Choosing the right smartwatch can feel like a tricky puzzle, especially when you’re looking at two compelling options from the same brand. Mobvoi’s TicWatch lineup offers great value, but the differences between models can be subtle. If you’ve found yourself comparing the sporty TicWatch GTX and the feature-rich TicWatch E2, you’re in the right place. This guide is designed to break down every detail to help you make a confident decision.
At first glance, these two watches seem to cater to different audiences, but their price points often bring them into direct comparison. The core question of TicWatch GTX vs. TicWatch E2 – Which One Should You Buy? – WatchRanker isn’t just about specs; it’s about which one fits your lifestyle. One offers a long-lasting battery and a rugged build for the active user, while the other provides a full smartwatch experience with Wear OS. Let’s see which one is the perfect timepiece for you.
Getting to Know the Contenders: Design and Display
The first thing you’ll notice is how these watches look and feel on your wrist. The TicWatch GTX sports a more minimalist, almost military-inspired design with a single button and a sleek aluminum alloy frame. It’s lightweight and feels like a dedicated fitness tracker. Its 1.85-inch TFT LCD screen is always-on, which is fantastic for quickly checking the time or your stats without a flick of the wrist.
The TicWatch E2, on the other hand, has a more traditional smartwatch look with a polymer case that keeps it light. It features a 1.39-inch OLED display, which means colors are more vibrant and blacks are deeper compared to the GTX. However, its screen isn’t always-on by default, requiring a tap or wrist lift to wake. For daily readability, the GTX has an edge, but for media-rich interactions, the E2’s display is more pleasing to the eye.
Under the Hood: Performance and Smart Features
This is where the two watches truly diverge. The TicWatch E2 runs on Google’s Wear OS. This means you have full access to the Google Play Store, allowing you to download apps like Spotify, Google Maps, and countless others directly to your wrist. You can respond to notifications, use Google Assistant, and enjoy a deeply integrated smartphone experience. It’s a proper extension of your phone.
The TicWatch GTX uses a more proprietary, streamlined operating system. It handles notifications by showing them to you, but you can’t interact with them or reply. You won’t find third-party apps or a voice assistant here. Its strength lies in its simplicity and focus. If you want a device that keeps you informed without the constant distractions of a full smartwatch, the GTX excels. If you crave functionality and connectivity, the E2 is the clear winner.
Tracking Your Health and Fitness
Both watches are equipped to be your fitness companion, but they go about it in different ways. They both include 24/7 heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and support for a wide range of sport modes like running, cycling, and swimming (both have 5ATM water resistance).
The TicWatch E2, with its Wear OS platform, can leverage Google Fit and Mobvoi’s own apps for a comprehensive view of your health data. The GTX provides all its tracking within its own efficient interface. The data is presented clearly, and for most common activities, it’s more than sufficient. The GTX also includes a SpO2 (blood oxygen) sensor, which the E2 lacks. For the runner or cyclist who wants focused performance metrics without fuss, the GTX is brilliant. For the user who wants to analyze their data in-depth with other Google services, the E2 offers more flexibility.
Battery Life: The Great Divide
Perhaps the most significant practical difference is battery life. The TicWatch GTX is a champion in this department. Thanks to its simpler OS and efficient display, it can easily last up to a week on a single charge with typical use, and even longer in a power-saving mode.
The TicWatch E2, with its powerful processor and bright OLED screen running Wear OS, requires much more frequent charging. You can expect to get through a full day, but you’ll almost certainly need to place it on the charger every night. This is the classic trade-off: more smart features mean less battery endurance. Your choice here depends entirely on your charging habits. Are you okay with a daily routine, or do you prefer a device you can wear for days on end?
TicWatch GTX vs. TicWatch E2 – Which One Should You Buy? – WatchRanker
So, after all this, which watch deserves a spot on your wrist? The answer lies in your priorities.
You should buy the TicWatch GTX if:
Your main focus is on fitness and activity tracking.
You value a long battery life that lasts for days, not hours.
You prefer a simple, always-on display for at-a-glance information.
You want a lightweight, rugged watch for sports and outdoor use.
You find notification alerts sufficient and don’t need to reply from your wrist.
You should buy the TicWatch E2 if:
You want a true smartwatch experience with Wear OS and app support.
You need to interact with notifications and use Google Assistant.
You prefer a more vibrant, colorful OLED display.
You don’t mind charging your watch every night like your phone.
You enjoy customizing your watch faces and functionality with apps.
Final Thoughts to Guide Your Choice
Both the TicWatch GTX and TicWatch E2 offer fantastic value in their respective categories. The GTX is the reliable, no-nonsense partner for an active life, freeing you from constant charging. The E2 is the connected, versatile smartwatch that keeps you plugged into your digital world. There’s no single “best” watch—only the one that’s best for you. By considering how you plan to use it daily, you can choose the TicWatch that will seamlessly fit into your routine and help you achieve your goals.