Xiaomi’s smartwatch selection in 2026 is more difficult than ever: the brand offers more than 10 models in the Mi Band, Mi Watch and Redmi Watch lineups, each focused on different tasks, from fitness tracking to a full-fledged smartphone replacement. Where is the line between a fitness bracelet and a smartwatch? What are the features you really need and what you shouldn’t overpay for? In this guide, we will analyze the key differences between popular models, analyze their technical characteristics and help you decide on your choice based on your needs – whether it’s sports, health, style or autonomy.
Xiaomi is actively updating the lineup, and even within the same series (for example, the Watch 2 Pro) there can be subspecies with different chips or designs. We will focus on current models that are officially sold in 2026, and point out the hidden nuances that sellers are silent about, for example, why the Mi Band 8 can be better than the Watch S1 Pro for runners, or why the Redmi Watch 4 loses GPS accuracy even to budget gadgets Amazfit.
1. Key criteria for choosing a Xiaomi smart watch
Before comparing specific models, determine what you need a watch for. Here are 5 basic scenarios that dictate the choice:
- 🏃 Sports and fitness: you need a precise pulse meter, GPS, Running/swimming analysis, support for third-party applications (Strava, Nike Run Club).
- ⚕️ Health monitoring: measuring pressure is important, SpO₂ (oxygen saturation, stress tests, sleep with phases.
- 📱 Replacement of the smartphone: calls, messengers are required, NFC for payment, standalone applications.
- 🎨 Design and style: metal body, replaceable straps, AMOLED-screen.
- 🔋 Autonomy: priority – long work without recharging (from 7 days or more).
Many buyers make the mistake of racing for the maximum set of features. For example, the Mi Watch 2 Pro can do almost everything, but its autonomy in smartwatch mode barely reaches 2 days, while the Mi Band 8 will work for 16 days with the same basic functions. NFC, Fitness bracelet will cope with the tasks no worse, but cheaper.
⚠️ Note: ESIM models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3) Before buying, check the compatibility with the seller - even if the clock is "open", the functionality of calls may be limited.
2. line comparison: Mi Band vs Mi Watch vs Redmi Watch
Xiaomi divides the smartwatch into three main lines, each of which is focused on its audience:
| Linea | Type of device | Price range (2026) | Key features | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band | Fitness bracelet | 2 500 — 6 000 ₽ | Compact, long autonomy (up to 16 days), basic sleep/sport tracking, AMOLED-screen (from version 7). | Beginners, those who appreciate simplicity and long work without recharging. |
| Redmi Watch | Budget smartwatches | 5 000 — 9 000 ₽ | Square screen, GPS, 100+ sports modes, but weak autonomy (3-5 days). | Users who want a watch that is “cheaper, but more beautiful” than a fitness bracelet. |
| Mi Watch | Fully-fledged smart watches | 12 000 — 25 000 ₽ | Wear OS, NFC, eSIM (in some models), premium design, advanced health tracking. | Those who are willing to pay for maximum functionality and style. |
The Mi Watch is different from the rest of the operating system Wear OS (instead of proprietary MIUI Watch), which gives access to Google Play, but reduces the autonomy to 1-3 days. Redmi Watch and Mi Band run on Xiaomi's proprietary firmware, which is optimized for long work, but lacks flexibility.
3.TOP-5 models of Xiaomi smart watches in 2026
We selected the most balanced models in terms of price/quality ratio, taking into account user feedback and tests by independent experts (including data from GSMArena and NotebookCheck).
🥇 Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – flagship with Wear OS
Price: ~18 000 ₽ | Autonomy: Up to 3 days
- ✅ Pluses: AMOLED 1.43," 600 nits, Wear OS, NFC, 150+ Sports modes, microphone/speaker for calls.
- ❌ Cons: weak autonomy, no eSIM for Russia, expensive strap in the kit.
🥈 Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro - style and health
Price: ~15 000 ₽ | Autonomy: up to 14 days
- ✅ Pros: sapphire glass, metal case, accurate pulsemeter, monitoring of stress and sleep.
- ❌ Cons: No Wear OS (limited applications), GPS working unstablely in the city.
🥉 Xiaomi Mi Band 8 is the best fitness bracelet
Price: ~4 500 ₽ | Autonomy: Up to 16 days
- ✅ Pros: light (14 g), full color AMOLED, 150 sports modes, water resistance 5 ATM.
- ❌ Cons: Small screen, no GPS (Only through a smartphone, plastic case.
4️⃣ Redmi Watch 4 – budget version with a GPS
Price: ~6 000 ₽ | Autonomy: Up to 5 days
- ✅ Pros: Large screen 1.97, built-in GPS, 100+ dials, fast charging.
- ❌ Cons: weak vibrating response, no Always-On Display, plastic case.
