COLMI P80 Smart Watch Review: Stainless Steel Strap Upgrade Worth It?
The COLMI P80 Smart Watch is one of the most versatile entries in COLMI's P-series lineup, offering buyers a choice between a sporty silicone strap and an elegant stainless steel strap variant. At just under £40, the P80 combines a solid health tracking feature set with a design that can transition comfortably from gym to office. But is the stainless steel upgrade worth the small additional cost? And how does the P80 perform across the board? Here's our full review.
Design: Two Straps, Two Distinct Personalities
The P80 is available in two primary configurations: a standard version with a silicone strap and a premium version with a stainless steel mesh strap. Both use the same watch case and hardware internally, but the strap choice has a significant impact on the overall look and feel of the watch.
The silicone strap version is the sporty choice — lightweight, sweat-resistant, and comfortable for exercise. It's easy to clean after a workout and will hold up well to daily wear in any weather. The stainless steel mesh strap elevates the P80 into something closer to a dress watch. The mesh bracelet has a satisfying weight to it and drapes elegantly on the wrist, making the P80 look genuinely smart in professional settings. If you frequently move between gym sessions and office environments, the steel strap version is the more versatile choice.
Both variants are available in multiple colour options, and the watch case shares a rectangular design with flat edges that gives it a contemporary, premium appearance. IP68 water resistance is standard across all versions, so both straps can handle the usual daily splashes and sweat without issue.
Display
The P80 uses a bright, responsive touchscreen display with sufficient resolution for comfortable everyday use. While it doesn't have the AMOLED panel found on higher-end COLMI models like the V72 or V73, the display is clear, well-calibrated, and easy to read in most lighting conditions. Watch faces are customisable through the companion app, with a library of options to suit different aesthetics.
Brightness can be adjusted manually, and an auto-brightness option is available. Outdoors in direct sunlight, the display performs reasonably well, though very bright conditions can make it harder to read — a common limitation at this price point.
Health and Fitness Features
The P80 packs a comprehensive health monitoring suite that rivals much more expensive smartwatches:
24/7 Heart Rate Monitoring
Continuous heart rate monitoring runs throughout the day and night, providing real-time readings on demand and storing trend data for review in the companion app. During exercise, the watch updates your heart rate frequently so you can stay in your desired training zone. High and low heart rate alerts can be configured to notify you of unusual readings.
Blood Oxygen (SpO2) Monitoring
On-demand SpO2 measurements are available from the health menu. The measurement takes around 30 seconds and gives you a reliable blood oxygen saturation reading for wellness tracking purposes. This feature is particularly useful during exercise recovery or when monitoring general respiratory health.
Sleep Tracking
The P80 automatically detects sleep onset and tracks light, deep, and REM sleep stages throughout the night. A sleep quality score is generated each morning and displayed in the app alongside a visual timeline of your night. Over time, this data helps you identify habits that affect your sleep quality — such as late meals, screen time before bed, or inconsistent sleep schedules.
Stress Monitoring
HRV-based stress tracking provides an ongoing estimate of your stress levels throughout the day. You can check your current stress score at any time and review daily trends in the app. This is a useful feature for those who want a simple, passive reminder to manage their wellbeing, particularly during demanding periods at work.
Sports Modes
The P80 supports 100+ sports modes, covering everything from running, cycling, and swimming to more niche activities like table tennis, rope skipping, and dancing. Each mode adjusts the tracking parameters to better suit the activity, providing calorie estimates and duration data. GPS tracking is phone-dependent rather than built-in, which is standard for smartwatches in this price range.
Additional Health Features
- Step counting and daily activity tracking
- Calorie burn estimation
- Sedentary reminders to encourage regular movement
- Menstrual cycle tracking for female users
- Breathing exercises to help with relaxation and stress management
Technical Specifications
- Water resistance: IP68
- Bluetooth: 5.3
- Sports modes: 100+
- Sensors: Heart rate, SpO2, accelerometer, gyroscope
- Strap options: Silicone or stainless steel mesh
- Compatibility: iOS and Android
Battery Life
The P80 delivers excellent battery performance, with most users reporting between 7 and 12 days of typical use on a single charge. This is outstanding for a smartwatch with comprehensive health monitoring running continuously. Heavy users who enable always-on display or track multiple workouts daily should expect closer to 5–7 days, which is still very competitive.
Charging via the magnetic cable is quick — typically 1.5 to 2 hours for a full charge from empty. This means you can charge it during a work morning and have it ready for weeks of use.
Smart Features and Notifications
The P80 handles smart notifications well. Calls, texts, and app notifications (WhatsApp, email, social media) appear on the watch face with minimal delay. You can read message previews, see caller ID, and dismiss alerts directly from your wrist. Other connectivity features include:
- Music playback control
- Weather forecast display
- Find my phone function
- Remote camera shutter
- Alarm and countdown timer
Companion App
The P80 syncs with the Da Fit app (iOS and Android), which provides a clean overview of your daily health data. Watch face customisation, notification preferences, and sports mode settings are all managed here. The app is free with no subscription required, and data can be synced to Apple Health or Google Fit for consolidated health tracking.
Is the Stainless Steel Strap Worth It?
The stainless steel mesh strap variant typically costs a small premium over the silicone version. Whether it's worth it depends entirely on your use case. If you wear your watch primarily for sport and fitness, the silicone strap is more practical. If you wear your watch all day including in professional settings, the steel strap transforms the P80 into something that genuinely looks appropriate alongside a suit or smart casual outfit.
The good news is that standard 20mm watch bands are compatible with the P80, so if you buy the silicone version first, you can always purchase an aftermarket steel or leather strap later.
COLMI P80 vs P81: Which Should You Choose?
The P81 is a slightly higher-spec P-series model with a few additional features and a slightly larger display. If budget is a primary concern, the P80 offers outstanding value. If you want the latest features and a slightly enhanced experience, the P81 is worth the step up. Both watches are solid choices in the COLMI P-series lineup.
Who Is the COLMI P80 Best For?
- Users who want a versatile smartwatch that works for both sport and professional wear
- People who appreciate the option of a steel bracelet at a budget price
- Those who prioritise battery life — up to 12 days is exceptional
- Buyers looking for a comprehensive health tracker under £40
- Anyone who wants a stylish everyday smartwatch that doesn't look cheap
Verdict
The COLMI P80 is a well-rounded smartwatch that impresses on nearly every front. The choice between silicone and steel strap makes it unusually versatile for its price point, the health tracking suite is comprehensive and reliable, and battery life is exceptional. Whether you choose the sporty silicone or the elegant steel variant, the P80 delivers outstanding value for money.
Rating: 4.3 / 5 — A versatile, well-built smartwatch with excellent battery life. The stainless steel strap option makes it stand out from the crowd.