Not all smartwatches handle calls in the same way. Some only display a notification when your phone rings; others allow you to answer and speak directly from the wrist thanks to a built-in microphone and speaker. Here is how to tell the difference and choose.
Bluetooth calls or simple call notifications?
- Bluetooth calls: the watch, connected via Bluetooth to your phone, allows you to make and receive calls from the wrist. Calls go through the phone, which must remain connected and within range.
- Call notifications: the watch vibrates and displays the incoming call, but the conversation takes place on the phone.
On a product page, look for mentions of “Bluetooth calls”, “HD wireless calls” or “built-in microphone and speaker”.
Our watches that allow you to make phone calls
| Model | Display | Stated battery life / resistance | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oraimo Watch 5 Lite (OSW-804) | HD touch 2.01 inches | up to 7 days (more than 28 days on standby) | heart rate and SpO2 |
| Oraimo Watch 6R (OSW-823) | scratch-resistant Panda glass | up to 7 days · IP68 | heart rate and SpO2 |
| Oraimo Watch Nova AM (OSW-812) | AMOLED 2.01 inches, curved case | up to 24 days (60 days on standby) | rotating crown |
| G7 MAX+ | AMOLED 1.53 inch | IP68 | NFC, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and SMS notifications |
| CIK HK Ultra 2 | AMOLED curved 1.62 inch | IP67 | 3 interchangeable straps, Android and iOS compatible |
| Watch 7 | HD touch | — | microphone and speaker, Android and iOS compatible |
| Keqiwear KW51 Ultra 3 | — | — | call functions, message notifications, sport mode |
Other criteria to compare
- The display: AMOLED on the Oraimo Watch Nova AM, G7 MAX+ and CIK HK Ultra 2; HD screen on the Oraimo Watch 5 Lite and Watch 7.
- Battery life: the durations indicated by manufacturers concern standard use; frequent calls reduce battery life.
- Water resistance: IP68 on the Oraimo Watch 6R and G7 MAX+, IP67 on the CIK HK Ultra 2. Before going to the pool, check the limits indicated on the page.
- The app and compatibility: each watch is used with an app installed on the phone. The CIK HK Ultra 2 and Watch 7 are announced as compatible with Android and iOS.
- Activity tracking: heart rate and SpO2 on the Oraimo Watch 5 Lite and Watch 6R; heart rate, SpO2 and sleep on the CIK HK Ultra 2. These measurements are for daily tracking and do not replace a medical device.
If notifications are enough for you
The Quixus Executive, Quixus Prestige and Quixus Noble watches, the Fendior R1 or the G8 MAX display call and message notifications on the wrist, but their page does not advertise calls from the watch. They are suitable if you mainly want to be alerted without taking out your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to keep my phone nearby to make calls with the watch?
Yes. Bluetooth calls go through your phone: it must remain connected to the watch and within Bluetooth range.
Does a watch with calls work with an iPhone?
This depends on the model and its app. The CIK HK Ultra 2 and Watch 7 are announced as compatible with Android and iOS; check the page for each model.
What battery life should I expect?
According to manufacturers, from 7 days (Oraimo Watch 5 Lite, Watch 6R) to 24 days (Oraimo Watch Nova AM) under standard use. Intensive use of calls reduces this duration.
View all our smartwatches.