What are smart scales and how to choose them correctly: rating-review of floor-standing models with a body analyzer

Smart scales - what is it?

Smart scales, also known as smart scales, are a technologically advanced device that allows you to accurately measure body parameters and composition, and automatically store, monitor and analyze them using a compatible mobile application running on a smartphone or tablet. This is possible thanks to a Bluetooth connection. Smart scales belong to the group of so-called analytical scales - they allow you to track your progress and control not only body weight, but also muscle mass, the amount of fat tissue, water levels in the body and BMI (body mass index).

Smart scales are a modern mobile device created not only for the purpose of scrupulous weight control. It also aims to motivate you to change your lifestyle, take care of your figure, eat a healthy diet and monitor your health so that you can avoid serious diseases for which being overweight or obese .
This includes diabetes, hypertension, heart and circulatory diseases, degeneration of the musculoskeletal system, as well as depression and withdrawal from social life. All of them are recognized as diseases of civilization.

How do smart scales work?

How is it possible that a smart scale can accurately determine , for example, your body fat level ? This is done using bioelectrical impedance. Special sensors on the scales send an electrical signal that travels through the body from one foot to the other. Due to the physiological difference in transit time through fat tissue and body water, its percentage can be calculated. In addition, smart scales can be individually programmed. Enter your age, height and gender and the device will help calculate your BMI, daily energy requirement and recommended calorie intake. Additionally, interoperable smartphone and tablet apps integrate information and provide tips on how to take care of your health, fitness, and figure.

Smart scales - the most important functions

Depending on the model, smart scales can come with a variety of features that make it easier to take care of your figure and track your progress. The basic version of the device allows: ● measurement of body weight in various units (kg, pounds), ● measurement of adipose tissue, ● determination of body composition, which includes: muscle mass, amount of water in the body, bone mass, ● calculation of BMI, ● access to mobile an application that allows you to save data, track progress and create graphs.

Smart scales, which are more advanced, in addition to counting fat content, can also determine the amount of fat in the stomach and the degree of fatty tissue in the internal organs (visceral fat tissue). In addition, they have the ability to create profiles of multiple people (up to 16), which are automatically recognized once you switch to the scale. Thanks to this, the device can be used by the whole family or study group.

Some smart scales have a special profile for pregnant women. Monitoring your health is especially important for expectant mothers. Taking care of proper weight gain helps prevent unpleasant ailments during pregnancy, such as hypertension, gestational diabetes or back pain. For parents of babies, on the contrary, the function of weighing yourself with the child is useful.

Smart scales also feature the functionality of the included mobile apps for your smartphone or tablet. In addition to saving data and tracking progress, they allow you to create goals, plans, record important vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, glucose concentration), count steps and calculate daily energy needs.

Analytical balances also have functions other than measuring body weight. Thanks to a Wi-Fi connection, they can indicate local weather, indoor and outdoor temperatures, and measure air humidity. Therefore, they play the role of a digital hygerograph.

How to choose

There are many models of electronic scales on the market for measuring body composition, differing in the accuracy of the readings and the set of characteristics. Their cost can vary from 1.5 to 100 thousand rubles. In this case, the price tag is influenced not only by the quality of the materials used, but also by the presence of functions such as automatic personal identification, smart control, the ability to determine metabolic age and calculate the percentage of hydration. However, when choosing analyzer scales, you should not focus solely on the number of characteristics, because for some people they may simply not be useful. Here are some practical tips to help you choose a quality device with high reading accuracy:

1. Materials from which the platform is made. There are no restrictions on materials as such, but they must be of high quality and durable. If the plastic is too thin and bends under body weight, this is a bad sign. You should also avoid devices with gaps, loose parts and “loose” trim on the front panel.
2. Maximum load. Any scale with an analyzer has a weight limit. Most often the maximum is 150 kg, but there are also models up to 270 kg.
3. Wireless connection for connecting to a computer or smartphone. Another useful feature that helps display data about your body on the screen of a computer or smartphone. There are two types of wireless communication - via Wi-Fi and via Bluetooth. They, in turn, differ in cost and range. Scales with a Wi-Fi module will be able to transmit information to several devices in different rooms at once. But Bluetooth has a limitation of 9-10 meters and works with only one device at a time.
4. Availability of memory and automatic identification. Some scales have the ability to recognize a person. They help you find out how much the indicators have changed since the last weigh-in and whether there has been any visible progress. If several people in the family use scales, then you should choose a model with maximum memory (from 2 users).
5. Determination of the amount of fat in the body. It is not enough to simply determine the amount of fat in your body. It is necessary to know its relationship with other indicators and see the required norm. A useful option is to measure visceral fat, which accumulates around the abdominal cavity.
6. Determination of the proportion of muscle tissue. In addition to measuring fat, you also need to consider the amount of muscle mass in the body. After all, a healthy body is where muscles are in good shape and predominate over fatty tissue. A pleasant addition can be the determination of the weight of the bone frame.
7. Calculation of percentage of hydration. Determining the amount of water in the body is another useful ability of analyzer scales. Helps to find out whether there is excess fluid or lack of it.

