What Xiaomi smartwatch is better to choose in 2026

The wearables market has reached a point where the question of “what Xiaomi watch to choose” has become a difficult dilemma for the buyer.A few years ago, the answer was obvious, but today the brand ecosystem has grown to dozens of unique devices, each with its own strengths.

From budget fitness bracelets, which are not much inferior to full-fledged gadgets, to premium smart watches with a titanium case and sapphire glass, the range requires careful analysis. It is important not just to buy a popular model, but to understand what functionality you really need in your daily life.

In this article, we will analyze all current lines, compare operating systems and help you decide on the choice of a device that will be the ideal companion for your smartphone.

The main series of wearable devices Xiaomi

The first thing that users encounter when searching is confusion in names and series. Xiaomi uses several branding strategies, releasing devices under the brands Mi Band, Xiaomi Smart Band, Mi Watch and Xiaomi Watch.

The key difference lies in the form factor and operating system: Fitness bracelets (formerly Mi Band, now often Smart Band) are focused on maximum autonomy and activity tracking. They have a stretched screen and minimalist design, making them ideal for sports and sleep.

In turn, full-fledged smart watches have a round or square display, more powerful hardware and advanced functionality. SIM-maps or full versions of Wear OS, clock-turning.

• 🏃‍♂️ Smart Band Series: Lightweight activity trackers with a focus on health and long work without recharging.
• ⌚ Watch series S/Pro: premium watches with metal cases and extended sports modes.
• 📱 Watch series Color/Active: Available smart watches with a bright design and a basic set of functions.
• 🤖 A series on Wear OS: Devices with full access to the Google Play app store.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse regional versions. Global version (Global) has built-in English and Russian on the menu, as well as support NFC In some regions, while the Chinese version (CN) It may require complex manipulations to translate the interface.

The evolution of fitness bracelets: from Mi Band to Smart Band

If you’re looking for a device primarily for health monitoring, the Xiaomi Smart Band series (formerly known as the Mi Band) remains the king of the budget segment. Recent models like the Smart Band 8 and 9 have dramatically changed the concept of wearing, offering a pendant mount or even inserting into a sneaker.

Modern bracelets are equipped AMOLED-It's not the same dim screens of the past, but the full-fledged information panels that display notifications from messengers, weather and training results.

The important aspect is the accuracy of the sensors: new generations of optical pulse sensors and oximeters allow for fairly accurate monitoring of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and sleep phases. For most fitness enthusiasts, these devices are more than enough.

But there are limitations to consider: Despite the advanced software, bracelets do not allow you to fully respond to messages or install third-party applications, their task is to notify and record data, not replace the smartphone.

💡

Pay attention to the presence of NFC in the chosen bracelet model. In Russia and CIS, support for payments through Mi Pay does not work on all models, so it is better to check the current list of compatible banks before buying.

Premium segment: Xiaomi Watch S and Pro series

For those who care about status and materials, the Xiaomi Watch S series offers high-end solutions, such as the S1 Active, S2 and S3 Pro are made of stainless steel or titanium, which distinguishes them from plastic counterparts.

It uses the HyperOS (formerly MIUI for Watch) operating system, which provides fast interface and deep integration with Xiaomi smartphones. The user gets access to more than 100 sports modes, including golf, diving and skiing.

Battling is particularly important, because with energy-efficient processors and optimized software, the watch can last up to 12-15 days in normal mode and up to 30 days in time-only mode, which is critical for those who don’t like to charge their gadgets every night.

In older Pro models, sapphire glass is often found, which is almost impossible to scratch in everyday conditions, making the watch ideal for people who are active or working in difficult conditions.

Wear OS platform vs. proprietary system

One of the most difficult questions when choosing: what operating system is needed? Xiaomi releases devices on its own platform (HyperOS/MIUI Watch, and on Google Wear OS (For example, Xiaomi Watch 2 and 2 Pro).

Devices on Wear OS are full-fledged computers on the wrist.You can install apps from the Google Play Store, pay for purchases through Google Pay (where available), use cards, and even make calls without a phone if the watch has eSIM or Bluetooth call support.

The flip side of the coin is autonomy: Wear OS requires charging almost every day, and in active mode it even requires twice, and the interface can run less smoothly on cheap processors compared to an optimized proprietary system.

Xiaomi’s proprietary system benefits in battery life and speed, but loses in versatility.You’re limited to the feature set the manufacturer has provided, and you won’t be able to install a third-party navigator or music streaming.

⚠️ Note: When buying a watch on Wear OS Make sure your smartphone is compatible with Google services. Some new Huawei models or restricted regions may have their functionality cut down.

Compatible with Android and iOS

The choice of watches often depends on what kind of smartphone you have. Xiaomi ecosystem is as open as possible when paired with Android smartphones, especially if these are devices of the Xiaomi brand, Redmi or POCO.

All devices are managed using the Xiaomi Wear app (for new models) or Mi Fitness. These apps synchronize health data, set up dials and update firmware. Android is usually more broadly functional, with more detailed notification settings and quick responses available.

iPhone (iOS) owners can also use Xiaomi watches, but with a limited amount of time. Basic tracking, notifications and sports work great. However, there may be no quick response to messages, control of music on the phone or install third-party dials.

Importantly, the watch will still require a Mi Account account and an app that can request multiple permissions to access phone data, which is the price of deep integration and health analytics.

• 📲 Android: Full functionality, quick answers, camera control, contact synchronization.
• 🍏 iOS: Basic tracking, notifications (reading), alarm, but limited interaction options.
• 🔄 App: Be sure to use the official Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear app, avoiding third-party counterparts to guarantee stability.

💡

If you have an iPhone, consider alternatives or accept limited notification functionality.If Android, Xiaomi watches will be a powerful extension of your smartphone.

Choice Criteria: What to Consider Before Buying

To decide which Xiaomi watch to buy, make a list of priorities for yourself: don’t overpay for a titanium case if you just need a pedometer, or buy a model with Wear OS if you forget to charge your phone.

Note the type of strap attachment. In newer models, Xiaomi often uses unique mounting mechanisms that are not compatible with the standard 20 or 22 mm. This may limit the choice of accessories in the future.

An important parameter is the presence of GPS-If you're running without a phone, it's built-in. GPS Budget models (especially bracelets) often use Connected. GPS», which takes coordinates from a smartphone, which is less convenient and accurate.

Remember water protection. The 5 ATM marking means that you can swim in the pool in hours, but not scuba diving. Professional diving requires specialized models with a higher protection class.