Lenovo's Smart Clock Essential delivers just what's needed to get their day started the right way. The clock has the look of a retro-style clock radio, complete with a LED display, but is powered by Google Assistant.

The Lenovo Smart Clock disappointed us with its lack of video features for a smart display, as well as poor audio quality. The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is a slightly different story. It’s a smart speaker that has a clock on it, and at $49.99, it costs much less than the Smart Clock or any other smart display. It works well as a way to access Google Assistant with your voice, but it suffers from the same disappointing sound quality as the Smart Clock. Still, it’s a capable alternative to a conventional clock radio, and Google Assistant remains excellent for voice control. That said, the Amazon Echo Dot With Clock offers far better sound in a similar package and price.Design The Smart Clock Essential looks no different from any other modern, big-readout digital clock radio. It measures 2.5 by 4.8 by 3.3 inches (HWD) and weighs 11.5 ounces, with a rounded, rectangular glossy black face holding a white alphanumeric LED readout. The time appears in big characters in the middle, wit...

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is a bedside-friendly Google Assistant smart speaker that offers plenty of useful features, but quality audio isn't one of them.

Big, easy-to-read time display; Works with Google Assistant voice commands; Night-light functionality

Weak audio quality; Display doesn't show timers

Easiest clock to set, sounds great and alarm volume is adjustable. Features I've struggled to find in alarm clocks. You do need it connected online via a Google account but honestly fantastic and so functional!

Wish I got something else but was convinced I was only getting this mainly as a bedside table clock. Speaker quality is atrocious and cant hear u say ok google when it is delivering music. Now sitting in our spare bedroom.

This is a very good item . It does so much and even my old school bloke can use it. Make sure you read the manual to set it up. Its so easy.

Fantastic Clock radio,bought for my dad. Just wish Australian prices weren't so high. U.S sell $34au. I bought for $56, but now your selling it for $99. Australians are getting done on imported electrical goods.

This Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is indeed one smart clock. The Google Assistant works great. It's value for money, considering the Google Assistant, nightlight, ability to play music and looks great! Only downside is, not having backup battery option.

If you’ve already put your smart home system together, chances are that you already have the best smart speakers that fit the bill. Whether it’s the Nest Audio family with Google Assistant, HomePod for the Apple faithful, or Echo speakers for Alexa fans, we really have reached the pinnacle (to-date)...

Traditional clock with Assistant, Physical mute switch and control buttons, Built-in LED ring light

Speaker really isn’t that loud, Touchsensitive snooze can be finicky, Lights may be too bright for some

I was extremely excited when Lenovo first showed off the Smart Clock Essential. As a simpler, cheaper version of the Smart Clock, one of our favorite smart home gadgets , it seemed like an easy winner.

Easy-to-read display, Built-in USB charging port

Auto-brightness is unreliable, Inconsistent voice commands, Manual alarms are awful, Poor value