Xiaomi’s ecosystem has long outgrown the boundaries of smartphone production, taking over the wearable electronics market at an incredible rate. Today, the question of “what is a shaomi watch” puzzles even experienced users, because the range has grown to a gigantic scale. You can find devices that only display notifications and time, or full-fledged computers on the wrist with GPS and the ability to install applications.
The main thing to understand for a beginner is that the Xiaomi brand often hides products from different sub-brands and partners, such as Redmi, Haylou and Amazfit. They all work in a single ecosystem, but have significant differences in design, body materials and software. The choice of the right model depends not so much on the budget, but on what tasks you plan to solve with the gadget.
In this article, we will take a look at all the categories of smartwatches available in the company’s portfolio, and not only will we list the models, but we will also explain the technical details so that you can make informed choices without overpaying for features you will never use.
Fitness trackers and smart bracelets: the initial level
The most popular category that most users begin to familiarize themselves with wearable electronics, which is not technically a “watch” in the classical sense, but rather a fitness tracker with advanced functionality, featuring light weight, minimalist design and record-breaking autonomy, which often reaches two weeks on a single charge.
The main task of devices such as the Mi Smart Band series is to monitor activity, they accurately count steps, analyze sleep phases and measure heart rate in mode. 24/7. However, modern models have already acquired color. AMOLED-screens, support NFC Payment and even built-in GPS, That was previously the prerogative of expensive watches.
Importantly, the functionality of the wristbands is highly dependent on the firmware version and region. Chinese versions often have a wider set of dials and features, but may require additional manipulation to pair with global accounts. For the average user who just needs statistics and notifications, this is ideal.
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Fitness bracelets are the best choice for those who forget to charge gadgets and appreciate the lightness on the hand.
The differences between generations can be significant, for example, the transition from the Mi Band 6 to the Mi Band 8 gave users the ability to attach the tracker not only to the strap, but also to hang on the neck or attach to sneakers, turning it into a professional running sensor.
- 🏃♂️ High-accuracy steps and calories counting thanks to new algorithms.
- 💧 Full water resistance of the standard 5ATM, pool-pool.
- 🔋 Autonomous work before 14-16 days in energy saving mode.
- 📱 Display notifications from messengers and social networks.
Classic smart watches Redmi and Mi Watch
When it comes to full-fledged watches, the Redmi Watch and Mi Watch series come to mind, and are larger-body, often square or classic round-shaped, watches that resemble traditional mechanical watches, and use more powerful hardware to enable full-fledged operating systems or lighter versions.
The key difference in this category is the presence of a built-in GPS/GLONASS module. This means that you no longer need to carry a smartphone to jog or cycle. The watch will record track, speed and altitude on its own. The Mi Watch Lite or Redmi Watch 3 models offer a great balance between price and screen quality.
These devices often use the Wear OS by Google or proprietary HyperOS Connect (formerly MIUI for Watch) which opens up access to installing third-party apps, although their choices are still limited compared to Android smartphones.
Hidden features of MIUI for Watch
The case materials in this segment range from plastic in budget models to aluminum alloy and stainless steel in top-end versions.The screens here are protected by tempered glass, often with an oleophobic scratch-resistant coating.
⚠️ Note: When buying the Mi Watch series, pay attention to the version. Global versions may have a reduced functionality NFC It is also a voice assistant compared to Chinese counterparts due to regional restrictions.
Premium segment: Xiaomi Watch S and Pro
For those looking for a mix of style and cutting-edge technology, the company is launching flagship lines such as the Xiaomi Watch S and Pro, designed to compete with market leaders like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch, using premium materials such as sapphire glass, titanium body and straps made of natural leather or high-quality fluoride.
And it's always the best possible time for the ecosystem to fill it up. AMOLED-It's a high-pixel density display with Always-On Display, which keeps the dial on all the time without expending too much energy. eSIM supports calls and Internet access directly from the clock, without being tethered to the phone.
The premium segment is bringing in sensors for measuring blood oxygen (SpO2), advanced stress monitoring, and even heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. The software offers personalized exercise plans and restorative recommendations.
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When buying premium watches, check the compatibility of straps. Often Xiaomi uses standard 20mm or 22mm mounts, making it easy to replace the standard strap with any other one from the accessories store.
The autonomy of flagships is usually lower than that of fitness trackers, due to the energy-intensive screens and communication modules. In active GPS mode, they live about 2-3 days, and in normal mode - up to 10-12 days, which is still a great indicator.
- 🌍 Support for dual-frequency navigation for accurate positioning in the city.
- 💎 Sapphire glass, which is almost impossible to scratch with keys.
- 📞 Built-in speaker and microphone for speakerphone and call response.
- 🎵 Built-in memory for music storage (up to 4 GB or more).
Partner brands: Amazfit and Haylou
You can't talk about the Xiaomi watch without mentioning its main partners: Amazfit (the Huami brand) and Haylou are formally independent but deeply integrated into the Xiaomi ecosystem, often sold in the same stores and using similar apps to manage.
