Customers consistently note the positive sound quality and easy-to-use interface of the Smart Clock Essential. The bright, clear display and convenient alarm features also receive high praise. However, some users experienced minor issues with the Alexa integration. The size of the device is considered appropriate by many.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 82 reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
8 year old’s review
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Works really well but some room to improve. The built in Alexa works great. Might be better if it showed full date.
This review is from Lenovo - Smart Clock Essential 4" Smart Display with Alexa - Clay Red
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Decent product
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Posted . Owned for 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Pleased with the clock overall however the speaker on this product is not the greatest if you want to listen to music from this device. I mainly wanted this for the clock and not to listen to music overall. Price was right when I purchased it so no complaints.
This review is from Lenovo - Smart Clock Essential 4" Smart Display with Alexa - Clay Red
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Always Know Where My Amazon Orders Are!
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Posted . Owned for 4 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I love that this is integrated with Alexa, it notifies me of any updates with my Amazon purchases, I don’t even have to look at my account cause my alarm clock keeps me updated!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Size, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
An Effective Little Alexa Alarm Clock
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I should say upfront that I received the The Lenovo - Smart Clock Essential 4" Smart Display with Alexa for the purposes of providing fair and honest feedback. And, on the whole, I like it. The screen features an auto dim feature. Alexa integration works well. The built-in speakers won't blow anyone away, but they sound good for a device this side and sound good for music or alexa alerts. Setup could be a bit simpler, but as an alarm clock with Alexa built-in, the Lenovo - Smart Clock Essential has met my expectations and I'm liking it.
Setup - I thought the set up was a bit more difficult than I expected it to be. Part of the problem is the reliance on the Alexa app which may make things a bit confusing. You will need to download the Alexa app from either the Apple or Google Play app store. The Alexa app detected my Smart Clock right away, connected the clock to my home wifi, and downloaded an update. But I was confused after that as to how to change the display. By default the Smart Clock Essential shows sound decibel levels instead of the weather. To change that to the weather, you have to open the Alexa app, click on the devices icon in the bottom right, then click on "all devices", then you're looking for the icon for your Lenovo Smart Clock. But, you are looking for the Lenovo Smart Clock device with the wifi signal in what appears to be a house. You aren't looking for the Lenovo Smart Clock with headphones / speakers next to it. Yeah, I made that mistake a few times. It all felt too confusing.
Then, some of the adjustments in the App don't seem to stick. At night, the screen automatically adjusts to nearly totally dim. A lot of people will probably like that setting. I wanted the screen to stay a bit brighter at night. So, from the Alexa app, I adjusted the screen brightness. And the screen brightness stuck, for about five minutes until it reverted to the previous setting. Why let me make that adjustment if it isn't going to stick?
Experience - Using the clock with Alexa is simple. You just say "Alexa, set an alarm for ......" Which is good, because setting an alarm with the buttons on the clock is a bit more tedious. You use the alarm clock symbol to start the process and progress through steps, but if you want to actually save your alarm, you have to press the up button to confirm at the end. That process felt a bit unintuitive.
I really like the size of the device. It fits well in small spaces. The screen looks nice and the entire device has a very modern feel to it.
There is no USB port for charging your phone. There are docks you can get that customize your experience a bit. For instance, Lenovo has an octopus dock that lights up and changes the "eyes" on the screen when you talk to Alexa. At this time, I'm not sure if the Smart Clock Essential is compatible with an other Lenovo Smart Clock dock.
There is a MIC toggle on the back of the clock. If you don't want Alexa listening in, you can manually turn the microphone off.
Conclusion - On the whole, I like it. It's an effective alarm clock and the weather indicators are a nice touch. Despite some app struggles, Alexa integration works well. I hope a software update corrects the nighttime auto dimming issues I described above. I think software setup and use could be a bit simpler, but if you use Alexa for your other devices, you're probably familiar with the Alexa app at this point.
This review is from Lenovo - Smart Clock Essential 4" Smart Display with Alexa - Clay Red
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Smart Clock That Requires Effort
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
--- SETUP ---
The setup is quick but requires a few more steps than a normal clock. First, download the Alexa app if you don’t already have it. Make sure the app is up to date. Once updated, open the app. If the clock is plugged in, then the app will find the clock. If it isn’t plugged in, you can manually add the clock.
--- FEATURES ---
The key feature this clock is that it has integrated Alexa. This means that you can use your voice to ask it to check the weather, set an alarm, control other Alexa devices (like smart lights), and generally, do other things your Alexa Echo Dot can do.
--- PERFORMANCE ---
The performance of the clock works, in a sense. The clock display is bright and the brightness can be adjusted in the Alexa app. You can manually set alarms using the buttons on the device, though that is not user-friendly at all. The best way to set alarms is to say, “Alexa, set an alarm…” to whatever day and time you want. I use it daily to ask for the weather so I know what to expect before I leave home.
