The budget smartwatch market has exploded in recent years, offering a plethora of options for those seeking functionality without breaking the bank. The itel ICON 3 enters this competitive landscape with a price tag of Rs 1,699 and promises a feature-rich experience. We’ve been putting it through its paces to see if it lives up to its claims. Here’s a breakdown of things we liked and we didn’t.
Things We Liked
1. Display
The display stands out as the star feature of this device. Sporting a 2.01-inch AMOLED screen, it impresses in nearly every scenario. While the resolution of 240 x 296 may not be the sharpest, the overall visual experience remains pleasing. Despite some lack of sharpness in menu icons and text, the array of watch faces supported through the Co-Fit app, including the option for custom faces, adds versatility. Minimal bezels contribute to a sleek appearance, distinguishing it from bulkier budget alternatives. Overall, the display performance exceeds expectations.
2. Design and Build Quality
The design follows the traditional smartwatch aesthetic, reminiscent of the Apple Watch—a standard for square-shaped smartwatches. The build quality is commendable, exuding a sense of durability that inspires confidence. The rotating crown on the right side offers a solid feel and satisfying tactile feedback without any hint of looseness. Notably, it boasts an IP67 rating, a rarity among budget wearables, ensuring water and dust resistance.
3. Comfort
Upon unboxing, the lightweight nature of the itel ICON 3 immediately stood out—a characteristic that persisted upon handling. Weighing approximately xx grams, it feels remarkably light in hand. Moreover, the smooth straps contribute to a comfortable wearing experience, even during extended periods of use.
4. Battery Life
After four days of continuous usage, the battery performance remains robust without requiring a single recharge. With a 310mAh battery, it promises up to 15 days on a single charge—a claim that seems consistent with real-world usage. The reliable battery life adds significant value to the overall package.
5. Host of Features
In addition to standard health and fitness modes, the itel ICON 3 surprises with built-in games and a calculator—features uncommon in budget smartwatches. Furthermore, it facilitates stock tracking, broadening its utility beyond typical wearable functionalities.
Things That Could’ve Been Better
1. No Fast Charging
While perhaps a minor gripe, it’s worth noting that the itel ICON 3 lacks fast charging capabilities. According to the company, it takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach full charge. Although this might inconvenience users in a rush, the dependable battery life somewhat mitigates the impact of slow charging.
Verdict
At Rs 1,699, the itel ICON 3 offers exceptional value for money.
With its striking AMOLED display, enduring battery life, sturdy build quality, and comfortable design, it ticks many boxes for prospective buyers. While the absence of fast charging and potential inaccuracies in health sensors are drawbacks, they are outweighed by the overall package. Ultimately, for basic fitness tracking and everyday wear, the itel ICON 3 proves to be a reliable companion.
