A Closer Look At The Mibro C3: The New Budget Smartwatch

The Mibro C3 is the latest addition to the Mibro series, and it stands as a worthy successor to the Mibro C2. This smartwatch shares a lineage with its predecessor watch that I reviewed before, the Mibro A2, offering budget-friendly options without compromising on essential features. As the smartwatch market continues to expand, the Mibro C3 enters with a competitive edge, boasting notable improvements and an attractive price point. The C3, at the time of this review, is priced at approximately $36, positioning itself as a compelling option in the affordable smartwatch category and bringing an upgraded experience.

As we delve deeper into this review, we’ll explore the watch’s design, user interface, display quality, performance, and a range of features that make it a noteworthy addition to the world of smartwatches. Intrigued to know what the Mibro C3 brings to the table in the sub $40? Let’s dive right in and explore what sets it apart from the crowd.

Mibro C3 Features

Design and Build Quality

The Mibro C3, the latest offering from Mibro, continues the tradition of combining style and sturdiness. At first glance, the Mibro C3 may appear quite familiar to those who have encountered its predecessor, the Mibro C2. The design language remains consistent, but there are subtle differences that make the C3 stand out. The Mibro C3 maintains its square watch face, which is a popular choice among smartwatches. It strikes a balance between a classic watch design and modern smartwatch functionality.

The combination of the square face and the raised frame gives it a unique character. Yes, as you heard. One notable change in the design is the more prominent frame. The frame now boasts a slightly raised profile, which not only adds to the aesthetics but also provides added protection to the watch face. This design choice makes the C3 feel more robust and secure.

Also, the watch maintains the use of polycarbonate (commonly known as plastic) for its frame, consistent with the C2 and A2 models. This choice helps keep the watch lightweight and comfortable to wear. However, the top section of the watch is made from metal, which reinforces durability. While the Mibro C3 predominantly uses plastic for its construction, it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The plastic materials are well-matched, and the metal top section adds a sense of durability to the watch. One aspect that reflects positively on the build quality is the physical button on the side of the watch. This button feels responsive and adds to the overall user experience.

Understanding the dimensions and weight of a smartwatch is crucial for comfort and practicality. The Mibro C3 strikes a balance between screen size and wearability. The watch measures 47mm in diameter, 39.5mm in width, and has a thickness of 11.4mm. These dimensions make it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes, ensuring that it doesn’t feel excessively bulky. Weighing in at just 45 grams, so, is exceptionally light. This featherlight design ensures that wearing the watch for extended periods doesn’t result in discomfort or fatigue.

The underbody of the Mibro C3 contains basic components, including sensors such as heart rate and SpO2 sensors for health tracking. It also houses the two-pin charging port, which offers a convenient and secure method of recharging the smartwatch. These sensors, combined with the microphone and speaker, enable a wide range of features. This addition allows for audio playback and even the ability to take phone calls directly from the watch.

The strap design of the Mibro C3 closely resembles that of the Mibro A2. Offers textured patterned straps with a slightly grayish tone ensuring that the watch remains firmly in place on your wrist, even during vigorous physical activities. These straps deviate from the plain and conventional strap designs commonly found in other smartwatches. Also provides a comfortable and secure fit and it’s easily replaceable with a 22mm QuickFit system, allowing users to customize their look. While the straps are made from plastic, they feel durable and well-constructed.

Waterproof

Before we dive into the specifics of the Mibro C3’s waterproofing, it’s essential to grasp the significance of water resistance ratings. The C3 boasts a rating of 2 ATM, which is durable and resistant to water at a depth of up to 20 meters. In simple terms, it allows the watch to withstand splashes, rain, and even brief immersion in shallow water. While it’s not meant for deep-water adventures, it’s perfect for those who want a smartwatch that can keep up with an active and sometimes wet lifestyle.

Also, If you have a leather or metal strap on your Mibro C3, it’s advisable to switch to a waterproof band for water-related activities. To ensure the longevity of your C3’s water resistance, it’s a good practice to rinse it with fresh water and dry it thoroughly after exposure to saltwater or chlorinated water. Given that the watch features a speaker and a microphone, it’s advisable to err on the side of caution and avoid exposing it to water whenever possible. By following these precautions, you can enjoy the Smartwatch for an extended period without concerns about water-related damage.

