The wearables market boomed in 2021, and Xiaomi has become one of the main drivers of this process. Users facing the choice of a first or new activity tracker are often lost in the abundance of names, modifications and features. The difference between models can be huge, and price is not always a direct indicator of the quality or the set of options you need.
In this article, we will discuss in detail which Xiaomi watches to choose to not overpay for unnecessary features, but not to be disappointed in the purchase. We will analyze the key series released or current in 2021, including the brand’s own development and products of the Amazfit ecosystem. Understanding the differences in operating systems and display types will help you make an informed decision.
It’s worth noting that 2021 was a transition period for many of the lineups, with full-fledged operating systems capable of running third-party applications and models with increased battery life. A critical choice this year was the separation of devices into Wear OS platforms and proprietary MIUI systems for wearables. Let’s see what that means for the end user.
Key criteria for choosing a smart watch
Before you go to specific models, you need to decide on basic requirements. The market is oversaturated with gadgets, and without a clear understanding of your needs, it is easy to get confused. The main parameters that you should pay attention to first are the type of screen, autonomy and compatibility with a smartphone.
The display is the first thing you interact with. In 2021, two main types of matrix are relevant: AMOLED and TFT/LCD. The former provide deep black, high brightness and always-on mode (AOD) without significant impact on the battery. The latter are usually cheaper, but inferior in contrast and viewing angles. For those who plan to use the watch in bright sunny weather, the choice of AMOLED becomes almost uncontested.
⚠️ Note: Not all claimed features work equally well on iOS and Android.Be sure to check the compatibility list of a particular model with your version of the phone's operating system before buying.
Autonomy is the second critical parameter. Smartwatches should make life easier, not an excuse for daily charging. Models with basic functionality can last up to two weeks, whereas full-fledged smartwatches with GPS and a permanent connection often require a recharge every 24-48 hours. The choice depends on whether you are willing to put up with a smart alarm clock for enhanced features.
If you plan to use the gadget for swimming or active training in the rain, look for a marking of 5 ATM or higher. Basic spray protection (IP67 or IP68) is only suitable for washing hands and accidental moisture, but not for diving.
The flagship models: Mi Watch and Wear OS
In 2021, the Mi Watch lineup split into several directions, but it is the models based on Wear OS (or their modifications) that are of the greatest interest to advanced users, these devices are actually mini-smartphones on the wrist, allowing you to install applications, respond to messages and even make calls via eSIM (depending on the region and modification).
One iconic model is the Mi Watch, with a square body resembling the design of competitors from Cupertino. Inside, the powerful Snapdragon Wear 3100 processor, which ensures smooth interface operation. The presence of NFC for payment, built-in GPS and support for more than 100 sports modes make this gadget a versatile soldier.
- 📱 Application ecosystem: Possibility to install navigation, messengers and trackers from Google Play.
- 📍 Independent GPS: Accurate route tracking without having to bring your phone.
- 🎙️ Voice Assistant: Integration of Google Assistant for Smart Home Management and Information Retrieval.
But there's a downside to the coin: Wear OS functionality requires compromises in the form of autonomy; in active GPS mode and constant notification, the device may not live to see the evening of the second day; and the interface may seem overloaded for those who are used to the minimalism of fitness bracelets.
Hidden features of Wear OS on Xiaomi watches
Mid-segment: Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite and Revolve
For those who don’t need sophisticated operanic systems but need a balance between functionality and price, the company has launched the Lite and Revolve series, often based on the RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) platform, which is optimized for energy efficiency. In 2021, the Mi Watch Lite became a hit with sales due to its availability and the presence of built-in GPS.
The main advantage of this category is stability. There is no risk of system freeze or upgrade difficulties typical of complex OSes. The screens in these models are most often made using TFT technology, which reduces cost, but retains readability. The resolution and density of pixels here are lower than that of flagships, but for displaying time and steps, this is quite enough.
The health tracking functionality in these models is also impressive, with sleep, stress, women's health and SpO2 measurements, and the sensor algorithms in 2021 have been significantly improved compared to previous generations of wristbands.
The Mi Watch Revolve, which features a round body and a metal frame, is an attempt by the company to create a device that looks like a classic watch but has a smart filling, and is great for wearing a business suit where sporty square trackers may look out of place.
Amazfit Ecosystem: GTS, GTR and T-Rex
When it comes to Xiaomi watches, the Amazfit brand, part of the Mijia ecosystem, is not to be ignored: In 2021, the GTS 2/2 Mini and GTR 2/2e series were released or remained relevant. These devices often offer more premium materials and advanced health analysis algorithms than the Mi brand.
The T-Rex series deserves special mention as a choice for extremes, and it meets the military standard of strength MIL-STD-810G. It withstands extreme temperatures, shocks and dives. If your “choice” involves hiking, mountaineering or working in harsh conditions, then the T-Rex is the leader.
Amazfit models often use BioTracker biotracker™ PPG, It also provides high-precision pulse measurements even during intense workloads, and it is worth noting the support of offline maps in top models, which allows you to use navigation when hiking without a phone.
💡
When buying Amazfit, look out for the region version.The Global versions have built-in Russian language support and proper time synchronization, while the Chinese versions may require "dancing with a diamond" to Russify the interface.
Comparison of characteristics of popular models 2021
To organize the information and help you make your final decision, we have prepared a summary table that highlights the key technical parameters of the most talked about models of the year.
| Model | Screen type | Autonomy | GPS | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Watch | AMOLED | 2 days | Built-in | Wear OS, NFC, eSIM |
| Mi Watch Lite | TFT | 9 days | Built-in | Ease, budgeting |
| Amazfit GTS 2 | AMOLED | 7 days | Built-in | Bluetooth calls, memory for music |
| Amazfit T-Rex Pro | AMOLED | 18 days | Built-in | MIL-STD protection, barometer |
As you can see from the table, the range of features is significant. Mi Watch wins in functionality, turning into a full-fledged gadget. Amazfit GTS 2 offers the best balance for multimedia and calls. T-Rex Pro is the king of endurance, and Mi Watch Lite is the king of price and basic functionality.
Setup and management: Mi Fit and Zepp
After the purchase, the issue of customization arises: Xiaomi and Amazfit devices are managed through different applications, although databases often overlap. For the Mi brand watch, Mi Fitness (formerly Mi Wear) remains the main app, while Amazfit has moved to the Zepp platform.
Zepp is considered more advanced in analytics, providing detailed sleep phase graphs, PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) assessments, and complex training metrics, and a more modern and visualized interface.
Mi Fitness focuses on simplicity and integration with other ecosystem devices, making it easier to configure smart home scenarios: for example, when you start a workout on a clock, the light in the room can be dimmed automatically. Notifications are set up via Profile menu → Device settings → Notification management.
Typical problems and their solution
Even the best devices are not without their flaws: users in 2021 often faced step synchronization problems or loss of connection, often solved by simply restarting Bluetooth on a smartphone or reinstalling an app.
Another common complaint is that the pedometer is inaccurate when you're working with your hands (like typing on a keyboard), a feature of optical sensors that is hard to completely eliminate software, and for athletic performance, you'd better rely on active GPS training modes.
⚠️ Warning: If the watch has stopped receiving notifications from messengers, check your smartphone's power saving settings. Android often kills application background processes to save charge, which blocks push notifications on the watch.
Also worth mentioning is the problem with displaying Cyrillic in some third-party dials: If you like customization, choose dials marked "Cyrillic support" or use standard sets from the manufacturer to avoid the appearance of "currilous" instead of letters.
💡
Choosing between Wear OS and a proprietary system is a choice between smartphone functionality and fitness tracker autonomy.