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DT NO.1 DT28 Smartwatch Review: Is This 2019 Fitness Watch Still Worth Buying?

The DT NO.1 DT28 offered impressive features for its 2019 launch price, but missing GPS, uncertain app support, aging batteries and non-medical health readings make it a cautious old-stock buy in 2026.
Estimate8–10 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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Verdict: The DT NO.1 DT28 was an appealing budget smartwatch when it launched in February 2019 at roughly $26.99. Its metal-look design, replaceable 22 mm straps, basic activity tracking and ambitious health-feature list offered good value at that price. In 2026, however, it is difficult to recommend except as an exceptionally cheap, returnable old-stock watch for basic, non-medical use.

The DT28 has no built-in GPS, depends heavily on an aging companion app, and makes health measurements that should be treated only as wellness estimates. A newer tracker is usually the better choice for reliable phone support, outdoor exercise, battery life and long-term ownership.

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DT NO.1 DT28: key specifications

Specification DT28 detail
Release Approximately February 2019
Original launch price About $26.99; not a verified 2026 price
Display 1.54-inch TFT color touchscreen
Resolution 240 × 240 pixels
Case Approximately 51 × 46 × 12 mm; about 59 g
Materials Zinc-alloy and plastic/polycarbonate elements with steel buttons
Strap Replaceable 22 mm band
Connectivity Bluetooth 4.2, as reported by Android Headlines
GPS No built-in GPS
Battery 230 mAh; original claim of five to seven days
Water resistance IP68 claimed by the manufacturer
Health functions Heart rate, ECG-labelled readings, blood pressure and blood oxygen
Companion software DTNo1 app referenced in 2019 material
Current official availability Not visible in the reviewed DTNO.1 smartwatch collection

The historical specifications are documented in DTNO.1’s DT28 preview, its DT28 comparison article and an Android Headlines review. Current marketplace listings should not be assumed to represent official stock or ongoing support.

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Design: more watch-like than a cheap fitness band

The DT28’s strongest original selling point was its appearance. Zinc-alloy elements, steel buttons and a traditional round-watch aesthetic made it look more substantial than its launch price suggested. The reported dimensions—51 × 46 mm and 12 mm thick—also make clear that this is a fairly large watch, not a discreet fitness band. It may feel bulky on a small wrist.

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The approximately 59 g weight was described positively in the original coverage, but that is a period reviewer impression rather than a new hands-on test. The construction may look premium without offering the drop resistance, scratch resistance or long-term sealing of a more expensive watch. The replaceable 22 mm strap is a genuine practical advantage: owners can use widely available bands, provided the lug fit is correct.

Silicone and stainless-steel strap versions were promoted. For an old or used unit, inspect the buttons, screen, charging contacts and case edges carefully. Cosmetic wear is not merely a style issue: a hard impact may also compromise water resistance.

Display and controls

The DT28 uses a 1.54-inch, 240 × 240 TFT color touchscreen. That was serviceable in 2019, and original coverage described it as usable outdoors, but it is modest by 2026 standards. A large TFT panel generally offers less contrast and less polished graphics than a modern AMOLED display. Do not interpret promotional “HD” wording as meaning high-resolution by current smartwatch standards.

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Source descriptions differ slightly on the control layout and navigation, so buyers should confirm the exact hardware on their unit. The manufacturer described two-button navigation, while review coverage describes the physical controls and software interface somewhat differently. The watch interface was considered smooth and easy to navigate when new, but that does not establish how a surviving unit will perform after years of battery aging or how well it will interact with a current phone.

Fitness tracking: useful for basic trends, not serious training

The DT28 offers the feature list expected of an inexpensive fitness wearable:

  • Steps, distance and calories
  • Heart-rate readings
  • Sleep tracking
  • Multiple sports modes, including walking, running, cycling, swimming, hiking, basketball, badminton, table tennis and football in published material
  • Stopwatch and music controls

Another manufacturer comparison refers to eight sports modes, so the exact list may vary by firmware or translation. A long sports menu does not prove that the watch records each activity accurately or produces useful training data.

The key limitation is the absence of built-in GPS. The DT28 is not a standalone running watch. Route mapping and outdoor distance context must depend on the paired phone and whatever the companion app supports. If you want dependable pace, route and distance data without carrying a phone, this is the wrong device.

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For casual use, steps and broad heart-rate trends may be sufficient if the app still pairs and synchronizes. The available evidence does not establish modern accuracy, data-export support, notification reliability, or whether historical records survive an app reinstall or phone change.

ECG, blood pressure and blood oxygen: treat these as non-medical estimates

This is the most important qualification in the DT28 review. The watch was promoted with ECG-labelled, blood-pressure, blood-oxygen and heart-rate functions. The manufacturer also stated that the device was not intended for medical purposes.

That disclaimer should control how these features are understood. The DT28 is not a clinically validated ECG monitor, blood-pressure monitor or pulse oximeter. It should not be used to diagnose hypertension, an arrhythmia, low blood oxygen or any other condition. Do not change medication or delay medical care because of a watch reading.

Published instructions described an ECG-style measurement taking about 30 seconds, with blood-pressure, oxygen and heart-rate readings taking roughly 20 seconds. A more detailed app report was said to appear after approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Those are period-specific instructions and may not match the current firmware or app.

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Some 2019 coverage said the measurements appeared accurate, but that was a reviewer impression—not clinical validation. If a reading looks unusual, repeat it while still and wearing the watch snugly, then verify it with an appropriate medical device. Movement, poor skin contact, cold skin, low circulation, incorrect profile data and algorithmic estimation can all produce misleading results.

