The wearable electronics market in 2022 has reached incredible diversity, and Xiaomi has taken a leading position here, offering users devices for any budget. Choosing a smartwatch is no longer just a matter of buying a gadget for notifications; now it is a search for a full-fledged assistant for health, sports and everyday life. This year, the brand introduced several iconic devices that have divided into separate lines, each of which has its own unique features and target audience.
Before you go to the store, you need to clearly understand the difference between a full-fledged smartwatch based on the operating system and simpler fitness trackers in the watch form factor. The 2022 models offer impressive functionality even in the budget segment, including measuring blood oxygen levels, constant monitoring of heart rate and support for more than a hundred sports.
It’s also important to consider the ecosystem you’re in, as compatibility with MIUI or pure Android can significantly affect the stability of notifications and add-on apps. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the current models released or popular in 2022 to help you decide which device will be the best for your use case.
Key criteria for choosing a smart watch Xiaomi
The first and most important parameter determining the choice is the device’s operating system. In 2022, Xiaomi actively implemented Google’s Wear OS platform in its flagship models, which opened access to the huge Google Play app store. This radically distinguishes them from devices on proprietary systems such as HyperOS or RTOS, where the feature set is strictly limited by the manufacturer and can not be extended by the user.
The second critical aspect is autonomy. There is a clear division: watches with a full OS usually require charging every 1-2 days of active use, while lightweight models can work up to two weeks without recharging. The duration of operation depends on the type of screen: AMOLED-matrix consumes more energy when displaying an always-on dial than LCD-analogs.
For sports, the 5ATM waterproofing standard is critical, allowing you to dive to a depth of 50 meters, while the basic spray protection is only suitable for everyday wear. Also, you should pay attention to the type of strap attachment, since universal fastenings make it easy to change accessories, changing the style of the device for clothes.
Flagship models: Xiaomi Watch S1 and S1 Active
The Xiaomi Watch S1 line, introduced earlier this year, is the company’s response to users who need premium design and enhanced functionality.The watch is powered by Wear OS, which allows you to install third-party apps, maps and even respond to messages right from the wrist. The body is made of stainless steel and the screen is protected by sapphire glass, making it extremely resistant to scratches in everyday use.
Inside, a powerful dual-core processor provides smooth interface animation and quick switching between tasks. For sports enthusiasts, it has more than 100 training modes, including professional monitoring of swimming and running. The GNSS navigation system works independently of a smartphone, allowing you to leave your phone at home while jogging and accurately track the route.
⚠️ Attention: Function NFC For contactless payments in global watch versions, you may not work in your area due to payment system restrictions, be sure to check the specification for a specific country before buying.
Special attention deserves the version of Active, which is characterized by a more sporty design, silicone strap in the kit and a slightly more affordable price while maintaining basic technical characteristics.
☑️ Checking the flagship before buying
Budget segment: Redmi Watch 2 Lite and 2
If overpaying for the operating system and being able to install apps doesn't make sense, the Redmi Watch series offers great value for money.The Redmi Watch 2 Lite model has become a hit with a large 1.55-inch screen and an incredibly lightweight body of just 35 grams.The device runs on its own system, providing up to 10 days of battery life.
Unlike the older models, it is used here. LCD-It's a display that's bright and readable in the sun, but it's focused on basic tasks like tracking sleep, heart rate, stress levels and oxygenation. For notifications, a vibration motor is used, which quite clearly transmits signals about calls and messages from messengers.
More advanced version of Redmi Watch 2 (without the prefix Lite) AMOLED-screen GPS-It's a module that takes it up to the next level in terms of autonomy, which makes it a great choice for those who are looking for a compromise between price and the presence of a built-in navigator, not wanting to overpay for the features of a full smartphone on the wrist.
The hidden features of Redmi Watch
Specialized devices: Mi Watch Lite and Revolve
The Mi Watch Lite, although introduced earlier, remains relevant in 2022 due to lower price and stability, and is positioned as a lightweight sports companion with a square body resembling the Apple Watch, with the main advantage of having built-in GPS at a very affordable cost, which is rare in the budget segment.
The Revolve series (often sold under the Amazfit brand but part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem) offers a round classic design and metal body, focused on style and basic fitness tracking, while boasting outstanding autonomy for up to 14 days, and stripped of the excesses of installing apps, focusing on build quality and running time.
When choosing between Lite and Revolve, you should be guided by the shape of the case and the need for a built-in navigator. If you are critically important to know exactly the distance traveled without a phone, Lite will be the uncontested leader in the lower price segment. If you are more important than classic look and rare charging, you should look at round models.
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For maximum GPS accuracy in budget models, wait for the satellite icon to appear on the screen before starting your workout, standing in the open space, rather than indoors.
Comparative Characteristics Table
To make it easier to analyze the technical parameters of the main models of 2022, we have combined key data into a single table, which will help you quickly navigate the differences between flagship and budget solutions, paying attention to the type of screen, the presence of GPS and the declared autonomy.
| Model | Screen. | GPS | Autonomy | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Watch S1 | AMOLED | Yes. | 12 days | Wear OS |
| Redmi Watch 2 | AMOLED | Yes. | 10 days. | Proprietary |
| Redmi Watch 2 Lite | LCD | No. | 10 days. | Proprietary |
| Mi Watch Lite | LCD | Yes. | 9 days | Proprietary |
As you can see from the table, the presence of GPS-However, it is worth considering that in models without a proprietary operating system, navigation functionality may be limited to basic route tracking without the possibility of full-fledged work with maps.
Compatibility and software
All modern Xiaomi watches require Mi Fitness (formerly known as Zepp Life for some older models) to be configured and synchronized, and it is a single control center where all the data on the health, activity and settings of the device is collected. The app is available for both Android and iOS, but the functionality on the iPhone can be somewhat stripped down.
Android smartphone owners, especially Xiaomi, are more fortunate: deep integration is available to control music, camera, and even some of the phone’s system settings. It’s important for iOS users to know that responding to messages and managing some features may not be available due to the limitations of Apple’s operating system.
⚠️ Warning: When changing your smartphone to a device of another operating system (from Android to iOS or vice versa), be sure to untie the clock in the app, otherwise they may not connect to a new phone without a complete reset.
Regular firmware updates add new dials, improve sensor accuracy, and fix communication errors. It is recommended to check for updates in the Profile → My Devices → Update at least once a month to keep the software up to date.
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The choice of the watch operating system determines its potential: Wear OS is a mini-smartphone, and a proprietary system is a reliable tracker with a focus on the battery.
Final selection recommendations
So, in the 2022 model review, Xiaomi has been able to cover all the niches of the market. If you want the most functionality, the ability to install apps, and you're ready to charge every couple of days, flagships on Wear OS will be the best choice. It's a full-fledged extension of your smartphone on your wrist.
For athletes and those who value autonomy above all else, the best models will be the Redmi Watch or Mi Watch Lite series: they are lightweight, invisible on the hand and can survive a long hike or business trip without looking for a charger, in this segment, the most important thing is accurate GPS and a good screen.
Remember that the "best" watches are the ones you wear with pleasure. Before buying, try on the device in the store to assess the comfort of the strap and the readability of the interface. Technical specifications are important, but ergonomics and personal comfort play a crucial role in daily use.