Fitness Bracelets & Watch: A Review of Current Models in 2018

Last month I published a detailed guide on smart watches. I also touched on the question of how smart watches differ from fitness bracelets. The wristwatch is a multi-functional gadget worn around the wrist, many of them mini-phones. For sports and fitness lovers, bracelets are more convenient: because they are light and compact. And most smart watches are massive.

But the formats begin to mix, it is often difficult to clearly distinguish between a bracelet and a watch. Approximately once erased the concept of smartphone and communicator. Yes, there are very simple bracelets with mini-screens or without them at all. But there are advanced options with large screens, advanced notifications, GPS, NFC. They differ from the smart-clock except for a full-fledged operating system with application support. Well, there are no bracelets with support for calls and built-in SIM-cards.

What to look for when choosing a fitness bracelet?

1. Screen. There are almost no models left. Of course, it's more convenient with him - you can see the time and statistics at any time without opening the application in your phone. Low-cost models have tiny LCDs, the more advanced ones have large color displays, with the ability to display photos, text messages, callers names, and so on.

2. GPS. If you do not have GPS, Ordinary pedometer bracelets do not offer such accuracy.

3. Battery life. It depends not only on the capacity of the battery, but also on what additional functions the bracelet has, what it does, how actively you use it.

4. Sleep analysis function. It does not matter what you are doing. And bracelets can gently wake the vibration.

5. Water resistant. Better when it is. Then do not worry that the bracelet will fall under the rain, you can take a shower in immediately after training. Many models offer a high level of protection against water, which can be immersed in a depth of 1 to 50 meters.

6. Convenience . Look at whether the device is too heavy or massive. The strap should be comfortable, of sufficient length (but not too long), removable (however, another rarity). For some models there are many variants of straps available and they are easy to change, while others are easy to find, and it is difficult to change them.

7. Functions of electronic trainer. The simplest bracelets only recognize steps, and take quick steps as a run. The hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers easy access to the city's attractions, including cycling, triathlon, and so on. Models from Garmin can even define golfing and skiing. Also, smart bracelets remind you when you need to get up and walk when you should drink water.

8. Pulsometer. Today, the vast majority of fitness trackers have it, but expensive gadgets can offer accurate tracking (especially on the move), the rest are more like pampering.

Let us turn to the selection of current models.

Xiaomi Mi Band 2 and Xiaomi Mi Band 3

I think readers would not forgive me if I did not start with the most popular fitness trackers of all times and peoples. Mi Band 2, it is simple and reliable. It is determined steps and physical exercises, counts kilometers, calories burned, pulse. It has a small LED screen that displays activity statistics and notification icons. There is protection from the water (you can take a shower with a gadget, swim in the pool without diving). The battery lasts for 20-30 days of battery life, depending on how often you receive notifications. There is a sleep tracking option.

The tracker itself is made in the form of a miniature capsule that fits in the strap. There is a huge amount of straps - any materials and colors.

Recently, a new generation of the hit bracelet, the Xiaomi Mi Band 3, was introduced just like some seiko watch models. The device became more massive and received a screen with rounded edges. Improved water protection, the device can be immersed in a depth of 50 meters. The screen and its resolution have doubled, now messages are displayed (but only their beginning, without scrolling). In general, the display has become entirely touch, and not just the button below it. Battery capacity has grown to provide autonomy at the level of Mi Band 2.

Xiaomi Mi Band 3

Another important point: Mi Band 3 received a version with NFC support, it will be available in the fall. This theoretically means that the bracelet can be used for contactless payment. Today there is a single available fitness tracker with NFC, so the device can become a super hit. But for now it is not known whether the payment system will work outside of China.

Huawei Band 3

It is difficult to compete with the Xiaomi Mi Band, but if you try to find the strongest alternative, it will be Huawei Band 3. It works up to a month from one charge ), it can be immersed in a depth of 50 meters, a small screen can display caller names and the first words of messages.

I note the option of "smart" alarm - the device wakes up the user with vibration in the most successful period of time. Pulsometer, according to reviews, more clear than the Xiaomi. Of the shortcomings can be noted a small selection of straps.

Amazfit Bip

Gadget from the brand owned by Xiaomi. The moment when it is difficult to bother, it is a smart watch or a bracelet. I have decided to add the device to the review of fitness trackers, since the operating system is a proprietary and there are few functions and settings. In any case, this is an interesting option with an economical transreflective screen (reads well even in bright sun), water protection (can be used in the pool without diving), accurate heart rate monitor (up to 1.5 months of battery life without using GPS).

Amazfit Bip

The device determines walking, running, cycling (there is a barometer and altimeter for tracking ascents and descents), sleep (there is a "smart" alarm clock), VO2 Max you control the player on a smartphone. .