What To Know
- The navigation on the Polar A370 is straightforward, thanks to its touchscreen interface, while the Mi Band 3 requires a bit more effort due to its single button.
- Ultimately, the best choice between the Polar A370 and the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 depends on your individual needs and priorities.
- If you’re looking for a comprehensive fitness tracker with GPS, a vibrant color touchscreen, and detailed sleep analysis, the Polar A370 is a solid option.
Choosing the right fitness tracker can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available in the market. Two popular contenders that often come up in discussions are the Polar A370 and the Xiaomi Mi Band 3. Both devices offer a range of features at different price points, making it crucial to understand their strengths and weaknesses before making a decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of both trackers, helping you determine which one aligns better with your fitness goals and budget.
Design and Comfort
The Polar A370 boasts a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a circular touchscreen display. Its lightweight and comfortable construction makes it ideal for everyday wear, even during sleep. The Xiaomi Mi Band 3, on the other hand, adopts a more traditional rectangular display with a single button for navigation. While it’s also lightweight, its slightly larger size might feel less comfortable for those with smaller wrists.
Display and User Interface
Both trackers offer decent displays for their respective price points. The Polar A370 features a vibrant color touchscreen, providing a more intuitive and visually appealing user experience. The Xiaomi Mi Band 3, however, relies on a monochrome OLED display, which might be less vibrant but offers good readability even under direct sunlight. The navigation on the Polar A370 is straightforward, thanks to its touchscreen interface, while the Mi Band 3 requires a bit more effort due to its single button.
Activity Tracking and Accuracy
Both devices excel in activity tracking, providing accurate data on steps, distance, and calories burned. The Polar A370 utilizes an optical heart rate sensor, which generally performs well, although it may struggle in certain situations, like high-intensity workouts. The Mi Band 3 also incorporates an optical heart rate sensor, but it tends to be slightly less accurate, especially during strenuous activities.
Sleep Monitoring
Sleep tracking is a crucial feature for many fitness enthusiasts, and both trackers offer decent sleep monitoring capabilities. The Polar A370 provides detailed sleep stage analysis, distinguishing between light, deep, and REM sleep. The Mi Band 3 also tracks sleep duration and quality, but its analysis is less granular compared to the A370.
GPS and Navigation
The Polar A370 integrates GPS for outdoor workouts, allowing you to track your route and pace accurately. The Mi Band 3, however, lacks built-in GPS and relies on your smartphone’s GPS for location information. This can result in less accurate data and increased battery drain on your phone.
Smart Notifications
Both trackers can receive notifications from your smartphone, including calls, messages, and app alerts. The Polar A370 offers more customization options for notifications and allows you to respond to messages directly from the device. The Mi Band 3 provides basic notification functionality but lacks the ability to respond to messages.
Battery Life
The Polar A370 boasts a battery life of up to 4 days with continuous heart rate monitoring. This is considerably longer than the Mi Band 3, which typically lasts for 2-3 days on a single charge. The Mi Band 3’s shorter battery life might be a drawback for those who prefer to wear their tracker throughout the week without needing to recharge frequently.
Water Resistance
Both trackers are water-resistant, allowing you to wear them while swimming or showering. The Polar A370 offers a water resistance rating of 5 ATM (50 meters), while the Mi Band 3 has a rating of 5 ATM as well.
Price and Value
The Polar A370 is generally priced higher than the Xiaomi Mi Band 3. While it offers a more premium experience with features like GPS and a color touchscreen, it might be out of reach for budget-conscious buyers. The Mi Band 3, on the other hand, provides a compelling value proposition with its affordable price and decent feature set.
The Verdict: Polar A370 vs Xiaomi Mi Band 3
Ultimately, the best choice between the Polar A370 and the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 depends on your individual needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a comprehensive fitness tracker with GPS, a vibrant color touchscreen, and detailed sleep analysis, the Polar A370 is a solid option. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and prioritize a long battery life, the Xiaomi Mi Band 3 offers a more affordable and practical solution.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Other Fitness Trackers
While the Polar A370 and Xiaomi Mi Band 3 are excellent choices, the fitness tracker market is vast and diverse. Consider exploring other options like the Garmin Vivoactive 3, Fitbit Charge 3, or the Samsung Galaxy Fit if you’re seeking advanced features like built-in music storage, NFC for contactless payments, or more comprehensive health monitoring capabilities.
The Ultimate Fitness Companion: Choosing the Right Tracker
The journey to a healthier lifestyle often involves tracking your progress and staying motivated. A fitness tracker can be a valuable tool in this endeavor, providing insights into your activity levels, sleep patterns, and heart rate. By understanding the key features and capabilities of different devices, you can choose the one that best complements your fitness goals and preferences.
What You Need to Know
Q: What are the main differences between the Polar A370 and the Xiaomi Mi Band 3?
A: The Polar A370 offers a more premium experience with features like GPS, a color touchscreen, and detailed sleep analysis. The Xiaomi Mi Band 3 is more affordable and prioritizes long battery life and water resistance.
Q: Which tracker is better for outdoor workouts?
A: The Polar A370 is better for outdoor workouts thanks to its built-in GPS, which allows you to track your route and pace accurately.
Q: Which tracker is more accurate for heart rate monitoring?
A: The Polar A370 generally has more accurate heart rate monitoring, although it may struggle in certain situations, like high-intensity workouts. The Mi Band 3’s heart rate sensor is less accurate, especially during strenuous activities.
Q: Which tracker is better for sleep tracking?
A: The Polar A370 offers more detailed sleep stage analysis, distinguishing between light, deep, and REM sleep. The Mi Band 3 tracks sleep duration and quality but provides less granular information.
Q: Is the Polar A370 worth the extra cost compared to the Xiaomi Mi Band 3?
A: The Polar A370 is worth the extra cost if you prioritize features like GPS, a color touchscreen, and detailed sleep analysis. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and prioritize long battery life, the Mi Band 3 offers a more affordable alternative.