The Casio G-Shock DW-H5600, one of the best non-touchscreen smartwatches available, was offered at an incredible price during this year’s Amazon Black Friday sale. This deal, originally offering the watch for $170 down from its usual $299 price tag, is still ongoing. This makes the DW-H5600 an absolute bargain.
The discounted price applies to both the standard black version and a striking blue model. This vibrant blue colorway adds a unique touch to the classic G-Shock design and makes for a stylish choice. Why is the DW-H5600 a standout in G-Shock’s connected watch lineup? Its classic square case provides a comfortable fit, even for those who find bulkier G-Shocks too large for their wrists. This makes it an ideal G-Shock for a wider audience.
A person wearing the Casio G-Shock DW-H5600, seen from the side.
Features and Performance
Despite its smaller size compared to other G-Shocks and the absence of a touchscreen, the DW-H5600 boasts impressive features and performance. Built with G-Shock’s renowned durability, it is shock-, vibration-, and water-resistant. A heart rate sensor on the back enables fitness tracking, movement monitoring, and sleep analysis. Casio collaborated with Polar, experts in fitness smartwatch technology, to provide advanced data interpretation within the Casio Watches app, available for both iOS and Android. The watch also displays notifications from your smartphone.
Solar Power and Battery Life
The DW-H5600 utilizes solar power, reducing the need for frequent charging compared to other smartwatches. However, occasional charging with the included proprietary clip-on charger might be necessary, especially if 24-hour heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring are enabled. This supplements the solar charging when sunlight is insufficient.
Usability and Navigation
One minor drawback is the stiffness of the side buttons, a common issue with square G-Shock models. These buttons, recessed beneath protective guards, can be difficult to press. However, the Casio Watches app allows you to configure most features, eliminating the need to navigate the watch’s menu and providing a more convenient user experience.
The Casio G-Shock DW-H5600, seen from the back.
Comparisons and Conclusion
The DW-H5600 isn’t a direct competitor to smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 10 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. Instead, it rivals fitness-focused smartwatches with traditional watch aesthetics, such as the Garmin Vivomove Trend and the Withings ScanWatch 2.
The DW-H5600’s appealing design complements various styles and caters to both watch enthusiasts and tech-savvy users, all while delivering robust functionality. Even at its full retail price, it’s a worthwhile investment. But at almost half the price, the DW-H5600 becomes an exceptional value and a must-have for anyone looking for a durable, stylish, and feature-rich smartwatch.
