Smart watches Xiaomi: which is better to buy in 2026 according to reviews of real users

Xiaomi’s choice of smartwatches in the 2026 has been a real puzzle for even power users. The brand offers more than a dozen models, from budget fitness trackers to premium smartwatches with AMOLED- displays and advanced autonomy. But how can you not go wrong with buying when each model promises to be β€œbest in its class”? We analyzed thousands of reviews on Russian and foreign sites, studied tests by independent experts and identified key criteria that are really important when choosing.

Marketing traps are a major problem, with manufacturers focusing on sensor counts or body design, but not on real autonomy when using GPS or constantly connecting to a smartphone. For example, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro in advertising promises 70 hours of work, but with heart rate monitoring and notifications on, this figure is reduced to 2-3 days, and the budget Mi Band 8 generally requires recharging every 5-7 days, if used as a full-fledged smart watch.

In this guide, we will not just list the top models, but show you which Xiaomi watches are suitable for specific tasks: sports training, health monitoring, business use or just a stylish accessory. You will learn which features to pay attention to and which to overpay does not make sense. And most importantly, we have collected real user reviews with their pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision.

Top-5 smart watch Xiaomi 2026 year in price/quality ratio

We selected the models that users most often recommend in reviews on Yandex.Market, Wildberries and AliExpress. The selection criterion is not only technical characteristics, but also real experience (autonomy, user-friendliness, sensor accuracy).

  • πŸ₯‡ Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is the flagship with Wear OS, NFC and premium design. Best choice for Android smartphone owners.
  • πŸ₯ˆ Xiaomi Watch S3 is the optimal balance of price and functionality. Suitable for sports and everyday use.
  • The πŸ₯‰ Redmi Watch 4 is a budget alternative with a AMOLED- screen and 10-day battery life.
  • πŸƒ Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro is a hybrid tracker and smartwatch with GPS and always on display.
  • πŸ’° Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is the cheapest option for basic fitness tracking (from 2,500 β‚½).

Interesting fact: despite the fact that the Watch 2 Pro is positioned as a flagship, in reviews, users often praise the Watch S3 for the user-friendly interface of the Mi Fitness and the stable operation of the sensors. But the Redmi Watch 4 is criticized for its weak vibration response at notifications - it is difficult to feel while running or in a noisy room.

πŸ“Š What Xiaomi smartwatch are you considering buying?
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro
Xiaomi Watch S3
Redmi Watch 4
Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro
Another model

Comparative table of key characteristics

ModelScreen.Autonomy (mode of use)GPSNFCPrice (June 2026)
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro1.43" AMOLED, 466Γ—46670 h (economy) / 24 h (full load)βœ… (multichannel)βœ… (Google Pay)~18 000 β‚½
Xiaomi Watch S31.43" AMOLED, 466Γ—46615 days (saving) / 5 days (active use)βœ… (single channel)❌~12 000 β‚½
Redmi Watch 41.97" AMOLED, 390Γ—45010 days (average load)βœ…βŒ~7 500 β‚½
Smart Band 8 Pro1.74" AMOLED, 336Γ—48014 days (saving) / 6 days (with GPS)βœ…βŒ~9 000 β‚½
Mi Band 81.62" AMOLED, 192Γ—49016 days (saving) / 7 days (active)❌❌~2 500 β‚½

Note that the autonomy in the table is for real-world use, not lab tests. For example, the Watch 2 Pro in economy mode (without GPS, with minimal monitoring) does last 70 hours, but when used actively (training, notifications, calls) discharge occurs in 1-2 days.

⚠️ Warning: If you are critically interested in GPS accuracy (for example, for marathon races), avoid single-channel models (as in the Watch S3).

Which Xiaomi smartwatch is best for sports and fitness?

For sporting purposes, the key parameters are:

  • πŸ“ Precision GPS – Multi-channel chips (as in the Watch 2 Pro) give an error of up to 3 meters, single-channel chips – up to 15.
  • πŸ’“ Heart rate sensorsβ€”the optical sensors in the Watch S3 and Smart Band 8 Pro show results comparable to those of chest pulse gauges (a margin of error of Β±5%).
  • 🏊 Waterproof – all models can withstand swimming (5 ATM), but only the Watch 2 Pro (10 ATM) is suitable for diving.
  • πŸ“Š Training Analytics – Mi Fitness (application for Xiaomi) has detailed statistics on 150+ sports, but no integration with Strava or Garmin Connect.

