A fitness band is much more useful than a smartwatch. This phrase does not say much, but for some modern people, such bands have become an integral part of life. An inexpensive and lightweight wrist-mounted gadget can monitor the health of the wearer and his workouts, and then analyze the collected information and give hints on where to move next. Convenient for those who want to keep fit, isn’t it?
Well, choosing a smart band isn’t that easy. For many, it all comes down to design, in many cases it is still a fashion accessory, just like a watch. We will not discuss the design, this is taste; but what exactly this or that band can do is worth talking about.
In the next section of this guide, we will talk about all the important features and parameters of smart bands, and then present to your attention everything for every taste and wallet.
Main characteristics to look out for
Notifications
One of the main functions of any band or smart watch is displaying and working with notifications that come from a smartphone in your pocket. Whether it’s a call, SMS or a message on a social network, the task of the band is for the owner to notice this notification. Huawei 3 band comes out at the top for this feature and it has been sold out for this very amazing specification.
But not all models can handle notifications equally well. If calls and text messages are a common thing for everyone, then not everyone knows how to work with social networks. If you constantly monitor Facebook or Twitter (or even just regularly use an electronic calendar), pay attention to the exact specifications of the model you will be buying. The same is the case with weather notifications in the near future – not all devices can warn about an impending thunderstorm.
Another important parameter is the ability not only to show the notification, but also its content. Usually, only expensive bands, for example, from Samsung, can do this. You will have to pay for the convenience!
Vibration motor
Almost all fitness bands are equipped with a vibration motor that will help you not to miss a single notification – this is an inexpensive and extremely effective part. Moreover, some models cannot attract the user’s attention in any other way (for example, by sound). We recommend buying a band without a vibration motor only for those for whom the functionality of sending notifications is not at all important.
Case material and strap
Most cases and straps of smart bands are made of inexpensive, durable and attractive materials – silicone or plastic. It is very rare to find models with leather (much better suited for smartwatches – this is not the most resistant material), metal (expensive and not very practical) or rubber (durability is not so great).
Silicone and plastic are hypoallergenic (they do not cause any irritation on the skin of most people), they perfectly tolerate water and other liquids hitting the surface, and are also cheap and add very few grams to the mass of the device.
When buying, pay attention to the possibility of changing the strap and adjusting it. It is unlikely that you will have to change it soon, but if you plan to use one band for several years, over time, at least cracks will appear on the strap. Well, the possibility of adjustment will make the use as comfortable as possible.
Moisture protection
As in the case of the vibration motor, almost all models of smart bands are reliably protected from moisture – this is one of their key characteristics. The band is not afraid of rain, sweat, or (often) even immersion in water when swimming. On the contrary, it is designed for use in harsh conditions.
