How to choose a smart watch Xiaomi: a comparison of the 7 best models of 2026

Choosing Xiaomi smartwatches in 2026 has become more difficult than ever: the brand offers more than 15 models in different price categories – from budget fitness bracelets to premium smart watches with a high-end smartphone. AMOLED-But how not to get confused in the characteristics and not overpay for unnecessary functions? This article will help you figure out which Xiaomi watch is right for you: for running, swimming, monitoring sleep or just as a stylish accessory.

We analyzed current models. 2023–2026 In the review, you will find a comparative table of key parameters, pros and cons of each model, as well as honest recommendations for choosing - without embellishment and marketing slogans. Particular attention was paid to such criteria as autonomy, sensor accuracy and compatibility with the Android/iOS.

If you have already decided on a budget, you can immediately go to the appropriate section:

  • πŸ’° Budget up to 5,000 β‚½ β€” Best Low Cost Options for Beginners
  • πŸ“Š Mid-size segment (5000–15000) β‚½) β€” Optimal ratio of price and function
  • πŸ† Premium (from 15,000) β‚½) β€” flagship models with the maximum set of capabilities

1. Key criteria for choosing a Xiaomi smart watch

Before you compare specific models, decide what you need a watch for, and that depends on what characteristics you should pay attention to first.

Basic parameters for analysis:

  • πŸ”‹ Autonomy: from 5 days (budget models) to 14 days+ The Mi Band 8 holds a charge of up to 16 days, and the Watch 2 Pro – only 4-5 days with active use.
  • 🩺 Health sensors: pulse meter, SpOβ‚‚ (oxygen saturation), ECG (only in the Watch S3), Important: sensors in budget models often give an error of up to 10-15%.
  • 🏊 Water protection: 5 ATM (suitable for swimming) vs. IP68 (It's just splashes. Like the Watch. S1 Active has 5 ATM, A Mi Band 7, just IP68.
  • πŸ“± Compatibility: all Xiaomi watches work with Android, but with iOS functionality is limited (no calls, notifications from third-party applications).
  • 🎨 Design and screen: AMOLED vs TFT, size (1.3-1.78 inches), the ability to change the strap. Watch 2 Pro has removable straps standard 22 mm, and Mi Band 8 – only branded.

Pay attention to the firmware: the clock on Zepp OS (For example, watch. S3) Support the installation of third-party applications, and models on MIUI Watch (e.g. Watch) S1 Active. No. This is critical if you want Strava, Komoot, or other services right on your watch.

⚠️ Note: Models up to 2023 (e.g. Mi Watch Lite) lack built-in GPS. This means that to track the route, you will always have to carry a smartphone with you.

πŸ“Š Why do you plan to use a smart watch?
Fitness and sport
Health monitoring (pulse, sleep)
Notifications and calls
Stylish accessory
Another option

2. TOP-3 Xiaomi budget models (up to) 5 000 β‚½)

If you need a watch for basic activity tracking, notifications and sleep monitoring, don’t overpay. Xiaomi offers great options with up to 2 weeks of autonomy in this segment.

Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (from 3,500) β‚½)

Best choice for beginners thanks to the combination of price and functionality. AMOLED-screen (first in the Mi Band series), 150+ training regimes and sensor SpOβ‚‚. The main disadvantage is the lack of built-in GPS (smartphone-bound).

  • βœ… Lightweight (27 g), comfortable to wear around the clock
  • βœ… Autonomy up to 16 days
  • ❌ No. NFC and the ability to answer calls
  • ❌ Non-standard strap (irreplaceable)

Xiaomi Watch S1 Active (from 4,500) β‚½)

Xiaomi’s first full-fledged watch in the budget segment with 1.43-inch AMOLED-display and built-in GPS. Supports 100.+ sports and have 5 protections ATM. Ideal for running and cycling, but not suitable for swimming due to lack of pool mode.

  • βœ… Precise pedometer and pulsemeter
  • βœ… Support for contactless payment (NFC)
  • ❌ Autonomy only 7 days
  • ❌ No ECG and pressure measurements

Redmi Watch 3 Active, from 2,900 β‚½)

The most affordable option with a 1.83-inch screen and 100+ It's good for people who need a "just to have" watch β€” IP68 And 12 days of autonomy. GPS, SpOβ‚‚ and NFC.

