Comparing Shine and Flare
Both the Misfit Flare and Misfit Shine offer a stylish and functional approach to fitness and activity tracking. Providing convenience and utility to those who prioritize their health and wellness, these devices have made choosing the right activity tracker essential. Misfit, founded in 2011, has consistently delivered quality products, making a strong reputation for itself in the wearables industry.
In this article, we will explore the origins of these two devices, delving into their designs and build quality, features and functionality, user interface and user experience, and price and value. Furthermore, we will provide a helpful comparison of the similarities and differences between these two popular fitness trackers.
Design and Build
Misfit Flare
The Misfit Flare, released in 2017, utilizes a minimalistic design, providing a sleek appearance. The materials used for the Flare consist of an aluminum body, which is lightweight and durable. The device does not have a screen, instead featuring an LED display system that uses lights to indicate activity level and goal progress. The Misfit Flare has a weight of 8.5 grams, adding to its minimal feel and comfort for the user.
Misfit Shine
In contrast, the Misfit Shine, released in 2013, boasts a more traditional design, with a stainless steel body giving it a classic and polished appearance. Similar to the Flare, the Shine also lacks a proper screen but relies on a series of LEDs to display activity progress. The Shine weighs slightly more than the Flare, coming in at 9.4 grams.
Comparison of design and build quality
When comparing the Flare and Shine in terms of design and build quality, both devices display similarities in their minimalistic, lightweight, and LED-based design. However, the differences lie in the materials used and the resulting aesthetic. The Flare’s aluminum and modern design is aimed at those who prefer a more casual and sporty look, while the Shine’s stainless steel construction offers a stylish and classy option for users.
Features and Functionality
Misfit Flare
Notable features of the Misfit Flare include calories, distance, sleep, steps, and swim tracking. The device has a battery life of 4 months and is rechargeable. Flare is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, and connects via Bluetooth. However, the Flare does not have cellular, GPS, NFC, or Wi-Fi capabilities.
Misfit Shine
Similar to the Flare, the Misfit Shine also tracks calories, distance, sleep, and steps, but it does not have swim tracking capabilities. The Shine has a slightly longer battery life, at 6 months, but it is not rechargeable. Like the Flare, the Shine is also compatible with Android and iOS devices and connects via Bluetooth. However, the Shine shares the same limitations with the Flare, lacking cellular, GPS, NFC, and Wi-Fi functionalities.
Comparison of features and performance
Both devices offer similar features, with the main difference being the Flare’s swim tracking capabilities. Furthermore, the Flare’s rechargeable battery offers convenience and ease of use, compared to the Shine’s non-rechargeable battery. Both devices have comparable levels of compatibility and connectivity, with neither offering cellular, GPS, NFC, or Wi-Fi functionalities.
User Interface and User Experience
Misfit Flare
The Misfit Flare’s user interface and experience are centered around its LED display, which depends on lights to indicate activity progress. The device does not have a touchscreen, apps or customization options, and is primarily focused on basic fitness tracking. Compatibility with Android and iOS smartphones ensures a seamless experience for most users.
Misfit Shine
Much like the Flare, the Misfit Shine relies on its LED display for user interaction. The Shine also lacks touchscreen capabilities, apps, and customization options. The primary focus of the Shine is similar to the Flare, with basic fitness tracking at its core. Compatibility with Android and iOS devices ensures a smooth user experience.
Comparison of user interface and user experience
Both the Misfit Flare and Shine provide very similar user interfaces and experiences, with LED displays and basic fitness tracking at the forefront. Neither device offers touchscreen capabilities, apps, or customization, and both are compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
Price and Value
Misfit Flare
At a price of $59.95, the Misfit Flare is an affordable fitness tracker option for those looking to track their activities without breaking the bank. With its basic tracking features, compatibility, and rechargeable battery, the Flare offers good value for its price.
Misfit Shine
The Misfit Shine is priced slightly higher, at $70, but offers a similar set of features as the Flare. The stainless steel construction and classic design may be worth the slightly higher price for those seeking a more fashionable fitness tracker. However, the lack of a rechargeable battery may be a concern for some users.
Comparison of price and value
Comparing the price and value of the Misfit Flare and Shine, it is clear that both devices offer a decent range of features for their price range. With the Flare offering swim tracking and a rechargeable battery, it may be a better value for some users. However, the Shine’s classic design and stainless steel build offer a more stylish option for those willing to pay a bit more.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between the Misfit Flare and Shine will depend on personal preferences and priorities. The Flare’s additional swim tracking feature and rechargeable battery make it a more functional and convenient option, while the Shine’s classic stainless steel design provides a more elegant appearance. Both devices offer decent features and compatibility for their respective price points, ensuring that users will have a satisfactory experience with either fitness tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fitness tracker is more durable, the Misfit Flare or Shine?
Both the Flare and Shine offer similar levels of durability, with their respective aluminum and stainless steel bodies. However, stainless steel might provide slightly more durability as a material compared to aluminum.
Do either the Misfit Flare or Shine have a dedicated app?
Both Misfit Flare and Shine use the Misfit app available on Android and iOS for syncing and displaying activity data, as well as setting goals and tracking progress.
Are either the Misfit Flare or Shine waterproof?
Yes, both the Flare and Shine are water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making them suitable for swimming and other water-related activities.
Can the Misfit Flare and Shine track activities other than steps?
Yes, both devices track a variety of activities including calories burned, sleep, and distance traveled. Additionally, the Flare has a swim tracking function, while the Shine does not.
Do the Misfit Flare and Shine require a smartphone for usage?
While both the Flare and Shine can function without relying on a smartphone, syncing the devices with a compatible smartphone will unlock additional features, customization options, and a more detailed analysis of the collected data.
