While premium brands like Apple dominate the market, there’s a growing demand for high-quality yet affordable alternatives that emulate the aesthetics and features of these high-end brands. In response, the market has seen a surge in high-quality replica smartwatches that closely mimic the style and functionality of the original. In this extensive review, we delve deep into the fascinating market of replica smartwatches by comparing two leading contenders – the Hello Watch 3 Plus vs the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2. Renowned for their striking resemblance to the highly sought-after Apple Watch Ultra 2, these watches are in a league of their own.
The Hello Watch 3 Plus, built upon the foundation of WatchOS 10, and the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2, based on the WatchOS 9, are two formidable contenders in the race for the ultimate Apple Watch replica. To make an informed choice, it is essential to evaluate their body, display, and user interface, as these elements contribute significantly to determining which one comes closest to mimicking the Apple Watch Ultra.
Body and Build:
The HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 and the Hello Watch 3 Plus have been meticulously crafted to mimic the aesthetics of the original Apple Watch, making it nearly impossible to distinguish them from their more expensive counterpart at first glance. Both of these smartwatches possess a 49mm size, a dimension that aligns perfectly with Apple Watch Ultra cases. The compatibility with original Apple Watch cases allows users to customize their timepieces with authentic accessories, resulting in a truly authentic appearance.
When examining the physical design, both replicas remarkably emulate the Apple Watch Ultra. However, a closer inspection reveals nuances. The speaker holes on the Hello Watch 3 Plus closely match the proportions of the original, contributing to a genuine look, especially when using a case. Conversely, the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 exhibits slightly larger speaker holes, a detail that may matter to purists seeking absolute fidelity to the Apple Watch Ultra design.
As for the case color, both replicas achieve an impressively close match to the Apple Watch Ultra. Still, upon meticulous inspection, the Hello Watch 3 Plus offers a more convincing imitation of the original’s titanium finish, demonstrating its attention to detail in replication. Further distinguishing the Hello Watch 3 Plus is the presence of a GPS antenna lining its body. It’s crucial to clarify that neither of these smartwatches features built-in GPS functionality; the antenna lining is purely a design element to enhance its visual similarity to the Apple Watch Ultra.
Both of these smartwatches accommodate Apple Watch Ultra straps, preserving the flexibility for users to choose their preferred bands. The quality of the straps on the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 stands out, offering a snug and comfortable fit, ensuring they remain secure throughout use. The Hello Watch 3 Plus, however, does not compromise on strap quality, with straps that remain firmly in place until the user presses the button and applies pressure for removal. So, in terms of design authenticity, the Hello Watch 3 Plus takes home the trophy for more faithfully mirroring the original Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2.
Display Excellence
The display is a critical component in the smartwatch equation. Both the Hello Watch 3 Plus and the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 feature impressive AMOLED displays, promising vibrant colors and sharp visuals. However, when it comes to the quality of watch faces, the disparity between them becomes apparent. The Hello Watch 3 Plus, while featuring a decent AMOLED display, appears to falter in terms of image quality and watch face aesthetics. Despite downloading various watch faces, users may notice a lack of clarity, potentially impacting their overall experience.
In contrast, the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 showcases consistent excellence when it comes to watch face quality. The watch faces are detailed, vibrant, and expertly designed, making for an impressive visual experience. The HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 introduces a unique “Compass Watch Face” that sets it apart from the competition. This innovative watch face combines style with utility, displaying not only the time but also compass readings, making it a compelling option for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re choosing different themes or experimenting with watch faces, the HK8 truly excels in the display department.
A significant point of difference lies in the “always-on display” feature. The Hello Watch 3 Plus comes equipped with this attribute, allowing you to glance at your watch without raising your wrist. This feature is a practical convenience for those who want their watch to be always ready. However, the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 takes a different approach. Its display automatically dims and ultimately turns off after five minutes of inactivity. While this may save power, it also means you have to perform a wrist raise or a button press to check the time or your notifications.
Performance Under the Hood:
Beneath the sleek exteriors of these replicas lie distinct chipsets that significantly influence their performance. The Hello Watch 3 Plus boasts the A16 chip one-core processor with limited memory, renowned for its robust capabilities in managing various smartwatch features. Nevertheless, in the realm of responsiveness, smooth operation, and transitions, it falls short of the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2’s SF32LB551 chip, which is powered by a dual-core processor with more extensive memory. The latter chipset offers faster processing, seamless transitions, and superior response times, enhancing the overall smartwatch experience.
User Interface:
To complete the Apple Watch clone experience, both these watches have adopted the user interface found in the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2. The menus, buttons, and swiping gestures closely mirror the iconic Apple WatchOS. When you press the crown on the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2, you’ll notice a scrolling interface that deviates slightly from the original Apple WatchOS. In comparison, the Hello Watch 3 Plus shines by providing an interface that closely mirrors the Apple WatchOS, including the familiar crown button behavior. It’s a matter of user preference, with both watches offering a faithful reproduction of the Apple Watch experience.
In terms of aesthetics, both smartwatches meticulously recreate the materials, iconic shapes, and button placements of the Apple Watch Ultra, ensuring a faithful replication. Their user-friendly and visually appealing interfaces make them attractive and budget-conscious alternatives to the original.
Let’s dive into how these watches handle button interactions. On the Hello Watch 3 Plus, pressing the side button takes you to a shortcut menu. This menu allows you to quickly access essential functions and apps, enhancing user convenience. In contrast, the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 behaves differently. When you press the side button on this watch, you’ll be taken to a page displaying your most recently used apps. This functionality mirrors that of Apple’s WatchOS.
