Velocity AR could strike the right balance between affordability and functionality. Does it actually perform well in real-life usage? Is it a worthy competitor to other budget brands, or does it feel like just another entry-level smartwatch? So, here's my honest Croma Velocity AR Smartwatch review for you.

Specifications of the Croma Velocity AR Smartwatch

Feature	Specification
Display	1.43-inch AMOLED, 466 x 466 pixels resolution
Battery Life	Up to 7 days (claimed), around 48 hours in real use
Water Resistance	IP68-rated (dust and water-resistant)
Bluetooth Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.3 with calling support
Health Tracking	Heart rate monitor, SpO2 monitor, sleep tracking
Sports Modes	100+ sports tracking options
Smart Features	Instant notifications, Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri support
Build & Design	Metal and polycarbonate body, replaceable 22mm silicone strap
Charging	Magnetic charging (slow charging speed)
Controls	Touchscreen with a rotary wheel for navigation

 

 

 

 

 

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Design and build quality

The Croma Velocity AR Smartwatch features a round dial with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, offering vibrant colours and decent clarity. The watch has a metal and polycarbonate body, making it lightweight yet sturdy. The silicone strap is comfortable for daily wear and replaceable for customisation.

Croma claims the smartwatch to be unisex. However, I found the dial too large for my wrist, making it look oversized and uncomfortable, especially during travel or when carrying luggage. That said, those who prefer larger dials might appreciate the size. The strap material is decent and comfortable but doesn’t feel very premium. The IP68 water resistance is a good addition, but I wouldn’t rely on it for prolonged water exposure.

Display and touch

The Croma Velocity AR Smartwatch features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a 466 x 466 pixel resolution, delivering sharp visuals, deep blacks, and vibrant colours. Whether you're checking notifications or tracking workouts, the 600 nits brightness ensures clear visibility in different lighting conditions. The always-on display is a useful addition, but it significantly impacts battery life. The touch response is smooth, making navigation easy.

However, the screen feels somewhat delicate, and I noticed a few scratches after regular use. While this is common with most smartwatches, using a screen protector can help prevent damage and extend its lifespan. Overall, the display is a standout feature, but its impact on battery life could be a concern for some users. That being said, if you prioritise a vibrant screen over battery longevity, this smartwatch still offers good value within its price range.

Features and software

The user interface is simple and there was no lag while navigating through menus. The watch supports multiple watch faces and can be customised easily Another plus side is that notifications come through instantly, which is impressive.

Key smart features include Bluetooth calling, message alerts, and voice assistant support (Google Assistant, Siri, Alexa). The calling experience is okay, the mic quality isn’t the best, but it gets the job done for quick conversations. The speaker sound is decent, but don’t expect crystal-clear audio.

For fitness tracking, the watch offers 100+ sports modes, heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and sleep tracking. The heart rate monitor works fine, but I found the step count slightly inaccurate, often showing fewer steps than I actually took. If fitness tracking is your priority, you might want to cross-check with another device.

Performance and battery life

Croma claims that the Velocity AR Smartwatch offers a battery life of up to seven days on a single charge. However, in my experience, it lasted only around 48 hours, even when not actively in use. This meant frequent charging, which could be inconvenient for users expecting longer endurance. However, charging the watch isn't much of a hassle. The watch uses magnetic charging, which is easy to connect, but the charging speed is relatively slow. Additionally, the magnetic attachment feels weak, as slight movements can cause it to disconnect. Therefore, its advisable to leave the watch undisturbed while it charges.

The always-on display is a useful feature for quick glances, but it appears to contribute to faster battery drain. In terms of performance, the screen wake-up response is fairly smooth, with no noticeable lag.

Pros and cons of Croma Velocity AR Smartwatch

Pros	Cons
AMOLED display with vibrant colours	Bulky design, not comfortable for smaller wrists
Instant notifications with no delay	Delicate screen, prone to scratches
Decent Bluetooth calling functionality	Battery life is much lower than claimed
IP68 water resistance	Fitness tracking accuracy could be better
Budget-friendly	No wireless charging feature
Customisable strap, additional strap included in the box
12 months warranty

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Should you buy the Croma Velocity AR Smartwatch

After using the Croma Velocity AR Smartwatch, I have mixed feelings about it. The AMOLED display is one of its best features, offering vivid colours and sharp visuals, but the screen feels delicate and might need a protector. The design is sturdy, but the large dial may not suit smaller wrists, making it look oversized.

The UI is simple and responsive, and notifications arrive instantly, which is great. Bluetooth calling works and the mic and speaker quality are average. The battery life left me a bit underwhelmed, but considering the number of features packed into this smartwatch at an affordable price, it’s a reasonable trade-off.

Overall, if you want a budget smartwatch with a vibrant display, decent features, and basic fitness tracking, it’s a fair option. Most smartwatches in this price range offer similar capabilities. However, if you prioritise accurate fitness tracking, longer battery life, or a more compact design, it might be worth exploring slightly higher-end options.

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Smartwatches

• What features should I look for in a smartwatch?

  When choosing a smartwatch, consider features like AMOLED display, fitness tracking, heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, Bluetooth calling, GPS, and battery life. Also, check for compatibility with your smartphone and app support.

• Can I make calls and reply to messages on a smartwatch?

  Some smartwatches support Bluetooth calling, allowing you to make and receive calls. However, replying to messages depends on the model—some offer quick replies, while others only display notifications.

• How long does a smartwatch battery last?

  Battery life varies based on usage and features. Basic models can last 7-10 days, while advanced ones with AMOLED displays, always-on mode, and GPS may require daily or alternate-day charging.

• Are smartwatches waterproof?

  Most smartwatches come with an IP rating (like IP67 or IP68) or 5ATM water resistance, making them splashproof or suitable for swimming. However, prolonged water exposure may still affect durability.

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