What inexpensive smart watch Xiaomi to buy in 2026: rating of the best models up to 5000 rubles

Xiaomi’s smartwatch is no longer a luxury β€” it’s an affordable gadget that helps monitor health, manage notifications, and even replace a smartphone in some scenarios. But how do you choose the best model among dozens of options without overpaying for unnecessary features? If you have a budget of 5,000 rubles, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. In 2026, even in this segment, there are devices that can be used to make the most of the product. AMOLED-screen, GPS, Pressure measurement and autonomy up to 2 weeks.

We analyzed the current Xiaomi, Redmi and Mi Band models, weeded out outdated versions (such as the Mi Band 7 or Redmi Watch 3 Active, which are no longer relevant), and compiled a rating based on real user feedback. In this article, you will find not only a comparison of the characteristics, but also unique nuances of each model that are not talked about by sellers, for example, why the Xiaomi Watch 2 Neo is better for running than the Redmi Watch 4, despite the similar price, or how to circumvent the restriction on installing apps in the Mi Band 8 Pro.

Criteria for choosing a budget smart watch Xiaomi

Before you buy, determine what you need a watch for. If your primary goal is to monitor sleep and footsteps, it makes no sense to overpay for GPS or NFC, but for running or cycling, you can't do without a built-in navigator. Here are the key parameters to look at:

  • πŸ“± Screen type: AMOLED (bright, saturated) vs. TFT (cheaper, but dimmer. budgeted up to 5,000β‚½ There are models AMOLED, But they're usually smaller diagonally.
  • πŸƒ Sports functions: number of training regimes (30 to 150)+), presence GPS (It is important to track the route accurately without a phone).
  • 🩺 Medical sensors: pulse oximeter (SpOβ‚‚), pressure measurement (often approximate), stress tests. In budget models, data may differ from professional instruments on the computer. Β±10%.
  • πŸ”‹ Autonomy: 5 days (Xiaomi Watch 2 Neo) to 14 days (Redmi Watch 4) The more screen and sensors, the faster the battery goes down.
  • πŸ“² Compatibility: All Xiaomi watches work with Android 6.0+ iOS 10+, But on iPhone, some features may be limited (e.g., quick responses to messages).

Note the belts: the set usually comes with silicone, but for allergic people it is better to buy a hypoallergenic option right away. Also check if the watch supports interchangeable dials - in budget models, the choice is often limited to 5-10 options.

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

Top.-5 Cheap Xiaomi smartwatches in the 2026 year

We have selected models that offer the best price/functional balance, all of which are officially sold in Russia, have Russian firmware and are supported by the branded Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life), prices are current for June 2026 and can vary depending on the stock.

ModelPrice, β‚½Screen.GPSAutonomyBetter for you.
Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Pro3 9901,74" AMOLED❌ No.14 daysSleep monitoring and basic fitness
Xiaomi Watch 2 Neo4 7901,6" AMOLEDβœ… There is.12 daysRunning and cycling.
Redmi Watch 43 4901,97" TFT❌ No.14 daysBudget option with a large screen
Xiaomi Smart Band 82 7901,62" AMOLED❌ No.16 daysMinimalists and children
Redmi Watch 3 Active2 9901,83" TFT❌ No.12 daysGift option

Important: Prices are for basic versions (no NFC For example, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Neo with a premium belt. NFC is 800β‚½ This feature only works with bank cards of Chinese banks – in Russia it is useless.

πŸ’‘

If you need GPS for accurate route tracking, choose the Xiaomi Watch 2 Neo – the rest of the models do not have it.

A detailed review of the best models

Xiaomi Mi Band 8 Pro – the best balance of price and features

Price: ~3 990β‚½ | Ratings: 4.8/5

This is the most advanced version of the Mi Band lineup, which finally got a full rectangular screen (rather than a narrow stripe, as in previous generations).+ And it's a training regimen, including yoga, swimming, even boxing. SpOβ‚‚ It works more accurately than Mi Band 7, and stress measurements now take into account heart rate variability (HRV).

The downside is that there is no built-in GPS, so you have to bring your phone to track your route accurately, and users also note that the touch screen sometimes doesn’t respond to wet fingers (like showering or exercising), but the autonomy is impressive: with an average load, it lasts for 10-12 days.

  • βœ… Pluses: πŸ”‹ The longest holds charge in his class πŸŠβ€β™‚οΈ Protection 5ATM (swimable) 🎨 200+ dials (including animated dials)
  • ❌ Cons: πŸ“΅ No. GPS and NFC πŸ”Š No speaker (notifications only by vibration)

πŸ’‘

To extend the life of the Mi Band 8 Pro battery, turn off the automatic pulse measurement in the background. To do this, go to Settings β†’ Heart Rate Rate Rate β†’ Off.

Xiaomi Watch 2 Neo is the best choice for athletes

Price: ~4 790β‚½ | Ratings: 4.7/5

It is the only model in the budget under 5000.β‚½ built-in GPS, It's perfect for runners, cyclists and tourists, and it supports 5 satellite navigation systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo et al., so the route is more accurate than the competition, and there's a barometric altimeter for altitude measurement, useful for mountain trekking.

The AMOLED screen with a brightness of up to 600 nits reads well in the sun, and the aluminum alloy body makes the watch stronger than plastic counterparts. However, autonomy leaves much to be desired: with active use of GPS, it lasts for 2-3 days, without it – up to 12 days.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi Watch 2 Neo games have a sleep data synchronization bug. If the watch doesn't record sleep phases, update the firmware via Mi Fitness β†’ Device profile β†’ Update of the PO.