ModelScreen.GPSNFCAutonomyPrice, β‚½
Mi Band 81,62" AMOLED❌ (phone-only)❌16 days3 500
Watch S1 Active1,43" AMOLEDβœ…βœ…7 days4 500
Redmi Watch 3 Active1,83" TFT❌❌12 days2 900

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi budget models often lack Russian-language firmware out of the box. To avoid problems, buy watches from official dealers or check for a global version (Global) ROM).

πŸ’‘

If you want a watch exclusively for fitness and notifications, the Mi Band 8 is the best price/quality watch. S1 Active with GPS.

3. Mid-segment (5000–15000) β‚½): Better balance of price and function

In this range, Xiaomi offers models with an advanced sensor suite, improved design and support for third-party apps.The perfect choice for those who want more than a basic fitness tracker but aren't willing to pay for flagship features.

Xiaomi Watch S3 (12,000 β‚½)

The best Xiaomi watches 2026 The price of the year is the opportunity ratio. OS, It allows you to install apps like Spotify or Google Maps. 1,43-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 466Γ—466, ECG sensor and eSIM support (calls without phone).

  • βœ… Precise tracking 150+ sport
  • βœ… Autonomy up to 10 days
  • βœ… Protection 5 ATM + sailing
  • ❌ No Wi-Fi support (Bluetooth only synced)

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (from 9,000) β‚½)

The model with the brightest screen in the lineup (1.43" AMOLED, 600 nits) and Wear OS (Compatibility with Google Play. LTE It's also an eSIM, but it's a little bit more autonomous -- just 3-4 days -- and it's optimal for those who want a smartwatch with full-fledged apps.

Xiaomi Watch S2 (7,000 β‚½)

Improved version of the Watch S1 1.43-inch AMOLED-display and 170+ It's different from the flagship. S3 No ECG and less autonomy (5 days) but no ECG NFC Payment and built-in microphone/speaker for calls.

ModelOSECGeSIMAutonomy
Watch S3Zepp OSβœ…βœ…10 days
Watch 2 ProWear OSβŒβœ…3-4 days
Watch S2MIUI Watch❌❌5 days

In this segment, you should pay attention to the firmware:

  • Zepp OS (Watch S3) β€” More applications, but a limited ecosystem.
  • Wear OS (Watch 2 Pro – full access to Google Play, but worse autonomy.
  • MIUI Watch (Watch S2) β€” Simple and stable, but without third-party applications.

πŸ’‘

If you want to make phone calls without a phone, choose models with eSIM (Watch). S3 Watch 2 Pro is better for sports than Watch. S3 sensory.

4. Xiaomi Premium Watches (from 15,000) β‚½): overpay?

Xiaomi’s flagship models are designed for those willing to pay for the most functionality: advanced health sensors, premium materials, and enhanced synchronization capabilities.

Xiaomi Watch S3 Pro (from 18,000) β‚½)

Top version of the Watch S3 It's a sapphire glass and titanium case, and it adds Wi-Fi support, an improved ECG sensor, and continuous glucose monitoring (experimental function), up to 12 days of autonomy.

  • βœ… Premium design and assembly
  • βœ… Full set of health sensors
  • ❌ Price is comparable to the Apple Watch SE or Galaxy Watch 5
  • ❌ There are no significant improvements over the Watch. S3 material

Xiaomi Watch Ultra (from 25,000) β‚½)

Model for extreme conditions with standard protection MIL-STD-810G (Impact resistance, vibration resistance, dual system GPS (It's more accurate, it's route tracking, and it's 23 days of battery life, energy saving, for tourists or athletes, but it's redundant for everyday use.

⚠️ Note: In premium models Xiaomi often lacks Russian support for some features (for example, voice assistant on Watch Ultra works only in English.

Should you buy a Xiaomi flagship watch?

  • πŸ’Ž You are interested in premium materials (titanium, sapphire)
  • 🩺 Extended medical functions (ECG, glucose monitoring)
  • πŸ” You are engaged in extreme sports or tourism

In all other cases, the difference with the models of the middle segment (Watch) S3) unjustifiably.

Than the watch. S3 The Pro is different from the Watch S3?
The main differences are the titanium case instead of aluminum, sapphire glass (instead of Gorilla Glass), Wi-Fi support and an experimental glucose sensor. Functionally, the difference is minimal, so it makes sense to overpay only for the design.

5. Xiaomi vs. Competitors: Comparison with Apple, Samsung and Amazfit

Xiaomi watches stand out from the competition in terms of price and functionality, but lose in some key aspects.

