Polar Ignite 3 : Smart Feature Ability Could be Better
If you are wondering if the Polar Ignite 3 has a strong smart feature ability, unfortunately that is not the case, and I will explain in detail in this article. If you are new to my articles, smart feature ability is where the smart watch provides some form of automation, and is very popular in the smart watch market. After conducting a series of tests, I have given the Polar Ignite 3 a very low rating, here is a summary of my final results.
| Level | Score | Rating |
| Basic | 2/5 | Weak |
| Intermediate | 2/5 | Weak |
| Advanced | 0/5 | Very Weak |
| Final Score | 4/15 | Weak |
As I reflect back on my final test results, the Polar Ignite 3 deserves it’s final rating of 4 out of 15. If you are someone that isn’t too worried about smart features, then the Polar Ignite 3, maybe ideal to you, however if smart features do matter to you then this article would be of interest to you.
In this article I will also explain how I go about testing the device for each category, and more importantly what I look for in a device. In the end I know that this information would be helpful to you before you make a decision to buy.
A Quick Summary of How I Test Devices.
This part is important, so I will keep it brief and to the point. This testing method is not the industry standard but is something that I have constructed based on the number of smart watches that I have tested. What I test for are features that are generally generic with all smart watch brands, like reply to messages, answer phone calls etc.
I will list list all the features I look for at each level, and list any features that are missing and show it in a table “available” and “not available”. I will only test the features that are available which can reflect on the final score.
In order for a smart feature to pass, I use the feature 5 times, and check to see if the features on offer perform reliably and constantly.
Basic Level : 2 out of 5
When it comes to the basic level smart features, the Polar Ignite 3 does not have all of the features that I test for at this level. Based on the smart features that I did get to test performed reliably and consistently and deserves it’s final rating of 2 out of 5.
| Available | Not Available |
| Set your alarm or timer | Find your phone |
| View messages | Reply to messages from watch |
| Do not disturb |
Verdict : Viewing messages is really nice, the size of the screen is nice too, but it’s real a pity you cant reply directly from the watch, like many smart watch’s out in the market. Do not disturb works just like every other device out there, I use it to activate my sleep tracking when going to sleep.
Intermediate Level : 2 out of 5
Just like the basic level test, the Polar Ignite 3 doesn’t quite have all of the features that I test for at this level. Based on the features that I did get to test, performed really well and it the device deserves it’s final rating of 2 out of 5. Here is a summary of what’s available at this level.
| Available | Not Available |
| Ability to answer phone calls | Ability to make phone calls |
| Ability to control music | Ability to contact emergency contact |
| Ability to lock out water | Contactless payment |
| Ability to save battery life |
Ability to answer phone calls : when receiving a phone call, you cant speak directly into the device, it can only control the phone app on your phone (which must be in Bluetooth range, if you are using the Bluetooth watch).
Ability to control music : The only option you have is controlling music that you play on your phone. You wont be able to store music onto your watch or build a playlist of music within the Polar flow app. Apart from that, music control is very useful.
Ability to save battery life : The Polar Ignite 3 does have a power saving setting, which is only used for saving battery life when doing any GPS tracking. For more information about this, check out my article Polar Ignite 3 : Is the power saver settings worth using?.
Verdict : Although the Polar Ignite 3 did not have all of the features to test, however using the features that are available, performed reliably and consistently. I personally not a big user when it comes to smart features, but hopefully there is enough information to make a call if the Polar Ignite 3 is the device for you.
Intermediate Level : 0 out of 5
Unfortunately the Polar Ignite 3 deserves its rating of 0 out of 5 at advanced level. If you want to know what I check for at advanced level, here is a list of things that I test for at this level.
- Ability to provide direction (similar to google maps, Petal maps)
- Ability to provide a magnetic compass
- Ability to measure air pressure
- Live stream to devices
- Ability to use gestures to quick access features
- Smart touch ability(interact with watch for disabled persons)
- Ability to connect to smart devices
- Ability to provide assistance (google, Alexa or Bixby)
Many of the Polar Ignite 3’s competition would have some of these features built in. Especially the Huawei GT3 Active, and the Huawei Watch Fit 2. However if you are someone that is looking to buy this device and dont really care about the advanced level smart features, then the Polar Ignite 3 is a good choice still.
How Does the Polar Ignite 3 Rate For Smart Features
The table below is a list of devices that I have tested for smart feature ability. A reasonable score in my opinion is a device that is rated at least a 7 minimum. But if you are someone that is looking for a device that offers something similar to is the Huawei GT3 Active.
The Huawei GT3 Active is also very strong in tracking workouts and can match the Polar Ignite 3. As a cheaper alternative the Huawei Watch Fit 2 is a good option. Just like the Huawei GT3 Active is very strong in tracking workouts, with a stronger battery life. I will be doing a comparison article on these watches in due course.
Final Conclusion
Thank you so much for reading and I hope you have learnt a lot about the Polar Ignite 3 smart feature ability. Based on it’s market value in terms of smart features, the Polar Ignite 3 deserves it’s final rating of 4 out of 15, You only have to look at the rating table that I provided, to get an idea where it sits in the market.
Does it really matter that the Polar Ignite 3 is rated very low? Well in my opinion the answer is no, and it all comes down to user intent. If you are someone that is looking to buy this device, take a look back in this article, and decide if you are okay with what the device has to offer. If you answered no, then it doesn’t matter, if the device is missing a few features you like then it does matter.
From a price perspective, the Polar Ignite 3 is fairly pricey. The Huawei GT3 Active is a device that’s at a similar price range here in New Zealand. The GT3 Active is a very good alternative because the device performs strongly in tracking workouts and smart features. I will be doing a comparison article soon which will explain why I believe that it’s a great alternative. Thank you for reading
