How to Choose Xiaomi Smart Watches: A Complete Guide to Models, Features, and Purchase Nuances

Xiaomi smart watches have long ceased to be just an accessory for athletes — they have become full assistants in everyday life. From health tracking to smart home management, from contactless payments to battery life without a smartphone — the functionality of modern models is impressive. But how not to get lost in the variety of series Mi Band, Redmi Watch, Xiaomi Watch and Amazfit (which also belongs to the Xiaomi ecosystem)? This article will help you understand the key differences, assess real needs and avoid typical mistakes when buying.

We analyzed the current models of 2023-2026, compared them by 10+ We also looked at the parameters, from battery life to sensor accuracy, and user and expert feedback, including iPhone compatibility (yes, that’s important!), build quality, and what features are really stable and what remain “raw” even in flagships. If you are looking for not just a “beautiful watch”, but a device that will last for years – read more.

1. Key selection criteria: what to look at first

Before you compare specific models, you need to prioritize. A smartwatch is not a smartphone where the more expensive the better. It's important to align your tasks with the technical capabilities. For example, if you want a watch just for notifications and pedometers, overpay for Xiaomi Watch. S3 s AMOLED-display and GPS It’s not enough to watch Redmi Watch 3 Active.

Here are the basic parameters that should be evaluated before buying:

• 🔋 Autonomy: 5 days (Mi Band 8 to 15)+ days (Amazfit) GTR The actual working time depends on the use of GPS and always less than the stated.
• 📱 Compatibility: Most models need a smartphone on Android 8.0+ or iOS 12+. But with iPhone, some features (like answering calls) may not work.
• 🏃 Health sensors: pulse meter, SpO₂ (oxygen saturation, stress monitoring, ECG (only in Xiaomi Watch) S3 The accuracy of sensors varies – budget models often lie 5-10%.
• 📍 GPS: Not all models have built-in modules, and without it, jogging will be tied to a smartphone (which is inconvenient).
• 💳 NFC and payments: supported only in the watch with microphone and speaker (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro.
• 💦 Water Protection: Standard 5 ATM (can swim) vs. IP68 (Do not confuse it with total water resistance!

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a swim watch, check not only the degree of protection, but also the presence of a pool mode in the firmware. for example, the Mi Band 7 officially supports swimming, and the Redmi Watch 2 Lite does not, despite the 5 ATM.

Another nuance is firmware and localization, and many Xiaomi models are sold in the Global Version and Chinese versions (CN Version versions: The latter are often cheaper, but may not support Russian or have feature restrictions (e.g. no Google Fit!

2. Series comparison: Mi Band vs Redmi Watch vs Xiaomi Watch vs Amazfit

Xiaomi is releasing smartwatches under several brands, and they are easy to confuse.

The important point is that the Mi Band and Redmi Watch series will last 90% of users. It only makes sense to overpay for Xiaomi Watch if you need to make calls over the clock or install apps (for example, Strava or Yandex Music). Amazfit is chosen by those who care about autonomy and professional sports metrics (for example, for example, for the sports car, VO₂ max).

If you are in doubt between series, answer the following questions:

• ❓ Do you need calls from the clock? → Xiaomi Watch or Redmi Watch 3 with NFC.
• ❓ Is the accuracy of running/bike tracking important? → Look for models with built-in GPS (Not all Mi Bands have it).
• ❓ You want to wear a watch without taking off 2+ weekdays? → Pay attention to Amazfit. GTR 4 or Mi Band 8.

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The Mi Band series is the best choice for the budget, the Xiaomi Watch is for maximum functionality, and the Amazfit is for sports and autonomy.

3. Top.-5 Xiaomi models 2026 year: pros and cons

We selected the most balanced models in terms of price/quality, all of which are officially sold in Russia and support Russian.

1. Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is the best budget tracker

Price: ~3 500 ₽ | Autonomy: Up to 16 days | Display: 1.62" AMOLED

• ✅ Light (14g), thin, 150+ face-piece.
• ✅ Precision pedometer and pulsemeter (compared to Mi Band 7).
• ✅ Support for Mi Fitness and Google Fit.
• ❌ No built-in GPS (tracking only through the phone).
• ❌ Plastic case, not premium design.

Redmi Watch 3 Active – the best choice for sports

Price: ~5 000 ₽ | Autonomy: Up to 12 days | Display: 1.83" LCD

• ✅ Built-in GPS phone-tracker.
• ✅ 100+ sports regimes, including swimming (5) ATM).
• ✅ Fast charging (100% in 1 hour).
• ❌ No. NFC and microphone (no calls allowed).
• ❌ The screen is dimmer than the Mi Band 8.

3. Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – flagship with Wear OS

Price: ~15 000 ₽ | Autonomy: Up to 3 days | Display: 1.43" AMOLED

• ✅ The full-fledged Wear OS OS (can be installed).
• ✅ NFC for payments, microphone and speaker (calls without phone).
• ✅ Premium metal body.
• ❌ Low autonomy (with active use, it lasts for 1.5 days).
• ❌ Expensive straps (original straps are worth the price) ~2 000 ₽).

4. Amazfit GTR 4 – for maximum autonomy

Price: ~12 000 ₽ | Autonomy: up to 14 days | Display: 1.43" AMOLED

• ✅ 150+ Sports regimes, professional metrics (VO₂ max, reconstitution).
• ✅ Aluminum case, Gorilla Glass.
• ✅ Working with Strava, Apple Health.
• ❌ No Wear. OS (limited-application).
• ❌ NFC Only in the Chinese version.

5. Xiaomi Watch S3 — Best Balance for Android

Price: ~10 000 ₽ | Autonomy: Up to 7 days | Display: 1.43" AMOLED

• ✅ Built-in GPS, NFC (Working with World Pay).
• ✅ Zepp support OS (more widgets than in MIUI Watch).
• ✅ Stainless steel body.
• ❌ No microphone (cannot answer calls).
• ❌ Fewer apps than in Wear OS.