Brand/ModelPrice, β‚½OSECGAutonomyBetter for you.
Xiaomi Watch S312 000Zepp OSβœ…10 daysSport and health
Apple Watch SE (2023)22 000watchOSβœ…2 daysApple ecosystems
Samsung Galaxy Watch 625 000Wear OSβœ…3 daysAndroid users
Amazfit GTR 410 000Zepp OSβœ…14 daysLong-term autonomy

When to choose Xiaomi:

  • πŸ’° Limited budget (up to 15,000) β‚½)
  • πŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ Sports and health, not smart functions
  • πŸ”‹ Autonomy is important (from 5 days)

When to consider alternatives:

  • πŸ“± You have an iPhone better than the Apple Watch (full integration with iOS)
  • 🎯 We need the most accurate sensors – Samsung Galaxy Watch or Garmin
  • πŸ•’ Autonomy is critical 14+ Days: Amazfit or Huawei Watch GT

Support of the Russian language in firmware|Compatibility with your smartphone (Android/iOS)|Availability of a global version (Global) ROM)|Guarantee from the official dealer|Reviews of the accuracy of sensors of a particular model-->

6.How not to run into a fake: 5 signs of the original Xiaomi watch

Xiaomi’s smartwatch market is flooded with fakes, especially in the low-end segment.

  1. Packaging: The original box has a hologram with the Xiaomi logo, the font on the label is clear, without typos. Counterfeit products are often shipped in boxes with blurry text or without protective stickers.
  2. Serial number: The back of the watch and the box must match IMEI or S/N. You can verify authenticity on the website. mi.com/global/verify.
  3. Firmware: The original clock is specified in the settings MIUI Watch or Zepp OS. Fakes often have custom firmware with translation errors.
  4. Build quality: Original ones don't have backlashes, buttons are pressed clearly, the screen keeps up with the body, and fakes often have gaps and uneven seams.
  5. Price: If a watch sells 30 to 50 percent less than the market average, it's 100% fake. S3 It's not worth less than 10,000. β‚½ new-packed.

⚠️ Warning: Counterfeiting often poses as a lack of a proprietary app (Mi Fitness or Zepp).If the watch is synchronized through third-party programs like Notify & Fitness, it is a copy.

Where is it safe to buy:

  • πŸ›’ Official site mi.com or branded stores Xiaomi
  • πŸ›’ Large marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market) at official sellers labeled "Xiaomi Russia"
  • ❌ Avoid AliExpress if you are not sure about the seller – even with a high rating

7. Frequent questions about Xiaomi watches

❓ Can you swim in a Xiaomi watch with 5 protection? ATM?
Yeah, defense 5. ATM It allows you to swim in the pool or open water at a depth of up to 50 meters. However, it is not recommended to dive or expose the watch to sharp pressure drops (for example, in a hot tub). IP68 (For example, Mi Band 8 is suitable only for showers or splashes.
❓ Why Xiaomi Watches Are Drying Quickly?
Main causes: πŸ” Always-On Display (turn off in settings) πŸ“Ά Frequent use GPS (for example, when running) πŸ“ž Active notification synchronization (limit unnecessary applications) πŸ”„ On average, turning off unnecessary features increases autonomy by 20-30%.
❓ Does Xiaomi watch work with iPhone?
Yes, but with limitations: βœ… Synchronization of steps, pulse, sleep βœ… Notifications of calls and SMS ❌ No response to phone calls from the clock (even if you have a microphone) ❌ No notifications from third-party messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) ❌ No synchronization with Apple Health For full work with iOS, it is better to consider the Apple Watch.
❓ How to update the firmware on Xiaomi watches?
Install the Mi Fitness (Android) or Zepp app (iOS/Android). Connect your watch to your phone via Bluetooth. Go to Profile section β†’ My devices. β†’ [Name of the clock] β†’ Software Update: If the update is not available, check your internet connection or restart the clock. ⚠️ Do not interrupt the update process – this can lead to the β€œbricking” of the device.
❓ What Xiaomi Watches Support Contactless Payment?
List of models with NFC Payment: Xiaomi Watch S3 (Mi Pay, Google Pay) Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (Google Pay) Xiaomi Watch S2 (Mi Pay) Xiaomi Watch S1 Active (Mi Pay) To set up payment: Open Mi Fitness β†’ Devices β†’ Contactless payments. Add a bank card (supported by Sberbank, Tinkoff, VTB, etc.) Activate the function on the watch through Settings β†’ NFC.