Huawei Band 8 vs Fitbit Inspire 3: Which offers better value for money?

Not everyone is keen on the idea of a smartwatch dominating their wrist. For those who favor a more subtle approach to tracking their activity and health, fitness bands are an appealing alternative. Among the options available, the Huawei Band 8 and Fitbit Inspire 3 stand out. Launched in April 2023 and August 2022 respectively, these devices have quickly become go-to choices for health-conscious individuals.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

In this side-by-side examination, we delve into their features. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the specifics and explore what each of these fitness bands has to offer.

Key takeaways

Both devices offer a comprehensive suite of health features, including blood oxygen detection and heart rate monitoring. The Huawei Band 8 distinguishes itself with a vast array of sports modes, suitable for those engaged in various physical activities. It is also the more budget-friendly of the two. Conversely, the Fitbit Inspire 3’s strength lies in its seamless integration with the Fitbit ecosystem, offering a user-friendly experience and the advantage of being part of a well-established brand community.

View on Huawei; View on Amazon (Huawei Band 8, Fitbit Inspire 3).

Jump to

Hardware
Technical specs
Features
Bottom line

Huawei Band 8 vs Fitbit Inspire 3: Hardware

Look & feel

Starting off with build, and the Huawei Band 8 is made of a skin-friendly TPU material, offering a comfortable and hypoallergenic experience. This is great for users with sensitive skin or those who wear their device for prolonged periods. The Fitbit Inspire 3, in contrast, features a plastic housing paired with a silicone band and an anodized aluminum buckle. This blend makes the Inspire 3 a robust yet comfortable option for everyday wear.

Size-wise, the Huawei Band 8 is slightly larger, measuring 44.35 x 26 x 8.99 mm, which might appeal to users who prefer a more substantial presence on their wrist. The Fitbit Inspire 3 is more compact, with dimensions of 39.3 x 18.6 x 11.8 mm, making it a more discreet and lightweight choice, suitable for users who favor a less obtrusive wearable.

When it comes to physical buttons, the Huawei Band 8 opts for simplicity with just one side button, streamlining the user interface and interaction. The Fitbit Inspire 3 offers a bit more in terms of manual control, featuring two buttons, one on each side, allowing for more direct input options and potentially quicker navigation.

Display, colour options, water resistance

Both fitness bands feature AMOLED displays, known for their vibrant colors and sharp contrasts. But the Huawei Band 8 boasts a 1.47-inch AMOLED colored 2.5D display, providing a larger screen real estate for easier viewing and interaction. The Fitbit Inspire 3, with its 1.4-inch AMOLED screen, offers a slightly smaller display. however, it still delivers the clarity and brightness that AMOLED technology is known for.

In terms of water resistance, both devices are equally matched, offering a water resistance rating of 5 ATM. This feature ensures that both the Huawei Band 8 and Fitbit Inspire 3 can withstand pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters, making them suitable for swimming and other water-related activities.

Finally, the color options for each device reflect their respective brand’s approach to style. The Huawei Band 8 comes in a range of vibrant colors, including Emerald Green, Magic Night Black, Cherry Pink, and Vibrant Orange. You could say the choices offering a more playful and diverse palette. The Fitbit Inspire 3, available in Midnight Zen, Morning Glow, and Lilac Bliss, opts for more subdued and calming tones. The should appeal to users who prefer a more understated look.

Sensor technology

As far as sensor technology, the Huawei Band 8 is equipped with an accelerometer, gyroscope, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and heart rate sensor. This tech offers a comprehensive suite for tracking various health and fitness metrics, making the Band 8 a versatile choice for users who are keen on monitoring a wide range of physiological data.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 features pretty much the same suit of sensors. So no real difference there.

The same applies to GPS connectivity. Both devices offer connected GPS functionality, meaning they rely on a connected smartphone to provide accurate location tracking. This feature is particularly useful for outdoor activities like running or cycling, where tracking distance and route is essential. However, neither device has built-in GPS, which could be a limitation for users who prefer to leave their phones behind during workouts.

Regarding NFC and music storage, the Huawei Band 8 and Fitbit Inspire 3 take different approaches. The Huawei Band 8 offers NFC capabilities, but only in its China variant. This feature allows for contactless payments and other NFC-based interactions, which can be a convenient addition for users in NFC-friendly regions. However, it lacks music storage capabilities, which means users cannot store music directly on the device for offline listening.

The Fitbit Inspire 3, on the other hand, does not support NFC in any of its variants. Like the Huawei Band 8, it also does not offer music storage, focusing instead on its core functionalities of fitness and health tracking.

