Toreto Bloom can be easily mistaken for Apple’s iWatch. But beyond the visual resemblance, there is little to look forward to.
Before I share my experience after a week’s usage, let’s talk about the company. The Hong Kong-based tech company’s head office is in Delhi. As per their website, it seems their USP lies in sound systems. They also make power banks, bike and car accessories, bags, cables and other gadgets.
- 1.3” IPS display; 240 x 240 resolution
- Supports Android (4.4 and above); iOS (9 and above)
- 160 mAh battery lasts a week; standby 20 days
- Tracks BP, heart rate, pedometer, calorie count
- Updates on calls, SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter notifications
Now let’s talk about the watch. The package contains a dial, two straps (black and black + neon) and a proprietary charging cable. The button on the watch has two functions — toggling the screen and the device. While menu navigation and selection is done via a touch button below the screen, I found the long-press wasn’t responsive. The straps were easy to install and are comfortable to wear.
As soon as the device turned on, I was disappointed. The screen’s 1.3” display has low resolution and the icon art is unprofessional. The bezel on the dial reminds that the watch is from yesteryears. I couldn’t help but get nostalgic about decade-old Chinese MP4 players. On most settings, the watch fails to make use of the 240 by 240 display, except when the screen saver is on. The device can be paired with iOS 8+ or Android 4.4+ devices, after installing WearHealth app on your device. The app lacks the finesse of Mi Fit and looks sketchy. For instance, there are only three questions in the FAQs section.
Bloom can track blood pressure, heart rate, footsteps and calories burnt. However, I do not recommend it for fitness enthusiasts. I noticed the pedometer ticking while I was typing! Moreover, there was a significant difference between my phone’s step count and the watch’s step count. While the product claims to notify calls, SMS, WhatsApp and Facebook and Twitter updates, my review unit updated only phone calls.
As per the specifications on the box, the watch is water-proof and has IP68 rating, but it’s not mentioned on the website. I did a few drop tests from about three to four feet to check if Bloom could handle a few accidental drops. It performed quite well. After five drops, the bezel had a small crack and the power button popped out, but it was easily attached.
Talking about the customising looks, it has three pre-installed faces (classic analogue and two digital faces — one with step counter and the other with battery notification). And you can’t install other faces, but you can set any image as a screen saver. Another thing to keep in mind is the watch’s low visibility in sunlight. Once when I was outdoors on a sunny afternoon, I actually had to pull out my phone to check the time.
The watch can be purchased online for below ₹3,000. But your money is better spent elsewhere.