According to triathletes, the best choice is the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro thanks to:

  • βœ… Support ANT+ for external sensors (bicycle cadences, pulse gauges).
  • βœ… Opportunities to save routes offline (useful for trailrunners).
  • βœ… Built-in barometer for height measurement.

But the Redmi Watch 4, despite its low price, has been criticized for being an inaccurate pedometer, which overstates the results by 10-20% when walking stairs or rough terrain, as confirmed by tests on YouTube’s Test channel.

πŸ’‘

Before buying, check if the model supports your sport in the Mi Fitness app. For example, the Mi Band 8 doesn't have profiles for rowing or climbing, but the Watch 2 Pro does.

We have collected the most frequent complaints and praises from reviews on sites in the last 6 months. Please note that many complaints are not related to the watch itself, but to the firmware or the Mi Fitness app, which Xiaomi updates every 2-3 months.

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro

  • βœ”οΈ "The display is just a bombshell - you can see in the sun, there is no getting stuck when scrolling." (Review from Wildberries, 5 stars)
  • βœ”οΈ "NFC works with Sberbank and Tinkoff without any problems, has already paid in 5 stores."
  • ❌ "The battery goes down in a day if you turn on the screen + sleep monitoring always on." (Review from Yandex.Market, 3 stars)
  • ❌ "Wear OS app is buggy - sometimes notifications come with a delay of up to 10 minutes."

Xiaomi Watch S3

  • βœ”οΈ "Best price/quality balance. I've been carrying it for 4 months, no bugs, it's stable."
  • βœ”οΈ "Pulsemeter shows almost like a medical (compared to the tonometer Omron)."
  • ❌ "The hull is scratched at the slightest impact - already 3 scratches in a month."
  • ❌ "There is no Russian in some menus (e.g. training settings)."
Why is there no NFC in the Watch S3?
Xiaomi deliberately removed NFC from the Watch S3 in order not to cannibalize sales of the flagship Watch 2 Pro, a representative of the brand confirmed in an interview with GizmoChina in March 2026.

Redmi Watch 4

  • βœ”οΈ "For that money, it's a gift! It's huge, it's bright, it's responsive."
  • βœ”οΈ "Alice's voice assistant is faster than Mi Band."
  • ❌ "The silicone strap gets dirty very quickly and starts sticking to the hand."
  • ❌ β€œWhen connecting to an iPhone, some features are lost (no quick notification responses).”

General trend: Android users are happy with the integration with Mi Fitness, and iPhone owners complain about the reduced functionality (no calendar sync, limited notifications).This applies to all Xiaomi models except the Watch 2 Pro on the Wear OS.

What to look for before buying: 7 critical points

Even the top-end model can be ruined by the wrong choice of equipment or unaccounted for nuances, and here are the key pitfalls that experienced users warn about:

  1. Smartphone compatibility. To avoid problems, check: Your smartphone runs Android 8.0+ or iOS 12+|Official Mi Fitness app (not a clone)|Phone Settings Allow Notifications for Mi Fitness|Power saving mode for the application is disabled-->
  2. The first batches of the Watch 2 Pro (December 2023) had a step sync bug, so check the date of release of the device from the seller before you buy it, or update the firmware immediately after unpacking.
  3. The standard silicone straps on the Redmi Watch 4 and Mi Band 8 cause skin irritation in 15% of users (a 4PDA survey).

⚠️ Warning: If you plan to swim with the clock, after each pool workout, flush the speaker and microphone (if any) with fresh water. Chlorine and salt accelerate the corrosion of contacts - this is the main cause of breakdowns in 6-12 months (according to service centers).

Another important point is the guarantee: Xiaomi does not officially sell watches in Russia through its own channels, so:

  • When buying on Wildberries or Ozone, the warranty is valid for 14 days (under the Consumer Protection Act).
  • On AliExpress, some sellers offer an extended warranty of up to 1 year, but only if the device is returned to China at your expense.
  • Xiaomi service centers in Russia do not repair smart watches – only smartphones and laptops.

πŸ’‘

Before buying on AliExpress, check the reviews about the seller, not the model. For example, the Xiaomi Official Store has a rating of 98%, and Tech Planet has 85% for fakes.

Xiaomi Vs Competitors Smart Watches: Should You Overpay?

Many users compare Xiaomi to Huawei, Amazfit and Samsung, and let’s take a look at where Xiaomi really wins and where it loses:

CriteriaXiaomiHuaweiAmazfitSamsung
Price (medium segment)7 000–15 000 β‚½10 000–20 000 β‚½5 000–12 000 β‚½15 000–30 000 β‚½
Autonomy5-15 days7-21 days7-30 days1-3 days
GPS accuracyAverage (accuracy 5-15 m)High (accuracy 1-3 m)Low (accuracy up to 20 m)High (accuracy 1-5 m)
Integration with iOSLimited.Limited.Complete.Complete.

