The choice of Xiaomi smartwatches in 2026 has become a real puzzle even for power users. On forums like 4PDA, Mi Community and Reddit, the debate continues: which is better - a budget fitness tracker like the Mi Band 8 or a full-fledged Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro smart watch? Some praise the autonomy of the Mi Band, and some scold for the lack of NFC. We analyzed hundreds of reviews, compared technical characteristics and identified key criteria that will help you make an informed choice.
The main problem with buying is blurred lines between the series. The manufacturer has released so many models (from Mi Band to Watch S3) that even retailers in stores are confused about their capabilities. For example, the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is positioned as a “tracker-watch hybrid”, but in fact inferior to the Watch 2 Pro in functionality, although it costs almost as a full-fledged watch. In this article, we will analyze which models really justify their price in 2026, and which should not buy – even despite marketing promises.
1. Key selection criteria: what forum users look at
Analysis of discussions on 4PDA, Mi Community Russia and foreign platforms showed that users are divided into three camps by priorities:
- 🏃 Fitness enthusiasts: they care about pedometer accuracy, pulsemeter, running/bicycle support and autonomy. S3.
- 💳 "Payers: mandatory availability NFC Payment (current for Watch 2 Pro and Watch) S3).
- 📱 Smart-features fans: want notifications, voice assistant, and the ability to answer calls (Watch 2 Pro and Watch only) S3).
Fun fact: forums often complain that Xiaomi artificially restricts functionality in budget models. For example, the Mi Band 8 is technically capable of measuring pressure, but this feature is blocked software - it is only included in Chinese firmware. And the Watch S3 does not support eSIM, although the hardware platform allows it.
Another controversial issue is iPhone compatibility, where Apple forums say that Xiaomi watches work with iOS, but with limitations: there is no synchronization of notifications from WhatsApp, and sleep data is sometimes not stored. If you have an iPhone, you better consider alternatives like Amazfit or Huawei Watch GT.
Model comparison 2023–2026: Characteristics table
We've collected the current Xiaomi models and compared them by key parameters. Pay attention to the column "Real autonomy" - this is data from user reviews, not the manufacturer's stated numbers.
| Model | Type | Screen. | NFC | GPS | Real autonomy | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 8 | Fitness tracker | 1.62" AMOLED | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | 10–14 days | 3,500 ₽ |
| Smart Band 8 Pro | Tracker and watch hybrid | 1.74" AMOLED | ❌ No. | ✅ There is. | 7-10 days | 6,000 ₽ |
| Watch 2 Pro | Smart watches | 1.43" AMOLED | ✅ There is. | ✅ There is. | 3-5 days | 12,000 ₽ |
| Watch S3 | Smart watches premium | 1.43" AMOLED | ✅ There is. | ✅ Aye) | 5-7 days | 15,000 ₽ |
⚠️ Attention: Smart Band 8 Pro GPS It only works when connected to a phone (no offline route tracking) and it’s a common reason for returns – users expect full navigation, like in the Watch 2 Pro.
If you want maximum autonomy, take the Mi Band 8, which will last up to 2 weeks on a single charge. But if calls and NFC are important, it's only the Watch 2 Pro or the Watch S3, which, by the way, are more premium-designed (metal case vs plastic in the Watch 2 Pro).
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The Watch S3 is the only model in the lineup with support for multi-system GPS (GPS+GLONASS+Galileo+BeiDou), which is critical for accurate tracking in the city and the forest.
Myths and reality: what is written in the forums
There are a lot of myths about Xiaomi watches on the Internet, and we've picked the most common ones and checked them against real reviews.
- 🔋 "Mi Band runs for a month without charging" → Reality: Only if you turn off all sensors and notifications. 24/7, notice) — 10–14 days.
- 📱 "Watch 2 Pro can be used as a standalone phone" → Reality: Only for Bluetooth calls (no eSIM.
- 🏊 "All models are waterproof" → Reality: Yes, but Mi Band 8 is not recommended for use in a bleached pool - there is a risk of sensor damage.
Another popular question is, "Can I flash the Chinese version into the global?" Technically, yes, but there are nuances:
Risks of the Chinese version
On 4PDA, the Watch S3 often complains of synchronization problems when connecting to an iPhone. Users write that sleep and workout data is sometimes “lost” or duplicated, and the solution is to reset the clock to factory settings and reconnect.
