What model of Xiaomi watches is the best in 2026: expert rating and comparison

How to Choose the Perfect Xiaomi Watch Among Dozens of Models

Xiaomi’s 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 β€œbest hours”, 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 β€œChinese” (for the domestic market) and β€œglobal” 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:

  • πŸ”‹ 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.
  • πŸƒ Sporting features: basic pedometer vs. professional running analysis with measurement VO2 Max, Strava and Garmin Connect.
  • 🩺 Medical sensors: pulse oximeter, ECG (only in Watch 2 Pro for China), stress monitoring and menstrual cycle.
  • πŸ“± 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!

πŸ“Š Why you need a smart watch?
Fitness and sport
Health monitoring
Notifications and calls
Smart home and pay
Design and status

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):

ModelPrice (β‚½)Display.AutonomyKey featuresCons
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (China)22 000–25 0001.43" AMOLED, 466Γ—4667 daysECG, 150.+ sports regimes, Wear OS, NFC for AliPayThere is no Russian language in the firmware, it is difficult to deliver
Xiaomi Watch S314 000–16 0001.43" AMOLED, 466Γ—46614 days5 ATM, pulse oximeter, 150+ dials, fast charging (10 min) = 1 day)No Wear. OS, limited applications
Redmi Watch 46 000–7 5001.97" AMOLED, 450Γ—39010 days150+ sports regimes, built-in GPS, 5 ATM, 200+ face-piecePlastic case, no NFC
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro5 000–6 0001.74" AMOLED, 336Γ—48014 daysGPS, phased sleep monitoring, 150+ regimes, removable strapSmall screen for notifications, no microphone
Mi Band 82 500–3 5001.62" AMOLED, 192Γ—49016 days5 ATM, monitoring SpOβ‚‚, 150+ dials, removable moduleNo. 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).

πŸ’‘

Best Price/Quality Rate in 2026: Redmi Watch 4 (7000) β‚½) Xiaomi Watch S3 (15 000 β‚½).

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:

  • 🚫 No official sale in Russia – only through resellers (risk of forgery).
  • 🚫 Firmware in Chinese, Russifier works unstable.
  • 🚫 Autonomy of only 3-5 days with active use (versus 10-14 days for competitors).

How to Russify the Watch 2 Pro?
For Russification it is necessary: 1) To establish APK MoreLocale 2 via ADB; 2) Select the "Russia" region in the clock settings; (3) Reboot the device. This does not remove the warranty, but may cause notification bugs.

⚠️ Warning: If you’re 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. β‚½ You get:

  • πŸ“Š 1.43-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 466Γ—466 pixel (326 PPI) β€” one of the most accurate in the segment.
  • 🏊 Certificate 5 ATM β€” You can swim up to 50 meters (unlike the Redmi Watch 4, which is a very small swim). IP68).
  • 🩺 Pulse oximeter + Sleep monitoring with phase analysis (light/deep)/REM) and recommendations for improvement.
  • πŸ”„ 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:

  • βœ… Autonomy up to 14 days (versus 5-7 days for the flagship).
  • βœ… Official guarantee in Russia and support of the brand store.
  • βœ… More than 150 dials (including animated ones) and the ability to download your own via Mi Fitness.

β˜‘οΈ What to check for when buying a watch S3

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ 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 β‚½, 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 450Γ—390 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. β‚½) The alternative is the Mi Band 8 Pro, but it has a smaller screen and it doesn't. GPS.

πŸ’‘

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:

  1. You need the lightest weight possible (27 g vs. 30-50 g for hours).
  2. You’re willing to sacrifice your screen for 16 days of autonomy.
  3. Your budget is strictly up to 3,500 β‚½.

What does Mi Band 8 do?

  • 🩹 Monitoring SpOβ‚‚ (oxygenation of the blood) and heart rate 24/7.
  • πŸƒ 150+ sports regimes (but without them) GPS β€” Telephone binding is mandatory).
  • πŸ’€ Sleep analysis with phases and recommendations on the regimen.
  • πŸ”„ Removable module - you can change the strap or fasten it on the backpack.

What's not:

  • 🚫 Built-in GPS (routes are built according to the phone).
  • 🚫 NFC contactless.
  • 🚫 Microphone and speaker (cannot answer calls).

πŸ’‘

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).

  • πŸ“Œ Global presence ROM description.
  • πŸ“Œ Support for Russian in the menu (ask the seller for screenshots).
  • πŸ“Œ 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, β€œI will use it.” NFC/ECG/eSIM If you don't, you can use a simpler model. For example, the Watch. S3 without NFC cheaply 1 500 β‚½, 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:

  • 🚫 No quick answers to notifications.
  • 🚫 Xiao voice assistant is not working AI.
  • 🚫 No sync with Apple Health (only manual data export).

⚠️ 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!

Can I make a Chinese version of a watch on a global firmware?
Technically yes, but: The Watch 2 Pro needs an unlocked bootloader (brick risk). S3 Redmi Watch 4 is available for Global ROM You can use Mi Fitness, but you lose the warranty. After the firmware, the ECG and pulse oximeter may stop working (if they were in the Chinese version). ~1 500 β‚½).
What Xiaomi Watches Support Contactless Payment in Russia?
There are only two models for 2026: Xiaomi Watch S3 β€” via Mi Pay (works with cards World, Visa, Mastercard). Redmi Watch 4 - only in the version with the NFC (marking NFC Note: To link the card, you need to: Install the Mi Pay app (available on Android). SMS (Some banks block the binding to smart watches).
What is the battery life in Xiaomi watches?
The average life of a lithium polymer battery is 2-3 years (or 500 charge cycles), after which the capacity drops by 20-30%, and the clock starts to run out in 1-2 days: πŸ”Œ Do not keep your watch on charge for more than 2 hours. 🌑️ Avoid overheating (do not leave it in the sun or near the battery). πŸ“‰ Once a month, discharge the battery to 0% and charge to 100% for calibration. Replacing the battery at the service center costs 2,000-3,500. β‚½ (model-wise).
Can I connect a Xiaomi watch to multiple phones?
Officially, no. The watch is tied to one Mi Account, but there are workarounds: Reset the watch to factory settings (Settings) β†’ About the device β†’ Reset and connect to another phone. Use the Notify & Fitness app (for Android) - it allows you to receive notifications on the clock from multiple devices.
Which Xiaomi watch is best for swimming?
For swimming pool and open water, only models with 5 are suitable. ATM: Xiaomi Watch S3 β€” Best choice (there is swimming in the pool and open water with stroke counting). Redmi Watch 4 is a budget alternative (but there is no automatic recognition of swimming style). Important: After swimming in salt water, wash the watch with fresh water. Do not press the buttons underwater - this can violate the tightness. Avoid hot springs (temperature above 40).Β°C damages seals).