Why Xiaomi Smart Watches Are the Best Choice for Budget and Premium
Xiaomi has long established a reputation for offering premium technology at affordable prices. Their line of smart watches is a vivid confirmation of this: from inexpensive fitness trackers to full-fledged smart watches with a high-end smart watch. AMOLED-But how do you avoid getting lost in the variety of models and choose the ones that are perfect for you?
In 2026, Xiaomi’s range includes devices for a variety of purposes, from the Mi Band for minimalists to the Watch 2 Pro with eSIM support and battery life up to 7 days. We analyzed all the current models, considering functionality, design, autonomy and compatibility, to help you make an informed choice.
It is important to understand that even Xiaomi’s budget smartwatches support today. SpO₂ (And the flagship models add to that, they're oxygenating the blood, they're monitoring sleep, they're over 100 sports modes. GPS, NFC for contactless payments and even measuring stress levels by heart rate variability (HRV) — A feature that was previously only available on 30,000-plus devices+ ruble.
Key selection criteria: what to pay attention to first
Before you buy, decide what tasks you need a smart watch for. If the main goal is fitness and sports, the priority will be accurate GPS, 5 ATM water resistance and support for specialized modes (for example, for swimming or cycling).
Here are the main parameters that are worth assessing:
- 🔋 Autonomy: from 5 days for budget models to 14+ Hybrid watches (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3).
- 📱 Compatibility: Most of the time is running Android 6.0+ iOS 10+, But some features (such as answering calls) may be limited to iPhones.
- 💳 NFC Payments: not supported in all models (for example, Mi Band 8 does not have it, but the Watch 2 Pro does not have it).
- 🏊 Water protection: 5 ATM lets you swim with the clock, IP68 — just washing hands.
- 📊 Sensors: optical heart rate sensors, accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer (in premium models).
⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a watch for swimming, check not only the degree of protection of 5. ATM, But also the presence of a special mode "Swimming in the pool / open water." For example, Xiaomi Watch. S1 Active supports this mode, but Mi Band 7 does not.
Top.-5 Xiaomi smartwatches in the 2026 Year: Comparison and recommendations
We selected the most relevant models, taking into account the ratio of price, functionality and user feedback, the ranking features devices for different budgets - from 3,000 to 25,000 rubles.
| Model | Screen. | GPS | NFC | Autonomy | Price (≈) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro | 1.43" AMOLED, 466×466 | ✅ Dual | ✅ (eSIM) | 7 days | 22 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Watch S3 | 1.43" AMOLED, 466×466 | ✅ | ✅ | 15 days | 18 000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Watch S1 Active | 1.43" AMOLED, 466×466 | ✅ | ❌ | 12 days | 12 000 ₽ |
| Redmi Watch 4 | 1.97" AMOLED, 450×390 | ✅ | ❌ | 10 days | 7 000 ₽ |
| Mi Band 8 | 1.62" AMOLED, 192×490 | ❌ | ❌ | 16 days | 3 500 ₽ |
For those looking for maximum functionality, the best choice will be the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – the only model in the lineup with support for eSIM (you can call without a smartphone) and dual GPS for accurate tracking. If the priority is autonomy and stylish design, look for the Watch S3 with a metal body and a life of up to 15 days.
💡
Before buying, check whether the model supports Russian in the interface. For example, the Xiaomi Watch S1 (2021) is not officially localized for Russia, while all models from 2023-2026 have full support.
Smart watches for sports: which models will suit runners, swimmers and cyclists
If your main goal is to track your workouts, pay attention to three key parameters: accuracy. GPS, Waterproof and specialized sports modes, such as running duality GPS (Like the Watch 2 Pro, which reduces tracking error to 1-2 meters, and for swimming critical support for the "Open water" mode and protection 5 ATM.
The best models for sports in 2026:
- 🏃 For running and triathlon: Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro (dual) GPS, 170+ Regimes, Analysis of Recovery).
- 🚴 For cycling: Xiaomi Watch S3 (built-in barometer to track height differences).
- 🏊 For swimming: Redmi Watch 4 (Swimming in the pool mode, 5) ATM).
- 🏋️ For the gym: Mi Band 8 (compact, track repetitions in exercises).
⚠️ Note: In models without built-in GPS (For example, Mi Band 8, the route is tracked through a connected smartphone, which increases the error and consumes the battery of the phone. GPS.
For professional athletes, not only is the accuracy of the sensors important, but also the analytics after training. VO₂ max (maximum oxygen intake), recovery time and even tips for improving results. S3 Firstbeat Analytics is a feature that assesses stress levels and recommends optimal workload.
