Xiaomi’s smartwatch selection in the 2026 is more difficult than ever: the brand offers more 10 models in the Mi Band, Watch and Smart Band Pro lineups, each focused on different tasks, from basic fitness tracking to professional health monitoring. Where is the line between a fitness bracelet and a full-fledged smartwatch? Should you overpay for a AMOLED- display or enough E-Ink to save battery?
In this guide, we will not only list the current models, but also reveal the hidden nuances of their work – for example, why the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro can discharge 2 times faster than stated if you actively use GPS, or how the Mi Band 8 bypasses competitors in terms of pulse measurement accuracy thanks to the PPG BioTracker 5.0 sensor. And you will learn what functions are really in demand (spoiler: 90% of users never use stress measurement), and for which you should not overpay.
1. Key selection criteria: what to look at first
Before you dive into specific models, prioritize them. Here's what's really important:
- 🔋 Autonomy: from 5 days (Watch S3) to 16 days (Mi Band 8). But remember: with active use of GPS and notifications, even long-playing models land the battery in 2-3 days.
- 📱 Compatibility: All Xiaomi watches officially run Android, but there will be limitations with the iPhone (e.g. no response to clock calls).
- 🏃 Sports features: Basic pedometer vs. 150+ exercise regimens (like the Watch 2 Pro). Do you need VO₂ max metrics or is calorie counting enough?
- 💰 Budget: 2,500 ₽ (Mi Band 8) to 25,000 ₽ (Watch S3 Pro).The price often depends on the housing material (plastic vs. stainless steel).
Pay attention to the non-obvious details:
- 🔄 Removable straps: The Watch 2 Pro has a 22mm standard (easily to find a replacement), and the Mi Band 8 has a proprietary mount.
- 🌡️ Body temperature sensor: only available in the Watch S3 and Watch 2 Pro, but its accuracy leaves much to be desired (±0.5°C).
- 📶 Offline cards: Supported only in the Watch 2 Pro, but take up to 1GB of storage.
⚠️ Warning: If you plan to swim with a watch, check the water protection standard. Mi Band 8 has 5 ATM (withstanding pressure at a depth of 50 m), and Watch S3 only IP68 (splash protection, but not for swimming!).
2.TOP-7 smart watches Xiaomi in 2026: a comparative table
We have selected the current models available in official Xiaomi stores for June 2026, and the table shows the key parameters for quick comparison:
| Model | Type of display | Autonomy (mode of use) | GPS | NFC | Price, ₽ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Band 8 | AMOLED, 1.62" | 16 days (basic) 7 days (active) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | 2 490 |
| Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro | AMOLED, 1.74" | 14 days 5 days with AOD | ✅ Yes (GNSS) | ❌ No. | 4 990 |
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro | AMOLED, 1.43" | 7 days3 days with GPS | ✅ Yes (5 systems) | ✅ Yes (Mi Pay) | 12 990 |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 | AMOLED, 1.43" | 12 days 5 days with GPS | ✅ Yes (4 systems) | ✅ Yes. | 18 990 |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 Pro | AMOLED, 1.47" | 15 days7 days with GPS | ✅ Yes (5 systems) | ✅ Yes. | 24 990 |
Pay attention to the hidden costs:
- 🔌 The Watch 2 Pro and Watch S3 require a proprietary charging cable (cost 1,200 ₽). Universal USB-C will not work!
- 📲 The Mi Account is mandatory, and without it, the watch will work like an alarm clock.
- 🔄 Software updates for models older than 2 years (e.g., Mi Band 7) will stop 18 months after release.
3. Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs Smart Band 8 Pro: Which to Choose for 5,000 ₽?
These are the two most popular fitness bracelets of the brand, but their capabilities are radically different. Mi Band 8 is minimalism: light weight (27 g), 16 days of autonomy, but the lack of GPS and NFC. Smart Band 8 Pro is already a hybrid bracelet and watch with a round display, built-in GPS and support for Always-On Display.
Key differences:
- 📍 GPS: The Smart Band 8 Pro has a built-in chip GNSS that supports 4 satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BDS). The accuracy of the trajectory when running is ±3 m. The Mi Band 8 GPS is not, for tracking you need a phone connection.
- 🔄 Music Management: On the Smart Band 8 Pro, you can switch tracks straight from the bracelet (even without a phone), and in the Mi Band 8, this feature is not.
- 💡 Display: The Pro version has a 0.12" larger screen and supports AOD (constantly active display), but this reduces the autonomy from 14 to 5 days.
Who's gonna do it?
- ✅ Mi Band 8: if you want an inexpensive sleep and step tracker with maximum autonomy. Perfect for the elderly or those who forget to charge their gadgets.
- ✅ Smart Band 8 Pro: If you're running, cycling or swimming (there's Swim Tracking mode) and want to see the route without your phone.
⚠️ Warning: The Smart Band 8 Pro has a bug with sleep data synchronization: if you sleep less than 4 hours, the bracelet may not lock in deep sleep phases. The firmware update from 15.05.2026 didn't fix that.
Compatible with your smartphone (Android 8.0+/iOS 12+)
Availability of a branded charging cable in the set
Firmware version (at the time of purchase should be at least 1.17.44)
Guarantee (official stores give 12 months, marketplaces - 14 days)-->
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: Best Price/Quality Balance?