Remember that any fitness scale has a small error in calculation - about 10-15%. To achieve the most objective results, you must weigh yourself on an empty stomach or 2-3 hours after eating. It is also recommended not to drink water during the examination and not to touch the device with wet hands. By following the general rules and safety regulations, the percentage of error is minimized.

Who are smart scales suitable for?

Smart scales were created primarily for people who want to lose extra pounds, build muscle, or actively engage in sports. However, it is recommended to almost everyone who cares about leading a healthy lifestyle and taking care of their health. Increasing self-awareness and knowing your body is important for preventing disease and living longer. Smart scales can be used in every home and can replace traditional scales.

Smart scales and dream figure

Smart scales will help you achieve your dream figure . Anyone who's serious about losing weight knows that it's not just your body weight that matters, but also the amount of fat, muscle, and water in your body. Analytical scales allow you not only to calculate the listed parameters, but also to track, save and compare them. Additionally, the apps allow you to record distance traveled, steps, calories burned and motivate you to continue. Losing weight with the help of smart scales is certainly easier and more enjoyable than with classic scales.

The value of the received parameters

The leading role in assessing a person’s condition is played not so much by weight as by the ratio of all components: fat, muscles, bones, water, etc. Body mass index is calculated conditionally, without taking into account age, physical fitness, etc. Often the doctor visually evaluates these parameters and speaks of excess weight as evidence of a high percentage of fat in the body. To independently determine your body composition using smart scales, we focus on the indicators listed below.

1. Fat content:

Men

Women

2. Water content:

• men 50-65%;
• women 45-60%.

3. The normal level of muscle mass should be about 75% of weight. Muscle tissue helps burn fat, increasing the metabolic rate in the human body, participates in metabolism and makes all organs work.

4. The bone mass indicator takes into account the mineral composition of the bones. People suffering from osteoporosis or its initial signs (osteopenia) should carefully monitor this parameter. On average, in a healthy person it is 2.66-3.69 in men and 1.95-2.95 in women, depending on body weight.

5. Many fat analyzers evaluate physical physique, its values ​​mean:

• 1 - hidden fullness;
• 2 - full;
• 3 - dense build;
• 4 - trained;
• 5 - normal;
• 6 - muscular;
• 7 - thin;
• 8 - thin and muscular;
• 9 - highly developed muscles.

What should you consider when choosing a smart scale?

Before you choose a smart scale, it's worth thinking about the goals you want to achieve with it . People who want to lose extra pounds should pay attention, first of all, to whether the scale shows the content of total and visceral fat and what is the accuracy of the measurement. It’s good if the app attached to it indicates your daily calorie needs and motivates you to work on yourself. Analytical balances are the ideal solution for this type of need.

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In addition to its elegant design, the scale measures several parameters that are most important to the body. The scale connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. The scale measures body weight and calculates various body composition data such as BMI, body fat ratio, muscle mass, muscle mass, bone mass, body fluids and visceral fat score.

However, for people who are building muscle mass or want to monitor their health, it is better to focus on the BMI calculation function and indicators of muscle mass and body water level. The included app should measure steps, allow blood pressure, heart rate and glucose measurements to be saved, and generate reports that can be shown to a doctor during a follow-up visit, for example.

It is also worth paying attention to how many people can create their own individual problem and monitor their progress. Some smart scales allow 4 people to do this, others even 16 . It is also important that the material is made from the device and that it has a non-slip surface that makes it easier to enter and maintain balance on the scale.

Inexpensive models

Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2

Smart Scale 2 is one of the most popular and sophisticated smartwatches from Xiaomi. They may not be as feature-rich as some devices from more established brands, but they sell for about half the price of leading brands.

