What smart watch Xiaomi is better to buy in 2026: an expert review and comparison of models

Xiaomi’s smartwatches have long since ceased to be just an accessory, becoming full-fledged assistants in sports, health monitoring and everyday tasks. In 2026, the brand’s range has expanded to dozens of models, and it becomes increasingly difficult to figure out which ones are really worth paying attention. Some devices are aimed at athletes with advanced sensors, others - at fans of stylish design with a high-performance device. AMOLED-screens, and the third offer record autonomy due to simplified functionality.

In this guide, we will analyze the TOP-7 Xiaomi smart watches of different price categories, compare them on key parameters: measurement accuracy, operating time, compatibility with the smartphone. Android/iOS, And we also uncover the hidden nuances that the manufacturer doesn't mention. 2 Pro can discharge twice as fast as claimed, or which models do not support payment Mi Pay outside of China.

Key criteria for choosing a smart watch Xiaomi

Before you dive into the reviews of specific models, decide what tasks you need the watch for, which depends on what characteristics you should pay attention to first:

  • πŸƒ Sports and fitness: number of supported training regimes (from running to yoga), availability GPS, waterproof (5) ATM floating).
  • ❀️ Health monitoring: heart rate sensors, SpOβ‚‚ (Oxygen saturation, stress, sleep (including deep phases)/REM-sleep).
  • πŸ“± Smart features: notifications, call response, built-in apps (weather, calendar), Mi Pay support.
  • πŸ”‹ Autonomy: from 5 days (flagships with the AMOLED) 14+ Days (models with E-Ink or simplified screen).
  • πŸ’° Budget: From 3,000 β‚½ (base trackers) up to 25,000 β‚½ (Premium watches with sapphire glass).

It is important to understand that Xiaomi releases devices under several brands: Mi Watch (premium segment), Redmi Watch (budget solutions), Xiaomi Watch S (style watch with an emphasis on design). For example, Redmi Watch 4 and Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro look similar, but differ in hardware and firmware - this affects the smoothness of the interface and the accuracy of sensors.

⚠️ Note: Models for the Chinese market (noted) CN in the title) are often limited in localization and may not support Russian in the firmware!

πŸ“Š Why do you plan to use a smart watch?
Sport and training
Health monitoring
Notifications and calls
Design and style
Other

TOP-3 Xiaomi smart watches for sports and fitness

If your goal is to track workouts, run with GPS, or swim in a pool, look for models with 5 ATM certification and support for multi-channel positioning.

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – flagship with professional sensors

It is the most advanced model in the lineup, equipped with a dual GPS system (supports GPS + GLONASS + Galileo + BDS + QZSS), which provides tracking accuracy up to Β±1 meters. The watch is suitable for triathletes due to the water resistance of 5 ATM and open water mode. The built-in BioTracker 5.0 PPG sensor measures heart rate with an error of no more than 2%, and also analyzes heart rate variability (HRV) to assess stress levels.

Of the minuses - a high price (about 22 000) β‚½) Reduced autonomy when used actively GPS (Up to 20 hours in Ultra Battery Saver mode, and users also note that the fluoro rubber strap quickly gets dirty.

Mi Band 8 Pro – a budget alternative with GPS

Despite the name "bracelet", this model is closer to the clock: there is a built-in GPS, full-fledged AMOLED-screen 1.74" and support for more than 150 sports modes. the main advantage is the price (from 6,500) β‚½) And while maintaining key fitness functions, the sensor does. SpOβ‚‚ It works less accurately than flagships, and the autonomy decreases to 3 days when turned on GPS.

Redmi Watch 4 – Best Price/Quality Balance

The model stands out 1.97-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 390Γ—450 It's pixels and it supports Always-On Display. 100+ The downside is that there's no built-in training regimes, including automatic recognition of running and walking. GPS (binding to a smartphone, but the autonomy reaches 10 days.

ModelGPSWaterproofnessAutonomy (days)Price (β‚½)
Xiaomi Watch 2 Proβœ… Dual5 ATM3–722 000
Mi Band 8 Proβœ… Single5 ATM5–106 500
Redmi Watch 4❌ (only through the smartphone)5 ATM7–148 000

πŸ’‘

For accurate running and cycling tracking, choose models with dual GPS (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Mi Band 8 Pro).

Xiaomi’s Best Smart Watch for Health: Sleep and Heart rate Monitoring

If you're prioritizing heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep quality, look at the latest generation of BioTracker sensors, which not only capture your heart rate, but also analyze it in the context of your age and lifestyle.

The leader here is the Xiaomi Watch S3, the only model in the lineup with a certified medical heart rate sensor (class II according to EU standards).

  • 🩺 Measure heart rate with accuracy Β±1 impact/min (in stationary condition).
  • 😴 Analyze 6 phases of sleep (including: REM and light sleep with recommendations for improvement.
  • 🩸 Tracking Stress Levels by Heart Rate Variability (HRV).
  • 🚨 Notify high/low pulse (tuneable thresholds).

Alternative: Xiaomi Watch 2 (not Pro) which is 5,000 cheaper β‚½, It has a simplified sleep sensor (4 phases instead of 6) and both models sync with the Mi Fitness app, where data is visualized as graphs and reports.

⚠️ Attention: Sensors SpOβ‚‚ (Oxygen saturation in budget models (Redmi Watch 3, Mi Band 7) often give an error to the level of the air. Β±For medical purposes, use only certified devices!

How to check the accuracy of the heart rate sensor?
Compare the readings of a smartwatch with the data of a medical pulse oximeter or tonometer with a pulse measurement function. A difference of more than Β± 5 beats / min indicates a malfunction of the sensor or an improper landing of the clock on the arm.

