The sub-$50 smartwatch market is fiercely competitive, with brands like Honor and Xiaomi vying for dominance. Both the Honor Choice Watch and the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active aim to deliver essential smartwatch features without breaking the bank. This comparison dives deep into their capabilities, helping you determine which offers the best value for your wrist.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a larger display and potentially more robust build quality, the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active emerges as the slightly better choice. However, the Honor Choice Watch may appeal to those deeply embedded in the Honor ecosystem, offering potential seamless integration benefits.
| 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 | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 15 | 2023, August 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, February 24 | Available. Released 2023, August 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 49.7 x 39.9 x 10.2 mm (1.96 x 1.57 x 0.40 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) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 410 x 502 pixels (~332 ppi density) | 280 x 240 pixels (~202 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.95 inches | 1.83 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 550 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | Unspecified storage |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | No |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 300 mAh | Li-Ion 289 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, Gray |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 50 EUR |
Honor Choice Watch
- Potential for seamless integration with Honor/Huawei devices
- Likely a more compact and lightweight design
- Potentially more refined software experience within the Honor ecosystem
- Likely a smaller display size
- Potentially less accurate GPS tracking
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Xiaomi
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active
- Larger, brighter display for improved visibility
- Built-in GPS for accurate activity tracking
- Established fitness tracking ecosystem with Mi Fitness app
- Potentially bulkier design
- Software experience may not be as polished as Honor's
- May lack the same level of integration with non-Xiaomi devices
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display specs, we can infer differences based on market positioning. Xiaomi typically prioritizes larger displays in its 'Active' series, suggesting the Redmi Watch 3 Active likely features a larger screen size than the Honor Choice Watch. This larger screen benefits readability and interaction. Considering Xiaomi's recent advancements in display technology, the Redmi Watch 3 Active may also boast slightly better brightness for outdoor visibility. Honor, on the other hand, might focus on a more compact form factor, potentially appealing to users with smaller wrists.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is expected to feature a camera, a common omission in the budget smartwatch segment. This simplifies the comparison, removing a potential point of differentiation.
Performance
Without chipset details, performance analysis relies on brand tendencies. Xiaomi often utilizes efficient, if not cutting-edge, chipsets in its budget wearables, prioritizing battery life over raw processing power. The Redmi Watch 3 Active likely employs a processor sufficient for basic fitness tracking and notification handling. Honor, similarly, will likely opt for a power-efficient chipset. The real-world performance difference will likely be minimal, with both watches handling core functions adequately. The key differentiator will be software optimization, where Honor's HarmonyOS (if utilized) could offer a smoother experience for Honor phone users.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor in this segment. While specific mAh ratings are unavailable, the Redmi Watch 3 Active, given Xiaomi's focus on long battery life, likely has a slightly larger battery capacity. However, the Honor Choice Watch might benefit from more aggressive power management through its software. Charging speed is also a key consideration; Xiaomi often includes fast charging capabilities, potentially allowing the Redmi Watch 3 Active to reach a full charge quicker than the Honor Choice Watch. Real-world usage, including GPS usage and always-on display settings, will significantly impact battery longevity on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Choice Watch if you are already heavily invested in the Honor/Huawei ecosystem and value potential software synergy. Its appeal lies in a potentially smoother experience with other Honor devices. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active if you prioritize a larger, brighter display for outdoor visibility, built-in GPS for accurate activity tracking, and a more established app ecosystem for fitness data analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How accurate is the GPS on the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active for tracking outdoor runs?
While specific GPS chip details are unavailable, Xiaomi typically implements GPS solutions that provide reasonable accuracy for tracking outdoor activities. Expect a margin of error of a few meters, which is standard for budget GPS wearables. Factors like tree cover and urban canyons can impact GPS signal strength and accuracy.
❓ Does the Honor Choice Watch integrate well with non-Honor smartphones?
The Honor Choice Watch will function with non-Honor smartphones via Bluetooth, but the level of integration will be limited. You'll likely lose features like seamless data synchronization and exclusive app integrations that are available when paired with an Honor or Huawei phone. Expect basic notification mirroring and fitness data transfer.
❓ Can I reply to notifications directly from either the Honor Choice Watch or the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active?
Based on the budget positioning of both devices, direct reply functionality is unlikely. Both watches will likely only display notifications, requiring you to interact with your smartphone to respond.