Main characteristics of Xiaomi Mi Body Composition Scale 2

The device connects via Bluetooth and the Mi Fit application to devices running iOS and Android operating systems. Detailed graphs let you track your weight and other metrics over time. Mi Body Composition Scale 2 supports up to 16 users, recognizes each of them by weight and stores the data in their personal profiles.

The definition of 13 indicators is supported:

• Weight
• Body mass index
• Amount of fat
• Water content
• Muscle mass
• Visceral fat (fat in organs)
• Protein content
• Bone mass
• Basal Metabolism
• Body age
• Ideal body weight
• Body Shape
• General health assessment

Where can I buy?

It is most profitable to order this model on Aliexpress. There it can be purchased for $22 (1,600 rubles or 600 hryvnia). Go to the store.

Prices in local stores are as follows:

Huawei Smart Scale 3

Smart Scale 3 is a new generation of smart scales from HUAWEI. To determine body composition, the scale uses the HUAWEI TruFit algorithm, developed by the manufacturer together with the Hefei Institute of Physical Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The algorithm is based on artificial intelligence technology, which allows you to obtain the most accurate information about body composition.

Main characteristics

Huawei Smart Scale 3 can automatically recognize up to 10 users. There is a guest mode and measurement of 11 basic body indicators:

• Weight;
• BMI (Body Mass Index);
• Body fat level;
• Body weight without fat;
• Skeletal muscle mass;
• Percentage of water in the body;
• Amount of protein;
• Bone mineralization;
• The amount of visceral fat;
• Basal metabolic rate;
• Heart rate.

All data is synchronized and saved in the Huawei Health application. In the application, you can see a detailed analysis of your body composition, and also choose one of more than 200 training courses on burning fat, increasing muscle mass, etc.

The dimensions of the device are 30 x 30 x 2.36 cm, weight – 1.57 kg. 4 AAA batteries are used as batteries.

Where can I buy?

Amazfit Smart Scale

The Amazfit Smart Scale features an exclusive Aurora Gradient design. The body is made of ABS plastic, and the working surface is made of tempered glass. To display information, the scales are equipped with a 3.4-inch LCD screen.

Main characteristics

The high-precision G-shaped sensor can detect small weight changes of up to 50 grams. The measurement range is from 5 to 180 kg. Amazfit Smart Scale is powered by four AAA batteries.

Amazfit Smart Scale can detect 16 body parameters:

• Pulse value;
• Body type (normal, athletic, etc.);
• Body fat level;
• Muscle mass;
• Percentage of water in the body;
• Bone mass;
• Protein percentage;
• Basal metabolism;
• Visceral fat level;
• Subcutaneous fat;
• Skeletal muscles;
• Changes in muscle mass;
• Physical age;
• General body assessment;
• Body mass index;
• Ideal body weight.

There are also “Balance Ability Analysis” and “Calorie Cost” functions. Data is synchronized with the cloud and the Zepp app via Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.0.

Where can I buy?

YUNMAI S Smart Scale

YUNMAI S Smart Scale has a stylish appearance and is available in 4 colors: pink, blue, green and white. Compared to its predecessor, the device has become 30% thinner. The thickness of the case is now only 20 mm. The measurement results are displayed on a hidden screen consisting of 35 LEDs.

Main characteristics

The scale supports the determination of 10 basic body parameters, including weight, fat, water, protein, muscle, body mass index, etc. Even without connecting to a smartphone, the device can identify the user and record the weighing result. The data will appear in the application the next time you pair via Bluetooth. The data is also stored in the cloud.

Unlike most smart scales, the S Smart Scale is not powered by batteries, but by a built-in 1000 mAh lithium-polymer battery. The battery charges in about two hours, and a full charge will last up to 180 days of use.

Where can I buy?

Picooc Mini

Picooc Mini is a compact and inexpensive smart scale that can determine weight, body mass index, water percentage and other biometric parameters. Thanks to high-precision sensors, the measurement results are more accurate than most inexpensive devices of this type.

The scales measure 12 biometric parameters:

• Weight;
• Muscle mass;
• Bone mass
• Water percentage;
• Body mass index;
• Body type;
• Body age;
• Skeletal muscle mass;
• Body fat percentage;
• Visceral fat percentage;
• Protein;
• Basal metabolism.

Picooc Mini stores data for an unlimited number of users. Data is transferred to a proprietary application with convenient visualization of results and progress. Based on the data obtained, the software provides recommendations for achieving the ideal shape.

