vivo Watch GT 2: style, health, and autonomy in a single device. The review

In the last two weeks, we decided to set aside our trusted reference smartwatches to continuously wear the new vivo Watch GT 2, the much-anticipated return of the brand to the world of smartwatches. The result? A surprise that prompted us to look beyond the simple technical specifications, analyzing how this device integrates into the chaotic flow of contemporary daily life.

Design and Build

The first feeling after removing the vivo Watch GT 2 from its box was one of extreme lightness. Despite the significant diagonal of the display, the device does not feel heavy on the wrist, neither visually nor physically. The Obsidian Black variant we tested features a shiny black aluminum finish that immediately conveys a sense of artisanal care, derived from precision polishing processes that set the product apart from the mass of plastic alternatives flooding the market.

What we appreciated most is the balance of shapes. The square design, very similar to the Apple Watch, optimizes space for information without being intrusive under the cuff of a shirt. The 1.8 mm edges, combined with the 2.5D curved glass, create an almost "borderless" visual effect that makes interaction with the interface gratifying. During our often hectic days, the strap proved comfortable even after hours of extended use, without irritating the skin and always maintaining the correct position for the biometric sensors.

The strap closure is quite particular—comfortable but not overly tight. For instance, during a futsal game, it came undone and fell on the field.

Display

The Watch GT 2 features a 2.07-inch AMOLED panel that left us very satisfied. During our outdoor tests in direct light conditions, we struggled to find situations where readability diminished. The 2400 nits peak brightness is not just a technical specification but guarantees that we can check running data or an urgent notification without having to search for shade.

We are used to scrolling through menus and notifications with a fluidity that often lacks in competing products, and here vivo did an excellent job of software optimization. The Always-On Display feature is not just an aesthetic addition but a silent companion that allowed us to check the time or heart rates with a quick glance without having to activate the screen with wrist gestures that can appear inelegant in meetings.

Sports Modes

Now we come to the most interesting part of our trial. We took the Watch GT 2 out for various training sessions. What surprised us was not just the heart rate monitoring, but the depth of the AI analysis. Additionally, we explored the 100+ sports modes available. Whether it was a park run or a swim in the pool (thanks to the 5 ATM certification, we tested the device in water without any worries), the system consistently proved to be responsive. The integrated GPS is quick to connect, and the voice feedback is a classy touch that allowed us to maintain focus on training without constantly checking the dial.

Autonomy

Let's face it; daily recharging is the Achilles' heel of most smartwatches. With the vivo Watch GT 2, this concern vanished. During our test, we managed to cover two weeks with typical usage, including notifications, sport tracking, and vital parameter monitoring. The promised 25 days of autonomy in Bluetooth mode is realistic when settings are managed mindfully. Even pushing to the max, with the Always-On Display activated and intensive use, we never dropped below two weeks. For us frequent business travelers, being able to embark on a long week without having to bring the charging cable is a technological relief that alone justifies the purchase.

Health Tracking

The monitoring ecosystem of vivo is not limited to counting steps. We found the AI-based analysis system extremely comprehensive. Continuous monitoring of heart rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), stress, and sleep quality allowed us to have an overview of our fitness state.

One aspect we found particularly useful is the smart alert for heart rate variations: during moments of high stress, the device gently suggested we take a moment to pause. It is important to reiterate, as vivo rightly points out, that this data does not replace a medical diagnosis, but as lifestyle tools, they are among the most reliable and consistent we have had the opportunity to test this year.

The integration with the Salute Origin app is the junction point of the entire system. The interface is clean, rich in readable graphs that show trends over time, allowing us to observe how our nighttime habits or training affected our overall well-being. The synchronization between watch and app is immediate, a sign of well-refined software, BlueOS.

Smart Functions

We used the Watch GT 2 to manage our daily work life. Notification synchronization is impeccable: receiving a WhatsApp message and being able to respond with a preset quick reply (there is no option to respond via a keypad) has saved us more than once, avoiding the need to pull out the smartphone during a meeting. Of course, it is also possible to answer calls directly from the watch with good quality.

The real "gem" is the integration of the Gemini AI Assistant. Being able to ask questions in natural language or request a quick translation directly from the wrist is a function that, once tried, becomes hard to abandon. Moreover, the NFC chip for access badges proved to be a practical addition for those working in offices with card-based security systems: registering your badge on the watch and opening doors with your wrist is one of those small conveniences that change the routine. However, payments via the smartwatch are currently not compatible, even for iOS users, the experience remains very satisfying, with full compatibility for remote control of music and the camera.

Pricing and Conclusions

After two intense weeks, we must admit that the vivo Watch GT 2 convinced us. At €149, it is hard to find a device that combines a premium style, high-level technical specifications, and—most importantly—a long operational life that doesn’t let you down after 24 hours.

It is not a device designed for those seeking a total extension of the smartphone with thousands of installable apps, but it is a solid, precise, and aesthetically pleasing companion for those who want to monitor their health and sports performance without compromising on visual quality. Its "hybrid" nature between a professional sports watch and a classy smartwatch makes it, in our opinion, a great option currently available on the Italian market. You can buy it directly from the official website or via Amazon.