codoon new watch x3 multiple sport modes make it favored
Codoon has gradually perfected its sports ecosystem since it started as a professional sports platform. In recent years, the lightweight smart equipment it has frequently launched has been well-received by users. Previously, it had also launched a more professional sports smartwatch, the S1, which was a preliminary attempt. The newly launched Codoon Sports Watch X3 is considered a comprehensive upgrade. So, what kind of experience does this review bring? Let's delve into it.
The packaging is steady in color, with simple lines outlining the product without much embellishment. Overall, it looks somewhat simple, but the square shape is considered lightweight packaging. The minimalist style without being flashy has gradually become a trend for most digital products.
The drawer-style opening mode is also quite convenient.
Compared to the Codoon S1, the X3 series shows significant upgrades in appearance. It has transitioned from an ink screen to a semi-color, semi-reflective touch screen, making it less monotonous than an ink screen. The color display is more intuitive for presenting various numbers, and it can also use different colors to indicate different statuses. The dial size is 45mm, which is relatively neutral and suitable for both men and women. However, the bezel and case material feel quite plastic, which makes it lightweight but not very high-end. Of course, this is a personal perception.
The strap adopts a quick-release design, which is common in many sports watches and is favored by many sports enthusiasts. In terms of material, the Codoon Watch X3 uses a skin-friendly silicone strap, which is softer and more comfortable to wear than regular straps.
In terms of UI design and structure, the Codoon Smartwatch X3 is not much different from the previous generation, but the addition of color makes the entire UI look richer and clearer, with an improved aesthetic.
In addition to touch screen control, the right side's physical buttons for up and down operations continue the style of the previous generation. However, the touch control is smoother in operation compared to the previous generation. Personally, I categorize the overall layout into sports modules, settings modules, data presentation modules, and tool modules. Basic left swipe for optimization, click to confirm, or use the buttons to switch up and down.
Many people worry about accidental touches with touch-operated watches. The Codoon X3 Smartwatch defaults to automatic screen lock, effectively solving the issue of accidental touches. Moreover, the display remains clear in lock screen mode, and you just need to unlock it when you want to operate it.
The watch face replacement feature is considered a basic function in smartwatches. However, it's challenging to do well with low-pixel watch faces. Currently, the watch face themes are limited, but acceptable. They mainly involve different placements or combinations of elements like calories, battery display, and time. Long press to switch left or right; the operation is simple. For themes, we can only hope for more attractive themes in future updates.
The sports modes are much richer than the previous generation. Besides common outdoor running, cycling, walking, and swimming, there are also indoor running and indoor walking. So, besides running, there are many sports modes to choose from, making it more flexible.
As a professional sports watch, besides accurate sports data, many extended functions are also highlights. The compass and satellite positioning can be said to be unique features of this type of smartwatch. The Codoon X3 Smartwatch has built-in GPS and GLONASS dual satellite modules. The only drawback is the lack of Beidou satellite. It's recommended to calibrate the compass each time for more accuracy, as electronic compasses can be affected by geomagnetic interference.
However, after successfully enabling sports positioning, you still need to press confirm to start the exercise, which I find a bit cumbersome, although it makes the data more accurate.
Heart rate monitoring is a basic function of smartwatches. Besides sports heart rate, sedentary heart rate is also important for data analysis. What surprised me about the Codoon X3 Smartwatch is that the back cover doesn't have a high protrusion, making the design quite good. At least it won't leave deep marks after wearing it all day for heart rate detection.
Swiping down reveals settings like weather and brightness adjustment.
Some small tools are stored in the watch's more functions section, like a stopwatch. They may not seem frequently used, but they come in handy occasionally.
Lastly, regarding waterproofing, the 50-meter waterproof rating basically meets usage needs. Additionally, there are very few smartwatches with accurate swimming monitoring. Why? Firstly, the optical heart rate module for heart rate monitoring underwater can easily have errors if not worn tightly. If the heart rate is inaccurate, many other data will also have errors. Also, while pool length can be manually set, outdoor swimming often has trajectory drift. I will conduct a more in-depth single-item review on swimming later.
Next, let's look at the specific sports data feedback.
Firstly, for outdoor running, the data presentation of trajectory, mileage, consumption, and heart rate is familiar to users who understand Codoon sports. If we compare the data recorded by a smartwatch to a phone, the most obvious difference is the heart rate. The additional basic data, calculated through algorithms, makes the body posture data more accurate. The mileage error for a little over 5 kilometers is almost zero, which is quite pleasing. However, during exercise, the heart rate detection occasionally stops at a certain value, requiring an exit to return to normal. This issue will be optimized by the official team later. Other data like step frequency is similar to previous data.
For cycling, the data is basically similar to outdoor running, except for the lack of step frequency data. Here, I also suggest whether to develop cadence accessories that can be linked to the watch in the future. This would make cycling data more accurate. There are no abnormalities in the data.
To summarize the newly launched Codoon Smartwatch X3, both the appearance design and UI interface design are relatively standard. The addition of a semi-reflective screen with color indeed makes it look much better. The magnetic charging dock uses a snap-on design, which is more secure but lacks the experience of charging as you place it. This depends on user preference. The waterproof rating and touch control are acceptable. The only downside is that if the screen has water and is not locked, it may cause accidental touch operations. Overall, it's quite good.
Additionally, there is a significant breakthrough in battery life. Under normal full charge, with 1-2 hours of exercise daily, it can last a week on a single charge.
The sports data tends to be realistic. Of course, no single device can serve as standard data, so a small error is within the normal range. The variety of sports modes makes the Codoon Smartwatch X3 more preferable compared to the S1. After a month of experience, it is indeed worth trying.