Display Quality

One of the key factors that can significantly enhance the user experience is the display quality. The Mibro C3, a budget-friendly smartwatch comes equipped with a TFT display. While TFT technology isn’t as advanced as AMOLED or IPS, it has its own set of advantages, especially in budget-friendly devices which is this display known for their durability and efficient power consumption, making them a sensible choice for a smartwatch.

The C3 boasts a 1.85-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 284 pixels. This size is quite suitable for a smartwatch, offering a good balance between readability and device compactness. The resolution, while not the highest in the market, provides clear and crisp visuals on the relatively small screen. One of the standout features of the Mibro C3’s display is its brightness. It offers excellent visibility even in outdoor, well-lit conditions. Whether you’re checking your notifications while on a sunny day walk or glancing at your workout stats during an outdoor jog, the screen remains easily readable. This is a valuable characteristic of a device designed for active individuals.

The Mibro C3 incorporates a 60Hz refresh rate for its display. This means that the screen refreshes 60 times per second, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience. Navigating through menus, tracking your workouts, or interacting with notifications feels fluid and seamless. The 60Hz display sets it apart from many other budget smartwatches that often feature lower refresh rates.

However, it’s essential to note that, due to its TFT nature, the Mibro C3 has some limitations when it comes to its “Always-On Display” (AOD) feature. Unlike AMOLED displays, which can provide an uninterrupted AOD with many dials, the C3’s AOD has its restrictions and is subject to a time limit. After a certain duration of inactivity, typically around 20 minutes, the AOD will turn off automatically, Also, I would have liked more Always On display options, but it has just two dials. You can choose between two different styles: an analog clock or a digital clock. This mode ensures you can check the time without fully waking the watch.

Additionally, it consumes a relatively higher amount of energy compared to the original AOD found in AMOLED displays. While this isn’t a deal-breaker for most users, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re concerned about battery life and prefer an AOD that remains active continuously. Despite these limitations, the Mibro C3’s overall display quality and smooth operation more than compensate for any minor drawbacks in the AOD feature.

Comparison with Mibro A2

For those familiar with the Mibro A2, it’s worth noting that the Mibro C3’s display quality exhibits some notable differences. While both models utilize TFT displays, the C3 seems to offer a smoother and more responsive screen experience. Users have reported that transitions and animations are noticeably improved on the C3, thanks to the 60Hz refresh rate.

Performance and User Interface

The Mibro C3 stands out as an affordable and feature-packed option. While its price tag may suggest it’s a budget-friendly choice, its user interface and operation are anything but basic. So, we will take an in-depth look at the Mibro C3’s user interface, controls, and overall operation to help you make the most of this impressive wearable.

The Mibro C3’s user interface is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. Upon powering on the device, you are greeted with a vibrant and responsive display. The primary means of interaction with the watch are the touchscreen and a single physical button located on the right side. Navigating through the watch’s features and functions is a breeze, thanks to its well-designed UI and Dual-core 2-in-1 chip that offers Low power consumption dual-core architecture improves the performance of the processor by 80% and 2.5D GPU empowers fluid dynamic wallpaper. So, The touch responsiveness is notably smooth, making interactions with the smartwatch effortless. Moving between menus and applications is seamless, and there is no noticeable lag in response time. This smoothness in navigation enhances the overall user experience, allowing users to access various features with ease.

• The Home Screen is your starting point and displays the selected watch face. It provides quick access to essential features like time, date, and battery status. You can customize the watch face to suit your style, choosing from a variety of pre-installed options.

• Pressing the button once while on the home screen brings up the app menu, allowing you to select specific functions, such as sports modes, heart rate monitoring, notifications, weather, music control, settings, and more. The App Drawer is designed for easy navigation and quick access to various functions.

• For Quick Settings Access swipe down from the Home Screen which is a control center that includes options like Do Not Disturb, Brightness, Battery Saver mode, and more. All this allows you to make instant adjustments.

Multi Watch Faces

The watch face is often considered the centerpiece of any smartwatch, and the Mibro C3 doesn’t disappoint in this department. The watch faces themselves are visually appealing, with some resembling high-quality AMOLED displays, despite the Mibro C3 using a TFT screen. One of the C3’s notable strengths lies in its diverse selection of pre-installed watch faces or download additional ones via the Mibro Fit app. This allows you to personalize your watch’s appearance to suit your style or mood. Whether you prefer a classic analog look, a digital display, or something more unique, the Mibro C3 has a face to suit your style. Moreover, if you seek a truly personalized touch, you can use your photos as a watch face background or select any wallpaper of your choice from the App, allowing for endless customization possibilities.

