How to Choose the Perfect Xiaomi Watch Among Dozens of Models
Xiaomiβs smartwatch selection in 2026 has become a real puzzle even for power users.The brand offers more than 15 relevant models - from budget fitness trackers to premium smartwatches with a high-end smartwatch. AMOLED-And there's a middle ground between price, functionality and quality?
We analyzed the technical specifications, reviews of real users (more than 12,000 comments on Mi Community and AliExpress), as well as the results of tests from authoritative publications - GSMArena, NotebookCheck and others. XDA In this guide, you will find not just a list of βbest hoursβ, but a step-by-step method of choosing for specific tasks: from running and swimming to monitoring sleep and managing a smart home.
An important nuance of 2026: Xiaomi actively divides the lineup into βChineseβ (for the domestic market) and βglobalβ versions. Some models, such as the Watch 2 Pro, are not officially sold in Russia, but they can be ordered through parallel imports, we will also talk about this.
Choice Criteria: What to Consider Before Buying
Before comparing specific models, identify priorities, and here are the key parameters that affect the experience:
- π Autonomy: 5 days (Mi Band 8) to 14 days (Watch) S3) It's important for marathon runners, some models discharge in 8 to 10 hours when you turn on. GPS.
- π Sporting features: basic pedometer vs. professional running analysis with measurement VO2 Max, Strava and Garmin Connect.
- π©Ί Medical sensors: pulse oximeter, ECG (only in Watch 2 Pro for China), stress monitoring and menstrual cycle.
- π± Compatibility: All Xiaomi watches work with Android 6.0+ iOS 12+, But on iPhone, some features (such as quick responses to notifications) are not available.
If you plan to swim with a watch, check the 5 certificate ATM (It can withstand pressure at a depth of 50 meters. IP68 spray-proof!
TOP-5 Xiaomi's best watches 2026 year: comparative table
We selected 5 models covering all price segments and use cases, and the data is relevant for the global versions (unless otherwise indicated):
| Model | Price (β½) | Display. | Autonomy | Key features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (China) | 22 000β25 000 | 1.43" AMOLED, 466Γ466 | 7 days | ECG, 150.+ sports regimes, Wear OS, NFC for AliPay | There is no Russian language in the firmware, it is difficult to deliver |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 | 14 000β16 000 | 1.43" AMOLED, 466Γ466 | 14 days | 5 ATM, pulse oximeter, 150+ dials, fast charging (10 min) = 1 day) | No Wear. OS, limited applications |
| Redmi Watch 4 | 6 000β7 500 | 1.97" AMOLED, 450Γ390 | 10 days | 150+ sports regimes, built-in GPS, 5 ATM, 200+ face-piece | Plastic case, no NFC |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro | 5 000β6 000 | 1.74" AMOLED, 336Γ480 | 14 days | GPS, phased sleep monitoring, 150+ regimes, removable strap | Small screen for notifications, no microphone |
| Mi Band 8 | 2 500β3 500 | 1.62" AMOLED, 192Γ490 | 16 days | 5 ATM, monitoring SpOβ, 150+ dials, removable module | No. GPS, squirt |
Expert advice: If you need a swim watch, choose a 5-watch model ATM (Watch S3, Redmi Watch 4 critical for running built-in GPS (All models except the Mi Band 8).
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Best Price/Quality Rate in 2026: Redmi Watch 4 (7000) β½) Xiaomi Watch S3 (15 000 β½).
Best premium model: Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (for enthusiasts only)
This is the flagship of the lineup, but with serious reservations. Watch 2 Pro runs on Wear. OS (Unlike the other Xiaomi watches on the MIUI Watch, which gives you access to Google Play, Spotify, Google Maps and other applications. It has an ECG (certified only for China), a sensor. PPG for blood pressure measurement (requires tonometer calibration), as well as eSIM support for phone-free calls.
However, there are 3 critical flaws:
- π« No official sale in Russia β only through resellers (risk of forgery).
- π« Firmware in Chinese, Russifier works unstable.
- π« Autonomy of only 3-5 days with active use (versus 10-14 days for competitors).
How to Russify the Watch 2 Pro?
β οΈ Warning: If youβre not ready to mess with firmware and orders from China, consider Xiaomi Watch S3 β It is 90% the same as the Watch 2 Pro, but without the Wear. OS and ECG.
Best Price/Quality Balance: Xiaomi Watch S3 (choice)
This model was ranked number one on our list because of the optimal combination of features and price. β½ You get:
- π 1.43-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 466Γ466 pixel (326 PPI) β one of the most accurate in the segment.
