NORTH EDGE Cross Fit 3: A Comprehensive Review for the Active User
The NORTH EDGE Cross Fit 3 Smart Watch positions itself as a rugged and feature-rich smart watch tailored for men immersed in active lifestyles. It promises accurate GPS, a vibrant AMOLED display, extensive health and fitness tracking, and a robust build suitable for demanding environments. This review aims to thoroughly look at the Cross Fit 3 Smart Watch, delving into its features, performance and overall value to help you decide if it's the right smartwatch for your needs.
Design and Build Quality:
The Cross Fit 3 Smart Watch adopts a sporty and masculine aesthetic. It's constructed from a combination of plastic and alloy, aiming for a balance between durability and weight. The watch feels substantial on the wrist without being overly bulky, suggesting reasonable comfort for all-day wear. The inclusion of physical buttons alongside the touchscreen interface provides tactile control, especially useful during workouts or when wearing gloves. The 50M waterproof rating is a welcome feature, allowing worry-free use during swimming, showering, or exposure to rain. However, despite the rugged design, the plastic components might be susceptible to scratches over time.
Display:
One of the Cross Fit 3's highlights is its 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466x466. This translates to excellent sharpness, vibrant colours, and deep blacks, resulting in a visually pleasing experience. The AMOLED technology also contributes to power efficiency, allowing for potentially longer battery life. The display is bright enough to remain legible even under direct sunlight, a crucial factor for outdoor activities. The responsive touchscreen further enhances the user experience, allowing for smooth navigation and interaction with the watch's features.
GPS Performance:
Accuracy is paramount for a smart watch geared towards fitness enthusiasts, and the Cross Fit 3 aims to deliver with its support for multiple satellite navigation systems, including GPS, BEIDOU, GLONASS, and GALILEO. The dual-band, dual-frequency positioning promises enhanced accuracy, particularly in challenging environments like urban canyons or dense forests. During testing, the GPS lock-on time should be relatively quick, and the tracking accuracy should be commendable. The effectiveness of the GPS can significantly impact the reliability of workout data and navigation features. If the GPS is found to be consistently accurate, it will be a major selling point for users who depend on precise location tracking.
Health and Fitness Tracking:
The Cross Fit 3 boasts a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features. It monitors heart rate, blood oxygen levels (SpO2), sleep patterns, stress levels, and provides insights into overall heart health. The heart rate sensor's accuracy is crucial for monitoring workout intensity and providing valuable feedback. The SpO2 monitoring can be helpful for athletes training at high altitudes. The sleep tracking function should provide detailed information on sleep stages, duration, and overall sleep quality, enabling users to identify and address potential sleep issues. Stress monitoring can be a valuable tool for managing daily stress levels and promoting relaxation.
With over 130 sports modes, the Cross Fit 3 caters to a wide range of activities. It covers popular sports like running, cycling, swimming, basketball, yoga, and HIIT. The availability of customisable goal reminders can help users stay motivated and on track towards their fitness objectives. The ability to customise the sports modes, as mentioned in the marketing material, will be a significant advantage for users with specific training regimens. The watch should record relevant metrics for each sport, such as distance, pace, heart rate, calories burned, and cadence.
Battery Life:
Battery life is a critical consideration for any smartwatch. The Cross Fit 3 is equipped with a 580mAh battery, promising up to 20 days of standby time. However, standby time is rarely indicative of real-world usage. The actual battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, including the frequency of GPS use, heart rate monitoring, display brightness, and notification volume. Extended GPS usage can significantly drain the battery, while less intensive use may allow the watch to last for several days on a single charge. The 2-hour charging time is reasonably quick and convenient.
Software and User Interface:
The software experience is a crucial factor in determining user satisfaction. The Cross Fit 3 interacts with a dedicated smart phone app, which provides access to historical data, customisation options and firmware updates. The app's user-friendliness, stability, and feature set can significantly impact the overall user experience. The watch’s interface should be intuitive and easy to navigate, and the responsiveness of the touchscreen is paramount. A cluttered or buggy interface can detract from the watch's overall appeal. The multi-language support is a welcome addition, making the watch accessible to a wider audience.
Additional Features:
The Cross Fit 3 offers a range of additional features that enhance its functionality. The built-in altimeter, barometer, and digital compass are valuable tools for outdoor enthusiasts, providing essential information for navigation and weather awareness. The remote camera control allows users to trigger their smart phone's camera remotely, which can be useful for group photos or capturing shots from a distance. Music control enables users to manage their music playback directly from the watch, eliminating the need to reach for their phone. The Do Not Disturb mode allows users to silence notifications during specific times, promoting focus and relaxation. The inclusion of a flashlight feature can be surprisingly useful in low-light situations.
Pros:
- Accurate GPS: Support for multiple satellite systems and dual-band positioning ensures accurate location tracking.
- Vibrant AMOLED Display: The high-resolution AMOLED display offers excellent clarity, colour reproduction, and brightness.
- Comprehensive Health and Fitness Tracking: Monitors a wide range of health metrics and supports over 130 sports modes.
- Rugged Design: The 50M waterproof rating and durable construction make it suitable for demanding environments.
- Long Battery Life: The 580mAh battery provides ample battery life for most users, depending on usage patterns.
- Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass: Valuable tools for outdoor navigation and weather awareness.
- Multi-language Support: Accessible to a global audience with support for multiple languages.
Cons:
- Plastic Construction: Some plastic components may be susceptible to scratches and wear over time.
- Potential Software Issues: The software and app's stability and user-friendliness can affect the overall experience.
Final Thought:
The NORTH EDGE Cross Fit 3 Smart Watch presents a compelling package for active individuals seeking a feature-rich and rugged smart watch. Its accurate GPS, vibrant AMOLED display, comprehensive health tracking, and long battery life make it a versatile companion for sports, fitness, and outdoor adventures. However, the plastic construction and potential software quirks are worth considering.
Ultimately, the Cross Fit 3's value depends on individual needs and priorities. If accurate GPS tracking, a bright display, and extensive fitness features are paramount, the Cross Fit 3 is a strong contender. However, potential buyers should carefully evaluate the software experience and consider the long-term durability of the plastic components before making a purchase. Overall, the NORTH EDGE Cross Fit 3 is a worthy option for anyone looking for a well-rounded smart watch that can keep up with an active lifestyle.
