The Chinese giant’s wearable electronics market is saturated with devices whose names will confuse even the experienced user, models come out at an alarming rate, and lines often intersect in functionality, creating the illusion of chaos. To understand this range and understand what kind of watches you need, you need to clearly classify products by their intended purpose and software platform.
The main problem is that Xiaomi is not only the original device, but also the gadgets of the ecosystem, running on different operating systems. The wrong choice can lead to the purchase of a tracker with limited functionality where you needed a full-fledged smart watch, or vice versa. Understanding the basic differences between the Mi Band, Mi Watch and Redmi Watch series is the first step to a competent purchase.
In this article, we will examine the architecture of the model range in detail, learn how to read the markings and determine which gadget will be the ideal companion for your smartphone. You will learn to distinguish fitness bracelets from full-fledged watches and understand why seemingly similar devices can cost completely different money.
Xiaomi’s Three Whales of Wearable Electronics: What’s the Difference?
First of all, it’s important to realize that Xiaomi divides its wearables into three main categories, each with its own objectives: the first category is fitness bracelets (Mi Band), which focus on tracking activity and have a minimalistic screen; the second is smartwatches (Mi Watch), which are full-fledged minicomputers on the wrist; the third group is hybrid solutions (Redmi Watch), occupying a niche between the first two.
The key difference lies in the operating system: Native OS (often MiOS or proprietary) is put on budget models and bracelets, providing long battery life, but limiting the installation of third-party applications. At the same time, models based on Wear OS by Google or HyperOS (formerly MIUI for Watch) allow you to install cards, instant messengers and pay via NFC, but require more frequent charging.
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Pay attention to the presence of the letter “N” or “NFC” in the model name – this often indicates the presence of a contactless payment module, which is critical for using the watch as a replacement for a bank card.
Users often confuse these categories, believing that buying an expensive watch will give them an open Android. However, many flagship Xiaomi models run on a closed system optimized for energy efficiency. Only the Xiaomi Watch S series and some versions of the Mi Watch Pro run on full-fledged Wear OS or have advanced software installation capabilities.
- 🏃 Mi Smart Band: Lightweight activity trackers with narrow screen, lasting up to 20 days.
- ⌚ Mi Watch: Full-fledged smart watch with a round or square design and rich functionality.
- 📟 Redmi Watch: Budget-friendly big-screen devices focused on basic notifications and sports.
The evolution of the Mi Band: from a simple pedometer to a mini-clock
The Mi Band line is the company’s most recognizable product, going from a simple step counter to a device that is not much inferior to the watch. Since the 6th version, the manufacturer has abandoned the removable capsule module in favor of a single body, which made the design more modern. The latest models, such as the Mi Smart Band 8 and 9, have been released. AMOLED-screens with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and support for neck or sneakers.
Despite the superficial similarities, there is a substantial difference in sensors between generations. - Older models (1-4) They had monochrome screens and a basic pulsemeter. SpO2 (Oxygen in the blood, stress, and even sleep quality analysis REM-You can see the model in front of you by the shape of the screen: the older versions had a narrower, more rounded face, the new ones took up almost the entire area of the front panel.
Importantly, the functionality of the bracelets is heavily dependent on the Mi Fitness app (formerly Zepp Life), which is where the dials are set up and data synchronization is done. If you are offered a bracelet without the ability to connect to these apps, you are likely to have a fake or a third-party brand device using the Xiaomi name to attract attention.
Mi Watch Series: Full-fledged operating systems
When it comes to real smartwatches, the Mi Watch comes on the scene, and it's the most diverse, because Xiaomi experimented with different platforms, and one of the most powerful was the Mi Watch (the first generation), which ran on a modified version of Wear OS, and it allowed you to install apps from Google Play, which made it a real computer on your wrist.
However, the main focus was its own development — MIUI It is installed on popular models such as Mi Watch Lite, Mi Watch Revolve and Xiaomi Watch. S1. This watch looks and feels like flagships: they have glass cases, metal frames and rich dials, but they do not allow you to install arbitrary devices. APK-Files that work within the manufacturer’s ecosystem.
