Sports watch with pedometer and heart rate monitor: characteristics, reviews, prices

Design and features of work

The hero of our review can be of two types:

• compact bracelet;
• classic wrist watch.

In both cases, the device is equipped with a digital display proportional to the size of the device. Another distinctive external feature is the sensor located on the back of the device. It is required for reading vital signs.

Power supply gadget is a built-in battery that needs to be recharged periodically. In addition, an accelerometer is hidden inside the case. This sensor is responsible for counting the number of steps and the distance traveled.

For the full operation of the wrist device, you need a smartphone running Android or iOS. The device is synchronized with a mobile phone using Bluetooth (or NFC), allowing you to subsequently display statistics and give advice to the user.

Varieties - what are smartwatches with a pedometer and heart rate monitor

Since the hero of our review has been developing for more than one year, during its evolution it has acquired several forms, each of which has its own striking distinctive features.

Fitness tracker (smart bracelet)

This is the simplest device in terms of functionality and appearance. But it is by far the most common. First of all, it will be useful for athletes and supporters of a healthy lifestyle. In addition to its compact size, it is distinguished by a very affordable price. The bracelet is ideal for novice users of high-tech wristwatches.

Smart watch

A more "advanced" and powerful option that allows you to regulate the operation of a mobile phone. It has a presentable design and rather large dimensions, which is why it is not always suitable for training and sports. Smart watches are distinguished by a solid price tag - the "fault" of all the wide functionality.

NOTE!

Smart watches for children can be considered a special category. They have a limited set of functions, including GPS tracking and SOS signal. But in physical education, such a device is unlikely to help - it is needed only for the child's entertainment and parental control.

Chasophone

This type is the pinnacle of the development of electronic thought, allowing the owner not only to control their well-being, but also to use the device as a smartphone. Another issue is that the screen size limits the user's options. The price of such a technique is quite high, so it is irrational to use it for physical exercises, to put it mildly.

Main and auxiliary functions

Despite the fact that the basic functionality is indicated by us in the title of the article, it is worth knowing that the capabilities of smart watches and bracelets are much wider. Let's take a closer look at them.

Demonstration of time and date

This function was inherited by the electronic assistant from its first predecessors (Pulsar and Seiko). Thus, in addition to tracking your sports achievements, you can also keep track of time without taking your smartphone out of your pocket or bag - very convenient!

Pedometer + related calculations

According to the WHO and similar authoritative organizations, a modern person needs to walk from 8 to 10 thousand steps a day. To comply with this norm and monitor your progress, a pedometer is included in any fitness tracker or smartwatch, counting not only the movements made by the owner, but also the distance traveled and "burned out" during this time calories.

NOTE!

Certain models are able to take into account whether you are walking, jogging or other physical activity. This is especially important for athletes and people who carefully monitor their health. To find out if your device has such "abilities", you need to find in the specification the presence of a skin conductivity sensor.

Heart rate monitor

Another important parameter is the ability to calculate the heart rate (pulse). A special optical sensor is responsible for this calculation. The principle of its work is interesting. Special LEDs emit a stream of light that is absorbed by the skin, vessel walls and blood. The sensor analyzes the change in the level of absorption of rays and the volume of fluid in the area of ​​the circulatory system, giving out the final result based on the information received.

Sleep monitoring and smart alarm

Sleep is one of the most important components of well-being. Residents of large cities, who experience stress and colossal mental stress on a daily basis, find it difficult to control this process. Fortunately, many smart wristwatches or bracelets have a sleep monitoring function.

We suggest taking a break from the text for a few minutes and watching a short video on how the engineers implemented this option:

Also, do not forget about the built-in alarm clock, which will not allow you to oversleep under any circumstances. At the appointed hour, he will create vibrating movements, which, coupled with a call on the phone, will not leave a single chance to sleep.

Receiving notifications from a smartphone

Modern wearable gadgets, synchronizing with a smartphone, are able to regulate its operation. Receiving incoming calls, reading SMS, displaying the weather forecast on the screen, switching to silent mode - these are just the most common functions of such devices.

Other supporting capabilities

Most manufacturers try to endow their creations with individual "chips". Among them are a built-in blood pressure monitor and thermometer, an option for calculating the respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, a built-in light sensor and a GPS tracker. All this is a nice bonus, but it significantly increases the cost of equipment.

What to look for when choosing the optimal model: editorial advice

Before you go to the nearest stationary or online store for a progressive assistant, you need to know several factors that in no case should be ignored. Tehno.guru has collected the most important and useful tips:

1. Shock and moisture resistant housing will ensure a longer device life. For screen protection, Gorilla Glass level tempered glass is ideal.
2. Battery capacity plays an important role. Preference should be given to modifications with a Li-Pol battery. High capacity will guarantee long-term operation without recharging, but will significantly increase the size of the device.
3. The accuracy and reliability of the readings are important to many people. In this case, it is better to give preference to the products of trusted and specialized companies, for example, Garmin or Omron.
4. By the way, about the manufacturing firms. You should not buy products of unknown brands, presented in bulk on AliExpress and other trading platforms. The chance that the purchased unit will last more than a month is not guaranteed in 100% of cases.

TOP 5 best models

It's time to move on to the "highlight of the program" - the rating of the best modern models. It will be useful to those readers who have not decided what the ideal gadget of this category should be. Let's get started!

Xiaomi Mi Band 2

It wouldn't be fair if we didn't include this iconic device on our list. With the release of more advanced versions, this creation of Chinese masters seems morally obsolete. We admit that some of the functions are not implemented as impressively as expected. Nevertheless, this model will be the best option for the novice owner of a watch with a pedometer and heart rate monitor. A very attractive price, intuitive control, a decent set of functions - the entire "gentleman's set" is in place. All that remains is to find time for sports in your busy schedule.

Tehno.guru editorial estimate: 9,0/10

Xiaomi Mi Band 2

Honor band 4

The next nominee performs in a more serious "weight", having characteristics and capabilities an order of magnitude higher. A large color display, cool protection against damage, an interesting design and nice additions will not leave any customer indifferent. Another question is that this device is twice as expensive as the previous applicant. This stops many "neophytes" and undemanding people.

Tehno.guru editorial estimate: 9,3/10

Honor band 4

Xiaomi Mi Band 3

Before us is an ideal option for almost any fan of a healthy lifestyle. Harmonious balance between price and functionality, stylish minimalistic appearance, affordability. All this has already managed to conquer the hearts (in the literal and figurative sense of the word) of tens of thousands of users around the globe. We think that you will not remain indifferent to this. compact assistant.

Tehno.guru editorial estimate: 9,6/10

Xiaomi Mi Band 3

Samsung Gear Sport

Professionals take the stage! A representative from venerable Koreans is able to please with a huge display, built-in software software for controlling music and other multimedia components, as well as various complex sensors. With it, a run or other workout will be like a comfortable walk.

Tehno.guru editorial estimate: 9,7/10

Samsung Gear Sport

Garmin Instinct

We give the palm to the company, which has been proving its superiority in the production of smart watches for several years already. These are Garmin products. They are distinguished by reliability and the widest range of options not only for athletes, but also for travelers. The model we have chosen, in addition to all the technological advantages, can boast of a price tag that is quite acceptable for its level. The clear winner!

Tehno.guru editorial estimate: 9,9/10

Garmin Instinct

Summary. Should you buy a watch with a pedometer and heart rate monitor in the 21st century?

So our bright journey into the world of portable assistants for sports and a healthy lifestyle has come to an end. We hope each of you, dear reader, will draw conclusions and allow technology to improve your standard of living, mood and well-being. And we just have to wish you good health!