What Xiaomi smartwatch to choose in 2023: a review of the best models with prices and comparisons

Xiaomi’s smartwatches remain among the most popular wearables on the market, thanks to a combination of affordable prices, rich functionality and stylish design. In 2023, the brand introduced several new models, as well as updated the Mi Band and Xiaomi Watch lines, which made it difficult for customers to choose.

In this article, we will analyze 7 The best smart watches Xiaomi 2023 Compare them in terms of key parameters: autonomy, functionality for sports, compatibility with the Android/iOS, Design and, of course, price. Special attention will be paid to new products - Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Mi Band 8, And we'll also look at what watches are suitable for running, swimming, health monitoring, or just as a stylish accessory.

Key criteria for choosing a smart watch Xiaomi in 2023

Before you go to specific models, decide what tasks you need the watch for. Here are the main parameters to look at:

  • πŸ”‹ Autonomy: 5 days from Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro for up to 16 days (Mi Band 8) New 2023 models have more capacious batteries, but the time depends on the intensity of use GPS sensory.
  • πŸƒ Sports features: number of supported modes (30 to 150)+), precision GPS, watertightness (3ATM, 5ATM). For swimmers, the parameter is critical. 5ATM β€” It allows you to dive to a depth of 50 meters.
  • ❀️ Health monitoring: pulse meter, SpOβ‚‚ (Oxygen saturation, stress tests, sleep.In 2023, Xiaomi added analysis to top models HRV (Heart rate variability to assess fatigue.
  • πŸ“± Compatibility: All hours run on Android, but iOS support is limited (for example, Mi Band 8 has no call notifications for iPhone).
  • πŸ’° Price: budget models (Mi Band 8 – from 3,500) β‚½), Mid-size segment (Xiaomi Watch) S1 Active β€” 12 000 β‚½), Premium (Watch 2 Pro – 22,000) β‚½).

In 2023, Xiaomi introduced the first Wear OS watch, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, which opened access to thousands of apps from Google Play, including Spotify and Google Maps.

⚠️ Note: If you want to sync with Apple Health or Google Fit, check for support for a particular model, for example, Mi Band 8 only transfers data to Mi Fitness, and Watch 2 Pro only transfers data to Google Fit and Strava.

TOP-3 budget smart watches Xiaomi 2023: the best choice for the price

If you need a low-cost watch for basic activity tracking, notifications, and sleep monitoring, look out for these models:

1. Xiaomi Mi Band 8 (from 3,500) β‚½)

New 2023 with 1.62-inch AMOLED-display (25 percent more than the Mi Band 7) and 16-day autonomy. supports 150+ sports regimes, including yoga and Pilates, and sleep phase analysis REM. The main disadvantage is that there is no built-in GPS (You need a smartphone to track your route).

2. Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro, from 5,200 β‚½)

An improved version of the Mi Band 7 with built-in GPS and a 1.64-inch screen. Autonomy - up to 12 days. Suitable for running and cycling thanks to accurate route tracking. The disadvantages are a plastic case that looks cheaper than the Watch S1 Active.

3. Redmi Watch 3 Active, from 4,800 β‚½)

The most affordable option is a square display of 1.83" and 200+ dials. There is GPS, but the accuracy is lower than that of the Smart Band 7 Pro. Suitable for those who want a large screen for the lowest price. Autonomy - up to 10 days.

ModelScreen.GPSAutonomyWater protectionPrice (2023)
Mi Band 81,62" AMOLED❌ (phone-only)16 days5ATM3 500 β‚½
Smart Band 7 Pro1,64" AMOLEDβœ…12 days5ATM5 200 β‚½
Redmi Watch 3 Active1,83" TFTβœ…10 days5ATM4 800 β‚½
πŸ“Š What Xiaomi Watch Are You Considering To Buy?
Mi Band 8
Smart Band 7 Pro
Redmi Watch 3 Active
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active
Another model

⚠️ Note: The Mi Band 8 and Smart Band 7 Pro use magnetic charging, not universal charging USB-C. If you lose the cable, you will have to order the original (cost) ~1 000 β‚½).