One of the features I liked most was being able to stream my audiobooks. Since the alarm clock is in my bedroom, a little book-listening before bed is nice. Early in the morning, the display is large enough for me to see the time at a glance. I also liked setting reminders, such as reminding me to stop watching a TV show because I needed to refocus on work.
--- EXPECTATIONS ---
The one thing I don’t like is that most settings need to be changed through the Amazon Alexa app. The settings are very limited. By default, the clock is set up to show a meter for how much sound is in the room. That’s a neat feature, but mostly useless information for me. I changed that information to that of the humidity and weather instead. Additionally, this clock couldn’t recognize my WiFi 5G or 6G. It could only pick up my 2.4G.
However, what I couldn’t change was the time. Being a smart clock, it should display the time from my phone, as it is using bluetooth and my home wifi network to display the time. However, the clock set itself up as one hour ahead. I was trying to see if there was a way to change the daylight savings time settings, but neither through the voice nor through the app settings was that possible. Hopefully, the clock situation will change.
Additionally, saying “Alexa” to get it to do things with the voice was more a miss than a hit. I felt as if I needed to raise my voice more than usual or get closer to the device before it recognized the “Alexa” prompt. I’m used to other smart devices with voice prompts and I use them daily, but none require as much effort as this clock does for me.
--- APPROVAL ---
As it is, I can only recommend this product if you don’t plan on using the smart features too often. Having to change everything on the app is not a friendly experience and the voice prompt doesn’t work as well as other Alexa-friendly devices.
This review is from Lenovo - Smart Clock Essential 4" Smart Display with Alexa - Clay Red
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Brand response from Lenovo Product Expert
Posted .
We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty with the setting on your Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa. You can change the Time Zone that your Smart Clock Essential with Alexa will use for the time display, within the Alexa APP. Just tap the settings gear icon at the top right of the Home Screen. Scroll down the device settings to find the Time Zone and select the Time Zone you want your Smart Clock Essential with Alexa to use. If you made this change, a check mark will appear next to the new Time Zone selection you have made to indicate that the change is saved. Close out of the APP and ask Alexa what the current time is. If the response is not correct. Unplug the Smart Clock Essential, wait 20seconds, then plug the Smart Clock Essential back in. Once the Smart Clock completes its startup process, ask Alexa what the correct time is again. If the time is still incorrect, we recommend you contact lenovo Tech Support for Smart Devices for additional help at: 866-426-0911.
Pros mentioned:
Size, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Put This Little Clock In Every Room!
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Kicking off 2022 with simplifying my home, I want any smart items to have dual functions and hopefully that snowballs into my closets full of clothing! Jokes aside I enjoy my phone alarm but I have been wanting a clock by my nightstand that wasn't an eye sore with buttons all over and clunky looking.
Then comes in the Lenovo Smart Clock in the reddish clay color which matches my pots in my living room. Set up out of the box took about a minute, when I opened my Alexa app she detected the clock, updated it, and set the time for me. You can also choose how bright you want the clock's numbers by sliding your finger on a bar in the settings app.
Of course this is a speaker and the sound is pretty great for a night stand speaker. In the morning I ask Alexa to tell me the news and thus far it has worked great, the sound isn't muffled and the assistant is responsive.
My favorite feature is when you ask Alexa questions the clock makes this cute face that shows she's listening to what you are prompting.
The clock is perfect for your bedside, bathroom, or a small space! Oh, and this speaker definitely meets my request for multi-functions: it's a speaker, clock, smart assistant, and weather person!
This review is from Lenovo - Smart Clock Essential 4" Smart Display with Alexa - Clay Red
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from Lenovo Product Expert
Posted .
Thank you for choosing the Lenovo Smart Clock with Alexa Built in. We are pleased to hear that the Smart Clock Essential with Alexa meets your needs so well. Here is a link to a YouTube video that showcases this Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV-IoawD8Dw. If you have questions about your Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa we recommend you contact Lenovo Tech Support for Smart Devices at: 866-426-0911.
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
A basic Alexa Smart Clock
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This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’ve been using Amazon’s echo devices since the first device was introduced several years ago and have been sporting an Echo Show bedside for some time. My biggest complaint has been the screen being a bit overly bright, especially later into the evening, and also being somewhat annoyed with the various Ad’s displayed randomly throughout the day.
Lenovo appears to have taken a step in the right direction with the Smart Clock, which allows you to continue using Alexa to control your smart home devices, while only providing you with the essential information you’d generally want from a clock. In the box you’ll find the smart clock, a power adapter, and the manual/warranty card. The only app required for setup is the Amazon Alexa app with Bluetooth turned on.
Set up was a BREEZE, as the Alexa app immediately detected the device, displaying an info card with a picture of it, and asking if I wanted to add it to my Amazon account. The device even speaks in the familiar Alexa voice, instructing you to open the Alexa app to complete the install. There was a quick update required, with the status displayed on the device, and a brief restart. Once the update was complete, the device was immediately ready to use.
