PineTime Pro Is an Open Source Smartwatch with an OLED Display and GPS

Key Takeaways

• PineTime Pro adds AMOLED display and GPS
• Includes blood‑oxygen sensor and digital crown
• Custom chip announced, SOC details pending
• Original PineTime priced at $27, Pro price undisclosed
• Production pause on other devices due to RAM shortage

Summary

Pine64, known for low‑cost open‑source hardware, announced the PineTime Pro smartwatch, adding an AMOLED display, GPS, blood‑oxygen sensor and a digital crown. The company has paused production of several other devices amid a global RAM shortage, but the new watch aims to refresh its wearable line. While pricing, launch timing and the exact system‑on‑chip remain undisclosed, the Pro promises notable upgrades over the $27 original PineTime. Details are expected closer to the official release.

Pulse Analysis

Pine64 has built a reputation on delivering inexpensive, community‑driven devices, from single‑board computers to smartphones. Faced with a worldwide shortage of DRAM, the maker temporarily halted production of its PinePhone, PineNote, and PineTab2, signaling supply‑chain pressures that affect even niche manufacturers. In this context, the PineTime Pro smartwatch emerges as a strategic pivot, reinforcing Pine64’s commitment to open‑source hardware while diversifying its product portfolio. By leveraging its existing developer base, the company hopes to sustain momentum despite the component constraints.

The PineTime Pro’s spec sheet hints at a substantial leap over the original model. An AMOLED panel replaces the 1.3‑inch IPS LCD, delivering deeper blacks and lower power draw when displaying dark UI elements—critical for extending the modest 170‑180 mAh battery life. Integrated GPS removes the need for a paired phone during navigation, while added health sensors such as SpO₂ monitoring broaden its fitness appeal. The inclusion of a digital crown with an extra button mirrors premium wearables, improving one‑hand interaction. Although Pine64 mentions a “custom chip,” the lack of SOC details leaves performance expectations open, though the move suggests a shift toward tighter hardware‑software integration.

For the broader market, the PineTime Pro could redefine the price‑performance equation in wearables. At $27, the original PineTime already undercut mainstream options; even a modest price increase would keep the Pro well below flagship devices from Apple or Garmin. This affordability, combined with open‑source firmware, invites hobbyists and enterprises to customize the watch for niche applications, from IoT monitoring to bespoke health dashboards. If Pine64 can navigate supply challenges and deliver a competitive launch timeline, the PineTime Pro may catalyze a new wave of community‑centric smartwatches, pressuring larger manufacturers to consider more open ecosystems.