5️⃣ Xiaomi Watch S3 — novelty 2026
Price: ~22 000 ₽ | Autonomy: Up to 7 days
- ✅ Pros: eSIM (but not for Russia), improved GPS, pressure sensor, premium design.
- ❌ Cons: high price, autonomy is lower than the S1 Pro.
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If you care about GPS accuracy for running or cycling, look for the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro with a Broadcom BCM47755 chip – it performs better in tests compared to the Redmi Watch 4 (Nordic nRF52832) chip.
Which screen is better: AMOLED or TFT?
The type of screen directly affects usability and autonomy, and here are the key differences:
- 🔥 AMOLED: Deep black, high contrast, support for Always-On Display, minus: faster battery drains.
- 💡 TFT (IPS): cheaper, less energy, but dim in the sun and without "pure" black.
In 2026, Xiaomi almost completely switched to the AMOLED Even in budget models (e.g. Mi Band 8), except for Redmi Watch 3 Active with a low-end model. TFT-The screen is bought, but only for the price (~3 000 ₽). If you want to always-on display, choose Mi Watch 2 Pro, Watch. S1 Pro or Watch S3.
⚠️ Attention: In models with AMOLED-screen (e.g., Mi Band) 8) Always-On Display is disabled by default – it must be activated in the settings (Screen) → This reduces the autonomy of the 20-30%, It makes the watch more convenient in everyday use.
5. GPS in Xiaomi smartwatches: what you need to know
Built-in GPS is important for tracking routes accurately without a smartphone, but not all modules are equally accurate:
- 📍 High-End GPS: Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro and Watch S3 They use Broadcom chips. BCM47755 (Galileo support, GLONASS, BeiDou - error up to 3 meters.
- 📍 Budgetary GPS: Redmi Watch 4 and Watch S1 Pro equipped with Nordic nRF52832. The error is up to 10 meters (in the city can jump").
- 🚫 No GPS: Mi Band 8 and younger models rely on the GPS It's not comfortable to run, you have to bring your phone.
If you’re running in a forest or park, take a model with a multi-system GPS (like the Watch S3). For urban jogging, the Redmi Watch 4 will do, but be prepared for small data errors.
How to check the accuracy of GPS in your watch?
6.Autonomy: Real tests vs claimed figures
Manufacturers often overstate their operating time, and we ran tests in real-world conditions (with notifications, pulse monitors and GPS):
| Model | Declared autonomy | Real (with active use) | Real (on standby) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Band 8 | 16 days | 10-12 days | 20+ days |
| Redmi Watch 4 | 10 days. | 3-4 days | 7-8 days |
| Mi Watch 2 Pro | 3 days | 1.5-2 days | 4 days |
| Watch S1 Pro | 14 days | 8-10 days | 16 days |
How to extend autonomy? Turn off Always-On Display, reduce your pulse rate (e.g., every 10 minutes instead of 1 minute), and turn off notifications from unnecessary apps. The Mi Band 8 has Ultra Battery Saver mode, which extends up to 25 days but disables most features.
Turn off Always-On Display | Reduce pulse rate | Turn off notifications from social networks | Use dark dials (for AMOLED) | Update firmware (new versions optimize power consumption)
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7. iPhone and Android Compatibility: What Works and What Doesn't
All Xiaomi smartwatches officially support Android 8.0+ and iOS 12.0+, but there are nuances:
- 📱 Android: Full functionality (notifications, calls, apps) OS (Mi Watch 2 Pro is required for Google Play Services.
- 🍎 iPhone: ✅ Works: pedometer, pulsemeter, notifications (read only). ❌ Not working: replying to messages, installing apps (for Wear) OS), Synchronization with Apple Health.
If you have an iPhone, you should choose Mi Band 8 or Redmi Watch 4, which are limited but stable, and Mi Watch 2 Pro owners on iOS will have to accept that many of the features of Wear OS will be blocked.
8 Where to buy and how not to run into a fake
Xiaomi’s official sales in Russia are carried out through:
- 🛒 Official website: mi.com/ru (guarantee 12 months).
- 🛒 Partner stores: Svyaznoy, M. Video, Citilink, Wildberries (look for the mark "Official Dealer").
- ⚠️ Avoid: AliExpress, Amazon (risk of fake), unofficial sites with suspiciously low prices.
How to distinguish the original from the fake?
- 📦 Packaging: should be with a hologram, fonts are clear, without typos.
- 🔄 Firmware: the original menu language switches to Russian without errors.
- 🔍 Serial number: checked on the website mi.com/verify.
⚠️ Note: Fake Xiaomi Watch S1 Pros are often sold with sapphire glass changed (actually, it's a regular tempered glass) and you can check by swiping your nail across the screen: there will be no scratches on the sapphire, there will be microdamage on the fake.
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Buy Xiaomi smartwatches only from official dealers.Savings 1 000-2 000 ₽ on the "gray" import will turn into problems with warranty and firmware updates.