Xiaomi Watches Like Apple Watch: Reality or Myth?

Many users of the Apple ecosystem dream of the functionality of the Apple Watch, but the frightening price is forcing them to look for alternatives. The wearable electronics market has been dominated for several years by the Chinese giant Xiaomi, which is often called “flagship killers.” But can they really be considered a full-fledged replacement for products from Cupertino?

In this article, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of the capabilities of Mi Band, Mi Watch and Redmi Watch devices, comparing them with the reference Apple Watch. We will examine how deep integration with the iPhone is possible, what features remain unavailable, and how to bring the Chinese gadget experience to the ideal. The key difference lies in the operating system: watchOS versus HyperOS or Wear OS, which dictates its rules of the game.

Now, you know, you can't directly emulate Apple's interface without jailbreaking, which is not architecturally designed on Xiaomi. But when you set up notifications, dials, and automation scripts correctly, you get a striking similarity in everyday use. Let's see what you get when you choose a budget versus a premium segment.

Comparison of operating systems and ecosystems

The fundamental difference between devices lies in the software. Apple Watch is based on watchOS, which is a closed system optimized exclusively for bundling with the iPhone. Xiaomi watches most often use proprietary HyperOS (formerly MIUI for Wear) or a simplified version of Wear OS in older models, which determines the speed, smoothness of animations and available set of applications.

While Apple’s ecosystem offers seamless synchronization, where the watch is an extension of the smartphone, Xiaomi devices operate more like independent peripherals. data synchronization occurs via the cloud or a direct Bluetooth connection, but the depth of integration with iOS system features is limited by Apple’s security policy.You won’t be able to respond to a message with a voice as naturally as you would on Siri, or run a complex native app.

⚠️ Warning: Attempts to install third-party launchers or modified firmware to simulate the Apple Watch interface on Xiaomi devices may result in irreversible software damage (the “brick”) and loss of warranty.

However, the current Xiaomi Watch S3 or Redmi Watch 4 offers impressive smoothness, transition animations are faster, and touchscreen response is almost as good as competitors, and if visuals and basic functionality are what matter to you, the gap between systems is becoming less visible to the average user.

Design, materials and customization of the interface

The visual similarity is the first thing that catches the eye. Many Xiaomi models, especially the Mi Watch series, have a square body reminiscent of Apple's classic design. Using aluminum alloys, tempered glass and interchangeable straps makes it easy to transform the device to suit any style of clothing. iPhone owners often buy additional straps to bring the look of the gadget to the original as close as possible.

Dials play a huge role in the device’s perception. The theme store in the Mi Fitness app (or Zepp Life for older models) contains thousands of options. You can find copies of standard watchOS dials, including modular, astronomical and digital options. Installing such a dial instantly changes the experience of the device, making it “native” to an Apple user.

• 🎨 Third-party dials: The ability to set images from the phone gallery to the background of the clock, which is a standard feature for both platforms.
• ⌚ Replaceable straps: Universal 22mm or 18mm mount allows you to use accessories from the Apple Watch (sometimes requiring an adapter) or third-party brands.
• 🖥 Always-on Display: The feature of the always-on screen, which is implemented in the top Xiaomi models and works similarly to the Apple Watch, saving charge.

But the tactile experience is notable: The ceramics and titanium in the Apple Watch are more premium than the plastic or composites in Xiaomi’s budget models. Although the flagship Xiaomi Watch series has already moved to sapphire glass and stainless steel, the weight and balancing of the device are still different.

💡

For maximum similarity with the Apple Watch, choose dials with large numbers and minimalistic complications, as well as set a bright, but not contrasting background.

Working with notifications and messages on iPhone

One of the main reasons for buying a smartwatch is the ability to keep your phone out of your pocket. In a bundle of iPhone + Xiaomi, the watch is great at displaying incoming calls, SMS and notifications from messengers. You can see text messages, contact name and even emoticons. However, the interaction options here are severely limited.