Xiaomi smart watches: design and premium materials

If you care about both functionality and appearance, look out for models with ceramic or metal casings, sapphire glass and interchangeable straps. In 2026, Xiaomi released several devices that are not ashamed to wear to a business meeting:

Xiaomi Watch S3 – premium design with sapphire glass

The watch body is made of aluminum alloy with a ceramic back panel, and the screen is protected by sapphire glass, a scratch-resistant material. 4 body colors are available (black, silver, gold, rose gold) and more than 200 dials, including animated ones. The device weighs only 37 g, making it comfortable for around-the-clock wear.

Xiaomi Watch 2 Active – Lightweight and Minimal

The model weighs 30g thanks to a polycarbonate body and silicone strap. Despite the budget material, the watch looks stylish due to its thin profile (10.9 mm) and 1.43-inch. AMOLED-The advantages of this are 12-day autonomy and wireless charging support.

By comparison, the Redmi Watch 4, although cheaper, has a plastic case that turns yellow over time. If you want durability, you'd better pay extra for metal or ceramics.

ModelCase materialScreen protectionWeight (g)Price (β‚½)
Xiaomi Watch S3Aluminum + CeramicsSapphire glass3718 000
Xiaomi Watch 2 ActivePolycarbonateTempered glass3010 000
Redmi Watch 4Plastic.2.5D glass358 000

Autonomy: Which Xiaomi watches last longer?

One of the key questions when choosing a smartwatch is how long it will last without recharging, and it depends on the type of screen, how often you use GPS, and how much you optimize your firmware.

  • πŸ”‹ Xiaomi Watch 2 Active – up to 12 days in standard mode (no more) GPS).
  • ⚑ Redmi Watch 4 – Up to 10 days with moderate use.
  • ⏳ Mi Band 8 – Up to 16 days (but no full time) GPS).

Flagship models (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Watch) S3) They discharge faster, they last for 3 to 7 days. AMOLED-It's a screen and a background sensor, to extend autonomy:

β˜‘οΈ How to increase the working hours?

Done: 0 / 4

Important: In cold weather (below +5Β°C), lithium polymer batteries lose up to 30% of their capacity. If you are in winter sports, choose models with Low Temperature Mode (for example, Xiaomi Watch S3).

Android and iOS Compatibility: What You Need to Know

All Xiaomi smartwatches officially support Android 6.0+ and iOS 12.0+, but there are nuances:

  1. On the iPhone, only basic connectivity is available: notifications, calls, pedometers, features like Mi Pay, text responses, and third-party app installations don't work.
  2. Android requires Mi Fitness (formerly Zepp Life) to work properly, and some models (like the Watch 2 Pro) also support Wear OS, allowing you to install apps from Google Play.
  3. Models for the Chinese market (CN) may not have Russian in the firmware. Before buying, check the region in the name (for example, Xiaomi Watch S3 Global).

To check compatibility:

  1. Download the Mi Fitness app from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Register a Xiaomi account (link your phone number).
  3. In the Device menu β†’ Add your watch model.

⚠️ Note: When connecting to the iPhone, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro does not synchronize data on sleep and stress.

πŸ’‘

If you have an iPhone but want the most features, consider alternatives like the Amazfit GTR 4, which are better optimized for iOS.

Where to buy a smart watch Xiaomi: official and alternative sources

In 2026, the official distributors of Xiaomi in Russia are:

  • πŸ›’ Mi Store (branded stores) - 12 months warranty, original firmware.
  • 🌍 Wildberries, Ozon, M.Video – check the seller (should be "Xiaomi Russia").
  • πŸ“¦ AliExpress – official sellers only (Xiaomi Official Store, Mi Global Store).

The cost in official stores is usually 10-15% higher than that of resellers, but you get:

  • βœ… Guarantee and service support.
  • βœ… Russian-language firmware.
  • βœ… Original packaging with documentation.

When buying on AliExpress, pay attention to:

  • πŸ“Œ The firmware version (must be Global or EEA Europe).
  • πŸ“Œ Availability of certificates (CE, RoHS).
  • πŸ“Œ Photo reviews (check to make sure the box is original).

Prices for popular models (April 2026):

ModelMi Store (β‚½)Wildberries (β‚½)AliExpress (β‚½)
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro22 00020 50018 000
Redmi Watch 48 0007 2006 500
Mi Band 8 Pro6 5006 1005 800

πŸ’‘

Buy only models marked Global or EEA – they have full localization and support for the Russian language.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi smartwatches

Can I swim in the pool with the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro?
Yes, the model is 5 ATM certified, allowing you to dive to depths of up to 50 meters. However, avoid hot water (sauna, bath) - this can damage the seals.
Does Xiaomi Watch Support Payment on NFC Abroad?
Mi Pay works only in China, and for payment in Russia and Europe, you can link the card via Google Pay (only on models with Wear OS, for example, Watch 2 Pro).
How to update the firmware on the clock?
Updates are installed automatically through the Mi Fitness app.To check manually: Open Mi Fitness β†’ Profile β†’ My devices. Choose a watch. β†’ Settings β†’ Software Update: If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen. ⚠️ Do not interrupt the update process – this can lead to the β€œbricking” of the device.
Can I change the strap on the Xiaomi Watch S3?
Yes, the model supports standard straps with a width of 22 mm. Suitable as original (silicone, leather, metal), and third-party from the brands Bartonia or UAG.
What if the clock is not synchronized with the smartphone?
Try: Reboot the watch and phone. Update the Mi Fitness app. Reset the watch to factory settings (Settings β†’ Device β†’ Reset). Turn off the VPN on your phone (it can block Xiaomi servers). If the problem persists, check if the phone is power-saving β€” it can limit the background work of Mi Fitness.