What Xiaomi smart watch to choose: rating 2026 with a comparison of characteristics

Xiaomi smart watches have long ceased to be just an accessory for athletes — they have become full-fledged assistants in everyday life, GPS-While these devices compete with Apple and Samsung’s flagships for navigation and even payment, they remain 2-3 times cheaper, but the range of models grows every year: in 2026 alone, the brand launched more than 10 new devices, from the budget Mi Band to the premium Watch. S3. How not to get confused in the characteristics and choose those hours that will last years, not months?

In this guide, we’ve analyzed all of Xiaomi’s current models (including Redmi and Amazfit sub-brands), tested them in real-world settings, and ranked them as the best options for everything from fitness tracking to business use. You’ll learn which watches you shouldn’t buy (and why), how to distinguish the original from the fake, and what features you actually need and which are just marketing moves. For convenience, we’ve divided the models into budget, mid-range and premium categories, and added a comparison table of key parameters.

If you've already decided on a budget, you can go straight to the right section. If you don't, start with the criteria for choosing where to look first, and for those in a hurry, there's a quick checklist with the best options for price/quality.

Xiaomi smartwatches: what to look for in 2026

Before comparing specific models, it is important to understand which parameters really affect usability. Manufacturers often focus on secondary chips (e.g., "100+ dials"), while key features remain in the shadows.

• 🔋 Autonomy: Budget models (Mi Band 8) keep a charge of 7-14 days, premium (Watch) S3) — up to 15 days in energy saving mode. AMOLED-screen and always on display (AOD) discharge 2-3 times faster.
• 🏃 Sensor accuracy: For serious training, you need an optical heart rate sensor (PPG) supportive 6-LED (The Watch 2 Pro has a barometer for height measurement, and cheap models often overstate steps by 20-30%.
• 📱 Smartphone Compatibility: Most Xiaomi Watches Run Android 8.0+ iOS 12+, But on iPhone, some features (such as quick responses to notifications) can be blocked.
• 🌍 GPS and autonomous communication: Marked models only 4G/eSIM (For example, watch. S3 Pro) allows you to make calls without a phone. GPS It is even available in budget hours, but its accuracy depends on the chip (better Sony). GNSS or Broadcom).
• 💧 Protection against water: Standard 5 ATM (50 metres) suitable for swimming, IP68 — Just for the shower. 10 models ATM (For example, Amazfit T-Rex Ultra can withstand diving.

One of the most common myths is that the more functions, the better. In practice, 80% of users use no more than 5-7 chips: pedometer, pulsemeter, notifications, alarm clock and sleep control. The rest (for example, measuring stress or oxygen in the blood) often work with a large margin of error or require ideal conditions (fixed position, proper fit on the arm).

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use the watch for payments, check for support NFC In Russia and CIS, many models (for example, Mi Band 7 Pro) are sold without a module. NFC, Although it is listed in international specifications.

Xiaomi budget watches (up to 5,000) ₽): What can you get for that money?

The segment under 5,000 rubles is the most popular, but also the riskiest: it is easy to run into a fake or model with outdated sensors. The main rule is: do not buy watches older than 2 years (for example, Mi Band 6 or Amazfit Bip U), even if they are cheaper.

• ⏱️ Autonomy 7–14 days (without a AOD).
• 🩺 Basic set of sensors: pulsemeter, SpO₂ (oxygen in the blood, pedometer.
• 📲 Notifications of calls and messages (without the possibility of reply).
• 🏊 Protection 5 ATM (swimable).

The best models in this segment:

The Mi Band 8 is the best choice for those who want maximum autonomy and minimalist design. This watch weighs only 22 grams, supports more than 150 training modes and has a removable strap (you can replace it with any 22 mm), but it does not have GPS and NFC, and the screen is too small for comfortable reading notifications.

Redmi Watch 4 is a middle ground: a large screen, built-in GPS and more than 100 dials, with plastic body and mediocre accuracy of the heart rate sensor under intense loads, suitable for beginner athletes.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi budget watches often have a problem with screen detachment after 6-12 months.To avoid this, choose tempered glass models (indicated in specs) and do not wear the watch in a sauna or in direct sunlight.

Middle-class watches (5,000–15000) ₽): Best Price/Quality Relationship

In this segment, premium materials (stainless steel, sapphire glass), advanced health functions (ECG, blood pressure measurement) and a full ecosystem (synchronization with Mi Home, smart home management) are emerging. Here you can already find models that are not inferior to the Apple Watch SE or Galaxy Watch 5, but cost 1.5-2 times cheaper.

