The wearables market has reached unprecedented proportions, and smart accessory choice has become no longer an easy task. Whereas previously dominated by fitness bracelets with monochrome screens, today Xiaomi smart watches offer functionality comparable to full-fledged gadgets. Consumers in 2023 face a difficult choice: whether they need an advanced operating system or enough basic activity tracking.
Xiaomi, part of a huge ecosystem, has been producing devices under different brands, which is often confusing. Mi Band models, Watch lines, and partner products like Amazfit can all have similar designs but are radically different in hardware. Understanding these differences is critical to making sure that the money spent is a real benefit, rather than a disappointment, after a month of use.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the current models available in 2023 and help you determine which device will be the perfect companion for your lifestyle. We will look at the technical nuances, hidden capabilities of operating systems and real-world use cases that are not always obvious when you first see a device in a store.
Ecosystem Evolution: Watch, Band and Amazfit
The first thing customers face is a confusing nomenclature, with devices falling into several key categories, each with its own target audience, and the Mi Smart Band fitness bracelets, which are now virtually indistinguishable from full-screen watches in 2023 but retain a minimalist form factor, remain the baseline.
The next level is full-fledged smartwatches based on Wear OS or proprietary Xiaomi systems. It is important not to confuse the global versions with Chinese ones, as language support and the set of preinstalled applications can vary significantly.
⚠️ Note: When buying Xiaomi watches, pay attention to the version labeling. The Global Version has an English box and support for Google services (where applicable), while the Chinese version has a Chinese version (CN Version may require complex manipulations to change the interface language and region of operation.
Software differences also play a key role: Some models run on a stripped-down RTOS, which provides record-breaking autonomy but limits the installation of third-party software. Other, more expensive models are based on Wear OS or analogues, turning a watch into a mini-smartphone on the wrist. The choice between these platforms determines the entire experience of interacting with the gadget.
Selection criteria: display, sensors and autonomy
When evaluating the quality of a device, the first thing to look at is the display matrix. In 2023, the de facto standard was technology. AMOLED, It's a very deep black color, and it's very bright. AMOLED-screens are different: always have a display on (AOD) The frequency of updates affects the perception of the interface and energy consumption.
The second critical aspect is the sensor suite: the base models are equipped with an optical pulseometer and an accelerometer. More advanced versions, such as the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active or Mi Band 8 Pro, get NFC modules, GPS/GLONASS and even blood oxygen sensors (SpO2). The presence of built-in GPS allows you to run and ride a bicycle without a phone, which is a strong argument for athletes.
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Autonomy remains the main trump card of Xiaomi products. If the Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch require charging once a day or even more often, then RTOS devices can work from 10 to 14 days in active mode. This is achieved by optimizing background processes and the absence of heavy operating systems. However, turning on the “Always On Display” mode or using GPS constantly reduces this time by 2-3 times.
Top models of 2023: from public sector to flagships
Analyzing the market, we can identify several key devices that set the tone in their categories. The leader of sales is traditionally the Mi Smart Band series. The eighth generation, the Mi Band 8, received a mount in the form of a “capsule”, which allows you to wear it not only on the hand, but also as a pendant or mount on a sneaker for accurate running tracking.
In the segment of classic round watches stands out model Xiaomi Watch S1. This device with a stainless steel body and sapphire glass, aimed at those who appreciate premium materials. Watch supports the installation of third-party dials and have full support for notifications with the ability to quickly respond (on Android).
Hidden MIUI for Watch chips
For sports enthusiasts, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active is also relevant.It is lighter, has a plastic body and a more sporty design, but retains most of the features of the older model, including 117 sports modes and waterproof up to 5 atmospheres.
Comparative Characteristics Table
To simplify the decision-making process, we have prepared a composite table comparing key parameters of popular models. Please note that the specifications may vary slightly depending on the delivery region and firmware version.
| Model | Display. | Autonomy | NFC | GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Smart Band 8 | AMOLED 1.62" | 16 days | No (in the global) | No (Connected) |
| Xiaomi Watch S1 | AMOLED 1.43" | 12 days | There is. | Built-in |
| Xiaomi Watch S1 Active | AMOLED 1.43" | 12 days | There is. | Built-in |
| Redmi Watch 3 | AMOLED 1.75" | 10 days | There is. | Built-in |
And you can see from the table that even low-end models like the Redmi Watch 3 will have built-in GPS in 2023, which was previously the domain of flagships. This is a major step forward for the industry. However, having NFC in global versions is still a lottery: in some regions, payment is hours running, in others, the module is blocked software.
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Tip: If you plan to use the watch to navigate or track routes without a phone, be sure to choose a model with built-in GPS-Module, not Connected GPS (smartphone-based).
Compatibility with iOS and Android: the nuances of work
While Xiaomi claims full compatibility with both platforms, the experience on iOS and Android can vary. Android smartphones offer the most functionality available, including quick responses to messages, music management on the phone, and deeper integration with system notifications.
iPhone users face a number of restrictions imposed by Apple’s security policies, such as fast notification responses often unavailable and contact synchronization may not be correct without additional permissions. The Xiaomi Wear or Mi Fitness app is used to manage iOS watches, which requires a stable connection and can sometimes “lose” the device in the background.
⚠️ Attention: On iOS devices, the function NFC-Payment in hours Xiaomi, as a rule, does not work at all or works extremely limited due to the closure of the Apple Pay ecosystem.
Other smartphones are also worth mentioning: Third-party phones (Samsung, Huawei, Honor) have stable watches, but can have problems with auto-run companion apps. In the phone settings, you need to manually add the Mi Fitness app to battery exclusions so that notifications come in timely.
Software and updates
One of the ecosystem's strengths is the regularity of updates. Xiaomi supports its devices by releasing security patches and new features within 1-2 years of release.Firmware updates are done via a smartphone app and take 5 to 15 minutes.
It's important to keep an eye on the region version of the app. Sometimes new features, such as new dials or sport modes, appear first in the Chinese region and then come to the global one. However, a forced change of region in the Mi Fitness app can cause statistics to reset or the server to not sync with the server, so you should experiment with server settings with caution.
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Regular firmware updates not only add new features, but also often fixes errors in the operation of pulse sensors and pedometers, so it is not recommended to ignore update notifications.
The operating system also has customization settings available. You can customize the order of widgets, choose which notifications to display, and calibrate the screen. For advanced users, there is the option to install custom dials through third-party resources, which allows you to change the appearance of the device beyond recognition.
Summary and recommendations
Choosing Xiaomi smartwatches in 2023 is about finding a balance between functionality and price.If you want a simple activity tracker with an excellent screen and minimal thickness, the Mi Band 8 series has no competitors in its class.