Huawei TalkBand B5 Active bracelet - advantages and disadvantages

Appearance

Strap

The device was released in three variations: Active, Classic, Elite. In terms of their characteristics, they are absolutely identical, and their differences are only in the straps. The Classic comes with a leather option, while the Elite comes with a metal option. Huawei TalkBand B5 Active has a silicone strap in black and ice gray colors. Depending on the wrist, its length is adjustable from 14 to 21 cm. The 18 mm wide strap is soft, comfortable, and non-allergenic. It does not cause any discomfort not only during the day, but also during sleep.

Frame

The top of the case is made of 316L stainless steel, which is characterized by increased strength and ductility. On the inner plastic side, shaped to follow the curve of the wrist, there are optical sensors and two LEDs for illumination. The dimensions have increased compared to the previous model and are 58.2 * 23.3 * 12.9 mm. Weight of the device including the headset: 54.3 g. The international IP rating is 57 with a maximum rating of 69. These values ​​indicate excellent protection against dust and moisture and the ability to submerge the device to a depth of 1.5 meters.

The case is equipped with only three buttons: one for control and two for removing the capsule. The control button allows you to reset the training mode, accept and reject incoming calls, and make a call, although only to selected 10 numbers included in your contacts.

Huawei TalkBand B5 Active

Bluetooth headset

A capsule is inserted into the case, which when removed turns into a Bluetooth headset. It has a built-in ear pad and speaker, and is also equipped with a display, microphone holes, a magnetic insert for easy installation in the case, and a micro USB input. Its dimensions are 44.1*20*11.9 mm. Weight 14.3 g.

The headset helps free your hands when taking calls, plus there is no need to constantly wear it in your ear. It is very easy to remove from the bracelet and put back in.

Externally, all parts of the fitness tracker are qualitatively assembled from excellent materials. The elegant design looks attractive and stylish.

Screen and interface

The 13-inch full-color AMOLED touchscreen display delivers clear, bright images with deep blacks, even in direct sunlight. Compared to the previous model, it has increased by 2.4 times, which has significantly improved the work with information. The touch screen with a resolution of 300*160 is protected by rounded and shockproof Full arc 2.5D glass.

The interface is quite simple, one might even say primitive. All control is carried out using swipes on the touchscreen and a button located on the side. It is also very convenient to flip by turning your wrist, freeing up your other hand. Although you can’t please everyone, and for some, constantly changing the image on the screen with every movement of your hand is tiring.

On the display, in addition to the time, you can find out the weather forecast, general statistics of activity and rest, which includes steps taken, sleep phases, heart rate, evaluate your workouts and view calls.

The main menu offers you to choose from more than a dozen different watch faces, adjust the brightness and background and other display parameters:

• Choose a workout mode that offers 4 exercise modes: outdoor running, treadmill, walking and riding. Unfortunately, the device contains a small selection of modes, unlike, for example, Apple, in which their number reaches 25 categories, including yoga, stretching, breathing and even rowing. There is no automatic detection of the type of sports activity, so each time you need to set the desired mode;
• view notifications, no more than 100 characters. If it contains more characters, it will not be displayed in full;
• set reminders and alarms;
• listen to voice messages;
• control the player and camera on a synchronized smartphone. When taking photos, touching the smart bracelet triggers the camera shutter, which is very convenient for selfies. True, these actions are only compatible with HUAWEI phones running no older than EMUI 4.1;
• detect your lost phone using the Anti-lost function, the use of which makes the device ring even in silent mode.