Watch faces on the Mibro C3 are not just about aesthetics; they’re about functionality too. These complications can show your weather forecast, or your daily step count, providing valuable data at a glance. For fitness enthusiasts, there are watch faces tailored to tracking workouts. These faces display real-time information such as heart rate, distance covered, and calories burned, making it incredibly convenient for those who want to monitor their progress during exercise.

Notifications & Messages

Smartwatches like the Mibro C3 have become indispensable tools, helping us stay on top of notifications and messages without constantly checking our phones. When you receive a text message or a messaging app notification on your paired smartphone, the C3 promptly mirrors it on its display. You can easily read the message’s content and the sender’s name and you can tap on it to read the full message or swipe it away to dismiss it. Whenever you receive a call on your smartphone, your smartwatch vibrates gently to alert you. The watch’s screen displays the caller’s name or number, allowing you to decide whether to accept or reject the call, all without taking your phone out of your pocket.

The Mibro C3 extends its notification support to a wide range of apps, from social media platforms to email clients. When you receive an alert from a supported app, the watch vibrates discreetly on your wrist. Swiping through these notifications is effortless, giving you quick access to the latest updates from your favorite apps. You can choose which apps are allowed to send notifications to your smartwatch, ensuring that you’re only alerted to what matters most to you.

One of the benefits of a smartwatch is its ability to synchronize notifications with your smartphone. The Mibro C3 excels in this regard, ensuring that when you read or dismiss a notification on your watch, it reflects the same status on your smartphone. This synchronization means you’re always up to date, whether you’re using your phone or your watch. There are times when you need peace and quiet. The Mibro C3 offers a “Do Not Disturb” mode that lets you silence notifications during meetings, sleep, or any other time you don’t want to be bothered.

Making and Receiving Calls

The Mibro C3 stands out from the crowd by offering a seamless calling experience. While many smartwatches merely notify you of incoming calls, this watch takes it a step further – it allows you to answer your smartphone calls directly from your wrist. All you need to do is sync your smartphone with the watch via Bluetooth 5.3 and when a call comes in, a button will appear on the watch’s screen. Simply tap it to answer the call. What sets the C3 apart is its integrated microphone and speaker. The microphone delivers remarkably clear sound, even in noisy environments like on the road, ensuring that your calls are audible and clear.

To enhance efficiency further, the smartwatch lets you save your important and frequently-called contacts, eliminating the need to sift through a lengthy contact list when you’re in a hurry. Additionally, it features a dial pad that enables you to make calls quickly and conveniently. With these calling capabilities, the Mibro C3 offers a practical solution for staying connected while on the go.

Sports and Fitness Features

The Mibro C3 offers a range of health and fitness tracking features, making it a valuable companion for those striving to lead a healthier lifestyle. In our assessment, the device performed reasonably well in tracking heart rate, sleep patterns, and stress levels during daily activities and workouts. While the accuracy of the C3’s tracking features is commendable for a budget-friendly smartwatch, it’s important to remember that it may not match the precision of specialized medical devices. Users should view the data provided by the Mibro C3 as informative and motivational rather than as medical diagnoses.

Heart Rate Monitoring

One of the fundamental health metrics tracked by the Mibro C3 is heart rate. The device uses its optical heart rate sensor to continuously monitor your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts. In our testing, we found that the C3 provides reasonably accurate heart rate measurements during daily activities. However, it’s important to note that, like most wrist-based heart rate monitors, it may have limitations during high-intensity activities.

During our workouts, the Mibro C3 generally performed well, providing heart rate data that was in line with readings from a chest strap heart rate monitor, which is considered the gold standard for accuracy. Nevertheless, users engaging in activities with rapid heart rate changes, such as interval training, may experience slight delays in heart rate readings.

Sleep Tracking Accuracy

Sleep tracking is another crucial feature for users looking to improve their overall health. The Mibro C3 claims to offer detailed sleep monitoring, including tracking of deep sleep, light sleep, and REM sleep stages.