- π Certificate 5 ATM β You can swim up to 50 meters (unlike the Redmi Watch 4, which is a very small swim). IP68).
- π©Ί Pulse oximeter + Sleep monitoring with phase analysis (light/deep)/REM) and recommendations for improvement.
- π Fast charging: 10 minutes = 1 day of work, full charge in 45 minutes.
Compared to the Watch 2 Pro, there is no Wear. OS and an ECG, but:
- β Autonomy up to 14 days (versus 5-7 days for the flagship).
- β Official guarantee in Russia and support of the brand store.
- β More than 150 dials (including animated ones) and the ability to download your own via Mi Fitness.
βοΈ What to check for when buying a watch S3
β οΈ Attention: Watch S3 There's a bug with Telegram notifications, which are duplicated, and it's solved by disabling the "Show preview" option in the app settings on your phone.
Budget champion: Redmi Watch 4 (better than Mi Band 8 Pro)
If your budget is up to 8,000 β½, Redmi Watch 4 is the best choice among all Xiaomi smartwatches:
1. Display. 1.97 The largest in the budget segment (Mi Band) 8 Pros. 1.74"). Permission 450Γ390 pixels provide clarity of text, and brightness 600 The silk allows you to read notifications in the sun.
2. Fully valid. GPS (Mi Band 8 is not available in the device, but it can be used to track the route without a phone link, and is as accurate as Garmin Forerunner 55 (up to 3-5 meters in error).
3. 150+ sports regimes, including rare activities: skituring, kayaking, yoga on the SUP-board.
The main disadvantage is the plastic case, which looks cheap. But for the money, 6,000-7,500. β½) The alternative is the Mi Band 8 Pro, but it has a smaller screen and it doesn't. GPS.
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To extend the life of the Redmi Watch 4 battery, turn off the "Raise your hand to activate" and reduce the brightness to 50%. This will add 2-3 days of autonomy.
Minimalist: Mi Band 8 (if you only need basic features)
The Mi Band 8 is not really a watch, but rather a fitness tracker with a minimalist design, and you should buy it only in three cases:
- You need the lightest weight possible (27 g vs. 30-50 g for hours).
- Youβre willing to sacrifice your screen for 16 days of autonomy.
- Your budget is strictly up to 3,500 β½.
What does Mi Band 8 do?
- π©Ή Monitoring SpOβ (oxygenation of the blood) and heart rate 24/7.
- π 150+ sports regimes (but without them) GPS β Telephone binding is mandatory).
- π€ Sleep analysis with phases and recommendations on the regimen.
- π Removable module - you can change the strap or fasten it on the backpack.
What's not:
- π« Built-in GPS (routes are built according to the phone).
- π« NFC contactless.
- π« Microphone and speaker (cannot answer calls).
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Mi Band 8 is suitable for swimming (5). ATM), If you dive deeper than 10 meters, you may leak a microphone (reviewed on AliExpress).
Common mistakes in choosing and how to avoid them
Even experienced users sometimes buy the wrong model, here are 5 common mistakes and how to prevent them:
1. Buying a Chinese version without compatibility check
Models for China (for example, Watch 2 Pro) often do not support Russian in firmware and have restrictions on services (no Google Pay, only AliPay).
- π Global presence ROM description.
- π Support for Russian in the menu (ask the seller for screenshots).
- π Compatible with your phone (some features only work on your phone) MIUI).
2. Ignoring water protection certificates
If you are planning to swim, take only models with 5. ATM. IP68 It only protects against rain and splashes! in reviews on Redmi Watch 3 (c) IP68) Lots of complaints about failure after the pool.
3. Overpayment for unnecessary functions
Ask yourself, βI will use it.β NFC/ECG/eSIM If you don't, you can use a simpler model. For example, the Watch. S3 without NFC cheaply 1 500 β½, and the same function.
4. Neglect of strap size
Xiaomi offers 20mm (universal) and 22mm (large wrist) straps.If your wrist is thicker than 18cm, take a model with a 22mm strap (Watch). S3 Watch 2 Pro).
5. Buying without checking compatibility with iPhone
On iOS, some of the features are limited to:
- π« No quick answers to notifications.
- π« Xiao voice assistant is not working AI.
- π« No sync with Apple Health (only manual data export).
β οΈ Note: if you buy a watch on AliExpress, in the comments to the product look for references to "global firmware" (Global) ROM). Sellers often lie about supporting the Russian language - demand proof!