Meizu returns to smartwatches after five years with a $45 budget model
Meizu has quietly re-entered the smartwatch market for the first time in five years, launching the Watch M1 in China at 299 yuan (around $45). The no-fanfare release targets budget buyers with a curved AMOLED display, over 100 sport modes, and Bluetooth calling. There's no international launch date, and the watch remains China-only for now — putting it out of easy reach for shoppers in the US and UK.
The hardware
The Watch M1 has a square case with a metallic-finish frame and a red crown button that doubles as a scroll wheel. The 2.01-inch AMOLED screen runs at 410×502 pixels with a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, covered by 2.5D glass with touch input. Dual Bluetooth lets you take calls and control music playback without pulling out your phone.
Inside, heart rate and motion sensors feed continuous health tracking — sleep quality, calories burned, and a dedicated women's health monitor. Hydration and movement reminders round out the wellness suite. The IP68 rating means it handles dust and submersion, and the 300 mAh battery is rated for five days of normal use or up to 15 days in standby. Magnetic charging takes about two hours. It ships in silver with a black perforated silicone strap.
Not coming to a store near you
As Gizmochina reports, the Watch M1 is limited to the Chinese market and Meizu has made no announcement about international distribution. That pattern is familiar — the brand's smartphone division, now operating under Dreamsmart, is present in around 30 markets, but wearables have so far been left out.
In the UK and US, the budget AMOLED smartwatch space is already covered. The Xiaomi Watch 2 runs £130–170 after discounts, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch FE sits around £200 — both with local warranty support and widely available retail. For now, the Meizu M1 would require a grey-market import, which undercuts its price advantage considerably.
Chinese brands captured roughly 31% of the global smartwatch market in 2025, according to Wareable, led by Huawei and Xiaomi. Meizu has yet to register in any Western-market smartwatch reviews this cycle. At $45 the Watch M1 is an interesting spec sheet, but without a Western launch it stays a curiosity rather than a real option.