In our assessment, the Mibro C3 provided useful insights into sleep patterns, including time spent in various sleep stages. Users can view their sleep data on the companion app, Mibro Fit, which provides a breakdown of sleep duration and quality. However, it’s important to remember that sleep tracking accuracy can vary between individuals, and the C3 might not be as precise as medical-grade sleep monitoring devices.

Stress Level Monitoring

The Mibro C3 features stress level monitoring, which aims to provide users with an indication of their stress levels throughout the day. The accuracy of this feature can be challenging to evaluate objectively since stress is a subjective experience. However, the device relies on heart rate variability (HRV) data to estimate stress levels.

HRV is a promising indicator of stress, with higher HRV associated with lower stress levels. During our testing, the C3’s stress level measurements appeared to align with our perceived stress levels. Nevertheless, this feature should be seen as a rough estimate rather than a precise medical measurement.

Activity and Fitness Tracking

The Mibro C3 supports various sports modes for tracking different activities and boasts an impressive selection of 70 sports modes, including running, cycling, and swimming. It also provides data on steps taken, distance covered, and calories burned during daily activities. For basic activity tracking, the Mibro C3 delivers reliable results. However, users should be aware that more advanced metrics, such as distance tracking, may not be entirely accurate, particularly in activities involving frequent changes in pace or direction. However, it lacks built-in GPS, which might be a limitation for outdoor lovers.

Bluetooth Connectivity & Pairing

The Mibro C3 features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to sync effortlessly with your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. With Bluetooth 5.3 technology, it offers a stable and efficient connection, ensuring that notifications, data, and updates are relayed promptly to your wrist. Pairing your smartphone with the Mibro C3 is a straightforward process. Simply activate Bluetooth on both your phone and the smartwatch, and they should automatically detect each other. Once connected, you can enjoy a range of functionalities, including call notifications, message alerts, and music control via the App.

Exploring the Mibro Fit App

To maximize the potential of your Mibro C3 Smartwatch, the Mi Bro Fit app comes into play. This dedicated app is available for both Android and iOS devices, making it a convenient hub for managing your smartwatch, so, you unlock an array of customization options and comprehensive health tracking tools.

Through the Mi Bro Fit app, you gain access to a wealth of features that enhance your Mibro C3 experience. Firstly, you can personalize your smartwatch with an array of watch faces to match your style and mood. Additionally, the app provides comprehensive insights into your health and fitness data, covering aspects like heart rate, sleep patterns, and stress levels. It also allows you to fine-tune your notification preferences, ensuring that you receive important updates without feeling overwhelmed.

Keeping your Mibro C3 up to date is a breeze with firmware updates accessible through the app. You can set and track fitness goals, receiving motivational reminders to stay active. The app provides a user-friendly interface to adjust settings such as brightness and screen-on duration, tailoring your smartwatch experience. While the Mibro C3 lacks built-in GPS, the app can step in to track your location via your paired smartphone, adding an extra layer of functionality.

Health Monitoring & Workout Data Analysis

Upon opening the App, you are greeted with a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The home screen provides an overview of your daily activity, including steps taken, calories burned, and your heart rate. The intuitive layout allows users to access essential information at a glance, making it suitable for both beginners and fitness enthusiasts. It offers real-time tracking of your heart rate, allowing you to monitor your pulse during exercise and rest. Additionally, the app integrates a pulse oximeter (SpO2) to measure blood oxygen levels accurately. Also, to understand the importance of quality sleep, the App includes a sleep-tracking feature. It monitors your sleep patterns, categorizing your sleep into deep, light, and REM phases. By analyzing this data, you can work towards improving your sleep quality and overall health.

For fitness enthusiasts, the Mibro Fit App offers an extensive range of workout data analysis tools. It records your physical activities, including running, cycling, and more. Detailed statistics, such as distance covered and duration, are provided, enabling you to track your progress and set new fitness goals.

Customization and Watch Faces

Personalization is a key aspect of the Mibro Fit App. Users can customize their smartwatch by selecting from a variety of watch faces available within the app. From classic analog designs to futuristic digital displays, there’s a watch face for every mood and occasion, the app caters to various style preferences. Also, You can create your own custom watch faces through the app, Add your favorite photos, inspirational quotes, or artwork to your watch face to make it truly unique.

