Activity Bracelets – Part 2

Activity Bracelets – Part 2

Denver BFH-15

This was the one of the two cheapest of the bracelets, which also was noticeable in different ways. The wristband clasp broke after three weeks of usage, the bracelet is the only one not specified watertight (IP67), just water resistant (IP65). Furthermore, this has the fewest functions of the tested bracelets.

On the positive, this bracelet is the lightest (11 grams) and smallest. It also doesn’t require a mobile phone to set up and use. Battery life is decent, lasts about a week if heat rate monitoring isn’t used too frequently.

As all the bracelets, the BFH-15 counts your steps and translates them to distance and calories burnt. It can also vibrate on incoming calls and display (part of) SMS text messages.

The heart rate can be checked by pressing the button on the display or by triggering via the accompanying mobile app.

Scores:

• Wrist band – 2 (Clasp broke and didn’t feel secure before either)
• Display unit – 3 (not waterproof, black/white, small)
• Battery – 3 (one week between charges at best)
• Features – 2

Denver BFH-16

This bracelet is somewhat like an older cousin to the BFH-15, quite similar in functions with small improvements. The price was almost the same and the quality feels the same. The clasp broke on this wristband too, but it could be repaired with the same type of spring-pin as most wristwatch clasps use.

It is rated waterproof but didn’t handle chlorinated water, like in most swimming pools, which is correct according to the rating (IP67) but not clearly stated. It dried out in a day and seems to have suffered no sustainable damage.

The BFH-16 has a color screen, which improves the visibility. Furthermore, it can measure your blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation. The sensor seems surprisingly correct when compared to a semi-professional blood pressure meter.

The accompanying app can keep track of your sleep status and you can set up notifications from a couple of well-known social media services in addition to text-messages and call notification.

Scores:

• Wrist band – 3 (clasp broke but works well and feels secure after repair)
• Display unit – 3 (waterproof to minimum standard, color display, quite “thick”)
• Battery – 2 (4-5 days between charges at best, blood pressure sensing drains battery)
• Features – 4