"Say in front:
I am a super hot mom from the 80s. I remember when I was a child, my parents wore watches, and I was proud to have a mechanical one. Today, mechanical watches still exist and represent the identity of certain successful people. Some even become valuable because of diamonds or broken ones.
For everyday people, our needs are simple—just time, comfort, and lightness. As life becomes busier, fitness and health have turned into a luxury. The modern way is to take a taxi to the gym, use an elevator, and then sweat on a treadmill. So, when it comes to tracking time and staying active, smart wearable devices were born.
Choosing a smart wearable isn't complicated. If you're just a homebody, a student, or someone who walks after meals, a basic smart bracelet will do. But if you love hiking, exploring wild mountains, and venturing through rivers, a smart bracelet might not be enough. How do you choose the right one? What's truly worth your money?
An outdoor watch.
Outdoor watches are called 'outdoor' because they come with a compass or GPS map function, ensuring you won’t get lost while exploring. They are real watches that work independently of your phone. Unlike smartwatches or bracelets, some functions require a mobile app to operate.
I don’t go outdoors professionally, but I challenge a mountain every week. When I’m free, I take my family for hikes. For that, I need GPS navigation and maps. Although positioning can help, most people don’t understand latitude and longitude or send an SOS using them. That’s why I got the Army Titanium 3.
Army Titanium 3/3S
The design of the Army Titanium 3 looks like most outdoor watches—rugged and masculine, which is a favorite among men. As a 'super hot mom,' I found the large size a bit overwhelming. However, this watch is military-grade, waterproof, dustproof, and resistant to drops and wear. The strap is wide with breathable holes, so it doesn’t feel stuffy. It also monitors heart rate in real-time. For more details, check out the full review.
Price: 2999 yuan
Advantages:
1. Complete functions including GPS/BDS dual positioning, GPS navigation, and environmental monitoring (temperature, humidity).
2. Records various sports activities using PPG photoplethysmography and tracks heart rate 24/7.
3. Built for outdoor use, durable, waterproof, and drop-resistant.
4. Long standby time—over a month with normal use.
Disadvantages:
1. The screen is too big, not suitable for women.
2. Firmware compatibility issues with some phones, like OPPO; Bluetooth connection may be unstable.
3. Screen scrolling is complex and cannot be customized.
4. Screen lighting only lasts a few seconds and can't be adjusted.
5. Map functions are limited—need to download maps in advance.
6. Expensive, making it unaffordable for many.
Second, Smartwatches
1. Tuman T-RIPPLE / T-RIPPLE+
Tuman was my first smartwatch. Looking at the picture, you’ll see it’s more of a fashion accessory than a tech gadget. Available in black, silver grey, and khaki, the khaki version pairs well with suits or wool coats. It combines smart bracelet functions with a traditional watch face.
Price: 1299 yuan
Advantages:
1. Stylish design, great for formal wear.
2. Can search and navigate nearby places.
3. Customizable dials.
4. Features like weather forecast and remote camera control.
Disadvantages:
1. Lacks advanced sports features.
2. Not suitable for middle-aged or elderly users.
3. Limited battery life (about a week).
2. Withings Activite Steel
Withings is a watch I really like. It has a delicate and elegant design. The dial comes in 40mm and 38mm sizes, with the smaller one being more suited for women. The design cleverly displays step count and movement progress. It also has a white dial option, though I find the percentage display unnecessary.
Price: 1668 yuan
Advantages:
1. Elegant and sophisticated design.
2. Clever dial with both hands and activity data.
3. Accurate pedometer and sleep tracking.
4. Long standby time (over two weeks).
5. High waterproof rating, suitable for swimming.
Disadvantages:
1. Heart rate monitoring can be inaccurate.
2. Strap is made of silicone, which feels less premium.
Third, Smart Bracelets
Smart bracelets are popular due to their affordability and portability. They are used by people of all ages for timekeeping, fitness tracking, and receiving notifications. Here are some top options:
1. Xiaomi Mi Band 1/2
Xiaomi is a brand I trust. My first band was the Mi Band 1, which had no screen. Later, I upgraded to the Mi Band 2. It’s IP67 waterproof, good battery life (up to 20 days), and accurate sleep tracking. However, the screen touch area is large, reducing visibility.
Price: 149 yuan
Advantages:
1. IP67 waterproof.
2. Good battery life.
3. Accurate pedometer and sleep tracking.
Disadvantages:
1. Large screen touch area.
2. No 24-hour heart rate monitoring.
3. Cannot track naps.
2. Weloop Only Music 2
I’ve been using the Only Music 2 for over a year. It has a rectangular screen with a small touch area. It’s 30-meter waterproof, can monitor heart rate every hour, and tracks naps. Battery life is about 15 days.
Price: 179 yuan
Advantages:
1. 30m waterproof.
2. Large screen display.
3. Heart rate monitoring every hour.
4. Tracks naps.
Disadvantages:
1. No detailed sports tracking.
2. Sleep tracking isn’t always accurate.
3. Newmen Band
Newmen has a unique buckle design and a simple app. It supports remote camera control and music playback. However, it lacks heart rate sensors and has short battery life (about 7 days).
Price: 238 yuan
Advantages:
1. Unique buckle design.
2. Remote control features.
3. Simple interface.
Disadvantages:
1. Short battery life.
2. No heart rate monitoring.
3. Limited waterproofing.
4. Love Magic Ring
This is a new style I tried in 2017. It has a blue screen and can track steps, calls, and messages. It also has a night mode that lights up the screen without turning on the lamp. However, the buckle quality is poor.
Price: 118 yuan
Advantages:
1. Longer battery life (7 days).
2. Nightlight feature.
3. Multiple color options.
Disadvantages:
1. Alarm function can fail.
2. Buckle quality is weak.
5. AI Micro i6
This is my go-to for daily use. It’s affordable, easy to wear, and comfortable. The buckle is easy to fasten, and it tracks sleep and motion accurately.
Price: 99 yuan
Advantages:
1. Affordable price.
2. Comfortable and easy to wear.
3. Accurate sleep tracking.
Disadvantages:
1. Fast battery drain (about 15 days).
2. Screen layout is confusing.
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Guangzhou Cheng Wen Photoelectric Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.cwledwall.com