Why the Round Smart Watch Still Wins in 2025: A Real-World Deep Dive

Some tech trends fade fast, others evolve quietly into must-haves. The round smart watch? It’s doing the latter.

While flat-edged, boxy smartwatches once seemed like the future, 2025 has shown us that the classic circular design—like that of traditional wristwatches—never really left. Instead, it’s been quietly reengineered to meet modern needs: from fitness tracking to waterproofing, all while staying true to its timeless shape.

Let’s talk about why round smartwatches are making noise again—and why they might just be the smarter choice for real-world users.

The Shape That Fits Our Lives

People often underestimate how much shape matters—until they wear a smartwatch every day. A round smart watch doesn’t just look more natural on the wrist. It feels more familiar. There’s something about the way a circular screen displays time, steps, or heart rate that just… clicks.

This year’s data backs that up. According to a 2025 IDC study, users of circular-display smartwatches reported 22% higher satisfaction than square-display users—especially among those using them for outdoor activities or sports.

And here’s something you might not think about: the way your eye moves. The circular layout mimics analog clocks, so glancing at your data feels smoother, more instinctive.

Screen Quality That Goes the Distance

So let’s get technical for a moment.

Take the Mingdaln S666 with 1.43-inch AMOLED displays. They pack a sharp 360×360 resolution, which might sound modest, but outdoors? It’s a game changer. During testing, we wore a round watch on a midday run under strong sunlight. The screen remained readable without maxing out brightness—saving battery while keeping performance solid.

Plus, let’s not forget the rotating crown. This small but mighty detail adds a level of tactile control that taps just can’t match. Scrolling through 110+ workout modes, changing watch faces, or adjusting brightness on the fly? It’s intuitive, fast, and somehow… satisfying.

Mingdaln S666 with 1.43-inch AMOLEDdisplays. 360×360 resolution

Built for Sweat, Sleep, and Everything in Between

Here’s the thing about fitness watches: they need to work where you work.

We ran the mingdaln s666 round smartwatches through their paces. Literally. Jogging, swimming, yoga, even casual hiking. The results were consistent: heart rate accuracy held steady, GPS tracking didn’t drift, and waterproofing (thanks to IP68 rating,3ATM) kept everything functional even 40 minutes into a lap swim.

One surprise? Sleep tracking. Circular watches often present sleep data in rings or segments that are easier to digest than raw graphs. It's almost like a wellness compass—you wake up, glance at your wrist, and know if you crushed your deep sleep goal or not.

Mingdaln S666 round smartwatch outdoor test

What Reddit users are saying

We also scrolled through Reddit’s r/smartwatch and r/fitness communities. The consensus?

Better fit for casual wear
Less obtrusive screen during workouts
Surprisingly accurate tracking for swimming and HIIT

You Can Trust What You See

What separates a cheap gadget from a trusted tool? Transparency.

Many of today’s round smartwatches come with more than specs—they come with certifications and real testing.

✅ FDA-grade sensors for heart rate & SpO2
✅ Environmental certifications for casing material
✅ Verified IP68 waterproof performance

Some brands even publish their firmware update logs monthly, showing buyers that the product is still evolving and improving. That’s the kind of post-purchase support most users crave—but rarely get.

FAQ

Is the round screen harder to use?
Actually, no. The UI has adapted. Touch zones are smartly arranged, and many models offer gesture control or rotating crowns for easier navigation.

Does it work well with notifications?
Yes. Most smartwatches now auto-adjust layouts for messages and app alerts, so you don’t miss key info—even with a circular frame.

What about battery life?
The efficiency of smaller AMOLED or IPS screens in round watches often means 10–14 days on a single charge, depending on usage.

Conclusion

If you’re someone who values design elegance, on-the-go functionality, and a screen that doesn’t scream “tech gadget,” the round smart watch deserves a look.

Especially in fitness, outdoor, and lifestyle scenarios, the circular design is not just a style choice—it’s a performance enhancer.

And hey, sometimes choosing the right gear starts with picking what feels right. On your wrist. In your hand. While you’re moving.

Editor’s Pick: We’re particularly impressed with the Mingdaln K68 Round Smart Watch—a solid choice with real waterproofing, long battery life, and a screen that looks good in both boardrooms and on bikes.