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (2023): the first watch on Wear OS with full-fledged applications

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is a breakthrough for the brand: for the first time, the watch runs on Wear OS 3.5 (co-development with Google), which means:

  • πŸ“± Access to Google Play with thousands of apps (Spotify, Google Maps, Telegram).
  • 🎡 The ability to download music offline (for example, playlists from YouTube Music).
  • πŸ“ Precisely. GPS Supported by 5 satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS).
  • πŸ’ͺ 150+ sports regimes, including triathlon and golf.

The design is made in a premium style: sapphire glass, aluminum case and ceramic back panel β€” 1,43" AMOLED permittingly 466Γ—466 Support for Always-On Display. 5 days (unplugged) AOD).

The main disadvantage is the price (from 22 000) β‚½), Which is comparable to the Apple Watch SE Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, but for Android users, it’s one of the best options thanks to its integration with the Google ecosystem.

How is the Watch 2 Pro different from the Watch S1 Pro?
The Watch 2 Pro runs on Wear OS (full-fledged apps), while the Watch S1 Pro uses Xiaomi proprietary firmware with a limited set of features. In addition, the Watch 2 Pro has better GPS (5 systems vs. 4) and there is NFC for contactless payments (it does not work in Russia).

Comparison of flagships: Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro vs Watch S1 Active

Both models belong to the premium line, but are focused on different tasks:

Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro (from 18,000) β‚½)

Stylish watch with round 1.47-inch AMOLED-It's a display and sapphire glass, supports 150.+ sports regimes, including winter sports (skiing, snowboarding). NFC, But in Russia, the module is not activated. Autonomy - up to 14 days.

Perfect for business style: stainless steel case, leather strap. Minus - no Wear OS, so the choice of applications is limited to branded.

Xiaomi Watch S1 Active (from 12,000) β‚½)

A sportier version with an aluminum body and silicone strap, the screen is 1.43 AMOLED (like the Watch 2 Pro but without Always-On), the main difference is the built-in GPS with support for 4 satellite systems (versus 5 for the Watch 2 Pro).

ParameterWatch S1 ProWatch S1 ActiveWatch 2 Pro
Operating systemMIUI WatchMIUI WatchWear OS 3.5
GPSβœ… (4 systems)βœ… (4 systems)βœ… (5 systems)
NFC (Russia)❌ (doesn't work)❌❌
Autonomy14 days12 days5 days
Price (2023)18 000 β‚½12 000 β‚½22 000 β‚½

πŸ’‘

If you need a watch for sports with maximum autonomy, choose the Watch S1 Active. For a stylish look and long-term work – Watch S1 Pro. For full-fledged applications and accurate GPS – only Watch 2 Pro (despite the high price).

Which Xiaomi watch is best for sports and fitness?

Three things are critical for sports: GPS accuracy, water resistance, and sensor suite.

  • 🏊 For swimming: Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Smart Band 7 Pro (both have a choice of two options). 5ATM The Watch 2 Pro tracks the length of the strokes more accurately thanks to a gyroscope.
  • πŸƒ For Running: Watch 2 Pro (best) GPS) watch S1 Active (lighter body) Both models support running dynamics analysis (step length, ground contact).
  • 🚴 Smart Band 7 Pro – the optimal balance of price and functionality GPS and modes for exercise bike/highway).
  • 🧘 For yoga and fitness: Mi Band 8 - 150+ regimes including Pilates and stretching, plus breath analysis.

Important for runners: Watch 2 Pro and Watch S1 Active is a function. VOβ‚‚ max, which helps you evaluate your cardio, but you need a chest sensor to measure it accurately, and the built-in pulsemeter can give you up to 10 errors%.

Make sure the model supports the right sports modes (for example, Triathlon is only available in the Watch 2 Pro)

Check the water protection class: 5ATM for swimming, 3ATM for rain only

The Watch S1 Pro weighs 52g and the Mi Band 8 weighs just 27g.

Compare the autonomy when GPS is turned on (in the Watch 2 Pro it drops to 10 hours)

-->

iPhone Compatibility: Which Xiaomi Watches Work with iOS?