Amazfit is positioned as a more sporty and tech-friendly brand. Their watches, such as the GTR or GTS series, often have longer autonomy and specialized sports modes. They use proprietary operating systems optimized for energy efficiency and the Zepp app.
Haylou, on the other hand, is a great choice for those who want a smartwatch for the first time and are not willing to spend a lot of money. Models like the Haylou Solar or the LS02 have become bestsellers because of the value of money. They are simpler in functionality, but reliable in operation.
The software difference is key here: If Xiaomi’s watches are running Mi Fitness (or Xiaomi Wear), Amazfit requires Zepp, and Haylou requires Haylou Fit. This means you’ll have to keep multiple apps on your smartphone to manage different gadgets, although health data can sometimes be synchronized via Google Fit or Apple Health.
| Brand | Main annex | Feature | Price segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Mi Fitness | Full integration with MIUI | Average/Budget |
| Amazfit | Zepp | Record autonomy | Medium/Premium |
| Haylou | Haylou Fit | Low price | Budget budget |
| Imilab | Mi Fitness | Minimalism | Budget budget |
☑️ What to look at when choosing a watch
Specialized models: for children and sports
Separately, it is worth highlighting niche products created to solve specific tasks: children's watches, such as Mi Bunny or Mi Bunny. 70mai Kids Watch is basically a security tool. They're equipped with powerful security tools. GPS-tracking, buttoning SOS and video calling capability.
These devices often feature geo-fencing, where the parent specifies a safe area on a map (such as a school or yard), and if the child goes outside, a notification arrives on the parent's phone, and the camera in the watch is not for creativity, but for the child to show what is happening around.
Sports watches, in turn, can have a reinforced body, military-standard protection (MIL-STD-810G) and specialized sensors. Some models support the connection of external pulsemeters or bicycle cadence sensors via the ANT+ or Bluetooth protocol.
⚠️ Children's watches require regular recharging (usually once in a while). 1-2 day) due to active use GPS Don't rely on them as the only way to communicate in an emergency without first checking your charge.
Recovery metrics and VO2 max (maximum oxygen consumption) are important for professional athletes, and flagship models Xiaomi and Amazfit already know how to calculate these metrics, offering recommendations on the intensity of training to avoid overtraining.
Comparison of operating systems and ecosystems
When you choose a watch, you also choose a software platform, and in the Xiaomi world, there are two main ones: RTOS (Real-Time Operating System), which is a closed, lightweight system that is installed on most wristbands and budget watches (Redmi Watch Lite, Mi Band), which are very fast, have no menu lags, but do not allow third-party apps to be installed.
The second system is a modified Wear OS or ColorOS Watch (depending on the region and model), which is a full-fledged OS that turns a watch into a mini-smartphone, where you can put cards, music, voice recorders, and even respond to messages with a voice or keyboard, but such a watch requires a more powerful smartphone and more often needs charging.
Data synchronization is done through the cloud. If you have a Xiaomi smartphone, it takes seconds to set up: just hold the watch to the phone. For iOS (iPhone) users, the functionality can be slightly reduced: for example, you can not respond to a message from WhatsApp, just view it. There can also be problems with the stability of notifications if the Mi Fitness app is killed by the iOS energy saving system.
Problem with notifications on iOS
The global versions of Xiaomi watches often feature Google Assistant, while the Chinese versions use Xiao AI, which does not understand Russian or English, making voice control useless for the user from the CIS.
Final comparison and characteristics table
To sum up, Xiaomi’s watch range is capable of satisfying the needs of any audience, from a simple pedometer for $20 to a titanium smartwatch with an eSIM for $300, the choices are huge. The key is to prioritize clearly: do you care about work time or functionality? Style or sports metrics?
Don’t chase the most expensive model if your needs are limited to step counting and time-watching, but on the other hand, avid athletes are better off paying for built-in GPS and body protection so as not to risk their smartphone during a marathon or swim.
Consider a summary table that will help you quickly navigate the key differences of the main series at the moment.
| Series | Screen type | GPS | Duration of work | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Smart Band | AMOLED | Built-in (in new) | 10-14 days | Beginners, LOL |
| Redmi Watch | LCD/AMOLED | No/Inlined | 7-10 days | Office, style |
| Mi Watch Lite | TFT/IPS | Built-in | 9 days | Run, budget |
| Xiaomi Watch S | AMOLED | Bi-band | 12 days | Business, sport |
| Amazfit GTR | AMOLED | Built-in | 14-24 days | Marathon |
⚠️ Warning: When buying a watch with your hands, be sure to check the status of the Mi Account binding. If the previous owner did not untie the device, you will not be able to connect it to your phone, and the watch will become a useless piece of plastic.
Wearable electronics technology is advancing rapidly, and we are already seeing the introduction of pressure, body temperature, and even glucose measurements (yet experimentally), and when you buy a Xiaomi watch today, you get a device that can be updated and re-enabled through firmware updates, staying relevant for several years.
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The best watches are the ones you wear every day, and the comfort of the seat and the readability of the screen are more important than dozens of unused sports modes.