Citing variations as high as 74%, the watchdog cautions consumers against using smartwatches to monitor fitness levels for medical purposes.
After a test revealed data variances of up to 74%, Hong Kong’s consumer authority has cautioned consumers against using smartwatches to assess their fitness levels for medical purposes.Three models out of 44 evaluated smartwatches and fitness trackers that were sold locally exhibited variances ranging from 59% to 74% when calculating the user’s steps, according to a report released by the Consumer Council on Thursday. This might be because the devices included little hand motions.
Additionally, there were variations in the heart rate measurement; two models showed differences of more than 11% in the majority of activities and up to 21% when cycling.
“The fitness and health information gathered by fitness trackers or smartwatches was only an estimate and might not be precise. The head of the council’s Committee on Research and Testing, Chung Chi-yung, stated that they are thus only appropriate for reference purposes and not for use in medicine.
38 wristwatch models with costs ranging from HK$199 to HK$9,799 (US$25 to US$1,255) and six fitness trackers with prices ranging from HK$139 to HK$498 were included in the test, which was carried out by a European laboratory.
A sample of each model was worn by three assessors while they engaged in a variety of activities, such as cycling, high-intensity running, low-intensity walking, and rest. The captured data were then contrasted with data from concurrently utilized precision equipment.
According to the test, the majority of models did a good job of predicting walking and running steps, with variances of no more than 7%. Of them, 25 smartwatch models exhibited variances that were lower when jogging and no more than 3%.
Three wristwatch models from Polar, a Finnish company that makes sports training computers, however, displayed notable variations ranging from 59% to 74%.
Two smartwatch models from the French company Withings had variances of more than 11% in the majority of activities and up to 21% when cycling, despite the fact that all models contained heart rate measuring features.
With average variances of 34.3% and 18.7%, respectively, the two Withings models likewise performed poorly in the distance estimating test. Each one costs HK$1,998 and HK$2,698.
Additionally, the research revealed that the duration of use varied greatly between models when completely charged, ranging from 1.5 days to more than 20.8 days.
With two versions—under the Apple and Samsung brands—requiring just 1.2 to 1.8 hours to completely charge, five smartwatch models and one fitness tracker model may be worn constantly for over three weeks following a full charge.
Three smartwatches, including Apple and Samsung models, on the other hand, had battery life of just 1.5 to 2.2 days and needed to be charged every other day for 1.8 to 2.4 hours to reach full capacity.
Additionally, even completely charged, smartwatch use times varied greatly amongst models, ranging from 1.5 days to more than 20.8 days, according to the Consumer Council’s research. Image: Reuters
Additionally, even completely charged, smartwatch use times varied greatly amongst models, ranging from 1.5 days to more than 20.8 days, according to the Consumer Council’s research. Image: Reuters
The Samsung models varied from HK$1,598 to HK$4,798 in price, while the two Apple models that were part of the test cost HK$1,999 and HK$3,399 respectively.
Before making a purchase, consumers should thoroughly evaluate the features and performance of several models, according to the Consumer Council, and select the best model for their needs.
Additionally, it stated that in order to prevent compromising the optical heart rate sensor’s accuracy, consumers should wear the gadget on their wrists as directed.