What is the dual GPS better than the usual?
Design and materials: which watches look premium and which are sporty
The look of Xiaomi smart watches ranges from ultra-light fitness trackers to classic metal-body watches.For example, the Mi Band 8 weighs just 27 grams and is suitable for round-the-clock wear, while the Watch S3 with a stainless steel body and sapphire glass looks like a traditional watch and is suitable for business style.
The main design options:
- 🖤 Minimalism: Mi Band 8 (plastic body, interchangeable straps), Redmi Watch 4 (flat screen, light weight).
- ⚙️ Sporty Style: Watch S1 Active (rubber strap, bright colors), Watch 2 Pro (quick access button to workouts).
- ⌚ Premium view: Watch S3 (metal case, leather strap in the set).
If you plan to wear a watch at work, look for a round-screen model (like the Watch S3 or Watch 2 Pro) – it looks more restrained. For outdoor activities, flat-screen devices (like the Redmi Watch 4) are better suited, as they are less prone to scratches when falling.
Compatibility with the width of the body (18-22 mm)
Material (silicon for sports, leather for office)
Quick removable mechanism (in most Xiaomi models)
Color (classic black or bright accent)-->
Autonomy: how many days will work hours without recharging
Xiaomi smartwatches will last up to 16 days in fitness tracker mode, while the Watch 2 Pro with active GPS and eSIM will last 2-3 days. Here are the approximate autonomy values for popular models:
- 🔋 Mi Band 8: Up to 16 days (base mode), up to 6 days (with always screen on).
- 🔋 Redmi Watch 4: Up to 10 days (with disabled) AOD), up to 3 days (active) GPS).
- 🔋 Watch S3: up to 15 days (economic mode), up to 5 days (with a constant connection to the phone).
- 🔋 Watch 2 Pro: Up to 7 days (with eSIM disabled), up to 2 days (with heavy use).
To extend your running time, use the power saving modes (available in most models) and disable unnecessary features:
- 📵 Always on screen (AOD) — Reduces autonomy by 30 to 40%.
- 📡 Automatic heart rate measurement – it is enough to set up a check every 10–30 minutes instead of 1 minute.
- 🔔 Notifications from apps – leave only the most important (calls, SMS).
⚠️ Note: In eSIM models (like the Watch 2 Pro), autonomy drops dramatically when active calls are made. If you want to work long hours, it’s better to use the watch in conjunction with your smartphone rather than as a standalone device.
Compatibility with smartphones: what you need to know iPhone and Android owners
All Xiaomi smartwatches officially support Android 6.0+ and iOS 10+, but the functionality on the iPhone may be limited.
- 📞 Answering calls in hours (even if you have an eSIM).
- 📥 Set third-party dials from Mi Fit or Zepp Life.
- 🔄 Use quick responses to notifications.
For full operation, the Android smartphone is recommended, and even on the iPhone, basic functions are available:
- ✅ Display of notifications (calls, SMS, messengers).
- ✅ Monitoring heart rate, steps, sleep.
- ✅ Managing music on the phone.
If you own an iPhone, look for models with their own ecosystem, such as the Watch S3 or Watch 2 Pro, which are better optimized for iOS than budget trackers like the Mi Band.
💡
On the iPhone, Xiaomi smart watches work as a fitness tracker with notifications, but lose some of the “smart” features.
Where to buy and what to pay attention when buying
Smart watches Xiaomi can be purchased in official stores (for example, Mi Store), on marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon, AliExpress) or from trusted retailers (for example, Svyaznoy, M. Video).
- 📦 Package: the box should have a watch, charging cable and documentation. S3) come with an additional strap.
- 🏷️ Guarantee: Official sellers provide a 12-month warranty.On AliExpress, choose sellers rated 98%+ and reviews in Russian.
- 🌍 Localization: check that the firmware supports Russian (the product name should indicate "Global Version" or "Russian version").
Average prices for popular models in 2026:
- Mi Band 8: 3 000–4 000 ₽.
- Redmi Watch 4: 6 000–8 000 ₽.
- Xiaomi Watch S1 Active: 10 000–12 000 ₽.
- Xiaomi Watch S3: 16 000–19 000 ₽.
- Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: 20 000–24 000 ₽.
⚠️ Be careful with “too good to be true” offers (e.g. Watch 2 Pro for $10,000) ₽). Often these are fakes or devices with Chinese firmware that will not be able to reflash on the global version.
💡
Buy Xiaomi smart watches only from official sellers or trusted retailers with a guarantee.This will protect you from counterfeits and localization problems.