ZGPAX s5

The ZGPAX S5 is a wearable computer (or smartwatch) from China that is one line of several different lines of products (including the Kickstarter-backed Omate TrueSmart) that all use a similar chipset and roughly the same specs but with different names, case designs and camera placements.

Specifications

For a time, they were considerably higher-spec than competing products from larger, well-known manufacturers in that they run a fully featured version of Android 4.0.3 and can run apps without the assistance of another connected smartphone or tablet. They use a dual-core ARMv7 processor manufactured by MediaTek, with each core running up to 1 GHz as needed. Additionally, a SIM slot for voice/data cellular connectivity is included, along with Bluetooth, Wifi, GPS and FM radios, effectively replicating functionality and performance of a typical smartphone.

Another unique feature of ZGPAX S5 is a MicroSD slot which specs claim to support up to 32GB of memory; however, it appears to recognize and operate with a 64 GB MicroSD. Along with its built-in memory, that amounts to very roughly 72 GB of data carried on a wrist.

There is a built in camera capable of adequate 720p recording, and a built in microphone and speaker which achieves decent enough fidelity and volume to function quite well with Siri-like software on Android.

Technical issues

ZGPAX S5, like other smartwatches, suffer from a very short battery life. Fortunately, ZGPAX S5 (and many of its derivatives) use an easily swappable battery pack which helps considerably. Typical use life is about one day for maybe less than an hour of overall use, about 2–3 days if on standby. As it uses an unusually high-performance CPU for a watch, certain applications will drain the battery much quicker. Batteries charge roughly within an hour. There is also a known issue where the ZGPAX S5 will lose connection with the Network Operator at random, this is likely the cause of poor manufacturing of the ZGPAX S5's radio. Additionally, at random, phone calls to the watch may result in the watch restarting.