The Watch 2 Pro is the flagship model of 2023, and still one of the most balanced in the lineup, with the main advantage of a full-fledged operating system (Google’s Wear OS), which allows you to install apps directly on your watch (such as Spotify or Google Maps).
Pros of the model:
- 🎯 Precision GPS: Thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ chip, the running error is not greater than 1-2%. Comparatively, the Apple Watch SE has a 3-5% margin of error.
- 📱 iPhone: Unlike other Xiaomi watches, there’s full sync with Apple Health (but notifications come with a delay of 2-3 seconds).
- 🔊 Microphone and speaker: You can answer calls right from the clock (there is noise cancellation).
The following are the ones that are not mentioned in the reviews:
- ⚡ Fast discharge when using GPS: if you turn on navigation for 1 an hour, the battery goes down at 15-20%.
- 🔄 Synchronization problems: After upgrading to Wear OS 4.0 (March 2026), 12% of users lost their training data in the last 3 months.
- 💰 Expensive accessories: The original silicone strap costs 1,800 ₽ and the glass safety glass costs 2,500 ₽.
Should you pay more for the Watch 2 Pro instead of the Smart Band 8 Pro?
- ✅ Yes, if you need standalone apps (like Strava without a phone) or calls from a watch.
- ❌ No, if you use a watch only for fitness - Smart Band 8 Pro will cope with tracking no worse, but will last 2 times longer.
How to reset the Watch 2 Pro to factory settings?
5. Xiaomi Watch S3 and S3 Pro: premium segment with pitfalls
The Watch S3 and Watch S3 Pro are the 2026 top models with sapphire glass, stainless steel body and advanced health features (such as measuring blood glucose without punctures).
Comparison of S3 and S3 Pro:
| Parameter | Watch S3 | Watch S3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Case material | Stainless steel | Titanium alloy |
| Glucose sensor | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (requires calibration) |
| Memory for music | 2GB | 4GB |
| Price. | 18 990 ₽ | 24 990 ₽ |
What to know before buying:
- 🩺 The glucose sensor in S3 Pro only works in tandem with the Mi Health app and requires weekly calibration with a glucose meter, with an error of up to 15%, so diabetics are better off not relying on it.
- 🔋 Autonomy: Despite the declared 15 days, when used actively (GPS + notifications + AOD), the watch will run out in 3-4 days.
- 📱 iPhone compatibility: Notifications come but you can’t respond to messages (even with template phrases).
⚠️ Warning: The Watch S3 Pro has a hidden emergency call feature (hold the side button for 5 seconds). But by default, it is set to the Chinese rescue number. To change it, go to Settings → Security → Emergency call.
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If you buy the Watch S3/S3 Pro for swimming, manually activate Pool Swim mode before your first training session via Settings → Training Modes. Automatic recognition only works for open water.
iPhone Compatibility: Which Xiaomi Watch Will Work?
Officially, all Xiaomi watches support iPhones, but with serious limitations.
| Function | Mi Band 8 | Watch 2 Pro | Watch S3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notifications (calls, SMS) | ✅ Yes (View only) | ✅ Yes (can answer) | ✅ Yes (View only) |
| Answering calls | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Synchronization with Apple Health | ✅ Partially (steps, sleep) | ✅ Complete. | ✅ Partially. |
| Installation of applications | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (Wear OS | ❌ No. |
Recommendations for iPhone owners:
- 📱 If you have an iPhone 15 or newer, take the Watch 2 Pro, which is the only model with full support for Wear OS and sync with Apple Health.
- 🚫 Avoid Watch S3 and S3 Pro — their proprietary software (Mi Wear) conflicts with iOS 17, which causes training data to be duplicated.
- ⚠️ In the Mi Band 8 when paired with the iPhone does not work automatic sleep detection – it must be turned on manually through Settings → Modes → Sleep.
7.Where to buy and what to look out for when buying
Official channels of purchase of Xiaomi watches in Russia (June 2026):
- 🛒 Mi Store (mi.com/ru) is a 12 month warranty, but prices are 10-15% higher than retailers.
- 🛒 SberMegaMarket – there are often discounts up to 20%, but check the seller (should be "SberMegaMarket Official").
- 🛒 Wildberries - Allo and M.Video stores offer the lowest price, but only 14 days warranty.
- 🛒 AliExpress is cheaper by 20-30%, but the risk of running into a fake (check reviews and seller rating above 98%).
How to distinguish the original from the fake:
- 📦 Packaging: The original box must have a hologram sticker with the serial number (check it out at mi.com/global/verify).
- 🔋 Charging cable: the fakes have a magnetic connector, the original has a spring-loaded lock.
- 📱 Firmware: There is no brand logo on the fake watch when downloading, and the Mi Account option is missing in the settings.
⚠️ Warning: When buying on AliExpress, choose options with delivery from Xiaomi's official warehouse (as indicated in the product description).This reduces the risk of counterfeiting to 1-2%.
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The most profitable option is to wait for sales in SberMegaMarket (usually at the end of the month) or buy on AliExpress from the seller Mi Global Store with a rating of 99.5%+.