Unlike the Apple Watch, where you can dictate answers, use phrases or even type text (on models with QWERTY), Xiaomi watches in conjunction with iOS often act only as a passive display. You can reset a call or open an app on your phone, but not fully respond from the watch interface will not be available in all messengers, this is due to the limitations of the iOS API for third-party devices.

Despite the limitations, the basic scenario of “saw whether to answer or not” works flawlessly. Vibration motor in modern Xiaomi models has become quite powerful and pleasant, although inferior in tactile return to the Taptic Engine from Apple.

⚠️ Attention: For stable notifications, you need to keep the Mi Fitness application running in the background and allow it all the rights to access data. In iOS, this is critical, otherwise the system can “kill” the synchronization process.

Fitness tracking and health: Sensor accuracy

Health is an area where Xiaomi has traditionally been strong. Optical PPG pulse sensors installed in new models show high accuracy comparable to chest pulsemeters in statics. Sleep tracking, step counting and blood oxygen analysis (SpO2) work around the clock, providing detailed statistics in the app.

Apple Health is considered the “gold standard” for data aggregation, but Xiaomi watches collect information even more in detail in some aspects, such as analyzing sleep phases or stress levels (HRV).

• 🏃 Training Modes: More than 100 sports modes vs. Apple’s standard set, including professional types like triathlon.
• 💓 Pulse monitoring: Customized pulse zones and threshold notifications that work similarly to Apple's security features.
• 🩸 Oxygen Measurement: Automatic or manual measurement of saturation, which is especially important for health monitoring.

For professional athletes, functionality may be lacking in terms of building complex training plans directly on the watch, but for the amateur who monitors the activity, the difference is not noticeable. The 5 ATM waterproofness allows swimming in the pool, and swimming tracking is implemented quite decently, recognizing the styles of stroke.

Autonomy: the main advantage of Xiaomi

Here lies the most powerful argument in favor of the watch from Xiaomi: if the Apple Watch requires daily charging (and when used more often), then flagship models Xiaomi live from 7 to 14 days in normal mode.

Even with active use GPS-Tracking and constant monitoring of the pulse, Xiaomi Watch can hold 3-5 This is achieved by less energy-intensive screens (in some models) and an optimized operating system that is not loaded with the heavy background processes typical of watchOS.

But it's worth considering that the "always on screen" (AOD) mode significantly reduces the running time, reducing it by half. But even then, 3-4 days of autonomy versus 18 hours for Apple looks convincing. Fast charging is also present: 30 minutes of charging gives about 50-60% of capacity.

💡

Autonomy is not just a number in a clock, it’s freedom from the daily charging routine, making Xiaomi the perfect choice for business trips and hikes.

Setup and Hidden Opportunities

To get the most out of a device, it's not enough to just plug it into a phone. There are a number of settings that turn a regular tracker into a smart gadget. First of all, it's setting up the wrist lift to turn on the screen. In the Mi Fitness app, you can adjust sensitivity and time intervals so that the screen doesn't light up with every stroke of your hand.

You can also pay attention to the schedule Do Not Disturb feature, which you can set up to automatically turn on this mode at night so that the watch does not vibrate from notifications, but continues to track sleep.

Another interesting feature is the camera control of the smartphone. The watch can work as a remote viewfinder, which is convenient for group photos. In addition, some models have a phone search feature that makes the iPhone emit sound even if it is in silent mode (with appropriate resolutions).

Comparison: Should we change?

To sum up, Xiaomi watches can replace the Apple Watch for 80% of users if their main purpose is notifications, activity tracking and style. They offer better value for money, as well as phenomenal autonomy. However, if you are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, you care about the answers to messages from the watch, the use of Apple Pay (which is not available on Xiaomi watches for Russia and several other countries), and perfect synchronization, then the replacement will be tangible.

If autonomy and price are more important than premium materials and depth of integration, Xiaomi is a great choice, otherwise the Apple Watch remains the king of smartwatches for iPhone owners.