The modern wearables market is saturated with offers, and it can be extremely difficult to understand them the first time. Xiaomi brand has long ceased to be just a manufacturer of smartphones, turning into an ecosystem that covers all areas of life, including health and sports. That is why the question of which is better to buy a Xiaomi watch, becomes relevant for thousands of users who want to improve the quality of life with gadgets.
You don't have to be an expert on processor specifications or matrix types to make the right choice. You just have to be clear about what you're buying a device for: a running tracker, a stylish office accessory, or a full-fledged communicator for phoneless calls. In this article, we'll take a look at all the current lines so you don't overpay for unnecessary features.
It’s worth noting that Xiaomi’s brand often hides devices from sub-brands like Redmi and partner companies like Amazfit (Huami) that share the same platform, which creates confusion, but gives the customer a huge range of price categories, and we’ll help you structure this chaos and find the perfect model for your needs and budget.
The main lines of wearable devices
The first thing to decide on is the format of the device, which offers several distinct categories, each with its own advantages, the Mi Band fitness bracelets remain the top sellers due to their lightness and autonomy, they are practically not felt on the hand and are ideal for those who are accustomed to minimalism.
On the other hand, the Xiaomi Watch and Redmi Watch lineup offers a classic form factor with a large screen. SIM-It's a card or eSIM that allows you to make calls regardless of your smartphone, and it's not just an activity tracker, it's a full-fledged extension of your wrist phone.
While sold under their own brand, they are often technically and software-direct successors to Xiaomi’s technology. The difference may be minimal for the user, but Amazfit often offers more premium body materials and advanced sports metrics.
- 🏃♂️ Mi Band: Lightweight trackers with a focus on basic health monitoring and long work without recharging.
- ⌚ Xiaomi Watch: Smart watch with operating system (Wear) OS or proprietary, support for applications and calls.
- 📱 Redmi Watch: budget segment with a large screen and basic functionality, ideal.
- 🌿 Amazfit: sports-oriented models with improved GPS-navigation and a strong body.
Fitness bracelets of the Mi Band series: the choice of practitioners
If you're looking for a device that you can just forget about wearing it for a week, the Mi Band series is the no-holds-barred leader. Recent models like the Mi Band 8 and Mi Band 9 have been given the best of both. AMOLED-screens with high brightness and refresh rate of 60 Hz. This makes the picture smooth, and use in sunny weather – comfortable.
One important aspect is the versatility of the attachment: modern bracelets allow you to remove the tracker capsule and attach it to shoes to track running techniques or hang it around the neck like a pendant, autonomy is up to 14-16 days, which is much higher than most full smart watches.
⚠️ Note: When buying a bracelet, pay attention to the version (Global or CN). Chinese versions may have trouble syncing time and notifications in some regions without additional app tweaks.
For athletes, built-in GPS (which appeared in the latest Pro models) and the accuracy of the pulse sensor are important. Xiaomi uses new generation optical sensors that cope well with interval loads. However, for professional data analysis, it is better to consider more specialized models.
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Use silicone straps with perforation for sports - they better remove moisture and do not cause skin irritation when sweating.
Smart watch with Wear OS: the functionality of the smartphone
When it comes to the Xiaomi Watch 2 or Watch 2 Pro, we’re talking about a completely different class of devices: Google’s full-fledged Wear OS is installed here, which opens up access to the Google Play app store, Google Maps navigation, payment via Google Pay (where it works), and a host of third-party apps.
These watches require more frequent charging — usually every 1.5 to 2 days of active use — but instead you get a device that can partially replace your phone, you can answer messages, take calls, listen to music through Bluetooth headphones directly from your watch, and even install instant messengers.
The Snapdragon W5+ processor platform delivers speed. Unlike simple trackers, there are no delays when switching screens. For Android smartphone users, it is the most integrated solution to manage deep-level notifications.
Synchronization setting:
1. Install the Google Watch app (Google Watch)).
2. Enable Bluetooth and geolocation.
3. Follow the instructions on the pairing screen.
4. wait for the software update (can take up to 20 minutes).Redmi Watch: Balance of price and quality
The Redmi Watch lineup is designed for those who need a large screen but don’t need a complex operating system. Models like the Redmi Watch 4 offer an aluminum body and a bright display at a price often comparable to advanced bracelets, a great choice for teenagers or as the first smartwatch.
It uses its own HyperOS Connect shell (previously) MIUI It's simple, easy to understand and contains all the necessary widgets: weather, pulse, steps, notifications. GPS-The module in older models allows you to run without a phone, recording tracks, which is rare in this price segment.
The battery in the Redmi Watch lives for about 10-14 days, which is the middle ground between functionality and autonomy.The screen is protected by scratch-resistant glass, and the design often copies the flagship models of the Apple Watch or Huawei, while remaining recognizable.
What is the difference between NFC and GPS?
Comparative Characteristics Table
To make a final decision, let’s summarize the key parameters of popular models in a single table, which will help to show the differences in autonomy, functionality and compatibility.
| Model | Screen type | Autonomy | GPS | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 8 Pro | AMOLED | 14 days | Built-in | Proprietary |
| Xiaomi Watch 2 | AMOLED | 2 days | Built-in | Wear OS |
| Redmi Watch 4 | AMOLED | 12 days | Built-in | HyperOS |
| Amazfit GTR 4 | AMOLED | 14 days | Bi-band | Zepp OS |
As you can see from the table, the choice depends on priorities. If the work in the “set and forget” mode is important, then Proprietary systems (or Xiaomi’s own development) win over Wear OS. However, if you want to install third-party applications, the options with Wear OS have no competitors in this list.
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For iPhone, it is better to choose models with Xiaomi or Amazfit’s own OS, since the functionality of Wear OS on iOS is very limited or unavailable.
Compatible with Android and iOS
Android smartphone owners are the luckiest: they have access to all the features of any Xiaomi watch. Full integration with the system allows you to respond to messages, control music and even dictate text in a microphone. Mi Fitness (or Zepp Life for older models) application works steadily.
iOS users can also use the watch, but with a limited amount of time, you can see notifications, monitor sleep and activity, receive health data, but it is often impossible to respond to a message, delete it or use voice input due to the closed Apple ecosystem.
⚠️ Note: For iPhone notifications to work properly, you need to allow Mi Fitness to access all notifications in Bluetooth settings and in the app itself.
It’s also worth considering that some health features, such as measuring blood oxygen levels or stress, may work with less polling frequency on iOS to save energy, as the background work of apps on iPhones is strictly limited by the system.