Chinese Apple Watch clone costs just $63, but is it any good? [Reviews]

The Apple Watch is one of the more affordable devices Apple makes. But a lot of people are still understandably hesitant about shelling out a few hundred bucks on a first-generation gadget they’re not sure they need.

If this describes you, check out our video review of a $63 Chinese Apple Watch clone, the (deep breath) Lemfo Bluetooth Smart Watch Phone GSM Pedometer Fitness Tracker. You may even come away surprised …

The feature set

The main reason to buy the LF07 is, of course, the price. But is it any good? After all, it’s only a deal if this is a smartwatch you’ll actually be happy to wear for a while.

Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is not a resounding no. It may even be a yes. The Lemfo watch looks like the Apple Watch, which at the very least will give on-the-fence Apple Watch buyers a chance to try out the form factor. More importantly, the Chinese Apple Watch clone offers a range of functions that mimic the real thing, including messaging, phone calls, fitness tracking, a calculator and a Siri connection.

It even features a couple of neat innovations Apple hasn’t gotten around to including yet, such as a built-in camera (granted, it’s not a great one), optional tile-based UI, and smartphone independence, thanks to the ability to insert a SIM card and run it as a full-fledged phone.

Accept no substitutes

Don’t get us wrong: The LF07 doesn’t compete with the Apple Watch in a straight head-to-head battle.

It is, after all, a low-end clone of the device. Its best features are approximations of Apple’s own.

Maybe the best way to think of the LF07 is as a tribute band version of the Apple Watch. Is it the same as seeing the real group live? Of course not. Is it a whole lot better than the excruciating karaoke act it could be? Most definitely.

The best thing we can say is that if you’ve been indecisive about splashing out $300 or more on Apple’s first-gen wearable, the LF07 is a great, low-cost alternative to experience a smartwatch for the first time. For that, we’ll give it a solid thumbs up.

Price: $62.99

Buy from: Amazon

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