The screen display is clear, with the brightness dimming after some inactivity, a day of the week indictor, simple weather icon, and a default decimal meter in the lower right hand side. Using the Amazon Alexa app, you can assign the device to a group/room, set the timezone, select weather or the decimal meter on the screen, and even customize 24/12 hour time settings.
Using the wake word (default: Alexa), and you’re presented with a digital face blinking at you waiting for your command. The speaker is incredibly loud, and I found the midway volume to be the desired setting for my use. As this is the “Essential” Smart Clock, you won’t have any video capability or apps that you can use outside of those simple items located on the display. However, if you’ve been using Amazon echo to control your smart home you’ll find the voice control will continue to function as expected.
I’ve had no issues controlling my lights, fans, switches, or even using the device as an intercom with my other echos. You won’t be able to view video doorbells or other camera feeds, but this “Essential” Smart Clock is just right for your bed side night stand.
This review is from Lenovo - Smart Clock Essential 4" Smart Display with Alexa - Clay Red
I would recommend this to a friend
Brand response from Lenovo Product Expert
Posted .
Thank you for choosing the Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa Built in. We are pleased to hear that the easy setup features and performance of the Smart Clock Essential with Alexa meets your needs so well.
Pros mentioned:
Display, Sound quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Nice alarm clock, but not worth the MSRP
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is a neat little alarm clock, and if you go into it expecting just that, you will not disappointed. It's best if you're already using Amazon Alexa devices-- don't make this your first one. It's not a full fledged Alexa device, and it barely functions as a speaker. It's also not an Echo Show, so don't expect it to show any video.
What it does do, it does well. It's a clock, with alarms. It makes sound which is adequate for playing alarms and confirming voice commands. The display is easy to see, and the auto-dimming feature works well. It will not bother you at night, which is far more than can said for an Echo Show.
All that said, this is not a $70 device. If you catch it on sale, it may be worth picking up. Otherwise, give it a pass. I got it on sale, and I'm happy with the price I paid, but I would not buy it at full price.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Display, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Nice device.
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Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Nice produce, easy setup if you currently use the Alexa app. Good display, the auto brightness works fine for me. Great looking produce and the right size for an alarm clock. The speaker is fine for the size of the product and Alexa works well. 2 things I would like to see in a software update. Put a leading 0 in the 24 hour display, IMHO it belongs in a 24 hr. clock, and the alarm sound option doesn't stick. Small issue and it still rates 5 stars, it does the job as an Alexa speaker and an alarm clock.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use, Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Smart Clock Rocks!!
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Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
A Super Awesome Lenovo Smart Clock!! Works Great without any problem!! Easy to Use!! The Sound is Loud and Clear!! I’m Loving my Smart Clock!! 5 Stars!!!!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Sound quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Nice
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Posted . Owned for more than 2 years when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Looks sleek and modern. Sounds good. Screen has good information.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Alexa clock
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Heat clock. It’s more complicated than need be to set up. But once set up is a great clock. Love that it works with our Alexa
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
93 an love the clock
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Posted . Owned for 9 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I brought the clock for my 93 yrs young grandmother an she hasnt complain about no part of the clock. I was able to set it up. It does exactly what she needs. So theres no bad about it.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Clock
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Bought it for the sole purpose of using Alexa to start our vehicles but it’s actually a nice clock for bedside and our desk
Easy to read and not expensive
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great product
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I love how it’s dim when it’s bed time! It loud, wakes me up in the mornings! I can ask for reminders too
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Size
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
A pain to set up.
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I like this clock a lot but it was a real pain I to set up. It needed to update to change to sound meter to the temp. I lost track of the number of times I had to reset it to make it trigger the update. Now that it has had it’s update, I really like it. I just wanted a simple alarm clock face. It is very response, nice and small. Very happy with it, now that I got it set up.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great clock!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great little clock and looks nice! Easy to set up and connect using the Alexa app on your phone.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Clock
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Posted . Owned for 1.5 years when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Literally one of the best clocks I've ever brought. I love the fact that I can listen to music from my bluetooth .... its amazing!!
This review is from Lenovo - Smart Clock Essential 4" Smart Display with Alexa - Clay Red
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Display
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Mostly great & useful clock
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Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Nice clear numerals/symbols. Easier to read from a distance than the IPS touchscreen variant. Brick red color is unique (in a good way). Instead of showing the outdoor temperature by default, it shows in-room sound level in decibels. I haven't figured out how to change it, although it is explained in online literature.
This review is from Lenovo - Smart Clock Essential 4" Smart Display with Alexa - Clay Red
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Alarm
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Meh, but it’s my meh!
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Posted . Owned for 1 month when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Bought 3 of these for my kid’s rooms for general music and alarm features. I do like the Alexa feature. Sound reproduction is about what you’d expect from a unit like this.
Alarm works well and being able to connect a phone via Bluetooth is nice as well.