What Xiaomi Smart Watches to Buy in 2026: A Complete Guide to Choosing

Xiaomi’s smartwatch selection in 2026 has become more difficult than ever: the brand’s range has expanded from budget fitness bracelets Mi Band to premium smartwatches with a high-end range of smartwatches. AMOLED-But how not to get confused about the characteristics and not overpay for unnecessary functions? This article will help you figure out which Xiaomi watch is right for you β€” for training, monitoring sleep, everyday use or even replacing your smartphone.

We analyzed 12 current models (including the new 2026), compared them on 15 key parameters β€” from autonomy to sensor accuracy β€” and prepared checklists for different scenarios. You will learn why the Xiaomi Watch S3 is better than the Watch 2 Pro for runners, why pay more for the Mi Band 8 Pro instead of the usual version, and how not to run into a fake when buying.

1. Key selection criteria: what to look at first

Before comparing specific models, determine your priorities. Xiaomi smartwatches are divided into three categories:

  • πŸƒ Fitness trackers (Mi Band) 7/8, Smart Band Pro for sports, sleep monitoring and basic notification: minimalist design, price up 5 000 β‚½.
  • ⌚ Smart watches (Watch 2 Pro, Watch) S3) β€” Fully replace the bracelet with screen, NFC, It's a voice assistant, priced at 8,000-15,000. β‚½.
  • πŸ’Ž Premium models (Watch) S4, CyberDog Watch: Top-end sensors, metal body, extended ecosystem, from 18,000 β‚½.

Here are 5 things to consider before buying:

  1. Autonomy: 5 days (Watch 2 Pro) to 16 days (Mi Band 8) Important for travel.
  2. Accuracy of sensors: models with PPG BioTracker 5 (e.g. Watch) S3) measure heart rate more accurately and SpOβ‚‚.
  3. Compatibility: Not all Xiaomi watches are iPhone friendly (more in the table below).
  4. Protection: 5 ATM (Watch 2 Pro, Mi Band 8 Pro) is required for swimming.
  5. Ecosystem: Only watches on Wear OS (Watch 2 Pro) support third-party applications.

⚠️ Note: If you use an iPhone, avoid models on Zepp OS (For example, watch. S3) β€” They do not synchronize notifications from messengers.

πŸ“Š Why you need a smart watch?
Fitness and sport
Health monitoring
Notifications and calls
Design and status
Another option

2.TOP-5 Xiaomi models in 2026: a comparative review

We selected the most balanced models in terms of price/quality, and the table below shows the key differences:

ModelScreen.AutonomyNFCPrice, β‚½Better for you.
Mi Band 81.62" AMOLED16 days❌3 990Budget Fitness
Mi Band 8 Pro1.74" AMOLED14 daysβœ…5 490Payments + sports
Watch 2 Pro1.43" AMOLED5 daysβœ…12 990Wear OS + Google
Watch S31.47" AMOLED12 daysβœ…14 990Health + Design
Watch S41.5" AMOLED7 daysβœ…19 990Premium segment

An important nuance: only Watch 2 Pro runs on Wear OS and supports installing apps from Google Play – this is critical if you need Spotify, Yandex Maps or Telegram on a watch.

For sporting purposes, the Watch S3 is the best choice thanks to the BioTracker 5 sensor and the 150+ training modes, but the Mi Band 8 Pro is more profitable than the regular version only because of NFC (if you need contactless payments).

Detailed tests of autonomy
In real-world conditions, the Mi Band 8 holds a charge for 12-14 days (not 16 as the manufacturer claims), and the Watch 2 Pro discharges in 3-4 days with active use of GPS and notifications.

Xiaomi for sports: which watches measure parameters more accurately

If your goal is to monitor your workouts, pay attention to three parameters:

  • πŸ“Š Heart rate sensor: optimal PPG BioTracker 5 (in the Watch) S3, Watch S4).
  • 🌑️ Thermometer: Only available in the Watch S3 Watch 2 Pro is a good way to track stress.
  • 🏊 Waterproof: Standard 5 is required for swimming ATM (All models except the Mi Band 7).

According to the results of tests, the Xiaomi Watch S3 shows the smallest error in measuring heart rate (deviation Β± 3 beats / min) and calorie consumption (error error ~ 10%). For comparison, the Mi Band 8 has a heart rate error of Β± 8 beats / min.

For running and cycling, the Watch 2 Pro is better, as it has built-in GPS+GLONASS (unlike the Mi Band 8 Pro, where GPS only works when connected to a phone), but for yoga and Pilates, even the Mi Band 8 is suitable, it recognizes 150 types of activity.

