Budget smartwatches are no longer limited to step counts and basic notifications. The iTel O23 Plus pushes that boundary by bringing WhatsApp quick replies to a device expected to sit in the Rp300 ribuan range.
For Android users, the appeal is practical rather than flashy. When driving, exercising, or handling a brief interruption, replying from the wrist can keep conversations moving without reaching for a phone.
WhatsApp replies are the headline feature
The watch does not support full manual typing, but it does allow customizable quick replies through the iPulse app. That makes the O23 Plus one of the more ambitious entry-level wearables in its class.
This function matters because it changes how a low-cost smartwatch can be used day to day. Instead of acting only as a notification screen, it becomes a lightweight communication tool for short, routine responses.
Metal body and IP68 protection add to the package
iTel also gives the O23 Plus a full metal body, which helps it look and feel closer to a more premium wearable. The display is described as clear and better protected against minor scratches.
The watch also carries an IP68 rating, making it resistant to splashes and rain. It is not designed for extreme water activity, but the protection level is still useful for all-day wear.
| Feature | iTel O23 Plus |
|---|---|
| Messaging | WhatsApp quick replies via iPulse app |
| Body | Full metal design |
| Protection | IP68 splash and rain resistance |
| Health tools | Heart rate, SpO2, and stress monitoring |
Health tracking stays close to mainstream wearables
Beyond messaging, the O23 Plus includes heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen tracking, and stress measurement. These are now common expectations in modern wearable devices, even at lower price points.
Stress results are presented not only as numbers but also with emoji-style indicators. That approach makes the data easier to understand for casual users who want a quick read on their condition.
The health features should still be treated as support tools for a healthier routine, not as substitutes for medical equipment. The watch is designed to help users monitor daily trends, not diagnose conditions.
A sign that the budget smartwatch segment is leveling up
The broader significance of the iTel O23 Plus is that features once reserved for pricier models are moving into cheaper devices. Quick replies, a metal body, IP68 protection, and health tracking now appear in a smartwatch that targets value-conscious buyers.
Current details are still based on early reports and a review by gadget creator Doohanaja. Specifications and market availability may still change when iTel makes its official announcement.
That makes the O23 Plus a useful example of how the budget wearable market is changing. Buyers looking for practical functions rather than simple notifications now have more reason to pay attention to the lower end of the smartwatch segment.