⚠️ Note: Not all Mi Watch models support Russian out of the box (CN Global) require changing the region in the application or complex flashing procedure to appear Russian in the interface.
Special attention deserves a series of Xiaomi Watch S Active and S1 Pro. They are positioned as premium devices with sapphire glass and titanium frames. Understand that this series is in front of you, you can mark the materials of the case and support voice assistant Alexa or Google Assistant (depending on the region).
- 🚀 Performance: Models on Wear OS They work faster in the interface, but live 1-2 day-day.
- 🔋 Autonomy: A proprietary system MIUI For Watch, you can live up to 12 days.
- 💳 Payment: Support for Xiaomi Pay and Google Pay depends on the specific model and region of release.
Redmi Watch: Balance of price and functionality
The Redmi Watch line is designed for those who want a big screen and stylish design, but are not willing to pay extra for premium materials. Unlike the Mi Band, it uses larger displays, often square, that make reading notifications much more comfortable. Models like the Redmi Watch 3 Active or Redmi Watch 4 offer a metal body and the ability to answer calls through a built-in speaker and microphone.
The main difference in this series is a simplified operating system, which does not support the installation of third-party applications, and the choice of dials can be limited compared to the flagship Mi Watch. However, for fitness tasks and basic notifications, this is more than enough. Energy consumption is optimized perfectly: the device works safely for 10-14 days even when used actively.
The hidden features of Redmi Watch
When choosing between the Mi Band and the Redmi Watch, it's often a question of size. If the wristband is almost non-feeling on your arm and ideal for sleeping, the Redmi Watch is a fully-fledged accessory that's noticeable. You can only know which watch will work best for you by trying it on: Redmi require a wider wrist for a comfortable wear.
How to Read Model Labels and Names
To avoid getting confused by names, you need to know the basic principles of naming a company. Usually the name consists of a brand (Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco), a series (Watch, Band) and an index. Numbers denote a generation: the higher the number, the newer the model. Letter indices indicate modifications: Lite is a simplified version, Pro is an improved, Active is a sports version, NFC is the availability of a payment module.
It is also important to pay attention to the Global Version and China Version consoles. Chinese versions are often cheaper, but can have problems with the interface language and notifications in European messengers. Global versions are fully adapted for the international market, have multilingual firmware and work properly with push notifications.
| Model | Screen type | OS | Autonomy | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 8 | AMOLED, 60 Hz. | Proprietary | 16 days | Athletes, minimalism |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 | AMOLED, 46mm | HyperOS | 15 days | Style, business, sport |
| Redmi Watch 4 | AMOLED, square. | Proprietary | 20 days | Budgetary choice |
| Mi Watch (Wear OS) | AMOLED, Circle | Wear OS | 2 days | Gickey, we need apps. |
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Compatibility: Android vs iOS
One of the most common questions is, "Will the watch go on the iPhone?" The answer is yes, but with limitations. Xiaomi devices work perfectly with iOS through the Mi Fitness or Zepp Life app. You'll get notifications, see health data, and change dials. But the functionality will always be cut down compared to Android smartphones.
On Android smartphones (especially Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO), integration is maximum, working fast search device, unlock the screen for hours (in some models), and full synchronization contacts. iPhone owners should know that answering messages and calls through the clock is not possible on all models and often requires special keyboards or voice input, which on iOS works less stable.
⚠️ Note: For stable operation of the watch on iOS, you need to allow the Mi Fitness application access to all health sensors (HealthKit) and not limit the application in the background in the iPhone battery settings.
There is also a problem with copying contacts. On Android, synchronizing the phone book is automatic. On iOS, this process may require manual confirmation or not be available for older versions of the watch. So if you're critical to a phone book on your wrist, you'd better double-check the specification of a particular model on the manufacturer's website.
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For iPhone owners, the best choice will be the Mi Watch and Redmi Watch series, as they have the most stable connection to iOS, while older bracelets can lose touch.