The device is equipped with useful technologies:

1. HUAWEI TruRelax allows you to assess your stress levels by monitoring your heart rate and offering breathing exercises.
2. HUAWEI TruSleep 2.0 monitors all sleep cycles and creates a hypnogram that includes four stages: light and deep sleep, REM and wakefulness. These indicators are very important, since good sleep is the key to health. Sleep quality is analyzed by measuring heart rate. Based on the data received, you can adjust your further actions.
3. TruSeen 2.0 measures your heart rate 24 hours a day and provides training statistics provided by your smartwatch.
4. Based on Firstbeat calculations, HUAWEI TalkBand B5 monitors stress and sleep quality and provides a detailed performance assessment with recommendations for restoring the body.
5. The built-in GPS module, communicating with satellites, allows you to view the routes taken in real time, indicating speed, distance and trajectory.

Detailed viewing of indicators and all other settings are made on a smartphone with an operating system no lower than Android 4.4 or IOS 9.0 using the Huawei Health application. The fitness bracelet connects to the smartphone via the updated Bluetooth 4.2, operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz.

Reviews

In the summer of 2021, a new Huawei device was released, which is two devices in one.
This is a fitness tracker and a Bluetooth headset at the same time. Conveniently, the capsule is removed from the bracelet and can be used to talk on the phone. Meanwhile, the device will continue to analyze the owner’s steps. At the end of the conversation, you don’t need to think about where to put the capsule, but simply put it back into the bracelet. Main features of the model
In addition to the innovations that appeared on the display, the audio headset of the device itself has also undergone improvements. A new microphone has been installed, equipped with a special noise reduction system. This has a good effect on sound quality. To make the Bluetooth function as practical as possible, a triple-core audio chip is used, which has a good effect on sound quality. This model is supplied in a small plastic box, it looks expensive and reliable.

Inside the bracelet is like on a pedestal - a special stand is used. It is immediately clear that the new product opens up many new possibilities, for example, there is a phone detection function. Its search is limited only by the distance at which Bluetooth operates. Also new is the ability to control the smartphone camera remotely. This feature will be a real discovery for photography enthusiasts. On the box itself there are main pictograms indicating the main features of the device.

Since the functions of a fitness tracker are important for many, in this model manufacturers have tried to improve sensors designed to monitor activity during sleep, training, walking, etc. Therefore, the accuracy of measurements here is at a high level. The device battery is 108 mAh. The charge lasts up to 5 days if you use the device as a fitness bracelet. If you use it only for talking on the phone, the battery will last for 5-6 hours. On the back of the package, in addition to the characteristics, there is also a QR code for downloading a proprietary application.

In addition to the tracker itself, the box contains instructions, a charging cable and a main silicone strap.

There are two modifications of TALKBAND B5 - a sports version (has a black strap made of silicone) and a business plan model with a chic strap made of genuine leather. The latest version also features a gold body. The model has excellent moisture protection, so immediately after training you can go to the shower without removing the tracker. This function is also convenient for swimmers, because you can also swim without removing the bracelet.

There is a special sports mode in which you can select the appropriate type of workout. Thanks to the GPS module, the device plots the route traveled. To call someone, you need to add contacts using the application.

To answer the caller, simply press two buttons that are designed to remove the capsule, and you can immediately talk to the person calling.

Model parameters

• Display with already proven Amoled matrix. The size of 1.13 inches is significantly larger than its predecessors. Covered with 2.5 D glass. The screen resolution of 300×160 ppi allows you to conveniently read incoming notifications from your smartphone.
• 3-core Cortex m4 processor.
• Built-in memory - 1 GB, RAM 384 MB.
• Built-in GPS module.
• Bluetooth version 4.2 is supported.
• Dimensions are 58.2 mm long, 23.3 mm wide, and 12.9 mm thick.
• The minimum length of the bracelet is 14 cm, and the maximum is 21 cm (depending on adjustment).
• The capsule separately from the bracelet is smaller in size. Its length is 44 mm, width 20 mm, and thickness 12 mm. It weighs little - just over 14 grams. Therefore, it is convenient to use as a headset.
• The gadget has a dual purpose, so the headset has undergone improvements. Thanks to the new microphone, which suppresses noise, the interlocutor can be clearly heard during a phone conversation. And such features as identifying the caller and muting the call make the device still in demand as a headset.
• The 108 mAh battery ensures long-term operation in both modes - headset and fitness tracker.
• Compatible with Android 4.4+, as well as iOS 9.0.