The main advantages of Xiaomi:

  • πŸ’° Best price/quality ratio in the budget and mid-segment.
  • πŸ”„ Frequent firmware updates (every 1-2 months) that fix bugs.
  • πŸ›’ A wide range of accessories (straps, protective glasses) on AliExpress.

Where he loses:

  • πŸ“± Weak compatibility with iPhone – no calendar sync, limited notifications.
  • 🩺 Inaccurate medical measurements (e.g., blood oxygen levels may be overstated by 2–5%).
  • πŸ”Š Weak speaker and microphone – in the Watch 2 Pro, it’s hard to make out a voice assistant in a noisy place.

If you want a watch exclusively for Android and the balance of price and functionality is important, Xiaomi is the best choice. For iPhone owners or professional athletes, it is better to consider the Amazfit GTR 4 or Huawei Watch GT 4.

Where to buy a smart watch Xiaomi cheaper and how not to run into a fake

Prices for the same models can vary by 20 to 30 percent depending on the site, and we analyzed the offers for June 2026 and identified the most profitable options:

  • πŸ›’ Wildberries is the most reliable site in Russia. Prices are higher than on AliExpress, but there is an official warranty of 14 days and fast delivery. For example, the Xiaomi Watch S3 here is ~12 500 β‚½, and on AliExpress it is ~10 000 β‚½ (but at risk of counterfeiting).
  • 🌍 AliExpress is 15-25% cheaper, but: Buy only from sellers with a rating of 97%+ and reviews 1,000+|Look for the title β€œOriginal Xiaomi” or β€œGlobal Version"|Check the photos of reviews – fakes often do not have the Mi logo on the case|Compare the weight of the device (the original Watch 2 Pro – 54 g, the fake – 40-45 g)-->
  • 🏬 M-Video/Eldorado β€” sometimes there are stocks with a cashback of up to 10%. For example, Redmi Watch 4 can be bought for 6,500 β‚½ instead of 7,500 β‚½.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Official distributors (for example, Mi Store in Moscow) - the highest prices, but with a warranty of 1 year and check before sale.

Average prices for June 2026:

  • Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro: 16 000–18 000 β‚½
  • Xiaomi Watch S3: 11 000–13 000 β‚½
  • Redmi Watch 4: 7 000–8 500 β‚½
  • Smart Band 8 Pro: 8 500–9 500 β‚½
  • Mi Band 8: 2 300–3 000 β‚½

⚠️ Warning: AliExpress often sells "global versions" of watches that are actually designed for China, with no Russian in the firmware, no certification to pay for NFC in Russia. Ask the seller before you buy if the model supports Russian and Google Pay.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi smart watches

Can I swim with the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro?
Yes, the model has 10 ATM protection, which allows you to swim at a depth of 10 meters. However, it is not recommended to use a watch for diving or jumping into the water from a height of more than 1 meter - this can damage the body. After swimming in the pool or the sea, wash the watch with fresh water to remove chlorine or salt.
What is the battery life in Xiaomi smart watches?
The average battery life is 2-3 years when used actively. After that, the capacity decreases by 20-30% and the watch requires more frequent charging. Xiaomi service centers in Russia do not replace batteries in watches, so after the battery wears out, you will have to buy a new device or contact informal workshops (the cost of replacing is ~ 3000 β‚½).
Does the Xiaomi SIM- smartwatch support a card?
None of Xiaomi's current models (June 2026) supports SIM- cards. For offline calls, you can only use a Bluetooth smartphone connection. If you want a watch with your own SIM, consider the Huawei Watch GT 4 or the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.
Can I change the strap on Xiaomi smart watches?
Yes, all models except the Mi Band 8 have removable straps, with standard 20mm (for the Watch 2 Pro and Watch S3) or 22mm (for the Redmi Watch 4) straps available on AliExpress (from 200 β‚½) or official Xiaomi stores. Note: the original fluoro rubber straps (Watch 2 Pro) don't cause skin irritation, unlike cheap silicone counterparts.
How to reset Xiaomi smart watches to factory settings?
To reset: Open the settings menu on the watch (swipe up the screen). Select System β†’ Reset. Confirm the action (you may need to enter PIN- code). After reset, the watch will reset and return to factory settings. If the watch freezes and does not respond to the sensor, perform a hard reset: 1. Connect the watch to charging. 2. Press the physical button on ZXQPH0003QXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX