The smartwatch market caters to diverse needs, from rugged durability for outdoor enthusiasts to streamlined fitness tracking for everyday users. We pit the Doogee CR1, a device emphasizing robustness and basic smart features, against the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active, a fitness-focused wearable, to determine which offers the best value and functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing durability and a basic smartwatch experience, the Doogee CR1 is the better choice, leveraging its Realtek 8762C chipset for core functionality. However, those primarily focused on fitness tracking and a more modern interface will find the Redmi Watch 3 Active a more compelling option, despite the lack of detailed chipset information.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | - | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 29 | 2023, August 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 29 | Available. Released 2023, August 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 46.2 x 46.2 x 10.3 mm (1.82 x 1.82 x 0.41 in) | 46.9 x 38.9 x 10.9 mm (1.85 x 1.53 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 42 g (1.48 oz) | 42 g (1.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 240 pixels (~265 ppi density) | 280 x 240 pixels (~202 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.28 inches | 1.83 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | Realtek 8762C | - |
| OS | Proprietary | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | Unspecified storage |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 300 mAh | Li-Ion 289 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Basalt Grey, Charm Red, Rose Gold, Cypress Green, Charm Blue, Obsidian Black | Black, Gray |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 50 EUR |
Doogee CR1
- Rugged and durable construction
- Potentially longer battery life due to Realtek 8762C
- Transflective display for excellent outdoor visibility
- Limited processing power with Realtek 8762C
- Likely larger bezels due to rugged design
- Basic smartwatch functionality
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active
- Focus on fitness tracking features
- Modern and lightweight design
- Potentially more intuitive user interface
- Lack of detailed technical specifications
- Unknown chipset performance
- Potentially lower durability compared to the CR1
Display Comparison
The Doogee CR1 likely features a transflective display, common in rugged watches, prioritizing visibility in direct sunlight over vibrant colors. The Redmi Watch 3 Active, based on Xiaomi's smartwatch history, likely employs a standard LCD or AMOLED panel. Without specific nit brightness data for either, the CR1's transflective technology offers a practical advantage for outdoor use, while the Redmi Watch 3 Active may excel in indoor viewing quality. Bezels on the CR1 are expected to be larger due to the ruggedized design, whereas the Redmi Watch 3 Active likely aims for a more modern, minimized bezel aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a common omission in smartwatches and fitness trackers. This simplifies the design and conserves battery life, focusing resources on core functionality like activity tracking and notifications.
Performance
The Doogee CR1 is powered by the Realtek 8762C chipset, a common choice for basic smartwatches and fitness trackers. This chipset is known for its low power consumption, contributing to extended battery life, but offers limited processing power for complex applications. The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active lacks publicly available chipset details. However, given its positioning as a budget-friendly fitness tracker, it likely utilizes a similarly power-efficient, entry-level chipset. The CR1's Realtek 8762C provides a known baseline for performance, while the Redmi Watch 3 Active's performance remains an unknown quantity, potentially relying more on software optimization.
Battery Life
The Doogee CR1, benefiting from the power efficiency of the Realtek 8762C, is expected to offer a significantly longer battery life than many standard smartwatches. Xiaomi typically prioritizes battery life in its 'Active' series, so the Redmi Watch 3 Active likely also boasts a respectable battery duration. However, without specific mAh ratings or charging wattage details for either device, a direct comparison is difficult. The CR1's chipset suggests a focus on maximizing runtime, while the Redmi Watch 3 Active likely balances battery life with feature set.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee CR1 if you need a smartwatch capable of withstanding harsh environments, prioritize a longer-lasting device for essential notifications, and aren't heavily reliant on advanced app ecosystems. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active if you prefer a lightweight, fitness-centric wearable with a focus on activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and a more contemporary user interface, accepting that detailed technical specifications are currently unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How well does the Doogee CR1 handle extreme temperatures, and will the Realtek 8762C chipset be affected?
The Doogee CR1 is designed for rugged use, implying a wider operating temperature range than typical smartwatches. The Realtek 8762C is a low-power chipset, which generally translates to better thermal stability, but extreme cold can still impact battery performance. Specific temperature ratings from Doogee would be needed for a definitive answer.
❓ What types of activity tracking does the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active support, and how accurate are the sensors?
Based on previous Redmi Watch models, the Redmi Watch 3 Active likely supports tracking for running, cycling, walking, and potentially swimming. Sensor accuracy is difficult to assess without independent testing, but Xiaomi typically employs optical heart rate sensors and accelerometers. User reviews will be crucial for determining real-world accuracy.
❓ Can I reply to notifications directly on the Doogee CR1, or is it limited to displaying them?
Given the Realtek 8762C chipset's limitations, the Doogee CR1 likely offers limited notification interaction, primarily displaying alerts rather than enabling direct replies. Expect basic functionality like dismissing notifications.
