The Doro Watch is an inexpensive smartwatch that is basically ideal for seniors with a large display, easy operation and very long running time. It's nice that you don't look at her. What is not so good is that there is an important function that is only available with a Doro smartphone.
Older people are also interested in modern technology such as smartwatches. However, the devices are often too complicated to use, difficult to read or simply too expensive. Seniors may need special functions for this that conventional smartwatches cannot always offer them. Specialist Doro wants to fill this gap with his Doro Watch, which you can get online for around 100 euros and which connects to Android smartphones and iPhones.
You can't tell from the watch that it's so cheap. It has a classic, elegant design that doesn't look chunky or cheap at all. The workmanship is high-quality, so the Doro Watch is also dust and waterproof according to IP 68. It is therefore not suitable for swimming, but it can briefly submerge in water sports or in the kitchen without being damaged.
Although it doesn't feel like it, the case is mostly made of plastic. This design makes the smartwatch extremely light at 45 grams. It's also comfortable to wear, although the included silicone strap isn't to everyone's liking. However, the attachment is apparently standard, so you can easily replace the strap.
The Doro Watch does not have an OLED display like the Apple Watch, for example, but an LCD. However, the screen still has high contrast and, above all, can shine very brightly, which means that it remains easy to read even in sunlight. The round screen is 1.28 inches and has a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. The display thus offers a sufficiently sharp representation, although keen eyes can definitely see blocks in graphics and writing.
What is more important, however, is that the Doro Watch uses the space on the large screen to display content in a large format that is easy to read, even for people with visual impairments. Only the essentials are displayed, for example, the content of messages cannot be called up on the watch. Apparently, the display does not have any special protection, according to the specified degree of hardness 6, it could be normal glass.
The clock is set up and ready to use in no time at all. All you have to do is install the associated app on your smartphone and give it the necessary permissions. This allows her to search for the watch herself. All you have to do then is accept the connection, enter a few basic data and set, among other things, whether and which notifications you want to receive.
The navigation is extremely easy. If you raise your arm or press the upper right button, the display is activated. Swipe down on the responsive touchscreen to see all notifications, swipe up to see the battery charge level and whether the watch is connected to a smartphone.
Pressing the top button when the screen is active scrolls through the information and features on offer. Tap the touchscreen to select, swipe right to go back one step. White arrows help with orientation. The watch reacts to inputs without any major delay.
The range of functions of the watch is also limited to the essentials. You receive notifications from your smartphone about incoming messages and calls, set alarms or appointments. Only vibrations are available, the Doro Watch cannot play notification tones.
Otherwise, the focus is on health data. Sensors on the watch measure your pulse and blood oxygen levels and count steps. GPS is not on board, smartphone is required to track the route.
Comparisons with other fitness trackers show that the values determined are quite accurate. The data, including the estimated calorie consumption, can be accessed by swiping left or right on the display. More detailed information is available in the app, including summaries of the past few days, weeks or months.
The possibility of having sleep monitored is also interesting. You can see how long you have slept in total, in deep sleep or light sleep or awake. The app also provides an evaluation of the sleep quality.
You can start a workout (walk, run, bike, exercise) directly on the watch, but it's easier in the app. You can also define training goals here. In order not to overdo it, you can also choose to be alerted when a certain heart rate is exceeded. You can also be reminded to take a few steps regularly.
So that the settings are not too complicated, the app is visually tidy. In addition, menus are clearly structured and the font is large. In addition, explanations and instructions can be found under Notes on Use.
It's a shame, because it's very helpful for seniors in particular: you can neither record a short-term ECG nor be warned about irregularities. There is also no automatic accident detection. After all, the Doro Watch has an emergency call button. But only in connection with a Doro smartphone can you use the red marked lower button on the right side to alert a previously defined contact. With another smartphone, you can only use the button to play a sound on the phone if you have misplaced it.
You can get the Doro 8100 for just under 200 euros and the user interface makes it particularly easy for seniors to use the device. But the hardware is entry-level at best, among other things, the smartphone doesn't even have a fingerprint sensor. With Android 11, the operating system is no longer the youngest and the test device provided next to the Doro Watch received the last security update at the beginning of December.
The running time of the clock is again strong. According to the manufacturer, it lasts up to eight days on a single charge. If the Doro Watch is used more heavily, as in the ntv.de test, it lasts about four to five days, which is still good. An empty battery is refilled after about two hours on the charging dock.
The Doro Watch is a good-looking smartwatch that could also appeal to younger, frugal users. Due to its simple operation, a generous display and the equally uncomplicated app, it is particularly suitable for seniors. However, the range of functions is limited and the important emergency button only works with Doro smartphones.
If you travel alone a lot and can handle somewhat more complicated devices, it might be worth spending a little more money. If you already have an iPhone, the Apple Watch SE for 300 euros is an option. Android users will find good alternatives in the Huawei Watch 3 (220 euros) or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 (160 euros).