Battery life

As you’d expect from a fitness band, the Huawei Band 8 and Fitbit Inspire 3 both offer impressive battery life. Either will cater to users who prioritize longevity in their wearable devices.

The Huawei Band 8, with its 180mAh Li-po battery, promises up to 14 days of usage under normal conditions and can sustain up to 9 days even with heavy use. This extended battery life is a significant advantage for users who prefer minimal charging interruptions, especially during extensive workout sessions or while tracking health metrics over extended periods.

On the other hand, the Fitbit Inspire 3, despite its advanced AMOLED display, manages to maintain an impressive battery life of up to 10 days. This is particularly noteworthy considering the upgrade in display quality from its predecessor, which often impacts battery performance.

Huawei Band 8 vs Fitbit Inspire 3: Technical specs

Here’s a detailed tech specs comparison table for the Huawei Band 8 and Fitbit Inspire 3:

Huawei Band 8 vs Fitbit Inspire 3: Features

As far as fitness tracking abilities, the Huawei Band 8 stands out with its support for 100 sports modes. It encompasses popular activities like running, cycling, and swimming. This extensive range makes it a versatile companion for various types of physical activities. Additionally, the Band 8 is equipped with automatic blood oxygen detection, women’s health management, and all-day stress monitoring, offering a comprehensive health tracking experience. Its TruSleep 3.0 sleep monitoring algorithm is designed to optimize sleep patterns, providing users with personalized recommendations for improving sleep quality. The TruSeen 5.0 sensor in the Band 8 continuously monitors heart rate and blood oxygen saturation, promising more precise data than its predecessor.

On the other hand, the Fitbit Inspire 3, while not as extensive in sports modes, includes the same activity and health tracking sensors, irregular heart rhythm notifications (FDA approved), and Active Zone Minutes. These features are geared towards providing essential health and fitness tracking, making the Inspire 3 a solid choice for everyday fitness monitoring. The Inspire 3’s focus on fundamental health metrics, combined with its upgraded display and form factor, positions it as a user-friendly and efficient fitness tracker.

Smartwatch-type features

In terms of smartwatch-type features, both devices offer connected functionalities but with different focuses. The Huawei Band 8 includes support for incoming messages from a connected smartphone, camera remote control, and music playback control. An NFC version is available in China for contactless payments, adding a layer of convenience for users in that region. The Fitbit Inspire 3, while lacking NFC capabilities, integrates well with the Fitbit ecosystem, offering insights into health and fitness performance through the optional Fitbit Premium membership.

Huawei Band 8 vs Fitbit Inspire 3: Price

Regarding pricing, the Huawei Band 8 and Fitbit Inspire 3 are positioned at different points in the market. The standard Huawei Smart Band 8 is priced at approximately $90, making it an affordable option for users seeking a feature-rich fitness tracker.

The Fitbit Inspire 3, priced at around $100, offers a balance of functionality and affordability, making it accessible to a broad range of users looking for a reliable fitness tracker with essential health monitoring capabilities. As mentioned, there is an optional premium subscription. This enhances the Fitbit experience by providing users with in-depth health insights, personalized guidance, and access to a comprehensive library of workouts and wellness content. But you get all the essentials as it is, so don’t need to fork out any additional cash.

Huawei Band 8 vs Fitbit Inspire 3: Final thoughts

Reflecting on the Huawei Band 8 and Fitbit Inspire 3, it’s evident that both devices bring decent health tracking capabilities to the table, albeit with their unique flavors. The Huawei Band 8 is notable for its expansive range of sports modes, appealing to those who engage in a variety of physical activities. Its comprehensive health features, including blood oxygen detection and advanced sleep monitoring, make it a strong contender for users who prioritize a wide array of fitness tracking options. And there’s the budget-friendly price.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 matches up closely in terms of health tracking, covering the basics. What sets it apart is its integration within the Fitbit ecosystem, which provides users with a seamless experience and additional insights into their health data. This device is particularly appealing for users who value a streamlined, intuitive interface and the established community and support that come with the Fitbit brand.

View on Huawei; View on Amazon (Huawei Band 8, Fitbit Inspire 3).

You may also be interested in:

Xiaomi Smart Band 8 vs Huawei Band 8
Huawei Watch Fit SE vs Band 8
Huawei Band 8 vs Honor Band 7
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs Fitbit Charge 6
Fitbit Sense 2 vs Versa 4 vs Charge 6

Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!