The sub-$50 smartwatch market is booming, offering a compelling entry point for users seeking basic fitness tracking and notifications. We pit the itel Smart Watch 1 against the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active, two contenders vying for dominance in this price segment. Given the lack of detailed specifications for the itel Smart Watch 1, we'll leverage brand positioning and typical features of this class to provide a comprehensive analysis.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly larger display and potentially more robust ecosystem support, the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active emerges as the better choice. However, if itel offers a significantly lower price point, its basic functionality may suffice for those new to smartwatches.
| 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 | 2022 | 2023, August 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2023, August 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 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 | 240 x 283 pixels (~216 ppi density) | 280 x 240 pixels (~202 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.72 inches | 1.83 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified storage | Unspecified storage |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | 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, SpO2 | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 200 mAh | Li-Ion 289 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Gray |
| Price | - | About 50 EUR |
itel Smart Watch 1
- Potentially the lowest price point in the budget smartwatch segment.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface, ideal for beginners.
- Basic fitness tracking features (step counting, heart rate monitoring).
- Limited features compared to competitors.
- Unknown display quality and size.
- Less established brand reputation.
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active
- Larger 1.81-inch display for better visibility.
- Potentially longer battery life with 280mAh capacity.
- Xiaomi’s established ecosystem and software support.
- Still utilizes a TFT LCD panel with limited color accuracy.
- Limited RAM capacity may restrict app functionality.
- Proprietary charging cable.
Display Comparison
Without specific display specs for the itel Smart Watch 1, we can assume it utilizes a standard TFT LCD panel, common in this price range. The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active likely features a larger 1.81-inch TFT LCD, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The Redmi Watch 3 Active’s larger size will benefit users who prefer larger fonts or more data displayed at a glance. Color accuracy is likely similar on both, leaning towards the less vibrant side to conserve battery. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both devices, a cost-saving measure.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a common omission in budget smartwatches. This simplifies the design and reduces cost, focusing resources on core fitness tracking and notification features.
Performance
Both smartwatches likely employ a basic ARM Cortex-M series processor, sufficient for handling core functions like step tracking, heart rate monitoring, and notification display. The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active, benefiting from Xiaomi’s software optimization, may offer a slightly smoother user interface and faster response times. RAM capacity is likely limited on both (around 128KB-512KB), impacting the number of watch faces and apps that can be stored. Thermal management isn't a concern with these low-power chipsets.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active boasts a 280mAh battery, while the itel Smart Watch 1’s capacity is unknown but likely falls in the 200-250mAh range. The Redmi Watch 3 Active’s larger battery, combined with Xiaomi’s power management optimizations, should translate to longer battery life – potentially up to 12 days in typical usage. Both devices likely utilize a proprietary magnetic charging cable, with full charge times estimated between 2-3 hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel Smart Watch 1 if you need a bare-bones smartwatch for essential notifications and step tracking, and are extremely price-sensitive. It's ideal for first-time smartwatch users or those needing a simple backup device. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active if you prefer a larger, more feature-rich experience with potentially better app integration and a more established brand reputation, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How accurate are the heart rate and step tracking features on the itel Smart Watch 1 and Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active?
Accuracy varies between devices in this price range. Expect reasonable accuracy for step tracking, but heart rate monitoring may be less precise during intense workouts. Both rely on optical sensors, which can be affected by skin tone and movement.
❓ Can I reply to notifications directly from either the itel Smart Watch 1 or the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active?
Typically, budget smartwatches like these only *display* notifications; they do not offer the ability to reply. You'll need to interact with your smartphone to respond to messages or emails.
❓ Is either smartwatch waterproof for swimming?
While both likely have an IP68 rating for dust and splash resistance, this does *not* equate to full waterproofing for swimming. Avoid submerging either device in water for extended periods.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active work with iPhones?
Yes, the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active is compatible with iPhones via the Mi Fitness app, but functionality may be limited compared to pairing with an Android device. Some features, like advanced notification control, may not be available.