Distinct Features and Applications
While both smartwatches convincingly replicate the Apple Watch Ultra’s design, they each bring unique features and applications into the mix. Let’s explore some of the standout characteristics of each.
One standout feature of the Hello Watch 3 Plus is its 4gb of local storage. This feature is a boon for music enthusiasts, as it allows you to store your favorite tunes directly on the watch. With your music on board, you can leave your smartphone behind and listen to your favorite songs using Bluetooth headphones, making it an excellent choice for workouts and on-the-go music lovers. The HK8 Pro Max Gen 2, unfortunately, lacks this feature, making it less appealing to users who value music on the go.
Both smartwatches can receive calls directly, but there are distinctions in how they handle calls. The Hello Watch 3 Plus rings only when the paired smartphone is in ring mode, whereas the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 consistently rings on incoming calls and displays the caller’s name.
The Hello Watch 3 Plus also excels in its ability to display contact names for incoming calls. Even if the contact isn’t saved on the watch itself, the watch can still display the caller’s name if it’s in your phone’s contacts.
The HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 also features a GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) option. While this feature is present on the watch, some users have reported it not working as expected.
Users can set alarms on both smartwatches, complete with snooze and stop options. The Hello Watch 3 Plus not only vibrates but also rings on alarms, whereas the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 limits alarms to vibrations. The sound quality of alarms on both devices may not be overwhelmingly strong, but the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 provides a slightly better experience in this regard.
Both smartwatches are lauded for their impressive battery life, offering approximately one and a half to two days with the always-on display enabled. Furthermore, the Hello Watch 3 Plus has a slightly larger battery than the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2, with a capacity of 450 mAh.
Customization and App Support
The Hello Watch 3 Plus and the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 come with dedicated applications to manage and customize the watches. Vdo Fit is the application for the Hello Watch 3 Plus, offering an ad-free experience. In contrast, the wearfit Pro application accompanies the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2, which sometimes includes in-app ads, including full-screen ads.
The Hello Watch 3 Plus offers a selection of free watch faces, while the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 presents both free and paid options. Users can choose to activate a membership for free access to all watch faces or purchase specific faces for $0.99 each. The level of customization and ability to delete built-in watch faces differs between the two watches.
The Final Decision: Which One Is Right for You?
The battle of the Apple Watch clones has brought us face to face with two intriguing contenders. In the end, these two smartwatches offer an intriguing choice for users who want to experience the look and feel of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 without the Apple Watch’s high price tag. Both the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 and the Hello Watch 3 Plus come remarkably close to replicating the design and functionality of the original, making them a compelling option for those looking for a more budget-friendly alternative. However, each watch carves its path to excellence, with unique strengths and weaknesses.
Hello Watch 3 Plus wins when it comes to design authenticity, making it the choice for those who prioritize the mirror image of the original Apple Watch Ultra 2. Its “always-on display” feature is an added convenience for users who want a quick glance at their watch. If you value extensive local storage for music, an “always-on” display feature, and the ability to control media playback independently, the Hello Watch 3 Plus makes for a compelling choice. Although its watch face quality may leave something to be desired, it’s a commendable option for those who value a faithful Apple WatchOS 10 experience.
On the other hand, the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 stands out with its dual-core processor, providing superior speed and smooth performance. The quality of its AMOLED display and watch faces is remarkable, offering a visual experience that is second to none. It may lack a built-in music storage feature, but its overall performance and user interface closely mimic the Apple WatchOS 9, making it a solid choice for those who prioritize an exceptional smartwatch experience.
So, which one will you choose: the Hello Watch 3 Plus or the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2? The decision is yours, and it’s a testament to the remarkable options available with the Apple Watch experience without breaking the bank.
Comparison table summarizing the key differences and similarities between the Hello Watch 3 Plus and the HK8 Pro Max Gen 2:
| Aspect | Hello Watch 3 Plus | HK8 Pro Max Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Body and Build | – Meticulously crafted design resembling the original Apple Watch Ultra 2. | – Meticulously crafted design resembling the original Apple Watch Ultra. |
| – 49mm size compatible with Apple Watch Ultra cases. | # | |
| – Speaker holes closely match the original. | – Speaker holes slightly larger. | |
| – Excellent case color imitation. | # | |
| – GPS antenna lining on the body for design aesthetics. | # | |
| – Compatible with Apple Watch Ultra straps. | # | |
| – Quality straps secure and comfortable. | # | |
| Display Excellence | – AMOLED display, decent but lower image quality. | – AMOLED display, superior image quality. |
| – Always-on display feature. | – Display dims after 5 minutes of inactivity. | |
| Performance Under the Hood | – A16 chip, one-core processor with limited memory. | – SF32LB551 chip, dual-core processor with more memory. |
| User Interface | – Mirrors Apple WatchOS 10 | – Mirrors Apple WatchOS 9 |
| – wear fit Pro application with occasional in-app ads. | – Side button displays recently used apps. | |
| Distinct Features and Applications | – 4GB of music storage, TWS earbud compatibility. | – No music storage feature. |
| – Rings on incoming calls in ring mode. | – Rings on incoming calls consistently. | |
| – Displays contact names for incoming calls. | – May have issues with the GPT option. | |
| – Vibrating and ringing alarms. | – Vibrating alarms only. | |
| – Slightly larger 450 mAh battery. | – Slightly smaller battery. | |
| Customization and App Support | – Vdo Fit application with ad-free experience. | – Speaker holes are slightly larger. |
| – Free watch faces available. | – Free and paid watch faces. | |
| – Limited ability to delete built-in watch faces. | – Full membership available for free access to all watch faces. |
