Who needs the Apple Watch Ultra 4? I've been counting my steps and finding my phone with this cheap retro Casio digital watch, and I love it

Amidst the recent release of high-end smartwatches from Samsung, Google, Fitbit, Amazfit, Garmin Fenix 9, Garmin Fenix 9 Pro, and even anticipated Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, a more affordable option has captured the author's attention. The Casio F-B100W, priced at £55 (around $75 / AU$100), is a digital quartz watch that connects to your phone through the Casio Mobile Link Bluetooth function, providing limited tech features at a surprisingly low cost.

The Casio F-B100W shares a similar appearance with the classic, affordable F-91W, but is larger and features an extra button on its side. Despite its small size (41.9 × 38.1 × 8.8 mm), the watch looks more like a genuine timepiece than the miniature F-91W. This watch offers more than just basic timekeeping, including a timer, stopwatch, LED, alarm, dual-time zone, and basic fitness tracker capabilities via Bluetooth, such as a step counter.

The steps are displayed on the watch screen and synced with the Casio Watches app for historical tracking over weeks and months. Additionally, it has a Find My Phone feature, activated by pressing the bottom-right button, and boasts a two-year battery life.

The watch's minimalist design, accurate digital quartz movement, and low price make it an appealing option. It's also a practical choice for those who frequently misplace items, as the Find My Phone feature can help locate misplaced devices. The Casio F-B100W offers a simplified smartwatch experience, devoid of unnecessary data-tracking and subscription fees associated with many modern wearables. It's a fun, budget-friendly pedometer that is accurate and reliable, making it a worthwhile purchase for many people.