The Noise Origin smartwatch, which launched in India on Wednesday, promises a completely different software experience than what we’ve come to expect from the company’s other (but not premium) products. It certainly has the look and feel of a premium wearable, but it also packs some interesting features, including a new EN1 processor, enhanced haptics, and a bright 600-nit AMOLED display. It also comes at a significantly higher price point than previous Noise smartwatches (except the Noise Fit Voyage).
Notably, the Noise Origin smartwatch is priced at Rs 6,499 in India and will be available in a single size variant with two strap options — leather and silicone.
The Noise Origin crown can be used to browse the menu
I’ve been using the Noise Origin smartwatch for a while now and barring a few hiccups, the experience has been pretty good. In terms of looks, with a circular dial, metal case and rotating crown, it’s one of the better options in the sub-Rs 10,000 price range. It also has a button on the side that can be configured to perform multiple functions. The smartwatch is IP68 rated, promising waterproofing up to 3 ATM. We’re using the silicone strap version, which is quite comfortable.
It has a 1.46-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466×466 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate, but the experience is not always super smooth. The brightness is also average considering the price, especially in mid-summer in Delhi when the sun is overhead. Noise has introduced its new Nebula UI with this smartwatch. Though it feels familiar compared to other smartwatch UIs in its price range, the company says it offers more features. Also, like other smartwatches, swiping right brings up various health monitoring charts, swiping down opens notifications, and swiping up opens the quick action window. The UI’s vibrant colors and vibrant graphics seem to target the youth.
The widget screen allows you to view multiple health indicators in one place.
As expected, health and fitness tracking options are plentiful. This includes 24/7 heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, which is a staple even on budget smartwatches today. That said, Noise claims that the Rapid Health feature is useful, letting you monitor multiple health metrics with a single tap. Gestures to mute calls and take photos with wrist movements also work pretty well.
While I haven’t used it extensively yet, Bluetooth calling has been fine so far, with the other end receiving a clear audio most of the time. That said, background noise suppression is average at best.
Pairing Noise Origin with your smartphone is easy for anyone with an iPhone, and NoiseFit has a dedicated app on the App Store that allows you to do a lot of things, such as setting the watch face, turning Bluetooth calling on/off, accessing biometric monitoring metrics, setting SOS contacts, and more. It also has a Step Streak feature that encourages wearers to reach step goals and earn coins and badges.
Noise Origin can be paired with the NoiseFit companion app, available for both Android and iOS.
The charging cable attaches magnetically to the back of the smartwatch. However, it can easily come off if you move it a little, so you’ll need to charge it carefully at night if you want it to be fully charged in the morning. According to Noise, the smartwatch can last up to 7 days on a single charge. Stay tuned for our full review to find out if the Noise Origin lives up to expectations.