The itel ICON 3 smartwatch enters the market as an ultra-affordable option for those seeking a smartwatch experience without a hefty price tag — it costs just ₹1,699. Let’s dive into a more detailed review to see where it excels and what compromises it makes.

Design and build

• Appearance: The itel ICON 3 takes a classic rectangular smartwatch approach, resembling budget-level competitors. While not groundbreaking, the design is clean and should appeal to a wide range of users.
• Materials: The watch is primarily constructed of plastic, offering lightweight comfort but lacking the premium feel of metal alternatives. The included silicone strap is comfortable enough for daily wear.
• Durability: The IP67 water resistance provides basic protection against splashes and rain but isn’t suitable for swimming. The overall build quality feels decent for its price range but may be susceptible to light scratches.

Display

• AMOLED Advantage: The 2.01-inch AMOLED display is undoubtedly the highlight of the itel ICON 3. The colours are vibrant, the contrast is excellent, and the 500-nit peak brightness ensures good outdoor visibility.
• Touchscreen: The touchscreen is reasonably responsive, navigating menus and taps with reasonable accuracy.
• Customisation: With over 170 watch faces, there’s plenty of room to customise the look to match your style.

Functionality

• Bluetooth calling: The star feature of this watch is the included speaker and microphone for handling phone calls right from your wrist. Clarity is surprisingly good for this level of device.
• Health monitoring: The itel ICON 3 keeps track of basic health metrics:
  1. Heart rate: 24×7 tracking for resting and active heart rate.
  2. SpO2: Provides blood oxygen level readings.
  3. Sleep tracking: Records sleep stages (light, deep, REM), though accuracy may vary.
• Smart features (limited): Beyond calls and basic health monitoring, smartwatch options are limited. You’ll get notifications for calls, SMS, and some apps, but no advanced integration or third-party app support.
• Navigation: Features a functional crown for easier menu navigation.

Battery life

The itel ICON 3 delivers a solid battery life for a smartwatch at this price point. Expect several days under normal usage and up to 15 days on standby mode. Charging times are average.

Should You Buy It?

The itel ICON 3 exists in a highly competitive market. Its best selling points are:

• Price: It’s hard to beat the value proposition.
• AMOLED display: Provides great visuals for the cost.
• Bluetooth calling: A handy feature rarely found at this price point.

However, be aware of these compromises:

• Build quality: Feels a bit flimsy compared to more expensive options.
• Limited functionality: It’s primarily a basic tracker and notification extender.
• Accuracy: Health sensor readings shouldn’t be relied upon for medical purposes.

The verdict

If you’re looking for a stylish, cheap smartwatch for basic activity tracking, notifications, and the occasional phone call, the itel ICON 3 offers surprising value. Don’t expect mind-blowing performance or a breadth of features, but within its price range, it’s definitely worth consideration.

Also read: itel P55T Review; A surprisingly capable budget smartphone