Choosing between Huawei and Xiaomi smartwatches isnβt just a brand issue, but finding a balance between design, functionality, autonomy and price. Both companies offer devices that can track health, manage notifications and even replace a smartphone in some scenarios. But which watch will be right for you?
In 2026, the range of smartwatches from these manufacturers has expanded from budget models for fitness to premium gadgets with advanced medical functions. Huawei relies on elegant design and advanced sensors (for example, blood pressure measurement), and Xiaomi on accessibility, modularity and integration with the Mi Home ecosystem. In this article, we will analyze the key differences, test real autonomy and help determine the choice.
Spoiler: If you want a watch with maximum autonomy and medical features, look at the Huawei Watch GT 4. If the priority is price, interchangeable straps and simple synchronization with Android, then the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro may be the best option. But let's get into it.
Design and Material: Which Watches Look More Expensive?
The first thing that catches your eye when choosing smartwatches is their look. Huawei has traditionally offered a more premium design with metal cases and sapphire glass (in top-end models), while Xiaomi often uses plastic and simplified molds to lower the price.
For example, the Huawei Watch Ultimate is made of titanium alloy with a ceramic back panel, which makes it visually and tactilely close to a Swiss watch. And the Xiaomi Watch S3, despite its metal body, still loses in premium sensations due to the simpler design of dials and less refined straps.
- π Huawei: metal, sapphire glass (in top models), ceramics, premium straps (leather, silicone premium).
- π Xiaomi: Plastic/metal depending on model, standard silicone straps, but with the ability to quickly replace.
- π¨ Dials: Huawei has more animated options with high resolution, Xiaomi β easier, but with support for customization.
An important nuance: Huawei watches often weigh more because of the metal body, which can be uncomfortable with prolonged wear (for example, the Huawei Watch GT 4 weighs ~46 g against ~30 g for the Xiaomi Watch 2).
2. Autonomy: Who keeps the charge longer?
One of the key parameters for smartwatches is the lifetime of a single charge, where Huawei has traditionally led the way with optimized software and energy-efficient chips, for example, the Huawei Watch GT 4 in intensive use (with constant heart monitoring and notifications) lasts 5-7 days, and in economical mode β up to 14 days.
Xiaomi lags behind: even the flagship model Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro on average requires a recharge every 3-4 days, but on budget models (for example, Mi Band 8 Pro) autonomy can reach 12-14 days due to simplified functionality.
| Model | Battery capacity (mAh) | Autonomy (days) | Fast charging. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huawei Watch GT 4 | 524 | 5β14 | Yes (100% in 60 minutes) |
| Huawei Watch Ultimate | 530 | 7β15 | Yeah (wireless) |
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro | 470 | 3β5 | Yes (100% in 75 minutes) |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 | 486 | 4β6 | No. |
β οΈ Attention: Autonomy is highly dependent on the functions involved. SpOβ (oxygen saturation can reduce operating time by 30-40%.If you want maximum autonomy, turn off unnecessary sensors in the settings.
π‘
To extend the battery life, reduce the brightness of the screen to 50% and turn off the βAlways-on Displayβ (constantly on the screen).
3. Functionality: What do Huawei and Xiaomi watches know?
Both brands offer a standard set of features for smartwatches: heart monitoring, pedometer, notifications, GPS.
- π©Ί Medical features: Huawei leads the way here with certified blood pressure sensors (on Watch D and Watch models) GT 4) and ECG (in some regions). Xiaomi does not offer such features yet.
- π Sports modes: Huawei has more than 100 of them (including golf and snowboarding), Xiaomi has about 150, but many of them are duplicated.
- π± Smartphone integration: Huawei watches work better with phones of the same brand (for example, synchronization with Huawei Health is easier), and Xiaomi is more versatile for Android.
- π§ Additional chips: The Huawei Watch Ultimate has a built-in speaker and microphone for calls, and the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro supports the installation of third-party applications (for example, Spotify).
Which watch is better for swimming?
β οΈ Note: The blood pressure measurement function on Huawei watches requires calibration using a blood pressure monitor. Β±10 mm Hg.
Smartphone Compatibility: Which Watches Are More Universal?
If you have a Huawei smartphone (like the P60 Pro or Mate 60), the same brandβs watches will sync faster and offer advanced features (like unlocking your phone by the clock), but Huawei limits some options for Android devices:
- π΅ On smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi or Google Pixel may not work fast pair (automatic synchronization).
- π To receive notifications, you will need to install the Huawei Health app and give it permission to access the app. SMS and call.
Xiaomi, by contrast, is more friendly to other brands: Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Mi Band 8 Pro watches seamlessly sync with any Android smartphone via Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life), and Xiaomi supports Google Fit, making it easier to export health data.
- Model compatibility with your version of Android/iOS|Availability of an official application in your region | Support for notifications from messengers |Ability to answer calls (if necessary)
-->.
5. Price and price/quality ratio
One of the main arguments in favor of Xiaomi has always been the price.Budget models like the Mi Band 8 (from 2,500). β½) Xiaomi Watch S2 (12,000 β½) They offer basic functionality for minimal money, while Huawei is positioning itself as a premium brand:
- π° Huawei Watch GT 4 - from 22,000 β½ (pottery + sapphire).
- π° Huawei Watch Ultimate β from 45,000 β½ (titan + eSIM).
- π° Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro β from 18,000 β½ (metal + AMOLED).
- π° Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Pro β from 5,000 β½ (plastic + OLED).
π‘
If the budget is limited, but the clock is required. AMOLED-screen GPS, Xiaomi Watch S3 (10,000 β½) β Best choice in price/quality ratio.
However, Huaweiβs high price is justified not only by design, but also by long-term support: proprietary software gets updates longer than Xiaomi. For example, the Huawei Watch GT 3 (2021) still gets new fitness modes, while the Xiaomi Mi Watch (the same year) has not been updated for a long time.
6. Which watch to choose in 2026: a final comparison
To facilitate the choice, we will summarize the key parameters in the final table:
| Criteria | Huawei (plus) | Huawei (minuses) | Xiaomi (plus) | Xiaomi (minuses) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Premium materials, sapphire | Heavy, expensive repairs. | Lightweight, interchangeable straps | Plastic in budget models |
| Autonomy | 5-14 days | Long charge. | 3-7 days (except for Mi Band) | Quickly land on GPS. |
| Health functions | Pressure, ECG, accurate pulse. | Requires calibration | SpOβ, sleep, stress | No medical certificates |
| Price. | Premium segment | Expensive accessories | Budget options | Assembly quality is lower |
π‘
For health and long work, choose Huawei. For economy and versatility, Xiaomi.