Could Xiaomi smartwatch replace Apple Watch? a fair comparison of 2026

Xiaomi smartwatches are no longer a budget alternative to premium gadgets. The latest Mi Watch and Watch S3 series are competing with the Apple Watch not only in design but also in functionality. In 2026, the gap between the ecosystems of Wear OS (for Xiaomi) and watchOS (for Apple) has narrowed to a minimum - but is this true in practice?

In this article, we will look at key aspects, from autonomy and sensor accuracy to integration with the smartphone ecosystem. Compare the flagship models Xiaomi Watch S3 Pro and Apple Watch Series 9, and assess how Xiaomi was able to repeat the main trump card of Apple — smooth work with the iPhone. If you are faced with a choice or just want to understand why the Chinese brand overtakes the American giant, read on.

1. Design and materials: copy or original style?

The first thing that catches your eye when you compare the Xiaomi Watch S3 Pro to the Apple Watch Series 9 is the similarity, both of which have a rectangular body with rounded corners, removable straps and a minimalist interface, but if you look closely, the differences become clear:

• 📏 Size and weight: Apple Watch is more compact (41/45 mm 46 mm Xiaomi and lighter on 10–15 gram, which is noticeable with prolonged wearing.
• 🛡️ Materials: Apple uses aluminum (basic version) or titanium (Pro-model), and Xiaomi uses stainless steel with sapphire glass (only in the top configuration).
• 🎨 Colors: Apple has a wider palette of cases (including limited editions), while Xiaomi offers classic black/silver.

An important nuance: Xiaomi Watch S3 Pro has a physical button with a red accent – a reference to the design of the Apple Watch Ultra. However, the tactile sensation of the Xiaomi button is less responsive, and its rotating mechanism (like the Galaxy Watch) does not work as smoothly as the Digital Crown wheel from Apple.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to wear a watch while swimming, check the standard certification. ISO 22810 (from Apple) or 5ATM (Both brands will claim water resistance up to 50 meters, but in reality the depth of the dive is limited to 10-15 meters due to pressure.

2. Screen and interface: AMOLED vs Retina

Both devices are designed with AMOLED technology, but with key differences:

In practice, the Apple Watch looks brighter in the sun and has more saturated colors thanks to LTPO OLED technology. Xiaomi has a problem with viewing angles – when you look sideways, the picture dims. In addition, watchOS offers smoother animations and adaptive dials, while the MIUI Watch interface sometimes “brakes” when you scroll quickly.

One of the keys is interaction with the sensor, which Apple does without delay even with wet fingers, and Xiaomi can have false touches when sweating or raining.

Productivity and autonomy: who lives longer?

Under the hood of the Apple Watch Series 9 runs the S9 SiP chip (64-bit dual processor), and the Xiaomi Watch S3 Pro is equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1. On paper, both solutions look powerful, but in reality:

• ⚡ Apple is confidently leading the way – apps open instantly, and voice assistant Siri responds faster XiaoAI.
• 🔋 Autonomy: Here Xiaomi is taking off. When used actively (training, notifications, GPS) Watch S3 Pro lasts 3-4 days, while Apple Watch requires charging every night.
• 📉 Power consumption: In Battery Saver mode (Apple) or Ultra Battery Mode (Xiaomi) both devices can last up to 72 hours, but with limited features.

The critical test is continuous sleep monitoring, with the Apple Watch running 30 to 40 percent per night, and Xiaomi running 15 to 20 percent, and if you want to be self-sustaining for days without recharging, the choice is obvious.

⚠️ Note: When using the Xiaomi Watch with iPhone, autonomy is reduced by 20-25% due to constant data synchronization via Mi Fitness instead of the native Apple Health.

Turn off Always-On Display

Reduce the screen refresh rate to 30 Hz

Turn off the background heart rate measurement

Use dark dials-->

4. Health and fitness functions: who is more accurate?

Both brands position their watches as premium fitness trackers, but the approaches to implementation are different:

The main advantage of the Apple Watch is its certified ECG and algorithms for detecting atrial fibrillation. Xiaomi has not yet received medical certificates for these features, although the sensors are physically present, but the Chinese brand has better implemented stress tracking and breathing exercises with visualization.

In the accuracy tests:

Pulse: Both devices show similar results (accurrence of ±2 beats/min).

Apple is a little more accurate due to correction algorithms (Xiaomi can overstate by 5-10%).

GPS: The Watch S3 Pro uses a GPS + BeiDou chip, which gives an advantage in Asia, but in Europe/US, the Apple Watch is more stable.

5. Compatibility with smartphones: myths and reality

One of the main fears of Xiaomi buyers is the problems of syncing with the iPhone. Yes, the Mi Watch officially works with iOS, but there are nuances:

• 📱 Notifications: Only basic alerts (calls) arrive on iPhone, SMS). Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) require a separate setup via Mi Fitness.
• 🔄 Data Synchronization: Steps, sleep, and workouts are duplicated in Apple Health, but without detail (e.g., sleep phases are lost).
• 🎵 Music: Apple Watch can store Apple Music playlists, and Xiaomi supports only local files (up to 2 GB).

With Android, things are easier: Xiaomi Watch integrates with Google Fit and Wear OS (on new models), but some features (for example, contactless payments) work only with Mi Pay, which is not supported in Russia.

⚠️ Note: When bundled Xiaomi Watch + iPhone turns off the automatic training detection function (you need to start manually), this is critical for runners and cyclists.

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To get notifications from messengers to the Xiaomi Watch from the iPhone, turn on Mi Fitness app settings → Notifications → Allow notifications for all apps.

Ecosystem and applications: Indoor garden vs openness

Apple Watch only works with iPhone, but offers:

• 🛒 App Store with 20,000+ Apps (including Spotify, Strava, Uber).
• 💳 Apple Pay with support from most banks.
• 🔗 Continuity (automatic unlocking of Mac, transfer of files between devices).

Xiaomi, on the other hand, is betting on cross-platform:

Applications are installed through Mi Market (limited selection, ~1000 applications).

Google Assistant (on models with Wear OS)

Integration with Mi Home to control your smart home (e.g. enabling Xiaomi Robot Vacuum voice).

The key difference is that the Apple Watch is part of the ecosystem, and the Xiaomi Watch is a standalone gadget that can work with any smartphone (albeit with limitations). If you want to sync with a MacBook or iPad, the choice is obvious. If the priority is freedom of choice of phone, Xiaomi offers more flexibility.

7.Price and availability: where is the best?

Cost is one of the main arguments in favor of Xiaomi, and at the time of 2026, prices in Russia look like this:

Even, taking into account discounts, the Apple Watch will cost 2-3 times more, while Xiaomi Watch S3 Pro offers 90% of the features of the flagship Apple for a third of the price. If the budget is limited, but you want premium chips (like Always-On Display or NFC), Xiaomi is the obvious choice.

However, remember that Apple’s service and repairs are better organized, and if the Apple Watch breaks, you can repair it in authorized services (up to 2 years warranty), whereas Xiaomi often has to go to informal workshops.

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The Xiaomi Watch S3 Pro is the best price/feature option if you don’t need medical certificates (ECG) and deep integration with your iPhone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi and Apple Watch