Key differences from budget hours:

• 🔄 Fast charging (full charge in 1-2 hours).
• 📡 Precisely. GPS supportive GLONASS/Beidou (margin of error 3 meters).
• 💳 NFC Payment (works with Mir, MasterCard, Visa).
• 🎧 Music management (you can store tracks on your watch).

TOP-3 middle-class:

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is the flagship model with sapphire glass and a stainless steel body. It has everything you need: ECG, pressure measurement, eSIM support (in the 4G version), and even the ability to control the camera of the smartphone.

The Amazfit GTR 4 is the best choice for athletes thanks to its 150+ training modes and accurate GPS. The aluminum case with a ceramic back panel looks premium, and the battery lasts up to 14 days. However, this model does not have a pressure measurement, and the firmware sometimes brakes.

Compatible with your smartphone (Android/iOS)

NFC availability (if required for payment)

Type of strap (silicone/skin/metal) and the possibility of replacement

Guarantee (official sellers give 12 months, "gray" - 3-6)

Testimonials on the accuracy of sensors (especially for running/bicycle)-->

Xiaomi Premium Watches (from 15,000) ₽): overpay?

The premium-segment models (Xiaomi Watch S3, Amazfit Balance) are positioned as an alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra or Garmin Epix.

• 🛡️ Premium materials: titanium case, sapphire glass, ceramic back panel.
• 🩺 Medical certificates: some models (e.g., Watch) S3) certificate FDA ECG.
• 🌐 Global Positioning: Support for All Satellite Systems (GPS)+GLONASS+Galileo+Beidou).
• 🔋 Ultra-fast charging: 10 minutes = 1 day's work.

But there are pitfalls:

Xiaomi Watch S3 is the best watch of the brand today. They support blood pressure measurement (with blood pressure calibration), have a built-in microphone and speaker for calls, and work with eSIM. The design is copied by the Apple Watch, but with a thinner body. The main drawback is the high price and lack of Russian firmware in some batches.

Amazfit Balance is the choice for professional athletes, and it has a bioimpedance sensor for analyzing body composition (muscle, fat, water), as well as support for double frequency. GPS (But the interface is overloaded with features, and you need a Zepp subscription to be fully usable. OS (500 ₽/month).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi premium watches are often sold in "gray" stores without an official warranty. NFC for Mir (in international versions may not be available). It is better to buy in official stores: Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video.

The best Xiaomi watches for sports and fitness

If your main goal is training, pay attention to:

• 🏃 precision GPS: You need a Sony chip for running and biking GNSS Broadcom (Amazfit T-Rex Ultra and Watch 2 Pro).
• 💦 Sweat protection: The body must be made of aluminum or stainless steel (plastic turns yellow over time).
• 📊 Training Analytics: The Best Models Offer VO₂ max (oxygen level), recovery time and loading tips.

TOP-3 sportsmodel:

1. Amazfit T-Rex Ultra - for extreme sports (alpinism, diving) withstands falls from 1.5 meters and temperatures from -40 ° C to +70 ° C.
2. Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is the best balance for running, swimming and gym, accurate GPS and Suunto support for analyzing routes.
3. Redmi Watch 3 Active is a budget option with 100+ training modes and 5 ATM water resistance.

For swimming, be sure to check for Pool Swim mode (pool lap count) and 5 ATM protection. The best choice is the Amazfit GTR 4 or Xiaomi Watch S3.

💡

Before your first workout, calibrate your heart rate sensor: go to Settings → Device → Sensors → Calibrate your heart rate and follow the instructions, which will reduce the error by 20-30%.

Xiaomi watches for health: what models monitor heart and sleep

If you are interested in medical functions, look for models with:

• 🩺 ECG (available in Watch 2 Pro and Watch) S3).
• 🛌 Sleep monitoring with phase analysis (Rap/deep sleep) is best performed by Amazfit GTR 4.
• 🩸 Measurement SpO₂ (Oxygen in the blood) and stress. In budget models, these sensors often give false positives.

Important: No Xiaomi model replaces medical equipment, for example, blood pressure measurement requires precalibration by blood pressure meter, and the ECG does not always recognize arrhythmia. For serious health problems, it is better to choose specialized devices (for example, Withings ScanWatch).

The best models for health:

💡

To accurately monitor sleep, wear a watch on a non-dominant hand (left hand for right-handers, right hand for left-handers) and tighten the strap so that one finger passes between the skin and the sensor.

Quick selection: the best Xiaomi watches for tasks

If you need to decide urgently, use this table:

For most users, the best choice is the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro. This watch covers 90% of needs: accurate GPS, ECG, NFC, premium design and at the same time is cheaper than the Apple Watch SE or Galaxy Watch 6.

Frequently asked questions