The 4th generation of Micheal Kors’ Access Runway Smartwatch hit the market with a head-turning design and the promise of high performance and seamless user experience. The good looks and mid-range price made good selling points and increased the demand for it.
Sure, you’re not buying a smartwatch unless you want more functionality besides the looks. So, the question is, does this watch stand as more than a piece of jewelry?
We don’t like leaving anything to guesswork, so we brought this model, tested it, and formed an honest opinion based on our experience. If you’d like to know what we have to say, continue reading for the Michael Kors Access Gen 4 Runway review.
At a Glance
Overall, the Michael Kors Access Gen 4 Runway isn’t only a beautiful smartwatch that’ll catch the eyes of your friends and peers but also a capable wearable that’ll keep your social life accessible. It may not be a suitable option for the fitness crowd, yet it’ll cover the needs of casual gym-goers.
We wouldn’t recommend it for iOS users owing to the limited functionality. Other than that, it’d make an excellent bang for the buck for Android users.
Pros:
- Striking design
- Responsive touchscreen
- Comes with many watch faces
- Integrated GPS
- Reliable performance
- Rapid charger
- Comes with an extra strap
Cons:
- Some functions are blocked when paired with iPhone
- The battery lasts less than advertised
- Lacks a speaker
- A bit heavy
Michael Kors Smartwatch Review – Detailed Review
Now that you’ve got your short answer, let’s delve more into the details of this stunning wearable.
Design
Straight out of the box, the Michael Kors Access Gen 4 Runway looks like a high-end luxury watch. It comes in numerous designs with metal or silicone straps, each of which will leave an unremovable grin on your face.
The designs are so diverse that you’ll definitely find your match whether you want to wear it to the gym or dress it up with formal attire. Also, you have many colors to choose from, including gold, white, silver, black, and rose, all of which come with different washes and finishes.
The round 41-millimeter case is made from stainless steel and covered with mineral glass. It feels pretty sturdy, and although it’s not completely unscratchable, it’ll hold up for a long time with proper care.
Although it can be a bit heavy on smaller wrists, we find it overall comfortable. It stays in place even if you move your hand a lot, and the buckle strap makes adjusting the fit a breeze.
It’s worth noting that it comes with an extra strap, which is a great addition. However, you’ll have to visit a jeweler or a professional shop to change it since there are no tools included in the box.
Last but not least, the entire case is water-resistant for up to 50 meters, meaning that it can stand a dip in the pool but won’t hold up to a long dive.
Display
Below this striking look, the watch sports a highly-responsive touch screen along with a user-friendly interface. You can touch, tap and swipe for easy menu navigation.
The functions can also be explored using the crown right at the side of the case. Moreover, you can remap the two side buttons to launch any application or do a custom action with a single click.
We appreciate the always-on feature that allows you to discreetly look at your watch to see what time it is without grabbing the attention of your coworkers. You no longer have to flip your wrist or tap the display to wake it up because it’s always on. It also serves well when you’re running and don’t want to smudge the screen with your fingers or sweat.
Health and Fitness Features
The health and fitness features on this model are sufficient but nothing to talk home about. They include the basic stuff like the calories calculator, steps counter, workout history, and the sport modes available on GoogleFit.
The integrated heart rate sensor measures your heart rate continuously but doesn’t alert you when an irregular beat is detected. The lack of stress and VO2 monitors is a bit of a let-down, but we didn’t expect them from a fashion-oriented watch, so it’s not a big problem.
Perhaps the best feature in this category is the built-in GPS, which allows you to track your routes and distance without relying on your phone’s navigation system. Overall, we’d say it’s okay for casual workout sessions but won’t cut it for more intense exercise.
Smart Functions
When it comes to smart functions, this model’s capabilities go beyond the simple buzzes that alert you to notifications and calls. It shows your notifications and allows you to receive and send messages. Also, you can check your caller ID and accept or decline a call.
However, you won’t be able to perform the call through your wrist since it doesn’t integrate a speaker. In this case, you’ll have to use Bluetooth headphones or just grab your phone and take the call.
The same goes for Google Assistant. The model allows you to issue commands, thanks to the built-in mic, but you’ll still need your phone to listen to what it has to tell. Functions like GooglePay and Google Music are on board, too, and the 4GB of internal storage allows you to have your favorite applications and music on the go.
Compatibility
The Michael Kors Access Gen 4 Runway runs on WearOS, so it’s generally compatible with all Android and iOS devices. You may have your reservations about this operating system, but honestly, it works like a dream in this watch, especially when paired with Android.
The problem appears when it’s connected to an iPhone since Apple blocks some of its native functions when paired with foreign devices. That means if you’re an iOS user, you won’t be able to perform calls, reply to messages or interact with Siri. Yet, you’ll still be able to answer phone calls and read messages.
Battery
The battery life was a bit of a disappointment. Although the company advertises 24 hours of battery life, the longest you can keep the watch up with all the features on is 11-12 hours.
We tried the battery-saving mode, but despite the longer battery life we got, it wasn’t much of a good experience. The mode turns off all the services you’d want from your smart gadget, including WiFi, GPS, and notifications, leaving you with an analog watch that only tells you the time.
However, Michael Kors totally made up for the battery with their company’s unique wireless rapid charger. Sure, that means you won’t be able to use a third-party charger, but you won’t even need it since this charger is a masterpiece.
It’s constructed in a way that makes it impossible for the watch to slide off, and the best thing about it is that it’s super-fast. Usually, one hour is enough to get the job done.
Check this guide also of The Best Smartwatches for Google Pixel
What’s Included in the Box
Aside from the Michael Kors Access Gen 4 Runway smartwatch, here is what’s included in the package:
- Extra buckle with interchangeable straps
- Rapid wireless charger
- A USB cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Manual
Users’ Reviews on Amazon
The overall Amazon rating for Michael Kors Access Gen 4 Runway is 3.9 out of 5 based on the reviews of a total of 2521 users. The five-star ratings make 60% of the full score, and not more than 18% of the users gave only one star.
Typically, the largest crowd is fond of the model’s unique aesthetics, and the fact that it comes with an extra strap has left many people happy.
The fit, the setup, and performance speed all gained lots of praise. Even some iOS users expressed their liking for the model despite the fact that it doesn’t run all the functions when synced with their iPhones.
Although it’s not the best for heavy workouts, the majority of users seem to have known that before the purchase, so there are no complaints about this point.
As for the negative comments, a couple of users complained about its durability, but the majority don’t like how the battery runs out fast.
The Final Takeaway
Taking the whole picture into account, we think the Michael Kors Access Gen 4 Runway is totally worth it, especially if it’s your first smartwatch or you just want something elegant and don’t ask much from your wearable.
Sure, the short battery life can be annoying, but the 12 hours you get are still enough to cover a working day until it’s time to leave the watch to rest and recharge.
Naturally, Android users will be happier with the purchase since they have access to all the functions. We wouldn’t recommend it to an iOS user, though, even if they’re looking for a more affordable option than an Apple watch.