Choose yours. Just the way you need it.
While the world is waiting for a new version of the most popular fitness tracker Xiaomi Mi Band, other companies are actively exploring the markets. The heiress of IBM was no exception, and announced 2 models at once: HX06 and HX03F. We wrote about the younger version in the blog (it went on sale a little earlier), and the new modification with color display, running the Android 4.4 operating system, became widely available only What.
We compared both accessories and drew conclusions: for their price you can, and even should, buy them. Mi Band is not needed.
Specifications of the Lenovo HX03F smart bracelet
- Screen diagonal – 0.96″
- Screen resolution - 128x64
- Matrix type - TFT-LCD
- Connectivity - Bluetooth 4.2
- Battery – 85 mAh
- Sensors - pedometer
- Strap size: 280 mm
- Weight - 20 grams
- Additional features - real-time heart rate measurement
Specifications of the Lenovo HX06 smart bracelet
- Screen diagonal – 0.87″
- Screen resolution - 160x80
- Matrix type - OLED
- Connectivity - Bluetooth 4.2
- Battery – 85 mAh
- Sensors - heart rate monitor, pedometer
- Strap size: 280 mm
- Weight - 20 grams
Appearance
Both bracelets repeat the Mi Band 2 in almost every detail, although the packaging is very similar to another brand of fitness accessories - Amazfit. The similarity is not without reason: the fact is that Amazfit designers had a hand in creating both the Lenovo HX06 and the HX03F. Moreover, it is the older model that is ready to boast a combination of properties that were previously found only in the top units of the Amazfit/Xiaomi collaboration.
Good move, Lenovo!
The huge screen completely occupies the outer side of the accessory. The younger modification stands out - a full-size color screen is almost impossible to find in a branded fitness bracelet. True, she does not have a heart rate monitor. Like the black-and-white OLED of the Lenovo HX06, it is readable even under the brightest spring sun, but does not hurt your eyes in the dark. There is no auto-adjustment, but the issue is not the brightness of the display - it is the quality.
The bracelet is implemented in an original way: it combines 2 design approaches. On the one hand, we have the familiar Mi Band locking system, which prevents you from losing the accessory if the lock is accidentally opened. On the other hand, the tracker itself is attached using “ears” on the edges of the case. Deep, reliable - but because of this, the bracelet is divided into 2 parts.
However, the standard mount is incredibly good. It is made of hypoallergenic black silicone without any molding flaws. The metal elements are made of medical steel; they also do not cause allergies and do not interact even with sweaty hands.
By the way, about the body itself. Although Lenovo has implemented a direct connection to the computer without additional accessories like docking stations, the case is completely sealed. The company insists on full IP68 protection.
During testing, we tried to wash the trackers. Both the younger and older versions feel great under running water. Apparently, you can even swim.
What can Lenovo bracelets do?
By default, all Lenovo trackers operate in stylish watch mode: they display the time, date and remaining charge. To get more, you need to use the Lenovo Healhy companion app and the accessory's own menu, which can be accessed using the touch key under the display.
In the main menu of the bracelet there are quick access icons to measure heart rate, compass, pedometer or alarm clock. In the settings, you can change the watchface to teach your device to show more on the start screen. Or, it’s just more pleasant, more familiar.
Using Lenovo Healthy, the bracelet connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone and synchronizes the necessary data. Here you can see statistics and make in-depth settings - for example, determine which applications will show their alerts on the activity tracker.
Interestingly, Lenovo has equipped its accessories with additional original functions: in addition to the standard feature, forcing you to get up from the table if you are overworked, bracelets can vibrate disgustingly if your pulse and activity decreases. This is called “anti-sleep” mode and was created specifically for drivers. Works only after manual activation!
Of course, Lenovo HX06 and HX03F have a smart alarm clock and calendar. They are not very convenient to use, but they work!
Notifications can be either vibration or sound (seriously, it can!): 5 types of signals are supported. It's a pity, but the accessories only display messages from Gmail, Skype, WhatsApp, Wechat, Facebook, Twitter.
What to choose - Lenovo or Mi Band?
Lenovo HX06 uses its own proprietary operating system. This is a minus. Yes, the working time is only 7 days. However, charging takes an hour, and is possible from any mobile charger or device with a USB connector.
Lenovo HX03 runs on Android 4.4 Kit Kat. It is easy to stitch and convenient to use. But do people buy fitness accessories in order to constantly upgrade? It works for 10 days and looks much better than any analogue. The continuous heart rate measurement mode works accurately, so a cheap accessory turns into a full-fledged sports unit. No other tracker works with it for a long time - Amazfit, for example, runs out of charge in just 5 days.
The only thing in which Lenovo bracelets are inferior to the second generation Mi Band is the companion application. It is noticeably inferior to Xiaomi. But the situation is offset by the fact that Cardio and Spectra are much more interesting.
If you have Xiaomi equipment that requires control using the Mi Band, you should opt for it. But in all other cases, Lenovo is much more interesting.
Advantages and disadvantages
Besides, the appearance is not the only cool thing about the Lenovo HX06 and HX03F. There are more than enough advantages to them:
- fashion design,
- comfortable bracelet,
- hypoallergenic materials,
- continuous heart rate monitoring mode (for the older model),
- high measurement accuracy.
Despite the general disadvantages, it doesn’t look scary at all:
- larger dimensions than MiBand,
- do not work as a system key to the Xiaomi ecosystem,
- low autonomy.
In fact, Lenovo bracelets wear excellently. Moreover, right now it is more profitable to buy the maximum modification of Lenovo HW06 Spectra with a black and white screen. WITH May 21 to 25 The first 5 buyers will be able to purchase it for only $6.99, the next thousand copies will be available for $12.99. The regular price during this period will be $14.99.