App, pairing and firmware support

The DT28 is phone-dependent. The companion app is needed for setup, synchronization, broader history, weather and other phone-connected functions. DTNO.1’s 2019 material referred to the DTNo1 app, while Android Headlines described the phone-side software as a third-party tracking application that was less polished than the watch interface.

In the current support material reviewed for this article, DTNO.1 still exposes a DT28 selection on its firmware page. That is useful for existing owners, but it does not prove active development, security maintenance, modern Android or iOS compatibility, or continued cloud-service operation. The DT28 is absent from the reviewed current DTNO.1 smartwatch collection.

Before buying, confirm that the current companion app is available in your country and installs on your phone. Older wearables may require Bluetooth, location, notification and background-running permissions. Do not assume that a phone’s Bluetooth settings page is enough: pairing may need to begin inside the companion app.

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Pairing checklist

  1. Charge the watch and restart both devices.
  2. Remove any old DT28 entry from the phone’s Bluetooth settings.
  3. Install the official or currently supplied companion app from a trusted source.
  4. Grant only the permissions required for pairing and the functions you intend to use.
  5. Bind the watch from inside the app rather than pairing only through system Bluetooth settings.
  6. If it remains linked to another account, look for an in-watch reset or contact DTNO.1 support.
  7. Never flash firmware intended for a different model.

Avoid random APK websites simply to revive a 2019 watch. An unofficial app may create privacy, account and malware risks, and a failed firmware flash can render the watch unusable or erase data.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Battery and charging

The DT28 has a reported 230 mAh, 3.7 V battery and magnetic charging. DTNO.1 claimed five to seven days of normal use, with one comparison describing approximately two hours for charging. These are 2019 manufacturer figures, not a current measured result.

A lithium battery that has spent years in storage may deliver substantially less. Actual endurance depends on continuous heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, screen brightness, wake gestures, notifications, measurement frequency, Bluetooth quality and synchronization behavior. Sudden percentage drops, overnight drain, shutdowns during exercise or intermittent charging are signs of battery deterioration.

Replacement batteries may be difficult to source, and opening the case can compromise water resistance. The same caution applies to the magnetic cable: do not assume that any visually similar DTNO.1 charger has the correct connector layout and electrical specifications.

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What IP68 does—and does not—mean

The DT28 was marketed with IP68 water resistance. That is not a promise of unrestricted waterproofing or safe swimming at any depth. IP ratings describe resistance under defined test conditions, not every real-world exposure.

Avoid hot tubs, saunas, high-pressure spray, soap, shampoo and chemicals. Saltwater is also a poor environment for an old watch. Seals can age, and drops or repairs can reduce protection. With old stock or a used unit, treat IP68 as a limited claim rather than a reason to wear the watch in water.

NFC: Alipay is not general smartwatch payments

The DT28’s NFC description refers to Alipay. It does not establish support for Google Pay, Apple Pay, bank cards or transit systems. Alipay availability may also have depended on region, account and service support at the time.

Buyers should treat NFC as a historical or limited feature unless the seller can demonstrate that it works for the intended account and country. Do not buy the DT28 expecting modern contactless payments.

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Should you buy the DT28 in 2026?

The original price of approximately $26.99 was attractive in 2019. There is no verified current official DT28 price in the available evidence, and the watch does not appear in DTNO.1’s current store collection. A marketplace price therefore needs to be judged against age, battery condition, app availability and return protection—not against the original launch price alone.

It may be worth considering if:

  • It is exceptionally cheap and fully returnable.
  • You want basic steps, a watch face and casual notifications rather than serious training data.
  • The seller can confirm that the watch charges, resets and pairs with your phone.
  • You accept that health readings are non-medical estimates.
  • You can verify that the correct charger and companion app are available.

Skip it if:

  • You need dependable blood-pressure, ECG or oxygen monitoring.
  • You want standalone GPS for running or cycling.
  • You need guaranteed compatibility with a current Android or iPhone.
  • You rely on long-term firmware, cloud and security support.
  • You want reliable contactless payments.
  • The asking price approaches that of a newer tracker with a supported ecosystem.

Newer DTNO.1 options and the broader alternative

DTNO.1’s current store shows newer products, although their advertised health features should also be treated cautiously. The DT S is a newer low-cost option with sports modes, heart rate, blood oxygen and an IP68 claim. The DT Diamond adds an AMOLED display and Bluetooth calling, while the DT WATCH X targets a more feature-rich smartwatch experience.

For GPS and a more capable Android-watch format, the DT ULTRA 2 and DT Ultra 3 Android are more relevant, but they cost more and may be overkill for simple step counting. The prices visible on those pages are promotional signals, not guaranteed prices, and should be checked before purchase.

For most buyers, the better alternative is a current fitness tracker from a manufacturer with a maintained mobile app, documented phone compatibility and an established replacement-accessory ecosystem. If the DT28’s health features are what attract you, buy a clinically validated home blood-pressure monitor or pulse oximeter separately instead of treating a budget smartwatch as medical equipment.

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Final verdict

The DT NO.1 DT28 was a strong-value gadget for its era: attractive, feature-packed and inexpensive. Its basic activity functions may still be adequate for a curious buyer who finds one very cheaply. But its age, missing GPS, uncertain app support, aging battery and non-medical health measurements make it a poor modern fitness-watch purchase.

Original 2019 value: strong for the price.
Fitness capability: basic and phone-dependent.
Health credibility: non-medical and weak for diagnosis.
2026 recommendation: generally skip it unless the price is exceptionally low, compatibility is confirmed and the seller offers a meaningful return policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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