On the scales, information is displayed on a small and fairly bright LED screen, and 3 AAA batteries are used as batteries.

The scale platform is very compact (26*26 cm), so it will not be very comfortable for people with feet larger than size 38.

Where can I buy?

Smart scales - what to look for before buying?

Before purchasing a specific model of analytical balance, pay attention to: ● the smart balance features you need, ● measurement accuracy and precision, ● functionality of the included app, ● whether the app is suitable for your smartphone or tablet, ● whether the scale stores measurements taken, ● how long people will use the scale at the same time, ● units of measurement in which the scale displays measurements, ● maximum load, ● type of power source, ● material from which the scale is made, ● connection technology (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth), ● color and design of the scale, ● price of smart scales.

Popular models of smart scales in 2021:

Inexpensive smart scales: Huawei Smart Scale AH100

Price: about 2200 rubles

Huawei Smart Scale AH100 is a modern diagnostic scale with an electronic display. Its functionality guarantees reliable control over many body parameters. Among other things, it measures bone and muscle mass, fat levels or water content in the patient's body. What's more, it has memory for up to ten users' measurements, making it ideal for any home. Huawei Smart Scale AH100 works with applications on mobile devices with both Android and IOS. Thanks to this, progress monitoring can be even more reliable. The device itself does not even weigh 2 kilograms and is powered by four AAA batteries.

Smart scales: Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2

Price: about 2600 rubles

Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 is an offering from the Chinese manufacturer that has entered the European markets. The device has many different functions for body composition analysis. By synchronizing the diagnostic scale with a smartphone running Android or IOS, you can collect data about your body and keep it under control. Tracking the changes occurring in your body will help you achieve your dream figure and take care of your health. Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale 2 allows you to save the parameters of up to sixteen people and then automatically recognizes each of them. The maximum load of the scale is 150 kg, and all indicators are presented with an accuracy of 100 grams in several different units.

Smart scale: Beurer BF 600 Pure black

Price: about 4000 rubles

Beurer BF 600 Pure black is an electronic diagnostic scale from a reputable manufacturer. The platform is made of aesthetic glass, and its maximum load is 180 kg. Its functionality allows for reliable body composition analysis with an accuracy of up to 100 grams. The presented results can be displayed on the electronic screen in several blocks. In addition to data on bone mass, muscle and fat, the Beurer BF 600 Pure Black also has more specialized parameters. People who care about their shape will appreciate the ability to accurately measure body water content and abdominal fat percentage.

Smart scale: TERRAILLON Web Coach Prime White

Price: about 4800 rubles

The TERRAILLON Web Coach Prime White diagnostic scale has a glass platform and a large LCD screen that makes it easy to read all the data presented on it. The device's measurement memory allows you to create profiles for up to eight users. Moreover, it can work with up to eight smartphones or tablets simultaneously and automatically recognizes which family member is currently using it. TERRAILLON Web Coach Prime White allows you to analyze your body composition and also determines the level of the BMI index. Anyone who wants to take care of their shape and condition will definitely appreciate the possibility of weight synchronization using a special mobile application that provides scientific advice and helps you achieve specific goals.

Smart scale: Beurer BF 800

Price: about 8000 rubles

The Beurer BF 800 diagnostic scale is a device for demanding users. It looks very elegant, thanks to which it will complement any bathroom with an original accessory that is also practical. It has weight, bone, muscle, and fat measurement functions, as well as many other amenities. It is equipped with Quick Start technology, which has a positive effect on the comfort of everyday use, as well as measurement memory for eight family members. The Beurer BF 800 automatically recognizes which of them is currently using it based on previously collected data. The scales also have an overload indicator and the ability to calculate the BMI index.

conclusions

Having decided to purchase smart floor scales, you should carefully study the main technical characteristics of the models in question and listen to the advice of experts, and also remember that:

• the key criteria for choosing equipment are the maximum permissible load, the amount of built-in memory and the ability to synchronize the device with a smartphone or computer;
• When choosing a device, special attention should be paid to its dimensions and body material - the ideal option would be a device with a durable plastic platform, suitable in size for those with feet of both size 36 and 42;
• It is worth asking a consultant about the availability of additional functionality, the weight of the floor structure, as well as the duration of the warranty period;
• if an electrical appliance is purchased not for individual use, but for a large family, it is better to opt for a model that can save and analyze up to 10 results obtained;
• The wider the functionality, the more expensive the device, so you should decide in advance on the desired options and understand for yourself which functions will be superfluous.