[Review] Makibes HR3 – Color TFT Screen Smartband with Continuous HRM
Makibes just recently introduced a new smartband with a color screen display, if we are not mistaken the wearable is the first smartband of Makibes that applied a TFT color display to its smartband, usually Makibes just like other companies with fitness tracker has been using OLED screen in its wearables. Well, we got hold of this new Makibes HR3 and so far here is our take on the new Makibes HR3 fitness tracker.
Design
Just like other latest fitness tracker, the Makibes HR3 has a similar design to that of the Zeblaze Plug and Lenovo Cardio fitness tracker. It has a silicon strap and a PC body with a slight curve body, the strap is removable, exposing the direct USB charging eliminating the need for a charging cable.
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Display
It has a 0.96” inch TFT color screen with a touch key method of operation. So far, the color screen is like a breath of fresh air in an OLED dominated smartband, the screen might not be that sharp compared to a smartwatch but it’s ok, still it is a wonderful to have a TFT color screen in a fitness tracker than a typical monochrome display. Hopefully, this move will be followed by other companies in their own fitness trackers.
Overall, the band is great and with IP67 water resistant and available in black, blue, red and purple colors, the design might not be unique but still it’s a trendy sport smartband to have.
Hardware and Features
It runs the Nordic NRF52832 processor and connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth 4.0., sensors included in the smartband are 3 axis gyro sensor and a heart rate monitor. So far, the sensors featured in the Makibes HR3 works as expected with just some minor issues.
Features
Watch Faces and Background – the fitness tracker is loaded with at least 2 watch faces, 2 digital ( that include step data/heart rate), and 1 analog design. Unlike with other fitness tracker, Makibes HR3 has at least 3 backgrounds for your watch faces, a plain black background and two trendy design.
Fitness Features – step counter, distance counter, calorie counter, heart rate monitor, sleep monitor/stop watch, SMS, anti-lost.
Regarding SMS it notifies you with a vibration and a pop-up message, you can read it directly on your wearable, it also has stop watch, anti-lost phone. All works OK, especially SMS features which is very useful as you can read directly on the wearable without having to reach out for your phone. The only missing with the smartband is the multi-sport feature, most of the fitness tracker right now, like that of NO.1 is loaded with multi-sport feature and not just locked on a step counter, making it lame.
Battery
So far, for the battery, it has an average using time of 7 days, but much longer with its standby time, it is inferior to other fitness tracker when it comes to battery life, I guess that is the drawback of having a color screen for a smartband compared to OLED screen that is much power friendly.
Support App
The Makibes HR3 uses Wear2.0 support app, it is third party software that is also uses by other companies for their smartwatches or smartband.
So far, the app has the basic features, there is a section for sport and fitness with graphs, settings for notifications as well as connection settings. Just like our previous experienced, it takes time to synchronize or connect it with your wearable, but once it is connected it’s all ok, updates and setting up other options is just breeze.
Overall
The Makibes HR3 smartband is one of the latest offering of Makibes, it has a good display which is one of the selling feature, the continuous heart rate monitoring is also important especially for those who are doing some running and jogging. The battery might not be impressive but 7 days of regular usage is enough for me. Other options such as watch faces and background is also a feature that fans will surely love.
Basic Specs:
Processor: Nordic nRF52832
Bluetooth version: V4.0
Waterproof rating: IP67
Display: 0.96 Inch TFT color screen, customizable clock faces
Features: Pedometer / Sleep monitoring / Sedentary reminder/Notifications
Battery capacity: 80mAh Lithium-polymer
