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Introduction

In the ever-expanding smartwatch market, a new contender has emerged – the itel ICON 3. This budget-friendly smartwatch from Itel Mobile promises a plethora of features, including Bluetooth calling, a stunning AMOLED display, and robust health tracking. But with a price tag that’s considerably lower than its competitors, can the ICON 3 truly deliver on its claims? We spent a significant amount of time with the itel ICON 3 Smartwatch to find out.

Design and Display

The itel ICON 3 Smartwatch boasts a rectangular design with a 2.01-inch AMOLED display. The lightweight build, weighing approximately xx grams (the manufacturer hasn’t disclosed the exact weight), ensures comfortable wearability for extended periods. The smooth silicone straps further contribute to a pleasant user experience.

The display itself is the star of the show. AMOLED technology translates to vivid colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles. The 500 nits brightness ensures easy readability even under direct sunlight, a feature often missing in budget smartwatches. A functional crown on the side allows for intuitive navigation through menus and apps. While it might not be the most luxurious-looking smartwatch, the itel ICON 3 strikes a good balance between affordability and aesthetics.

itel ICON 3 Smartwatch Review Specifications

• Display: 2.01-inch AMOLED display, 240 x 296 pixels resolution
• Water Resistance: IP67 (splash, sweat, and brief submersion resistant)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
• Sensors: Accelerometer, Heart Rate Monitor, SpO2 Sensor
• Battery: Up to 15 days standby time (approximately 1-week regular use)
• Compatibility: Android and iOS smartphones
• Special Features: Built-in microphone and speaker for Bluetooth calling, Multiple sports modes, over 170 watch faces, Customizable notifications, Find My Phone
• Other: Functional crown for navigation; Functional button for quick actions; Magnetic charging

Features: Fitness Tracking, Calling, and More

The itel ICON 3 Smartwatch packs a decent amount of features for its price range. Here’s a closer look at some of the key functionalities:

• Fitness Tracking: The itel ICON 3 boasts the ability to track various fitness metrics, including steps taken, distance covered, calories burned, and sleep patterns. It also includes a heart rate monitor and a SpO2 sensor for monitoring blood oxygen levels. While these sensors might not be as accurate as those found in high-end smartwatches, they provide a general idea of your health and fitness progress.
• Built-in Microphone and Speaker: The itel ICON 3 incorporates a built-in microphone and speaker, enabling Bluetooth calling. This allows you to answer or make calls directly from your wrist, a convenient feature for those who don’t want to constantly reach for their phones.
• Multiple Sports Modes: The itel ICON 3 caters to a variety of workout preferences with multiple sports modes. These modes track specific metrics relevant to different activities, such as running, cycling, swimming (thanks to the IP67 rating), and more.
• Customizable Watch Faces: With over 170 watch faces to choose from, the itel ICON 3 allows you to personalize the look of your smartwatch to match your style. You can even download additional watch faces from the companion app.
• App Notifications: The itel ICON 3 displays notifications from your phone, allowing you to stay up-to-date on messages, calls, and social media updates without pulling out your phone.

Battery Life and Performance

Itel claims the ICON 3 can deliver up to 15 days of standby time on a single charge. Our real-world usage resulted in a more conservative figure, closer to 7-8 days with moderate use (including notifications, some fitness tracking, and occasional Bluetooth calling). This is still a respectable battery life for a budget smartwatch, especially considering the bright AMOLED display.

When it comes to performance, the itel ICON 3 Smartwatch is equipped with unspecified hardware, which can be a bit of a concern. While it navigates menus and basic tasks smoothly, complex functionalities might introduce some lag. Multitasking can also be a challenge due to the limited RAM (again, exact specifications are not available).

App Support and User Experience

The itel ICON 3 doesn’t run on a popular smartwatch operating system like Wear OS or watchOS. Instead, it utilizes a proprietary app that provides basic functionalities. While this might limit app availability compared to its more established competitors, the core functionalities like notifications, weather updates, music controls, and find-my-phone are present.

The user experience is relatively straightforward. The aforementioned functional crown and touchscreen display allow for easy navigation. However, the lack of a more robust app ecosystem might be a dealbreaker for users who rely heavily on third-party smartwatch apps.

Is the itel ICON 3 Right for You?

The itel ICON 3 Smartwatch is a compelling option for budget-conscious users who prioritize core smartwatch functionalities like notifications, fitness tracking, and Bluetooth calling. The comfortable design, bright AMOLED display, and impressive battery life are key selling points. However, if you require advanced health tracking capabilities, a wider app selection, or top-tier performance, pricier smartwatches might be a better fit.

Pros and Cons of the itel ICON 3 Smartwatch

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Bright and vivid AMOLED display
• Comfortable design
• Bluetooth calling
• Decent selection of fitness tracking features
• Long battery life (up to 15 days standby claimed)
• Customizable watch faces

Cons:

• Limited app ecosystem (compared to Wear OS or WatchOS)
• Potential inaccuracies in health sensors

Overall, the itel ICON 3 carves a niche in the smartwatch market by offering a feature-rich experience at a budget-friendly price.

Verdict: A Budget Champion

The itel ICON 3 Smartwatch is a strong contender in the budget smartwatch segment. With its stunning AMOLED display, comfortable design, Bluetooth calling, and a range of health tracking features, it offers excellent value for money. While it might not be the most feature-packed smartwatch on the market, it caters perfectly to users looking for a stylish and functional smartwatch without breaking the bank.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Is the itel ICON 3 Smartwatch available in different colors?

Yes, the itel ICON 3 comes in multiple color options, including Dark Chrome, Midnight Blue, and Shiny Gold.

Q: Is the itel ICON 3 smartwatch compatible with both Android and iPhone?

Yes, the itel ICON 3 can be paired with both Android and iOS smartphones through the companion app.

Q: Is the itel ICON 3 Smartwatch waterproof?

The itel ICON 3 carries an IP67 water resistance rating. This means it can withstand splashes, sweat, and brief submersion but is not suitable for hot water or excessive pressure.

Q: Does the itel ICON 3 have GPS?

No, the itel ICON 3 does not have built-in GPS. This means it relies on your phone’s GPS for tracking distance during outdoor workouts.

Q: How accurate are the heart rate and SpO2 sensors?

The heart rate and SpO2 sensors in the itel ICON 3 provide a general idea of your health metrics but might not be as precise as those found in high-end smartwatches.

Q: How long does the itel ICON 3 battery last?

The itel ICON 3 boasts a long-lasting battery, with the company claiming up to 15 days of standby time on a single charge. In real-world use with regular features like notifications and workout tracking, expect around a week of battery life.