The sub-$50 smartwatch market is fiercely competitive, offering a surprising array of features for the price. We pit the itel Smartwatch 1ES against the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active, two contenders aiming to deliver essential smartwatch functionality without breaking the bank. Given the limited publicly available specifications, this comparison will focus on brand positioning and likely feature sets based on similar models.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly more established ecosystem and potentially better app support, the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active is the stronger choice. However, if extreme affordability is the primary concern, the itel Smartwatch 1ES may offer a viable entry point, assuming it delivers on basic functionality.
| 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 (~218 ppi density) | 280 x 240 pixels (~202 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.7 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 | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, 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 | 220 mAh | Li-Ion 289 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Gray |
| Models | ISW-11 | - |
| Price | - | About 50 EUR |
itel Smartwatch 1ES
- Potentially the most affordable option in its class.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface (likely).
- Basic fitness tracking features.
- Limited brand recognition and support.
- Potentially lower accuracy in health tracking.
- Less refined software experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active
- Established brand with a strong ecosystem.
- Likely more accurate health and fitness tracking.
- Potentially better app support and integration.
- Slightly higher price point.
- May still lack advanced features found in higher-end smartwatches.
- Battery life may be slightly less than the itel 1ES.
Display Comparison
Given both devices target the budget segment, we anticipate LCD panels in both the itel Smartwatch 1ES and the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active. Xiaomi typically employs slightly larger displays in its Active series, suggesting a potential advantage in readability. The Redmi Watch 3 Active likely benefits from a higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and images. While neither is expected to feature AMOLED technology, the Redmi Watch 3 Active may offer better outdoor visibility due to a potentially higher peak brightness.
Camera Comparison
Neither the itel Smartwatch 1ES nor the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active are expected to include a camera. This is standard for budget smartwatches, as integrating a camera adds cost and complexity without significant benefit in this segment.
Performance
Both smartwatches likely utilize a low-power chipset designed for basic smartwatch functions. Xiaomi, with its broader software ecosystem, likely benefits from more optimized firmware, potentially leading to smoother performance and faster response times. The itel Smartwatch 1ES, being a newer entrant in the smartwatch space, may face challenges in software optimization. RAM capacity is likely similar in both, sufficient for handling basic notifications and activity tracking, but limiting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor in the budget smartwatch segment. The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active, based on Xiaomi's track record, likely features a larger battery capacity than the itel Smartwatch 1ES. However, the itel Smartwatch 1ES may compensate with a more power-efficient chipset or display. Expect both devices to offer several days of battery life with moderate usage, but the Redmi Watch 3 Active likely has an edge in longevity, especially with continuous heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking enabled.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel Smartwatch 1ES if you need a bare-bones smartwatch for basic timekeeping, notifications, and rudimentary activity tracking, and are operating on a very tight budget. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active if you prefer a more feature-rich experience with potentially better accuracy in health tracking, a more robust app ecosystem, and a more recognizable brand reputation, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How accurate is the heart rate monitoring on the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active compared to dedicated chest straps?
While the Redmi Watch 3 Active utilizes optical heart rate sensors, accuracy will likely be lower than a dedicated chest strap, especially during high-intensity workouts. Expect reasonable accuracy for general activity tracking and resting heart rate, but discrepancies may occur during vigorous exercise. It's best used as a relative measure of effort rather than an absolute value.
❓ Does the itel Smartwatch 1ES support music control during workouts?
Given its budget positioning, music control functionality on the itel Smartwatch 1ES is uncertain. However, many budget smartwatches include basic music control features (play/pause, skip track). Checking user reviews and official documentation is crucial to confirm this functionality.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 3 Active waterproof enough for swimming?
The Redmi Watch 3 Active likely features a 5ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming in shallow water. However, it's not recommended for high-impact water sports or diving. Always check the official specifications for the exact water resistance rating before exposing the watch to water.