Additional Features

Beyond its sleek design and fitness tracking capabilities, it boasts a range of additional features that truly set it apart from the competition. With voice assistants, multimedia control, a built-in calculator and calendar, and remote camera functionality, this budget-friendly smartwatch offers a remarkable array of tools and conveniences that cater to your everyday needs.

Voice Assistants (Bixby and Google Assistant)

One of the standout features of the Mibro C3 is its integration with voice assistants. Users can access Bixby (Samsung’s voice assistant) or Google Assistant directly from the watch. This functionality allows you to perform tasks, get answers, set reminders, and control smart home devices using voice commands without having to reach for your smartphone. It’s a convenient feature that enhances the watch’s utility.

Battery Life and Charging

In the market of smartwatches, one of the critical aspects that users often scrutinize is battery life. The Mibro C3, a budget-friendly and feature-rich smartwatch, has garnered attention for its promising specifications, and among them, its battery life stands out. First and foremost, let’s address the claimed battery life of the Mibro C3. Officially, this smartwatch boasts an impressive battery life of up to 10 days on a single charge. For a device in this price range, that’s a bold statement, and it raises our curiosity about whether it lives up to the promise.

To provide you with a more accurate picture of the Mibro C3’s battery life, we conducted extensive real-world testing. Our tests involved a variety of usage scenarios, from typical daily activities to more demanding tasks such as fitness tracking. Here’s what we found: In daily use, encompassing tasks like receiving notifications and light touchscreen interaction, the Mibro C3 consistently exceeded the 7-day mark, aligning with the manufacturer’s claim and reducing the need for frequent charging. For fitness aficionados, this smartwatch proved its mettle with extensive tracking, including heart rate monitoring, and enabled AOD. Although it might not achieve the full battery life, but, has 5 days of battery life during intense workout routines, and it still outshines many competitors in terms of endurance.

One of the reasons behind the Mibro C3’s outstanding battery performance is its efficient power management system. While using this smartwatch throughout the day, you’ll notice that the battery drain is minimal. This means you can rely on the C3 to stay powered up for an extended period, even with regular use. Another noteworthy feature is the smartwatch’s standby mode. When you’re not actively using the device, it can last up to an astounding 50 days! This is particularly impressive for those times when you may not need all the smart features but still want to keep the watch on your wrist.

Charging the C3 is a hassle-free experience by using a 2 PIN magnetic Pogo pin charging system, which simplifies the process. The magnetic connection ensures a secure fit, and it’s as easy as connecting the cable to the watch. Plus, the battery charges relatively quickly, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time using your smartwatch.

Final verdict

When it comes to smartwatches, the choices seem endless, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences. In the midst of this vast selection, the Mibro C3 emerges as a budget-friendly gem that offers a surprising array of features and capabilities. After a thorough review, it’s time to render a final verdict on this intriguing smartwatch. The C3 boasts an elegant design, enhancing its overall appeal with a 1.85-inch TFT display that impressively mimics the vibrancy and clarity of an AMOLED screen. Watchfaces are visually appealing, offering smooth animations, although it fall short of an always-on display due to the absence of AMOLED technology.

The smartwatch offers a full health monitoring suite, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen level measurement (SpO2), stress level tracking, and breath training exercises. While it excels in heart rate monitoring, its SpO2 readings can take a bit longer, up to a minute. The stress tracking feature is handy, and it also caters to women’s health with menstrual cycle tracking. The C3 supports various sports modes, including 70 sports types, allowing users to set specific goals for their workouts. However, it lacks built-in GPS, which might be a limitation for outdoor enthusiasts.

The user interface is notably improved, offering a smoother and more responsive experience. Navigation is seamless, and watch face changes occur without any noticeable lag. Notifications are more refined compared to previous versions. Other notable features include music control, a remote camera function, and customizable watchfaces. The watch’s battery life is commendable, promising up to 10 days of usage on a single charge.

Where to Buy Mibro C3

If you’re interested in purchasing the Mibro C3 smartwatch after reading this review, you can find it in the official Mibro store on AliExpress. The official price for this smartwatch is around $40. However, keep in mind that there might be occasional discounts or special offers available. To make it easier for you, we’ve included a direct purchase link to the Mibro C3 in the below article. Simply click on the link to visit the Mibro store and explore the product details further. Happy shopping!