So, my Optimus 2 is starting to reach end-of-life re its plastic case construct (currently the plastic anchors which the watch band attaches to are splitting and held together by superglue…this is a problem I have had with all the plastic case watches I have bought in the past, regardless of brand - and I have finally worked out why - DO NOT WEAR THESE WATCHES WHILST RIDING A BICYCLE!!! It places too much strain on the band and hence plastic casing will split).
I have had a look at some recent Smartwatch Tick videos on YouTube and the Valdus VG54 has caught my eye. I know it is only Android 8.1 which is a downgrade from the Optimus 2 (which I would buy another of but there isn’t any left!) but would I really notice much difference?
There just does not seem to be any recently manufactured SIM smartwatches out there at the moment with a more recent Android operating system. Although I am open to recommendations. Hence the question - IS the VALDUS VG54 worth buying as a replacement?
Check out the DM62 and DM80. I have both . Cheap A8.1 and work well with amazing battery life
Nice to know @Dr_Andy_Vishnu
Now I need a prescription…lol.
Would it be possible to share more information about the different toys that you have?
I had no idea that you had tried so many 8.1 watches 
I think it is way over time that we open a category for the 8.1 watches and another for A9 watches that that we don’t usually have support for.
Please let me know if you need me to help with this.
Much appreciated.
Pablo11
Darth Vader once said to Luke Skywalker " You wont like what you find " 
Of course mate. I have lost track of how many i have personally bought
True that
I tested a couple but didn’t get on with them and don’t have time to try and sort out a different firmware for them.
Last count, I have over 150 different Android watches after these last ten years of working with them 
But it seems to be a popular request to have a section where people can share experiences and links to Telegram firmware development threads etc.
Thanks mate.
Just checked my A8.1 watches
P68
GT100
X11
DM62
DM80
X800
DW88
Valdus PGD
U8
Didnt realise i had bought so many
And as one of those is a Valdus…is it any good is my original question?!! 
Its not great. The DM model i posted above is much better. Hardware and firmware. The two DM models appear to be the same but in a round / rectangular format
Its worth noting that all the A8.1 watches i have tested NONE have been suitable for running. Everyone even with a sim drops the gps location so very hit and miss. However the A11 watch S998 is superb for running
Yep, to be honest, the 8.1 firmwares are typically terrible.
The A11 version has none of these issues.
I’ll be honest, the 8.1 firmwares are intended to be used in car audio systems and it is because it is the only version that is accessible to China that has Google integrated.
Google is blocked by China and equally Google refuses to allow China to use Google on their devices - unless the vehicles or phones have been exempted for export.
However, this does not apply to watches of any kind that are not directly licensed to use Google Android WearOS…for export only..
No fully Android watch is accepted by Google. End of story.
This is the main reason why we only support stuff from one particular solution provider. Because they actually care about having Google apps and their firmware working properly.
The bulk of the other solution (firmware) providers just want to offload thousands of watches that look good etc, but they are not going to take a return if apps are not working for customers.
But, porting the Android Auto version of the software to a watch is very challenging and leads to drivers being a problem for GPS, screen tap accuracy and Wi-Fi etc…
This is why a few serious people have been testing and converting these to a different system image. But it takes some skill, knowledge of Android systems and patience.
It’s certainly not for everyone.
So, that’s why 99% of the Android 8 devices have shite software but reasonably ok hardware.
If anyone is interested…lol
@Dr_Andy_Vishnu
If you do open a new category for these products, please take this post above and the relevant threads about A8.1 watches, and throw them all in there.
It’s so time consuming explaining the same stuff over and over in various threads 
Cheers
You need to see a Proctologist @Dr_Andy_Vishnu
Maybe they help you with this buying shite problem?
I’m only messing mate, of course.
I’m actually very glad that you have these cos otherwise none of us would have fxxxking Danny about them.
Apart from the early Valdus one I have. (which is so bloody frustrating that I can’t bare it)
Hardware is good as said before, but otherwise its a steaming pile of shite
In regard to software on my watch phone. I basically just need the following things to work: SIM for phone calls. Bluetooth (for headphones and car audio!). WiFi. Camera. Facebook. Browser…
I don’t much need anything exercise related but of course GPS is handy to have functioning for maps. Thats about it.
It would certainly be nice to have more Android 11 watches that’s for sure