The Valdus VD40 Pro smartwatch offers surprising features at an incredibly low price point of $23, though with limitations on functionality and reliability.
Most smartwatch buyers are likely to spend hundreds of dollars on their new watch, even though there are much cheaper devices in this category on the market. Those who do not have high expectations and are mainly looking for a wearable with a decent screen may even find that a budget of $23 is enough. The Chinese online marketplace Alibaba is currently selling the Valdus VD40 Pro, a surprisingly good-looking smartwatch with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, for just $23. 
Potential shipping and import fees may still apply in some cases. Three different color variants are available at that price, and one apparently even ships with a stainless-steel strap. The watch case appears to be made from a zinc alloy.
The advertised specs and features also read surprisingly well given the price. In addition to blood oxygen and blood pressure sensors, NFC, an IP68 rating, Bluetooth 5.4 and a voice assistant are allegedly included. However, how reliable and usable these functions ultimately are is highly questionable, especially from a software perspective. For example, it is not known which languages the pre-installed OS supports. Contactless payments are also unlikely to work outside of China.
When compared to other budget smartwatches in the market, the Valdus VD40 Pro stands out primarily for its AMOLED display, which is typically found in more expensive models. Most devices in this price range usually feature LCD or TFT displays. The inclusion of NFC is also notable, as this feature is often omitted from sub-$50 smartwatches.
However, the device's health monitoring capabilities should be approached with skepticism. While the presence of blood oxygen and blood pressure sensors might seem impressive at this price point, the accuracy of these measurements is likely to be inconsistent. Premium smartwatches from established brands like Apple, Samsung, or Garmin invest heavily in sensor calibration and validation, which simply isn't possible at this price level.
The build quality is another area where compromises are expected. While the zinc alloy case may provide adequate durability, it won't match the premium materials used in more expensive smartwatches. The IP68 water resistance rating is theoretically impressive, but real-world performance may vary significantly from the advertised specifications.
For those considering this device, it's important to set realistic expectations. The Valdus VD40 Pro won't replace a premium smartwatch for serious health monitoring or as a primary communication device. However, as a backup watch or a gadget for tinkering, this very cheap smartwatch may still be suitable. It could serve as an introduction to smartwatch functionality for those who are hesitant to invest in more expensive options.
Bargain hunters should ultimately be aware that the health features of the Valdus VD40 Pro are most likely not trustworthy. However, as a backup watch or a gadget for tinkering, this very cheap smartwatch may still be suitable. The device is currently available through Alibaba and has been spotted by deal hunters on platforms like MyDealz.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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