Fitness bracelet or smart watch Xiaomi Redmi: what to choose in 2026?

You have to choose between a fitness bracelet and a Xiaomi Redmi smartwatch, but you can't decide what's right for you? This dilemma is familiar to many: on the one hand, you want to get the most features, on the other, you don't want to pay for unnecessary options. In the Xiaomi lineup, both types of devices are decent models, but their purpose and capabilities are radically different.

Fitness bracelets (Mi Band 8, Redmi Smart Band 2) are positioned as compact assistants for sports and health monitoring, while smart watches (Redmi Watch 4, Xiaomi Watch) are positioned as compact assistants for sports and health monitoring, while smart watches (Redmi Watch 4, Xiaomi Watch). S3) It's not just about screen size or design, it's about autonomy, functionality, and even how the device integrates into your everyday life. Next, we will analyze 10 key differences that will help you make an informed choice without overpaying for unnecessary features.

1. Design and ergonomics: compactness vs multifunctionality

The first thing that catches the eye is the dimensions. Xiaomi fitness bracelets weigh only 10-15 grams and have a thin body (about 10 mm), which makes them almost invisible on the wrist. For example, the Mi Band 8 with a flexible strap of thermoplastic elastomer is suitable even for sleep - you will not feel discomfort when cornering.

Smartwatches, by contrast, are more massive: Redmi Watch 4 weighs 31 grams, and Xiaomi Watch S3 — They're all 50 grams. They're thicker (11 to 12 mm) and they're taking up a lot of the front panel:

• 🏃‍♂️ For sports: the bracelet does not interfere with running or training with dumbbells, whereas the watch can cling to equipment.
• 👔 For office: Watch with metal strap (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro) looks more presentable than bracelet.
• 😴 60% of users (according to Mi Community surveys) admit to sleeping with a bracelet, but only 20% - with a smart watch.

Another nuance is interchangeable straps: Xiaomi bracelets have a standard width of 18-20 mm, and it is easy to find an alternative. The watches are often proprietary (for example, the Redmi Watch 3 Active is 22 mm), which makes it difficult to replace.

2. Screen: Size matters

Smartwatches are definitely winning here. Even the budget Redmi Watch. 4 display-packed 1.75 resolution 390×450 pixels, while the Mi Band 8 screen 1.62 inch (192×490 The difference is noticeable when:

• 📱 Reading notifications: up to 5 lines of text are placed on the watch, 2-3 lines are placed on the bracelet.
• 🎮 Games: Redmi Watch 4 can run simple games (e.g. 2048), but not on a bracelet.
• 📊 Activity charts: on a large screen it is more convenient to analyze the dynamics of the pulse or steps.

However, bracelets have the advantage of automatic lighting when lifting the hand works faster (lag time). ~0.3 versus ~0.8 seconds at the clock. This is critical for running or cycling, when you need to quickly look at the time.

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If you are wearing the device on your right hand, in the Mi Fitness settings, enable the option "Left-handed mode" (Profile) → Settings of the device) – this will reduce false lighting.

3. Autonomy: Where does the battery last longer?

This is one of the key parameters where Xiaomi fitness bracelets are the undisputed leader, for example, the Mi Band 8 on a single charge lasts up to 16 days (in standard use), and the Redmi Smart Band 2 – up to 14 days.

• ⚡ Redmi Watch 4: Up to 10 days (actually 5-7 days with active use).
• ⚡ Xiaomi Watch S3: Up to 12 days, but with a constant Bluetooth connection and notifications – no more than 4-5 days.

The difference is explained simply:

1. Energy intensity: bracelets have a battery of 125-190 mAh, watches have 200-300 mAh, but the latter is consumed faster due to the large screen and processor.
2. Optimization: Bracelets use simplified chips (Dialog) DA1470x), The watch is equipped with a more powerful SoC (Apollo 4 in the Watch). S3).
3. Functions: Constant synchronization of notifications, NFC, GPS (In some models, you eat the charge.

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If you want maximum autonomy (for example, for a hike or business trip), a Xiaomi fitness bracelet is the best choice. SpO₂ Sleep monitoring will last at least 7 days.

There is a downside: charging bracelets often requires proprietary cable (for example, the Mi Band 8 has a magnetic connector), whereas many watches (Redmi Watch 4) support wireless charging (Qi).

4. Functionality: What do bracelets and watches do?

Here, smartwatches offer a lot more features, but the question is, do you need them? Let's compare the basic and advanced features:

The key difference is that the functions are autonomous. For example, to run with a Redmi Watch 4 smartwatch, you don't need a phone: they will record the route along the route. GPS And they sync the data later, and with the bracelet, you'll have to use your smartphone to track it accurately.

