Mobvoi TicWatch S2 vs. E2: Which should you buy?

Mobvoi TicWatch E2
Mobvoi TicWatch E2 (Image credit: Ara Wagoner / Android Central)

Mobvoi Ticwatch S2

Mobvoi aimed squarely for active outdoor users with the TicWatch S2, giving it a slight edge over the E2 by adding MIL-STD-810G military-grade durability certifications. The S2 also look a bit bolder and more rugged, but that's where the differences end.

Mobvoi Ticwatch S2

Ruggedly handsome

Decent specs at an affordable price
5 ATM waterproof
Certified military-grade durability
Two color options
Rugged look is a big garish
More expensive
No NFC payments

Mobvoi Ticwatch E2

The TicWatch E2 is the new entry-model watch from Mobvoi, and it features almost all of the same internals and features as the S2, the only differences are that it's a little bit less expensive, it isn't rated for military durability, and it only comes in black.

Mobvoi Ticwatch E2

Simple and clean

$20 cheaper
Cleaner, slicker look
Adequate fitness tracking
Same 5 ATM waterproofing
Not MIL-STD durable
Only one color
Included band too big for some wrists

The TicWatch E2 and S2 are essentially the same watch with a tiny bit of extra flavoring poured onto the S2 in the form of military-grade durability certifications, so at the end of the day, this choice comes down to looks, ruggedness, and if you think they're worth the extra $20.

Is military durability worth an extra 20 bucks?

TicWatch

The S2 features certified MIL-STD-810G military-grade durability, making it resistant to extreme temperature changes, humidity, dust, and "salt fog", a test of how it stands up to corrosion. All of the internal components, as well as the sport modes and capabilities — such as heart tracking and proactive workout monitoring, including swim style detection — are the same on both watches.

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Header Cell - Column 0 Ticwatch S2Ticwatch E2
PlatformSnapdragon Wear 2100Snapdragon Wear 2100
RAM512MB512MB
Internal Storage4GB4GB
Display1.39" AMOLED(400 x 400 px)1.39" AMOLED(400 x 400 px)
ConnectivityBluetooth v4.1WiFi 802.11 b/g/nBluetooth v4.1WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
GPSGPSGLONASSBeidouGPSGLONASSBeidou
SensorsAccelerometerGyroscopeHeart-rate sensorLow latency off-body sensorAccelerometerGyroscopeHeart-rate sensorLow latency off-body sensor
NFC PaymentsNoNo
Battery Capacity415mAh415mAh
Waterproof Rating5 ATM (swim-ready, up to 50m)5 ATM (swim-ready, up to 50m)
Durability RatingMIL-STD-810GOperational between -20ºC to 55ºCresistant to humidity, dust, and salt fog
Price$180$160

That's a whole lot of the same, isn't it? The differences here are superficial looks and durability certifications — and given that the E2 has the same components and a very similar housing, I'd wager the E2 is pretty durable, too, just not certified for it.

So, which do you prefer? The cleaner look and lower price of the E2, or the certified durability and ruggedness of the S2? I myself have been wearing an E2 for over a month now, and I'm perfectly happy with the way it's performed for me. I prefer the simpler lines of the E2, but the $20 upgrade is definitely worth it if you tend to be hard on your gear.

Ara Wagoner

Ara Wagoner was a staff writer at Android Central. She themes phones and pokes YouTube Music with a stick. When she's not writing about cases, Chromebooks, or customization, she's wandering around Walt Disney World. If you see her without headphones, RUN. You can follow her on Twitter at @arawagco.