Itel Alpha Pro 2 review: Affordable functionality meets essential features

The budget smartwatch segment has long struggled with the compromise between affordability and functionality. Itel 's Alpha Pro 2, priced at Rs 1,299, attempts to bridge this gap by offering premium features typically reserved for higher-end devices. With its AMOLED display, comprehensive fitness tracking, and a promise of 15-day battery life – the question remains: can this wearable truly deliver reliable smartwatch functionality at such an aggressive price point?

Design and build quality


The Alpha Pro 2 adopts a conventional square design of smartwatches with a metallic construction that feels reasonably solid for its price point. Available in Midnight Blue, Copper Gold, and Dark Chrome variants, the watch offers aesthetic options without venturing into flashy territory. The IP68 rating provides reliable protection against dust and water, making it suitable for daily wear and light exercise activities.



While the metallic finish lends a premium appearance, the overall build quality reflects its budget positioning. The device feels sturdy enough for regular use, though it lacks the refined tactile experience of more expensive alternatives. The silicon strap is functional but has this rubbery feel to it, which makes it not-so-bearable for long wears.

Screen
The 1.96-inch AMOLED display represents the Alpha Pro 2's strongest feature. With a 466x466 pixel resolution and 1000 nits peak brightness, the screen delivers vibrant colors and adequate outdoor visibility. The AMOLED technology ensures deep blacks and reasonable contrast ratios, making it competitive with displays found on significantly more expensive devices.



Text readability remains clear across various lighting conditions, though the display quality doesn't match premium offerings. The touchscreen responsiveness proves adequate for basic navigation and interaction, supporting the watch's fundamental functionality requirements.

Performance, features, and battery life
The watch is fairly capable for its price. Things like fitness tracking, notifications, and interface navigation proves satisfactory. The device handles fundamental smartwatch functions without significant lag, though at times it does show its processing limitations inherent to budget hardware.

The Alpha Pro 2 includes 100 sports modes and over 150 watch faces, providing reasonable customization options for diverse user preferences. Standard health monitoring features like heart rate tracking and step counting are present, though accuracy levels typical of budget devices should be expected.



Connectivity options cover essential smartphone integration for notifications and basic app interactions. The feature set focuses on core smartwatch functionality rather than advanced capabilities, which aligns appropriately with the target market expectations.

Itel's claim of 12-15 days battery life from the 300mAh cell appears realistic for moderate usage patterns. This extended battery performance addresses one of the primary pain points in the smartwatch category, where daily charging often becomes a burden. The efficiency likely stems from optimized software and the relatively modest processing requirements.

Conclusion
The Itel Alpha Pro 2 succeeds in delivering essential smartwatch functionality at an accessible price point. While it doesn't revolutionize the budget segment, it provides a competent package that addresses primary user needs without unnecessary complexity. The extended battery life and AMOLED display represent genuine value propositions, though build quality and advanced features reflect the budgetary constraints.

For users seeking basic smartwatch capabilities without premium pricing, the Alpha Pro 2 presents a reasonable option that balances functionality with affordability.

Rating: 3.5/5