⚠️ Note: If you use an iPhone, avoid models on Zepp OS (Like Amazfit. GTR They will only sync through the Zepp app, where there is no integration with Apple Health.

Is there a built-in model? GPS (If you need to track without a phone)|

Does the clock support the Russian language (especially in the Russian language) CN-version)|

Is there? NFC and whether it works with your bank (check the list of supported ones)|

Is the watch compatible with your smartphone (Android/iOS OS version)|

How much autonomy really fits your needs (e.g. 3 days vs 14 days)-->

4. iPhone compatibility: which features won't work

Many people buy Xiaomi smartwatches for iPhone, unaware that some of the features will be unavailable. Here’s what won’t work (or will work with restrictions):

• 📞 Calls in the clock: even if the model has a microphone and speaker (for example, Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro), on the iPhone you can not answer calls directly – only reject.
• 🔄 Notification synchronization: Not all notifications come (e.g., Telegram or Viber may be duplicated or not shown).
• 💳 NFC-Payments: Mi Pay does not work on iPhone in Russia, even if the watch supports the iPhone NFC.
• 📊 Export data to Apple Health: only works on models MIUI Watch (like Mi Band 8) Watch on Zepp OS (For example, Amazfit only syncs with its app.
• 🔧 Updates firmware: on the iPhone can not update the firmware of the watch through the official application (you will have to look for workarounds).

If you have an iPhone, the best choice is Xiaomi Mi Band 8 or Redmi Watch 3 (without the iPhone). NFC). They do not support calls, but they work steadily with notifications and fitness tracking. For a full replacement of the smartphone on the wrist, it is better to consider the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch (they are fully compatible with iOS).

5. How to distinguish the original from a fake: 7 signs

Fake Xiaomi smartwatches are often sold on marketplaces at prices 20 to 30 percent below market prices.

1. Packaging: The original has a hologram on the box, clear font, no typos, and forgeries are often in soft film instead of dense cardboard.
2. Serial number: on the back cover of the watch should be glued sticker with SN and IMEI. Check it out through the official Xiaomi website.
3. Firmware: Fakes often have outdated or “curved” firmware with translation errors, for example, the menu may contain Cyrillic with artifacts.
4. Sensors: fake pulsemeter and GPS They are unstable (indications are jumping or missing) and can be checked using the Heart Rate Monitor test app.
5. Charger: The original watch comes with a magnetic cable, counterfeits often have a USB-Type-C connector instead of a pogo-pin.
6. Application: Counterfeiting may not connect to Mi Fitness or Zepp, or require third-party software installation.
7. Price: Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is selling for $8,000 ₽ (at an average price of 15,000. ₽), It's 100% fake.

Where is it safe to buy:

• 🛒 Official Mi Store Store (mi.com/ru).
• 🛒 Authorized resellers: Svyaznoy, M. Video, Citilink (check the availability of the certificate).
• 🛒 Wildberries and Ozon – only 95-rated sellers%+ and photo reviews.

⚠️ Warning: Counterfeiters often pose as “global versions,” but they are actually re-interrupted Chinese models. Before buying, ask the seller for a photo of the serial number and check it on the Mi Verification website.

6. accessories and consumables: what to buy additionally

Even the most expensive Xiaomi smartwatches require additional accessories.

• 🔋 Spare strap: Silicone wears out in 6-12 months. For sports, choose breathable materials (for example, nylon), for the office – leather or metal.
• 🔌 Charging cable: original 1–2 years, then the contacts are oxidized).
• 🛡️ Protective glass: AMOLED-The screens scratch even from light impacts. For Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro fit glass Spigen Tempered Glass.
• 🎧 Bluetooth headphones: if there is a music player in the watch (e.g. Amazfit) GTR 4, it is convenient to listen to music without a phone.
• 🔄 Synchronization adapter: If the watch is not connected to the iPhone, an adapter can help USB-C to Lightning (for firmware via Android).

Strap tip: standard width for most Xiaomi models is 20 mm (Xiaomi Watch) S3 — Before buying, check this parameter in the characteristics!

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If you're swimming, buy a waterproof watch case (like a Swimmo). ATM Long-term exposure to chlorinated water can damage the body.

7 Frequent mistakes in selection and how to avoid them

Many customers complain that the watch has “failed to meet expectations,” most often due to incorrect expectations from the device.

1. The Mi Band's "Apple Watch" expectation: budget trackers won't replace a smartphone; they can't install apps, respond to messages with voice or show maps. If you want smart features, take the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro.
2. Ignoring autonomy: If you forget to charge gadgets, models with autonomy for 2-3 days (for example, Wear) OS) You're not going to be the right one.
3. Buying without compatibility check: Before buying, check if your smartphone supports Bluetooth 5.0+ (If you don't, you'll have lags when you synchronize. NFC your bank.
4. Savings on protection: If you wear a watch at work or at the gym, take a model with Gorilla Glass or a metal case.The plastic (Redmi Watch 2 Lite) will scratch quickly.
5. Neglect of size: the diameter of the Xiaomi Watch S3 — 46mm, which can be large for a thin wrist. Try on the watch before buying or measure the circumference of the wrist (optimally 15-19cm).

Another common myth is that “Mi Band and Redmi Watch are the same thing,” and in fact, the Mi Band are fitness trackers (narrow functionality, long running time), and the Redmi Watch are full-fledged smart watches (more capabilities, but less autonomy).

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If you need a watch for everything, take the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro. If autonomy and sports are important, then go for the Amazfit. GTR 4 If you need a minimalist tracker - Mi Band 8.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions