Redmi Watch 3 Active Review: The Ultimate Budget Smartwatch
The Redmi Watch 3 Active continues Xiaomi’s tradition of delivering exceptional value, packing a comprehensive suite of features into a stylish and highly affordable package. For just ₹2,499, it offers a large 1.83-inch display, the convenience of Bluetooth calling, and robust 5ATM water resistance. With an impressive 12-day battery life and extensive health and fitness tracking, the Watch 3 Active is engineered for users who want a reliable, feature-rich smartwatch without the premium cost.
1. Premium Design & Large Display
Premium Metallic Finish
The watch case features a classic rectangular shape with a premium metallic finish (NCVM coating), giving it an elegant and stylish look that belies its budget price.
Large 1.83″ HD Screen
The watch sports a large 1.83-inch LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate and 450 nits of peak brightness, ensuring a smooth and clear viewing experience.
Lightweight & Customizable
Weighing just 41.67g with the strap, it’s comfortable for all-day wear. It supports over 200 watch faces and has quick-release straps, making it easy to personalize.
2. Seamless Connectivity & Smart Features
Bluetooth Calling
With a built-in speaker, microphone, and the latest Bluetooth 5.3, you can answer and manage phone calls directly from your wrist, offering true hands-free convenience.
Emergency SOS
For added safety, you can triple-press the side button to quickly place an emergency call to a pre-saved contact, a crucial feature for peace of mind.
App Integration
The watch syncs with the Mi Fitness app and is compatible with popular third-party apps like Strava and Apple Health, allowing you to centralize your fitness data.
3. Comprehensive Health & Fitness Suite
100+ Sports Modes
With over 100 sports modes, including 10 professional modes, the watch is equipped to track a vast range of activities, from outdoor running to yoga.
24/7 Health Monitoring
The watch provides continuous heart rate and SpO2 (blood oxygen) monitoring, along with sleep tracking and stress calculation, offering a complete picture of your daily well-being.
5ATM Water Resistance
A 5ATM water resistance rating means the watch is safe for swimming in pools and shallow water, making it a versatile fitness companion.
Full Specification Details
Display & Design
- Screen: 1.83-inch LCD
- Resolution: 240 x 280 pixels
- Brightness: 450 nits peak
- Dimensions: 46.94 x 38.88 x 10.94 mm
- Weight: 41.67g (with strap)
Smart Features
- Calling: Bluetooth Calling
- Watch Faces: 200+ Cloud Watch Faces
- SOS: Emergency SOS Call Support
Health & Fitness
- Sensors: Heart Rate, SpO2, Accelerometer
- Sports Modes: 100+
- Female Health: Period Cycle Monitoring
Connectivity
- Bluetooth: v5.3
- Microphone: Supported
- Speaker: Supported
Battery & Durability
- Capacity: 289 mAh
- Typical Usage: Up to 12 Days
- Heavy Usage: Up to 8 Days
- Durability: 5ATM Water Resistance
Who Is This Watch For?
- The Value-Seeker: Anyone who wants a maximum number of features—like Bluetooth calling and 5ATM resistance—for a minimal price.
- The Casual Fitness User: With 100+ sports modes and reliable health tracking, it’s perfect for those who want to monitor their daily activity and workouts.
- The First-Time Smartwatch Buyer: It provides a complete and easy-to-use smartwatch experience, making it an ideal entry point into the world of wearables.
Who Might Consider Other Options?
- Users Wanting a Premium Display: The LCD screen is functional but can’t match the vibrancy and deep blacks of an AMOLED panel.
- Dedicated Runners/Cyclists: The absence of built-in GPS means you must carry your phone for accurate outdoor route and distance tracking.
Competitive Edge
- Incredible Value Proposition: It offers a combination of a large screen, Bluetooth calling, 5ATM waterproofing, and long battery life that is unmatched at its price point.
- Superior Water Resistance: The 5ATM rating is a significant advantage over many budget competitors that only offer basic IP ratings, making it suitable for swimming.
- Elegant, Premium Design: The metallic finish and classic rectangular case give it a more expensive look and feel than its price suggests.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
An unbeatable combination of features, including Bluetooth calling, for its low price.
Up to 12 days of typical use means you can go for over a week without charging.
Suitable for swimming, a feature often missing in budget smartwatches.
The display is large and bright but lacks the contrast and color depth of an AMOLED screen.
Requires a connection to your smartphone for accurate route tracking during outdoor activities.
Final Verdict
The Redmi Watch 3 Active is a masterclass in delivering essential smartwatch features at an aggressive price. It intelligently balances premium aesthetics, a large functional screen, and key features like Bluetooth calling and 5ATM water resistance with sensible compromises like an LCD screen and the lack of GPS. For anyone seeking a dependable, stylish, and long-lasting daily driver that handles notifications, calls, and general fitness tracking with ease, the Redmi Watch 3 Active is an exceptional value and a standout choice in the crowded budget market.
Overall Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0
