The Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active: Has Xiaomi Finally Made a Compelling Wearable?
The Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active, a successor to the somewhat underwhelming Mi Watch Revolve, has arrived with a promise of improved features and added functionality at a competitive price point. This new watch boasts Alexa support, a coveted feature missing from its predecessor, and introduces SpO2 monitoring, a crucial addition in the current global climate. But does the Mi Watch Revolve Active truly deliver on its potential, or does it fall short when compared to other smartwatches in its price range? We dive into the details to find out.
Mi Watch Revolve Active: Price and Availability in India
The Mi Watch Revolve Active is priced at ₹ 9,999 in India. However, Xiaomi is currently running an early bird offer, slashing the price to ₹ 8,999. Additionally, an HDFC Bank offer brings the final price down to ₹ 8,249 further enhancing its value proposition. The watch is available in Beige, Black, and Navy Blue, with a matching color strap.
Design and Display: A Familiar Look with Some Refinements
The Mi Watch Revolve Active features a 1.39-inch AMOLED display, a constant across all sizes. This might be a concern for those with smaller wrists, as the watch might appear large in their case. However, the sharp and crisp display boasts an always-on mode, making it constantly viewable for the time and basic information. Ambient light sensing ensures optimal brightness levels, automatically adjusting to the surrounding conditions.
The watch body is made from plastic while the strap is made with soft, textured material, creating a comfortable fit. Despite the use of plastic, the watch remains remarkably light at just 32g (without straps) making it pleasant to wear even for extended periods. Water resistance up to 5 ATM ensures the watch’s resilience against everyday use, including splashes and light rain. The watch also boasts two physical buttons on the right side, offering responsive and tactile feedback for navigation within the watch’s interface.
Features and Functionality: Alexa Integration, SpO2 and More
The Mi Watch Revolve Active packs in a range of features that aim to cater to a fitness-conscious user base. Here’s a breakdown of the key functionality:
1. SpO2 Monitoring: A Timely Feature
The Mi Watch Revolve Active incorporates SpO2 tracking, enabling users to monitor their blood oxygen saturation levels. This feature, vital for health and wellness, is particularly relevant in the context of the ongoing pandemic, where monitoring oxygen levels can be crucial.
2. Alexa Integration: A Step Up from the Previous Model
The introduction of Amazon Alexa support is one of the key differentiators of this model compared to its predecessor. Users can issue voice commands and control smart home devices directly from the watch. While the feature is a welcome addition, the limited functionality of Alexa compared to other voice assistants remains a concern.
3. Comprehensive Health and Fitness Tracking
The Mi Watch Revolve Active offers robust health and fitness tracking capabilities. It monitors heart rate, sleep patterns, stress levels, and provides detailed workout tracking with built-in GPS for outdoor activities. The watch also features a barometer to measure altitude and pressure changes, adding to the overall data collection for a holistic fitness picture.
4. Seamless Connectivity and App Support
The Mi Watch Revolve Active connects to smartphones via the Xiaomi Wear app, offering a user-friendly platform for device management and data analysis. The app allows users to customize watch faces, set reminders, adjust notifications, and review detailed health and fitness logs.
Battery Life and Charging: A Long-Lasting Companion
The Mi Watch Revolve Active boasts a 420mAh battery, promising up to 14 days of battery life on a single charge. This impressive endurance makes the watch ideal for extended wear, minimizing the need for frequent charging. Additionally, complete recharging takes less than two hours, ensuring a quick turnaround time for getting back to the full power of the watch.
Mi Watch Revolve Active vs. Mi Watch Revolve: A Detailed Comparison
The Mi Watch Revolve Active stands as a clear upgrade over its predecessor, the Mi Watch Revolve, offering a significant boost in features and value. The table below sheds light on the key differences between the two models:
| Feature | Mi Watch Revolve Active | Mi Watch Revolve |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹ 8,999 (early bird offer) | ₹ 7,999 |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa | None |
| SpO2 Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Display | 1.39-inch AMOLED | 1.39-inch AMOLED |
| Battery Life | Up to 14 days | Up to 14 days |
The addition of Alexa support and SpO2 tracking alone make the Mi Watch Revolve Active a more compelling purchase than the Mi Watch Revolve. However, the price difference is negligible, making the newer model a definite winner in terms of value and functionality.
Final Verdict: A Solid Smartwatch with Room for Improvement
The Xiaomi Mi Watch Revolve Active is a noteworthy smartwatch that offers comprehensive health and fitness tracking, a stylish design, and long battery life at a competitive price point. However, while the inclusion of Alexa support and SpO2 tracking elevate the watch, the limited functionality of Alexa and the lack of NFC for contactless payments are shortcomings that could hamper the user experience.
Overall, the Mi Watch Revolve Active represents a solid step forward for Xiaomi in the wearables market. If its features and design appeal to you, and you don’t prioritize NFC payments, the Mi Watch Revolve Active presents itself as a strong value-for-money option in its price range.