πŸ’‘

Before the first workout, calibrate the sensors: go to Settings β†’ Sensors β†’ Calibration of heart rate and perform the test at rest.

4. iPhone and Android compatibility: full table

Not all Xiaomi watches work equally well with iOS.

  • πŸ“± iPhone does not work voice assistant and notifications in models on Zepp OS (Watch S3, Watch S4).
  • πŸ”„ Data synchronization with Apple Health is possible only through third-party applications (for example, Health Sync).
  • πŸ’³ NFC-iPhone payments are only supported in Watch 2 Pro (via Google Pay).
ModelAndroidiPhoneLimitations
Mi Band 8βœ… Complete.βœ… No notice.No synchronization with Apple Health
Watch 2 Proβœ… Complete.βœ… With limitationsNo voice assistant.
Watch S3βœ… Complete.⚠️ PartialNo notifications, no synchronization

⚠️ Note: When connected to the iPhone, the autonomy of the watch is reduced by 20-30% due to constant synchronization over Bluetooth.

5 How not to run into a fake: 7 signs of the original

The fake Xiaomi watch is almost indistinguishable from the original, but has a simplified filling: cheap sensors, weak vibration response, a fast-setting battery.

A box with a hologram and QR-code (checked in the Mi Home app)

The serial number on the case coincides with the number in the settings (About the device β†’ Serial number)

Branded font on the screen (fakes often have curved characters)

The Zepp Life or Mi Fitness app automatically recognizes the device

Price is not lower than the official (for 2026, the Mi Band 8 can not cost less than 3,500) β‚½)-->

The most reliable way to check is to download the official Zepp Life app and try to plug in the watch, and the fakes either won't be identified or will show up as "Unknown device."

Pay attention to the build quality: the original Xiaomi watch:

  • πŸ”§ There are no gaps between the screen and the body.
  • 🎨 The screen does not have a moire when tilted.
  • πŸ”‹ Charging takes exactly 2 hours (for fakes - 3-4 hours).

πŸ’‘

Buy watches only from official Xiaomi partners (list on the site mi.com) or in trusted stores with a 12+ month warranty.

6 Where to buy cheaper: official and alternative sites

Xiaomi watch prices vary by site.Topical offers for May 2026:

ShopMi Band 8Watch S3Guarantee
Official Xiaomi website3 990 β‚½14 990 β‚½24 months
Wildberries3 790 β‚½13 990 β‚½12 months
AliExpress (official store)3 400 β‚½12 500 β‚½6 months
Connected4 190 β‚½15 490 β‚½12 months

The best prices are usually on AliExpress (in the official Xiaomi Global Store), but the warranty is only 6 months. For long-term use, it is better to take it from Wildberries or on the official website - there is a warranty of 1-2 years and it is easier to exchange a marriage.

Watch the sales:

  • πŸŽ‰ Black Friday (November): discounts up to 30% on all models.
  • πŸŽ„ New Year's Eve promotions (December–January): often give gifts (e.g. extra strap).
  • πŸ›’ Xiaomi’s birthdays (April): discounts 10–15% + warranty.

⚠️ Attention: Avito and Yula often sell "as new" watches with a broken screen or a dead battery. Check the status of the battery through the application (Settings) β†’ Battery β†’ Status).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I swim in a Xiaomi watch?
Yes, but only in 5 ATM models (Mi Band 8 Pro, Watch S3, Watch 2 Pro) that can withstand immersion up to 50 meters. Conventional Mi Band 8s have IP68 protection, so you can wet them, but you can't dive them.
Which is better: silicone or leather?
For sports, it is uniquely silicone - it does not absorb sweat and does not stretch. Leather straps are suitable for the office, but require care (cleaning 1 time a month with a special tool). The Watch S3 and Watch 2 Pro can use 22 mm wide straps.
What if your watch is not synchronized with your phone?
Try: Reset the clock (press the button for 10 seconds); Update the Zepp Life or Mi Fitness app. Reset the clock settings: Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone and turn it back on. If it doesn't work, contact Xiaomi with sync logs (you can export them in the app).
How long does the battery last in a Xiaomi watch?
The average battery life is 2-3 years (300-500 full charge cycles), after which the capacity drops by 20-30%, and the clock starts to run out in a few hours. It costs 1,500-2,500 to replace the battery in the service center. β‚½.
Can I set my own dials?
Yes, but the methods depend on the model: For Mi Band 8 and Watch S3: download dials through the Zepp Life app (Dials section). For Watch 2 Pro, install them through Google Play (apps like Facer). Beware of dials from unverified sources - they may contain viruses.