COLMI P80 vs P81 vs P82: Which P-Series Smartwatch Suits You?

The COLMI P-series is one of the brand's most popular smartwatch families, offering a range of models at slightly different price points with progressively more features. The P80, P81, and P82 are three of the most popular models in the lineup — and while they look similar on paper, there are important differences that determine which one is the right choice for different types of users. This comprehensive comparison covers every key difference to help you decide.

Quick Summary

P80 (~£40): Silicone or steel strap options · 100+ sports modes · 12-day battery · IP68
P81 (~£40): Fitness-focused design · 100+ sports modes · 12-day battery · IP68
P82 (~£50): 2.13" AMOLED · Built-in GPS · 100+ sports modes · Bluetooth calling · 7–10 days · IP68

The Headline Differences

The most important differences between these three watches are:

The P82 has built-in GPS — the P80 and P81 do not
The P82 has a 2.13-inch AMOLED display — significantly larger and more vivid than the P80 and P81
The P82 supports Bluetooth calling — the P80 and P81 do not
The P80 offers a stainless steel strap option — neither the P81 nor P82 does
The P80 and P81 have slightly longer battery life than the P82 due to the GPS and AMOLED hardware

Display Comparison

The P82's 2.13-inch AMOLED display is the largest and most impressive screen in the P-series. AMOLED technology produces true blacks, vivid colours, and high contrast that make watch faces and health data genuinely stunning to look at. The large size makes it particularly easy to read workout metrics at a glance, and the AMOLED panel performs well in bright outdoor conditions.

The P80 and P81 use smaller IPS LCD displays. They're perfectly adequate for everyday use — checking the time, reading notifications, reviewing health data — but the visual quality is noticeably less impressive than the P82. If display quality and screen size are important to you, the P82 has a clear and meaningful advantage.

GPS: The Key Decision Factor

Whether you need built-in GPS is probably the most important question when deciding between the P80/P81 and the P82.

The P82's built-in GPS allows it to track your outdoor runs, rides, and hikes without needing your phone. You can leave your phone at home and still get accurate distance, pace, and route data recorded to the watch. Post-workout, route maps are viewable in the Da Fit app alongside your heart rate and pace data.

The P80 and P81 rely on phone-connected GPS — they use your phone's GPS signal when your phone is nearby during outdoor activities. This works well if you carry your phone while exercising, but means you can't track outdoor routes independently.

For runners and cyclists who train without their phone, or hikers who want route tracking on trails, the P82 is the only choice. For gym-focused users or those who always carry their phone during outdoor exercise, the P80 or P81 works perfectly well.

Bluetooth Calling

The P82 supports Bluetooth calling via its built-in microphone and speaker — you can make and receive calls directly from the watch without touching your phone. This is a useful feature for drivers, cyclists, kitchen cooks, and anyone who frequently needs hands-free call access.

The P80 and P81 do not support Bluetooth calling. They will show caller ID and let you dismiss or accept calls (transferring audio to your phone), but you can't have a call conversation through the watch itself.

Strap Options

The P80 is the only P-series model with a stainless steel mesh strap option. This gives it a distinctly premium, professional appearance that suits office environments and formal settings. If you need a smartwatch that looks equally at home in a business meeting and at the gym, the P80's steel strap variant is the most versatile choice in the P-series.

The P81 and P82 use silicone straps only (though aftermarket 20mm bands are compatible with all three models).

Battery Life

P80: Up to 12 days typical use
P81: Up to 12 days typical use
P82: 7–10 days typical use (without GPS active); GPS use reduces battery significantly

The P80 and P81's longer battery life is a consequence of their smaller, less power-hungry displays and the absence of a GPS chip. For most users, even the P82's 7–10 days is more than adequate, but if maximum battery life between charges is a priority, the P80 or P81 has the advantage.

Health Tracking: All Three Are Equal

Across the P80, P81, and P82, the core health monitoring suite is identical:

24/7 continuous heart rate monitoring
Blood oxygen (SpO2) measurement
Sleep stage tracking (light, deep, REM)
Stress monitoring via HRV analysis
Step counting and calorie estimation
100+ sports modes
Menstrual cycle tracking
Sedentary reminders and breathing exercises

There is no health tracking advantage to any of the three models. The sensor hardware and algorithms are the same across the P-series.

Price

P80: ~£40
P81: ~£40
P82: ~£50

The £10 premium for the P82 buys you built-in GPS, a much larger AMOLED display, and Bluetooth calling. For users who will use those features, the premium is clearly worthwhile.

Who Should Buy Each Model?

Buy the P80 if:

You want a versatile watch that works for both sport and professional settings (steel strap)
You want maximum battery life
You don't need built-in GPS or Bluetooth calling
The ability to dress up the watch with a metal strap matters to you

Buy the P81 if:

You want a fitness-focused design with strong sports tracking
12-day battery life and 100+ sports modes are your priorities
Display size and GPS are less important than endurance and value

Buy the P82 if:

You run, cycle, or hike and want standalone GPS tracking
You want the largest, most impressive display in the P-series
Bluetooth calling is useful for your lifestyle
You're willing to pay a small premium for significantly more features

Our Verdict

For most buyers, we recommend the COLMI P82. The additional £10 over the P80/P81 buys three premium features (GPS, AMOLED display, Bluetooth calling) that meaningfully improve the watch's utility. The only reason to choose the P80 is if the steel strap option or longer battery life are specifically important to you — and both are legitimate reasons. The P81 sits in a slightly awkward middle position: similar to the P80 but without the steel strap option.