What To Know
- The Mi Band 3, on the other hand, adopts a more functional and sporty design with a larger, rectangular display and a silicone band.
- Both trackers offer a solid set of features, but the Mi Band 3 edges out the Alta HR with its additional features, including music controls, NFC payments, and a more customizable notification system.
- The Mi Band 3 boasts a battery life of up to 20 days on a single charge, while the Alta HR lasts for only 5-7 days.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available. Two popular contenders in the budget-friendly segment are the Fitbit Alta HR and the Xiaomi Mi Band 3. Both offer a range of features to help you track your activity, sleep, and heart rate, but they differ in their strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which tracker best suits your needs and preferences.
Design and Comfort: A Tale of Two Styles
The Fitbit Alta HR and Xiaomi Mi Band 3 boast distinct designs that cater to different aesthetics. The Alta HR features a sleek, minimalist design with a stainless steel frame and a comfortable elastomer band. Its slim profile makes it subtle and stylish, suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
The Mi Band 3, on the other hand, adopts a more functional and sporty design with a larger, rectangular display and a silicone band. It’s a bit bulkier than the Alta HR, but its lightweight construction and flexible band ensure a comfortable fit.
Comfort: Both trackers are comfortable to wear for extended periods. The Alta HR’s smaller size may be more comfortable for those with smaller wrists, while the Mi Band 3’s larger display and band may feel more secure for those with larger wrists. Ultimately, comfort is subjective and depends on individual preferences.
Display: A Clear Winner?
The display is a crucial aspect of any fitness tracker, and the Alta HR and Mi Band 3 offer contrasting experiences. The Alta HR features a smaller, OLED touchscreen display, which provides a sleek and minimalist look. However, its small size can make navigating menus and reading data a bit challenging.
The Mi Band 3, in contrast, boasts a larger, monochrome OLED display with touch sensitivity. This larger display makes it easier to view information at a glance and navigate menus. The Mi Band 3’s display is also brighter and more visible under direct sunlight, making it more practical for outdoor use.
Verdict: The Mi Band 3’s larger and brighter display wins this round, offering a more user-friendly and practical experience.
Features: A Comprehensive Comparison
Both the Alta HR and Mi Band 3 offer a comprehensive set of features for fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, and notifications.
Activity Tracking: Both trackers accurately track steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes. The Alta HR also provides insights into your activity levels throughout the day with its “Move” reminders.
Sleep Monitoring: Both trackers monitor sleep duration and quality, providing insights into your sleep patterns. The Alta HR offers more detailed sleep stages (light, deep, REM) than the Mi Band 3, which only tracks total sleep time.
Heart Rate Monitoring: Both trackers feature continuous heart rate monitoring, allowing you to track your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts. The Alta HR provides more detailed heart rate data, including resting heart rate and heart rate variability.
Notifications: Both trackers support smartphone notifications, including calls, messages, and app alerts. The Mi Band 3 offers more customizable notification options, allowing you to choose which apps you want to receive notifications from.
Water Resistance: The Alta HR is water-resistant up to 50 meters, while the Mi Band 3 is water-resistant up to 5 ATM (50 meters). Both trackers are suitable for swimming, but the Mi Band 3’s slightly higher water resistance rating provides additional peace of mind.
Other Features: The Mi Band 3 offers additional features not found in the Alta HR, such as music controls and a built-in stopwatch. It also supports NFC for contactless payments in some regions.
Verdict: Both trackers offer a solid set of features, but the Mi Band 3 edges out the Alta HR with its additional features, including music controls, NFC payments, and a more customizable notification system.
Battery Life: A Clear Advantage
Battery life is a crucial factor for any fitness tracker, and the Mi Band 3 significantly outperforms the Alta HR in this regard. The Mi Band 3 boasts a battery life of up to 20 days on a single charge, while the Alta HR lasts for only 5-7 days.
Verdict: The Mi Band 3’s impressive battery life is a major advantage, allowing you to use the tracker for extended periods without worrying about frequent charging.
Price: A Budget-Friendly Choice
The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is significantly cheaper than the Fitbit Alta HR, making it a more affordable option for budget-conscious users.
Verdict: The Mi Band 3’s lower price point makes it a more attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker.
Choosing the Right Tracker for You
Both the Fitbit Alta HR and Xiaomi Mi Band 3 are excellent fitness trackers, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
Choose the Fitbit Alta HR if:
- You prioritize a sleek and stylish design.
- You want more detailed sleep stage tracking.
- You value the Fitbit ecosystem and its comprehensive app features.
Choose the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 if:
- You prefer a larger and brighter display.
- You want a wider range of features, including music controls, NFC payments, and customizable notifications.
- You need a tracker with a longer battery life.
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
The Final Verdict: A Matter of Priorities
Ultimately, the best fitness tracker for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you prioritize style, detailed sleep tracking, and the Fitbit ecosystem, the Alta HR is a solid choice. However, if you prefer a larger display, a wider range of features, a longer battery life, and a more affordable price, the Mi Band 3 is the clear winner.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I use the Alta HR or Mi Band 3 for swimming?
A: Yes, both trackers are water-resistant and suitable for swimming. The Alta HR is water-resistant up to 50 meters, while the Mi Band 3 is water-resistant up to 5 ATM (50 meters).
Q: Do both trackers offer GPS tracking?
A: No, neither the Alta HR nor the Mi Band 3 has built-in GPS. They rely on your smartphone’s GPS for tracking your location during workouts.
Q: Which tracker has a better app experience?
A: The Fitbit app is generally considered more comprehensive and user-friendly than the Mi Fit app. However, the Mi Fit app has been improving and now offers a more intuitive experience.
Q: Which tracker is better for tracking heart rate?
A: Both trackers offer accurate heart rate monitoring. The Alta HR provides more detailed heart rate data, including resting heart rate and heart rate variability. However, the Mi Band 3’s heart rate sensor is also reliable and accurate.