Useful features

• TruRelax is a very convenient function that monitors the pulse, takes into account the health status of the owner and, if necessary, can offer a workout aimed at relaxing and restoring normal heart rhythm.
• TruSleep 2.0 is a special feature that helps monitor sleep at all stages, including the deep sleep stage. For this purpose, a study of the cardiopulmonary dynamic spectrum is carried out.
• TruSeen 2.0 continuously monitors the heart throughout the day, controlling its performance during walking, running and other activities. In addition to the standard set of operations (calculating the number of steps, distance), the tracker has the ability to change the training plan and indicate the approximate time required for recovery, taking into account data on the state of the rhythm.

Other functions

• Call notification with information about the caller.
• Notification about incoming messages (SMS, instant messengers).
• Listening to audio tracks using a headset.
• Constant heart rate monitoring.
• Reminder for prolonged periods of inactivity.
• Watch.
• Multifunctional alarm clock.
• Remotely turn on the camera on your phone.
• Search for a smartphone within bluetooth range.

Appearance of the device
The design of Talkband B5 is laconic. Both the capsule and the strap are well thought out and therefore complement each other favorably. The case of this model is slightly curved, which helps the bracelet to fit correctly on the hand. Therefore, the silicone bracelet grips your wrist tightly enough to prevent the tracker from moving or sliding, but not so tightly that it is uncomfortable.

The front side of the gadget is made of metal, and the back is made of plastic. The manufacturer's logo is located on the back panel. An optical sensor is also placed there to determine the owner’s heart rate. This model has two buttons on the sides, pressing which allows you to release the capsule from the bracelet. The strap can be chosen from two options. There is leather and regular silicone. The headset design has a built-in ear pad, speaker, two holes for a microphone, and a magnetic insert for installation in the case. There is also a USB port at the bottom.

The display of the device is large enough, bright and has excellent viewing angles. All these factors affect the ease of use of the gadget. Even in cloudy weather or under bright sunlight, all notifications and other data are clearly readable on the display. The interface is simple and suitable even for a not very advanced user.

Here it’s easy to scroll through sections in the menu, choosing what you need to view - pedometer data, training statistics, sleep statistics, etc. Control is easy thanks to the touch screen. In the display settings, you can not only adjust its brightness, but also set different screensavers.

There are a lot of tasks in the settings menu, but it is easy to navigate and select the one you need. Just click on it to select. Those features that are not immediately available on the device can be controlled remotely using an application on the phone.

The Talkband B5 comes with three ear pad options. They vary in size so that each user can choose an insert that is suitable for all parameters.

The device has an on/off button, other operations are performed using the touch screen. The selection of functions is carried out by swiping up or down, depending on the need. Using the same movement to the right or left, you can go back one step in any section of the menu. The touchscreen works easily, without freezing, there is no need to repeat the action several times in a row. The sensor responds instantly.

The user will be notified of incoming messages and other notifications using soft vibration. Owners of smartphones with Android OS can configure which notifications to display and which not. There is no such feature for iOS users. The owner receives notifications not only about smartphone alerts. The fitness tracker monitors the state of heart rate and physical activity, so if there is prolonged inactivity, it will notify the user about this.

The device cannot independently determine that a workout has started, so you must enable the function of running or other loads before starting. In this case, you can set certain goals - the distance to be covered, the required number of calories burned, etc.

During training, the pulse is displayed on the screen, which makes it easier to control it and reduce the load in time. Extensive functionality allows this model to be used not only by sports fans, but also by professional athletes.

Application
The application is suitable for modern gadgets that were released approximately within the last three years. For normal operation, you need at least Android version 4.4 and iOS 9.