But there is a downside: many of the watch’s “advanced” features require a smartphone connection, such as the XiaoAI voice assistant in the Xiaomi Watch. S3 It only works with an active Bluetooth connection.

5. Sport and health: which is more accurate?

Both types of devices are equipped with sensors to track activity, but the approach to data analysis is different. Fitness bracelets focus on basic metrics:

• 🏃‍♂️ Steps/Distance: Accuracy ±5% (by tests) DC Rainmaker).
• 💓 Pulse: measured every 1-5 minutes (configured in Mi Fitness) → Settings → Measurement frequency).
• 😴 Sleep: Recognises deep/light sleep and awakenings.

Smartwatches add advanced analytics:

• 📈 VO₂ max: Blood oxygen level assessment (good for runners).
• 🩺 Stress test: analysis of heart rate variability (HRV).
• 🏊 Swimming tracker: recognizes style, counts strokes (in Xiaomi Watch) S3).

But there is a caveat: for the exact GPS-Tracking in the watch you need to turn on the "High accuracy" mode (Settings) → Sport → precision GPS), This reduces the time of autonomy by 30%.

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For maximum pulse accuracy, wear a wristband or watch 2-3 fingers above the wrist bone to reduce artifacts from hand movements.

According to the Wareable (2023) test, Xiaomi Watch S3 It shows the accuracy of the pulse measurement at the level of the Apple Watch SE (margin of error ±2 beats/min, while Mi Band 8 is behind ±4 strikes/min.

6.Smart features: calls, payment, voice assistant

If you want not only fitness metrics but also integration with the ecosystem, smartwatches offer:

• 📞 Calls: Redmi Watch 4 has a built-in microphone and speaker for receiving calls (sound quality is average, but for short conversations is enough).
• 💳 Payment: NFC-chip allows you to link Mi Pay or Google Pay cards (in models with Wear) OS).
• 🎤 Voice Assistant: XiaoAI or Google Assistant (in Xiaomi Watch) S3).

Fitness bracelets are limited:

• 🔔 Notifications: You can only view (no response).
• 🎵 Music Management: Switching tracks on the phone.
• 🔍 Phone Search: Find My Device (Sound Signal).

Important: on the iPhone, the functionality of Xiaomi watches is limited – for example, it is impossible to install third-party apps from Wear OS. Details in spoiler:

7.Price: How much does the difference in function cost?

Cost is often the deciding factor, and in 2026, the prices of new Xiaomi Redmi devices in Russia are as follows:

The price difference is justified if you need:

• 📱 Self-contained functions: GPS, Music, Payment – Save Time and Nerves.
• 🕒 Long-term investment: watches are less likely to go out of fashion (bracelet design changes every year).
• 🩺 Medical features: ECG (in the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or SpO₂ warning-point.

But if you're on a budget, the bracelet covers 80 percent of your daily needs for a third of the price. ₽ It offers the same sensors as the 6000 Redmi Watch 4. ₽, but without a screen and NFC.

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You can save on the purchase by choosing the models of the previous year: Mi Band 7 or Redmi Watch 3 are often sold at a discount of up to 40%, while their functionality differs from the new versions minimally.

8. Which is right for: a selection checklist

To avoid making a mistake, answer the following questions:

1. Do you need phone calls from the clock? ✅ Yes. → Smart watches (Redmi Watch 4 and higher). ❌ No. → bracelet saves money.
2. Is autonomy important? ✅ Yes (hikes, business trips) → bracelet (Mi Band 8 – up to 16 days). ❌ No. → The clock will last 3-5 days.
3. Do you play sports with tracked route? ✅ Yes. → clock GPS (Xiaomi Watch S3). ❌ No. → bracelet enough data from the smartphone.

Do you need to pay for your wrist and music?

• ✅ Yes. → only a smartwatch with NFC.
• ❌ No. → bracelet.

If you lead an active lifestyle, but are not willing to pay for the bells and whistles, the best option is the Redmi Watch 3 Active (price). ~4 500 ₽). It combines a big screen, GPS and 10-day autonomy.

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Before buying, check the device’s compatibility with your smartphone through the official Mi Fitness app (available for Android 6.0).+ iOS 12.0+).

For older people or those who appreciate simplicity, the best choice is the Mi Band 8. Its interface is intuitive, and large numbers on the screen are easy to read.

FAQ: Frequent questions