Situatie
Almost all smartwatches and bands these days have heart rate sensors. Budget smartwatches and bands rely on optical heart rate sensors for measuring the heartbeat. The optical sensor reflects low-intensity infrared light on your wrist and uses the variation in reflection to detect the blood flow and heartbeats.
However, there have been instances wherein smartwatch manufacturers have been found using a fake heart rate sensor. Whereas, in other cases, the sensor is sub-standard and cannot be relied upon for accuracy. Below are some quick methods through which you can find whether the heart rate monitor on your smartwatch or fitness band is real or fake.
Solutie
Method 1- Look for Fake or Dummy Heart Rate Sensor on Smartwatch
Many generic smartwatches or smart band OEM’s have been selling their products with fake heart rate sensors. The real heart rate sensor has at least two LEDs including a green and infrared (IR) light and a sensor between the two. So, look for the sensor at the watch’s rear.
If your smartwatch or band only has two LEDs without any sensor, then the manufacture has used ordinary LED lights that mimic a photoelectric heart rate sensor but in reality, are fake. The heart rate component, in general, is not expensive. Smartwatches or bands from well-known brands usually have genuine heart rate sensors.
Method 2- Check Heart Rate Fluctuation During Exercise
The easiest method to find if your smartwatch or fitness band has a fake heart rate sensor is by checking if it fluctuates during exercise. The normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Running or working out elevates the heart rate to around 110 to 140.
So, wear the watch or band, go for a run for at least five minutes and then check the heart rate reading. If the fitness band has fake heart rate sensor, it’ll keep showing the normal readings even if you’ve just finished a vigorous exercise.
However, if your smartwatch is showing a higher than normal heart rate or has been fluctuating throughout the exercise, it likely has a real heart rate sensor.
Method 3- Check Heart Rate Sensor Accuracy With Pulse Oximeter
You can use a Pulse Oximeter to check the accuracy of your smartwatch or fitness band’s heart rate monitor. All you need to do is wear the watch or band and attach a Pulse Oximeter to your finger. Start the heart rate monitor and compare the data.
Method 4- Check Heart Rate Sensor Accuracy With Digital BP Monitor
Alternatively, you can use a digital blood pressure machine to check the accuracy. The BP machine straps on your hand and gives a tad more accurate pulse readings. You’ll usually find it at an hospital or a doctor’s clinic.
Wear your smartwatch or band on your wrist and attach the blood pressure monitor strap to your hand. Start measuring the pulse rate on the BP monitor and your smartwatch. Keep checking the data in both devices for at least five minutes to see the data fluctuation. You can then benchmark your watch or band’s heart rate monitor against the machine readings.
Some watches have wear detection feature which helps them find if they’re actually worn on a wrist. When you try to measure heart rate without wearing these watches, you’ll see error messages and instructions to wear it correctly or clean the sensor.
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