The application provides information about the user’s state during sleep - its beginning and end, various phases, and pulse. And here you can find detailed information about all the training sessions carried out. When running on the simulator, it was found that the distance was displayed with high accuracy. The error is a fraction of a percent.

The bracelet can be used as a remote control to take photos. The sound when talking on the phone using Talkband B5 is very clear and clear. Therefore, the device fulfills its intended purpose 100%. But using a headset you can do more than just receive calls. To make calls in the application, you will need to set up a group and enter specific phone numbers. The application will also save call history, which is very convenient for the user, because you can quickly dial any phone number from the history. In addition to the above, the gadget is intended for listening to music.

For Talkband B5 there is data on the correct heart rate during certain workouts and in rest mode. The user can set the upper and lower limits of the heart rate limit. If during training or in rest mode the rhythm becomes higher, the owner will be notified about this. Just like if the rhythm drops below normal. In the application, you can not only configure alerts and other parameters, but also update the firmware.

Conclusion

Talkband B5 has a lot of functions. The main advantage of this version is the successful combination of two types of devices - a fitness tracker and a Bluetooth headset. The filling and characteristics are at a fairly high level. As well as the quality of workmanship and materials. The design of the model deserves special attention, since it is thought out in detail and therefore convenient. Accurate measurements, excellent sound and a bright display make the device an excellent assistant in everyday life.

The functionality of the device is quite good. Protection from water has a beneficial effect on increasing the service life of the device and expanding its capabilities. This gadget is suitable for active business people who value their time. It is especially convenient for those who often make phone calls and at the same time prefer a headset over a smartphone. At the same time, its use is suitable for professional and amateur athletes to monitor their health, as well as the loads achieved during training. The only negative is that the device cannot independently set the type of workout.

Huawei Huawei TALKBAND B5

Huawei Health apps

The application analyzes the user's activity, counting the number of steps, measuring the distance traveled or traveled, and also analyzes the number of calories burned and time spent. With the help of a fitness bracelet, the heartbeat is monitored so as not to exhaust the body and stop sports activities in time.

Huawei Health displays information in great detail in the form of tables and charts, which do not look as attractive as Apple’s fitness bracelets, but the result is visible and quite accurate.

Data collected by Huawei Health can be sent to multiple servers, such as Google Fit. Jawbone UP and MyFitnessPal, for deeper monitoring of physical activity.

The program infuses notifications, adds alerts, and updates the firmware for the device.

Like most Huawei Health applications, you can select and download it from the Play Market.

Performance and autonomy

Huawei TalkBand B5 has a 3-core cortex m4 processor, which performs fast data processing. The smart watch has 1 MB of built-in memory and 512 KB of RAM.

Autonomy is provided by a 108 mAh lithium-ion battery. The battery, even compared to previous models, cannot be said to hold a charge for a long time. The time of using the bracelet as a fitness tracker with the HUAWEI TruSleep application turned off without recharging can reach 3.5 days, and with it turned on about 3 days. Talk time using a Bluetooth headset is reduced to 6 hours. The device is fully charged in 2-3 hours.

Do you need a bluetooth headset now?

In fact, in our age of TWS headphones, which do not require any wires, are simply inserted into the ears and automatically connect to the smartphone, having a separate headset no longer makes much sense. Nowadays, no one needs a gadget that is only needed to talk on the phone. It’s much easier to use headphones, especially since some of them are very inexpensive, but you can simply take them out of the charging case and you can even listen to music or talk on the phone.

In the case of Huawei Talkband B6, we have a slightly different device. First of all, this is a fitness bracelet that can perform all the functions of a tracker and a watch, but when necessary, it will turn into a headset. Some smartwatches offer the ability to answer calls, but you will have to talk in speakerphone mode, and this is not always convenient. Immediately you just need to take the earphone out of the bracelet, insert it into your ear and you can talk. There's something about it. Let's discuss this in our Telegram chat. I'm interested in your opinion.