The brand’s latest tracker prioritizes screen quality over advanced tracking features
The budget smartwatch category is often defined by low-res screens, but the just-announced Lenovo F101 is attempting to break the cycle by betting everything on a premium display.
Now available for pre-order in China for roughly $30, the F101 centers its value proposition on a massive 1.96-inch AMOLED panel. With a 410 x 502 resolution and curved edges, the screen delivers visual clarity almost unheard of at this price point.
As you would expect, Lenovo has made some calculated decisions to keep this ultra-budget, such as omitting integrated GPS. Instead, the watch estimates distance for runs and walks via its internal accelerometer and step-counting algorithms.
However, the F101 still features a functional rotating crown for scrolling through menus, supports Bluetooth calling, and includes the standard health trifecta of heart rate, SpO2, and sleep tracking.
It’s even rated IP68 for dust- and water-resistance, though Lenovo advises against using it for swimming. The battery life is also advertised as approximately one week, which is solid for a screen of this size and resolution—even if this is with always-on display disabled.
Is an official global edition likely?
Shipping isn’t expected to begin until mid-March, and because the device is coming from Chinese retailers, anyone considering the F101 will need to weigh the risk of difficult warranty claims against the clear hardware value.
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Still, for those looking for a basic budget watch that handles the essentials without a three-figure investment, the F101 is a fascinating experiment in how much premium screen technology can be crammed into a sub-$50 price tag.
One to watch, for sure—but, given Lenovo’s history in the wearables space, we’re not expecting a global rollout any time soon.