4. Which model to choose in 2026: budget recommendations
Your choice should depend on your budget and goals, and we broke down the recommendations into three price categories:
💰 Budget up to 5,000 ₽: just fitness trackers
There's no option here, Mi Band 8. There's no alternative: it's the cheapest model with the right functionality.
- 🏃♂️ Tracking running, walking, sleeping;
- 📊 Basic health statistics (pulse, saturation);
- 🔔 Notifications (but no possibility to respond).
Cons: no GPS, no NFC, the screen is small. If you need something cooler, save for the Smart Band 8 Pro.
💰 Budget 6,000 to 10,000 ₽: entry-level hybrids
There are two options:
- Smart Band 8 Pro – if you need GPS to track your routes (but remember the battery life limit!)
- Watch 2 (not Pro!) – if you want a full-fledged watch with NFC, but are ready to put up with autonomy in 3-4 days.
💰 Budget from 12,000 ₽: smartwatch
The best choice is the Watch 2 Pro or the Watch S3.
| Parameter | Watch 2 Pro | Watch S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Case material | Plastic + metal frame | Totally metal |
| GPS | Single-system | Multisystem |
| Autonomy | 3-5 days | 5-7 days |
⚠️ WARNING: If you’re a triathlon or marathoner, take the Watch. S3 — multisystem GPS It tracks routes in the forest and mountains more accurately. The Watch 2 Pro is enough for urban training.
Compatible with your smartphone (Android/iOS)
NFC if you plan to pay for hours
Type of strap (silicone/skin/metal) – some models are sold only with silicone
- Firmware version (Chinese/global) – this affects the available features-->
5. Xiaomi Alternatives: When Standing Aside From Other Brands
Xiaomi watches are not a panacea, and in some cases, it is better to consider alternatives:
- 🍎 For iPhone owners: Apple Watch SE (20,000 ₽) or Huawei Watch GT 4 (from 14,000) ₽) — They are better synced with iOS.
- 🏋️ For professional athletes: Garmin Venu 3 or Polar Pacer Pro – they have more sensors and more analytics on training.
- 💎 For premium design: Huawei Watch Ultimate or Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic – metal case, sapphire glass, rotating bezel.
On Reddit, the Xiaomi Watch S3 and Amazfit GTR 4 are often compared.
- Xiaomi wins in the ecosystem (best synchronization with Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco phones)
- Amazfit: Autonomous (up to 14 days) and GPS accuracy.
If you want a watch purely for fitness and autonomy, Amazfit might be more profitable. If ecosystem and smart features matter, stay with Xiaomi.
6.Where to buy and what to look out for
Forums often ask where to buy a Xiaomi watch, so as not to run into a fake.
- 🛒 Official stores: mi.com, Svyaznoy, M. Video - here the original firmware and warranty are guaranteed.
- 🌍 AliExpress: Official Store, Mi Global Store (Xiaomi Official Store) Please note the reviews of the firmware version!
- 🔄 Used market: Avito, Yula — but only if the seller provides a check and a guarantee.
⚠️ Attention: AliExpress often sells "global versions" of watches that are actually reflashed from Chinese. Check this by menu: the original global firmware does not have Chinese characters in the settings.
When buying, be sure to check:
- Serial number on the box and in the settings of the clock (Settings → About the device).
- All sensors are available (light up the screen with a flashlight – the pulsemeter and other sensors should be visible).
- The firmware version (Settings → System → Update).
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If you buy on AliExpress, in the comment to the order, write: "Please send global version with NFC and Google Play services." This will reduce the chance of getting a Chinese version without NFC.
7. Frequent problems and how to solve them
Even the best Xiaomi watches are not immune to bugs, and we have collected the most common problems from forums and solutions:
- 🔄 "The clock is not synchronized with the phone" → Reboot both devices. Remove the watch from the Mi Fitness app and reconnect. Update the watch firmware and app.
- 🔋 "The battery goes down fast" → Turn off the permanent pulsemeter (Settings) → Heart monitoring → Frequency. Reduce the brightness of the screen. Turn off notifications from unnecessary apps.
"NFC's not working."
- Check if your bank supports payment via Mi Pay.
- Update the watch to the latest version.
- If the watch is Chinese, the NFC can be blocked.
If nothing works, try resetting your watch to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset). But remember: this will delete all data from the device!