Photo by Vivo Watch 3 Review: A Stylish Smartwatch that Lasts
In an increasingly competitive smartwatch market dominated by tech giants like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei, it takes guts for lesser-known brands to step onto the scene. Enter the Vivo Watch 3, a bold and stylish contender that aims to differentiate itself with impressive features and, notably, an exceptional battery life. But does it hold up against the heavyweights?
An Elegant Design
At a glance, the Vivo Watch 3 maintains the classic charm of a traditional watch, boasting a sleek aluminum alloy body. Its 1.43-inch AMOLED display is vibrant and clear, even under direct sunlight, making it a suitable companion for both everyday wear and casual outings. Weighing just 36 grams and measuring 13.8 mm in thickness, it strikes a balance between substance and comfort, which is vital for prolonged use.
The Vivo Watch 3 showcases a perfect blend of style and functionality.
Health Tracking Capabilities
When it comes to health and fitness tracking, the Vivo Watch 3 is serious about performance. Equipped with 8-channel heart rate monitoring and 16-channel blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking, it rivals some of the more established models on the market, like the Huawei Watch GT4. One of the standout features is its auto-detection capability for workouts, which identifies basic activities such as walking with remarkable accuracy—a feature that other smartwatches often struggle with.
The watch offers 100 sports modes, making it ideal for fitness enthusiasts who wish to keep a close eye on their workouts. However, it lacks some advanced metrics typically found in high-end models, which may deter serious athletes seeking detailed analytics.
Usability and Software Experience
Running on Vivo’s proprietary Blue OS, the smartwatch covers basic functionalities, such as notifications, alarms, and music control. Yet, it leaves some room for improvement; for instance, there’s no option to reply to messages directly from the watch, which is surprising given its price point. The app interface could use a redesign to enhance its intuitiveness, as navigating through features can feel clunky and frustrating.
Battery Life that Impresses
One of the most compelling aspects of the Vivo Watch 3 is its battery life. With a robust 505mAh battery, it promises an astonishing up to 16 days of usage on a single charge, even with the always-on display (AOD) activated. In a world where frequent charging can be a hassle, this feature alone positions the Vivo Watch 3 as an appealing option for those who prioritize longevity over daily maintenance.
However, while the magnetic charging puck is functional, it’s slightly cumbersome, and its proprietary nature means you won’t find third-party chargers compatible with the device.
Battery life features make the Vivo Watch 3 stand out from competitors.
Calling and Connectivity Features
In addition to its health tracking prowess, the Vivo Watch 3 incorporates both Bluetooth and LTE eSIM options that enable users to make calls directly from their wrist. While the audio quality during calls is adequate, it doesn’t quite reach exceptional levels. For those interested in contactless payments, the available NFC feature is helpful, albeit limited to specific regions and applications.
Design Critiques
While I appreciate the crown dial’s aesthetic nod to traditional watches, its protrusion raises some concerns. The dial is susceptible to accidental damage, which could detract from the watch’s longevity. A refinement in this aspect would enhance usability without compromising the classic look.
Price Point and Value
The Vivo Watch 3 retails for under R6,000, a staggering price considering its features. It successfully bridges the gap between basic fitness trackers and premium smartwatches, calling out to Android users who want actionable health insights alongside sleek design and great battery life. If you’re seeking a well-rounded device, this one may be worth your investment.
Conclusion
With excellent battery life, solid health monitoring features, and a stylish design, the Vivo Watch 3 impresses in many areas, even if it doesn’t dethrone the top-tier brands. While it may have some drawbacks—basic app functionality and the quirky crown dial—it brings enough to the table that makes it a strong contender for anyone looking to explore options beyond the mainstream offerings.
Pros and Cons
Positives
- Exceptional battery life of up to 16 days
- Robust health monitoring with heart rate and SpO2 tracking
- Lightweight design with multiple strap options
- Supports eSIM
- Ability to make calls directly from the watch
Negatives
- Basic functionality in the app
- Crown dial protrudes too far
- No direct message replies from the watch
Ultimately, the Vivo Watch 3 gets the basics right and offers a compelling solution for fitness-focused individuals who value longevity and essential functionalities in a smartwatch.
