Two budget-friendly smartwatches can cover a surprising amount of ground. The Imilab W13 and W01 aim to deliver solid hardware, useful fitness tracking, and clean styling without the premium price tag. This guide breaks down what each model gets right, where they differ, and which one makes sense depending on how you wear and use a smartwatch daily.
Table of Contents
- First impressions: design and build
- Display, watch faces, and audio
- Fitness tracking and everyday features
- Battery life and app integration
- Which watch should you choose?
- Practical tips for using these watches
- FAQ
- Final thoughts
First impressions: design and build
The W13 and W01 take two distinct approaches. The W13 goes for a classic round face with metal edges and a glass front, while the W01 adopts a square, Apple Watch–like profile with a simple silicone strap. Both feel more mid‑tier than bargain-bin; the materials and screen quality give a surprisingly premium first impression.
The W13 stands out with a metal bezel and a circular display that looks clean on the wrist. Its strap attaches magnetically with a rectangular patterned band that snaps into place—no clips to fuss with.
The magnetic closure on the W13 is secure. A quick flick of the wrist showed no signs of the band shifting, and the magnetic mount feels strong enough for everyday wear.
The W01’s square face and silicone strap follow a familiar, comfortable template. Instead of magnets, it uses a conventional buckle-style fastening that keeps the price down and still looks tidy on the wrist.
Strapping the W01 is straightforward: tighten to the preferred fit and latch. The result is a clean aesthetic that suits casual and work outfits alike.
Display, watch faces, and audio
Both watches offer multiple watch faces so you can match the style to your mood. The W13’s default face is simple and legible, while the W01 benefits from a larger square canvas for easier reading of notifications and stats.
Speakers and calls — The W13 includes speakers, so you can take calls and even listen to music directly from the watch. That adds a level of convenience many watches in this price range skip.
Water resistance is in play too. The W13 is IP68 rated, which means it handles sweat, rain, and accidental splashes comfortably. It is still wise to avoid deep or prolonged submersion unless you confirm official swim-mode support.
Fitness tracking and everyday features
Both watches share a similar software experience and basic feature set. Expect daily activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, alarms, music controls, and weather displays. The W13 exposes an especially robust exercise menu with a wide variety of sports modes to choose from.
Starting a walk or workout is simple: pick the exercise, hit start, and the watch tracks heart rate, elapsed time, steps, and distance. Pause and stop controls are handled through the physical button around the bezel and on-screen prompts.
Health sensors — Heart rate monitoring is standard on both models, and the W01’s product notes mention SpO2 tracking as well. If you are tracking sleep, steady heart rate trends, or occasional SpO2 checks, these watches have the basics covered.
Battery life and app integration
Battery life varies by use. The W01 is advertised with an impressive 15-day battery life under normal use, which makes it a strong pick for anyone who prefers fewer charges. Real-world results depend on features used—frequent call handling, music playback, or continuous heart rate monitoring will reduce runtime.
To unlock the full feature set you will want the companion app. The app enables full sports mode access, notification management, alarm setup, and deeper health-data views. Both watches rely on the app for advanced configuration and historical data, so pair them and explore the settings menu after the initial setup.
Which watch should you choose?
- Choose the W13 if you want a round, metal-edged look, magnetic strap convenience, onboard speakers for calls and music, and IP68 protection.
- Choose the W01 if you prefer a larger square display for easier information reading, very long advertised battery life, and a more classic buckle strap that stays put.
Both watches have clean displays and do not feel super cheap. They land nicely in the mid‑tier range for build and screen quality.
Practical tips for using these watches
- Set up the app first — Many advanced features and exercise summaries require the companion app to be enabled and paired.
- Use the sport modes — For more accurate tracking, choose a sport type (walking, running, cycling) rather than relying on generic activity detection.
- Manage notifications — Turn off nonessential alerts in the app to conserve battery life and reduce interruptions.
- Fit matters — A snug but comfortable fit improves heart rate readings and step tracking accuracy.
FAQ
Which Imilab watch is better for calls and music?
The W13 includes built-in speakers, so it supports taking calls and playing music directly from the watch. If voice calls and on-watch audio are important, the W13 is the better choice.
Do both watches track heart rate and SpO2?
Both watches offer heart rate monitoring. The W01 is noted for including SpO2 tracking as well. Always verify sensor capabilities in the app and consult product specs for the latest details.
Are the straps secure during exercise?
Yes. The W13 uses a magnetic strap that is designed to stay in place during typical activities, while the W01 uses a traditional buckle style. Both attachment methods are secure when fitted properly.
How long does the battery last?
Battery life depends on usage. The W01 advertises up to 15 days under normal use. Heavy use of calls, continuous heart rate monitoring, and music playback will shorten battery life on either watch.
Final thoughts
Imilab has created two approachable smartwatches that cover different priorities. The W13 leans into style and audio convenience with a magnetic band and speakers, while the W01 emphasizes a larger display and long battery life at a slightly lower price point. Both deliver sensible fitness tracking and a polished build for their cost.
Pick the one that matches how you plan to wear and use a watch: more fashion and on-watch audio, or a roomy display and marathon battery life. Either way, you get a capable, mid‑tier wearable without breaking the bank.