All Xiaomi smartwatches officially support iPhones, but with limitations.

  • βœ… Support notifications (calls, SMS, Messengers: Watch 2 Pro, Watch S1 Pro/Active, Smart Band 7 Pro.
  • ❌ No notifications for calls to Mi Band 8 and Redmi Watch 3 Active when connecting to iPhone.
  • ⚠️ Limited data synchronization: Mi Band 8 and Smart Band 7 Pro only transfer data to Mi Fitness, while Watch 2 Pro transfers data to Google Fit and Apple Health (partially to the Internet).
  • πŸ”„ No response to messages from the watch (even on the Watch 2 Pro), only viewing.

The best choice for iPhone owners is the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, as:

  1. There are full notifications (including calls).
  2. Supported synchronization with Apple Health (pulse, steps, sleep).
  3. You can install apps from Google Play (like Strava for sports).

⚠️ Note: When connecting Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro to iPhone, some Wear features OS It may work unstable (for example, Google Assistant voice assistant.

Where to buy a smart watch Xiaomi in 2023: prices and tips

Official prices for Xiaomi watches in Russia (autumn 2023):

  • Mi Band 8: 3 500–4 200 β‚½
  • Smart Band 7 Pro: 5 200–6 000 β‚½
  • Redmi Watch 3 Active: 4 800–5 500 β‚½
  • Watch S1 Active: 12 000–14 000 β‚½
  • Watch S1 Pro: 18 000–20 000 β‚½
  • Watch 2 Pro: 22 000–25 000 β‚½

Where to buy:

  • πŸ›’ Official stores: Mi Store, Svyaznoy, M. Video - a 12-month warranty, but prices are higher by 10-15%.
  • 🌍 Marketplace: Wildberries, Ozon – there are often discounts, but check out the seller (ranking above 4.8).
  • πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ AliExpress: Prices are 20 to 30 percent lower, but risk for fakes.

πŸ’‘

Before buying, check the serial number of the watch through the Mi Verify website, which will help you avoid counterfeiting, especially when ordering from AliExpress.

Selection advice:

  1. If you need a minimalist tracker for sleep and steps - Mi Band 8.
  2. For sport with GPS, the Smart Band 7 Pro or Watch S1 Active is available.
  3. For a stylish look – Watch S1 Pro.
  4. For full-fledged applications (music, maps) - Watch 2 Pro.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi 2023 watches

Can I pay for Xiaomi in Russia?
Officially, the NFC module in Xiaomi watches (including Watch 2 Pro and Watch S1 Pro) does not support Russian bank cards (Mir, Visa/Mastercard), the function works only in China and some countries in Europe.
Which Xiaomi bracelet is the most accurate for measuring heart rate?
The highest accuracy of the pulsemeter is the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Watch S1 Pro thanks to the third generation PPG optical sensor and the Xiaomi + Google Fit algorithms. However, for medical purposes (for example, arrhythmia diagnosis), it is better to use certified devices such as the Apple Watch Series 8 or Samsung Galaxy Watch 5.
How long are the batteries in Xiaomi watches?
The average battery life is 2-3 years with heavy use, and then the capacity is reduced by 20 to 30 percent, which leads to reduced autonomy. In the Mi Band and Redmi Watch, the batteries are non-removable, and in the Watch, the batteries are non-removable. S1 Pro and Watch 2 Pro can be replaced at the service center (cost) ~2 000 β‚½).
Can I change the band on the Xiaomi watch?
Yes, in all models except the Mi Band. 8 (There's a strap integrated into the body. 2 Pro, Watch S1 Pro/Active: strap 22 Smart Band (compatible with universal). 7 Pro, Redmi Watch 3 Active: straps 20 The original Xiaomi straps are worth it. 1 000–2 500 β‚½, You can use analogues from third-party brands (for example, Barthelme).
What Xiaomi Watches Support SIM-map?
In 2023, no Xiaomi model will support the SIM-Call cards are available only on the Xiaomi Watch. S1 Pro with eSIM, but it is not officially sold in Russia and is not compatible with local operators. For calls without a phone, consider alternatives: Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro or Samsung Galaxy Watch 5.