Redmi Watch 4 is a big screen for a minimum price

Price: ~3 490β‚½ | Ratings: 4.5/5

If you want the maximum screen for the minimum amount of money, Redmi Watch 4 β€” Best choice. 1,97 Inches (more than the Apple Watch) SE!) permitting 390Γ—450 It provides a comfortable reading of notifications, and the body is made of polycarbonate, making the watch light (only a lightweight one). 36 (d) but less premium in appearance.

The feature is the "Energy Saving" mode, which turns off all sensors except the pedometer and extends the autonomy to 20 days. TFT-screen-lose AMOLED in contrast, and the absence of GPS Makes the watch unsuitable for serious training.

How to turn on the hidden mode "Always on screen" in Redmi Watch 4?
This feature is not officially supported, but it can be activated through Settings β†’ Display β†’ Wrist Raising if you pre-installe the firmware from Xiaomi Watch S1 (instructions are available on 4PDA).

Comparison with competitors: which is better – Xiaomi or other brands?

Budgeted to 5,000β‚½ Xiaomi has several strong competitors: Huawei Band 8, Amazfit GTS 4 Mini and Honor Band 6. Let's compare them on key parameters:

ParameterXiaomi Mi Band 8 ProHuawei Band 8Amazfit GTS 4 Mini
Price, β‚½3 9904 2904 590
Screen.1,74" AMOLED1,47" AMOLED1,65" AMOLED
GPS❌ No.❌ No.βœ… There is.
Autonomy14 days14 days15 days
Unique chip.200+ dialsSkin temperature measurement97 training regimens

Bottom Line: If you want GPS, take the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini, but its screen is smaller than the Xiaomi Watch 2 Neo. Huawei Band 8 is interesting temperature sensor, but in Russia it works unstable due to sanctions (problems with updates).

Compatible with your smartphone (Android/iOS)|The presence of Russian-language firmware|Guarantee from the official seller|Set (belts, charging cable)|Reviews of a particular party (screen marriages are possible)-->

Where to buy a cheap smart watch Xiaomi without risk?

Official sellers in Russia are SberMegaMarket, M. Video, Wildberries and Xiaomi Store. Avoid shopping on AliExpress and Ozon from unverified sellers: there is a high risk of getting a fake or a device with Chinese firmware (without Russian).

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Warranty: Official dealers give 12 months, gray sellers - 0.
  • πŸ“¦ Package: the box must have a watch, a charging cable (usually) USB-A β†’ PIN) and documentation in Russian.
  • πŸ”„ Returns: By law, you can return the watch within 14 days if it doesn’t fit, but only if the packaging and fillings are kept.

Prices in official stores are usually higher by 500-1000β‚½, But it's justified by the warranty and the absence of firmware issues. For example, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Neo on Wildberries can cost 4,790β‚½, A unofficial seller on Ozon - 4,200β‚½, But with the risk of getting a "gray" import.

⚠️ Note: If you are buying a watch with NFC (For example, Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro, note that in Russia this feature works only with World Pay and then not on all models.

Frequent problems and how to avoid them

Even Xiaomi’s best budget smartwatches are not without their drawbacks, and here are some of the most common user complaints and ways to address them:

  1. The reason is: active use of GPS or background pulse measurement. Solution: turn off automatic heart rate monitoring in the settings or reduce the brightness of the screen.
  2. The reason: an outdated version of the Mi Fitness app or conflict with other fitness trackers (like Google Fit) Solution: reinstall the app and give all permissions in the phone's settings.
  3. The screen does not respond to touches Reason: moisture hits under the glass or software failure Solution: Dry the clock 24 hours in rice or reset the settings through Mi Fitness β†’ Device β†’ Reset.
  4. Improper pulse/pressure readings: loosely attached to the wrist or movement during measurement. Solution: tighten the strap and sit still for 2-3 minutes before measurement.

If the watch stops turning on after the update, try a forced reset: press the physical button (if any) for 15 seconds. 90% of the time, this helps bring the device back to life.

Can I swim in a Xiaomi smartwatch?
Yes, but only in 5ATM-protected models (e.g. Mi Band 8 Pro or Xiaomi Watch 2 Neo) which means the watch can withstand pressure up to 50 meters below the surface, but is not designed to be diving. After swimming in seawater, rinse the device with fresh water to avoid corrosion.
What phone do you need to work with Xiaomi watches?
Minimum requirements: Android: version 6.0 and higher, 2 GB of RAM. iOS: version 10.0 and higher (but some features will be limited, such as quick answers to messages). iPhone may also not work synchronizing calls via Bluetooth.
Can I install WhatsApp or other apps on Xiaomi Watches?
No, Xiaomi budget models (up to 5000)β‚½) You can only receive notifications from messengers if they come to your phone. The exception is the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (costs) ~10 000β‚½), But there's a limited choice of applications.
How long are the batteries in Xiaomi smartwatches?
The average battery life is 2-3 years (300-500 charge cycles), after which the capacity drops by 20-30%, and the watch begins to run out in 1-2 days. ~1 500β‚½), It is often cheaper to buy a new watch.
How to distinguish the original Xiaomi watch from a fake?
Signs of fake: Price 30-50% below market. No Xiaomi logo on the box or it is not sloppy. There is no instruction in Russian. The firmware is in Chinese and cannot be changed. The serial number on the box and in the settings of the watch does not match. Check the originality by the serial number on mi.com/verify.