Reporting in after six months of use of a PineTime (https://wiki.pine64.org/wiki/PineTime) with InfiniTime OS (https://infinitime.io/).
Thank you PineTime team for designing a relatively reliable, affordable, hackable, lowkey smartwatch (also: Pinecil (https://wiki.pine64.org/wiki/Pinecil) soldering irons :)).
Full disclosure:
I have no previous experience with smartwatches. I paid for my PineTime(s). And before the switch I used a trusty Casio F-91W.
What I like (InfiniTime OS):
Notifications at a glance, vibe timer, vibe alarm, song changes via Android, and display is bright enough to see in direct sunlight.
What I dislike:
The touchscreen can be a challenge for large greasy fingers. I'd imagine I'd have issues with an Apple Watch too.
It would be cool if (InfiniTime OS):
Two vibe pulses per second instead of one may help with missed timers/alarms.
What I don't use (InfiniTime OS):
Heart monitor, shake to wake, map app, and step counter
Realistic Expectations:
At $30 ($42ish shipped to Florida) this thing will not rival a Samsung or Apple watch. It was praised by a lot of Linux podcasts (even ordered by some), but as far as I know, there was very little follow through with a review. Maybe one gave it to their kid, but PineTime is for all ages. Technical stuff: does not ship with InfiniTime OS (requires flashing via Bluetooth), I have showered with it a few times, I soft bricked my first PineTime while attempting to install WaspOS, and the battery on mine lasts roughly 1-2 days. Really the softbrick occurred when I attempted to switch back to InfiniTime from WaspOS (YMMV).
Final Thoughts (InfiniTime OS):
To wrap things up before I start rambling, the PineTime is in my opinion is a surprisingly solid entry entrée smartwatch for those that enjoy privacy, and the option to tinker.
Quick PineTime w/InifiTime OS Demo (apologies for quality--on the todo list)