The Indian tech space has witnessed its fair share of ambitious projects, but few have been as polarizing as the Layers ANARC smartwatch. When TechBurner first launched this device in November 2024, it was met with significant criticism and backlash from the tech community. Fast forward to 2025, and I’ve been testing the updated version – here’s my detailed take on whether this smartwatch has truly redeemed itself.
Table of Contents
The Comeback Story: From Criticism to Credibility
Initial Launch Troubles
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. The original Layers ANARC launch was, to put it mildly, rocky. The smartwatch market in India is notoriously competitive, and launching a product with software issues, tracking problems, and missing promised features was a recipe for disaster. The backlash was swift and harsh, with users reporting numerous bugs and functionality issues.
The 2025 Revival
However, credit where credit’s due – the team behind Layers ANARC didn’t give up. Instead of abandoning the project, they went back to the drawing board and worked on addressing the core issues that plagued the initial release.
Design and Build Quality: The Consistent Strength
| Aspect | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Design | 8/10 | Clean, modern aesthetic that doesn’t feel cheap |
| Build Quality | 8/10 | Solid construction, premium feel for the price |
| Default Strap | 6/10 | Functional but could be more premium |
| Screen Quality | 8/10 | Crisp display with good viewing angles |
| Durability | 8/10 | Feels robust for daily use |
What Works Well
The Layers ANARC has always had decent hardware, and this continues to be its strongest suit. The watch feels substantial without being bulky, and the build quality genuinely impressed me for a device in this price range. The materials used don’t feel cheap or plasticky, which is often a concern with budget smartwatches.
Room for Improvement
The default strap, while functional, feels like a missed opportunity. For a device that otherwise feels premium, the strap could have been more refined. It’s not terrible, but it’s clear where some cost-cutting was implemented.
Software Experience: The Game Changer
This is where the Layers ANARC 2025 version truly shines compared to its predecessor.
Major Improvements
- Smooth Performance: The interface now feels natural and responsive
- Reliable Notifications: All notifications sync accurately without delays
- App Integration: Seamless syncing with the companion app
- Always-On Display (AOD): Finally delivered as promised
- Bug Fixes: Most of the tracking and activity-related issues have been resolved
User Experience
Using the Layers ANARC now feels like using a proper smartwatch rather than a work-in-progress prototype. The software improvements are immediately noticeable – scrolling through menus is smooth, apps load quickly, and the overall experience feels polished.
Battery Life: The Trade-off Challenge
| Usage Scenario | Battery Life | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Without AOD | 4-5 days | Excellent |
| With AOD | 1-1.5 days | Poor |
| Heavy Usage | 1-2 days | Acceptable |
| Light Usage | 5-7 days | Outstanding |
The AOD Dilemma
While the Always-On Display is a welcome addition, it comes at a significant cost to battery life. With AOD enabled, expect to charge the watch every day, which is frankly disappointing for a smartwatch in 2025 but is similar to costly watches like Galaxy Watch or Apple Watch.
Practical Features and Functionality
What Works
- Accurate Tracking: Fitness and health tracking now work reliably
- Notification Management: Comprehensive notification support
- App Ecosystem: Decent selection of apps and watch faces
- Water Resistance: Suitable for daily activities and light exercise
Areas for Growth
- Third-party App Support: Limited compared to mainstream options
- Advanced Health Features: Basic compared to competition
- Customization Options: Could use more personalization features
Value Proposition: The Price Point Debate
Current Pricing (₹7,000)
At its current price point of around ₹7,000, the Layers ANARC offers:
- Pros: Solid build quality, improved software, reliable performance
- Cons: Battery life concerns, limited ecosystem, competition from established brands
The Sweet Spot (₹5,000)
I genuinely believe that if Layers could price this aggressively at ₹5,000, it would be a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers. At that price point, the compromises would be much more acceptable.
Unboxing Experience: Attention to Detail
The updated packaging deserves mention:
- Improved Magnetic Charger: Better magnetic connection, more reliable charging
- Built-in Screen Guard: Comes pre-applied, saving users the hassle
- Quality Accessories: Overall improvement in included accessories
Competition Analysis
Versus Established Brands
- Amazfit/Zepp: More features, better ecosystem, similar price
- Realme Watch: Aggressive pricing, established brand trust
- Fire-Boltt: Marketing-heavy approach, questionable build quality
Unique Selling Points
- Indian Brand: Local support and understanding of market needs
- Continuous Updates: Demonstrated commitment to improvement
- Community Support: TechBurner’s influence and user base
The Verdict: A Mature Effort
Who Should Buy This?
- Users who want to support Indian tech innovation
- Those seeking a reliable smartwatch without premium features
- Budget-conscious buyers who prioritize build quality over features
- TechBurner fans who appreciate the journey and improvements
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- Power users needing advanced health tracking
- Those requiring extensive third-party app support
- Users who prioritize battery life above all else
- Anyone seeking cutting-edge smartwatch features
Final Thoughts: The Redemption Arc
The Layers ANARC in 2025 feels like a completely different product from its November 2024 launch. The improvements are substantial, and the watch now delivers on most of its promises. While it’s not perfect – the battery life with AOD is concerning, and the pricing could be more aggressive – it represents genuine progress.
The Good:
- Significantly improved software experience
- Reliable performance and tracking
- Good build quality for the price
- Demonstrated commitment to user feedback
The Not-So-Good:
- Poor battery life with AOD enabled
- Limited ecosystem compared to established brands
- Pricing slightly higher than optimal
- The default strap could be better
Score Breakdown:
- Design & Build: 8/10
- Software Experience: 8/10
- Battery Life: 6/10
- Features: 7/10
- Value for Money: 7/10
- Overall: 7.5/10
The Layers ANARC has come a long way from its troubled launch. While it may not be the best smartwatch in its price range, it’s now a respectable option that shows what’s possible when creators listen to feedback and continuously improve their products. For ₹7,000, it’s decent; for ₹5,000, it would be a steal.
Have you tried the Layers ANARC? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
