Choosing a smart watch Xiaomi in 2021 became a real puzzle even for experienced users. the brand has released several models with different functionality, design and price category - from budget fitness trackers to full-fledged smart watches with a full-fledged smart watch with a different design and price category. AMOLED-But how not to get confused in this variety and choose the smart watch that is perfect for your tasks?
In this article, we will analyze all the current Xiaomi 2021 models, compare their key characteristics and help you decide on the choice. You will learn which watches are best for sports, which are suitable for everyday use, and which will become a stylish accessory. We will also reveal the hidden nuances of each model, which the manufacturer prefers to keep silent in the official descriptions.
We'll focus on things like autonomy, sensor accuracy, operating system compatibility, and ease of control, because even the most sophisticated watches can be frustrating if they have to be charged every day or if they can't sync with your smartphone.
Key criteria for choosing a smart watch Xiaomi
Before we jump into a review of specific models, let’s determine what to look for when buying: Xiaomi’s 2021 smartwatch is not only design-driven, but also technical stuffing that directly affects the user experience.
The first thing to decide on is the purpose of the purchase, and if you want a watch solely for physical activity tracking, it doesn't make sense to overpay for additional features like NFC or the ability to answer calls, but for those who want to replace a smartphone with a watch for some everyday tasks, these options will become mandatory.
- 🔋 Autonomy: 5 days to 2 weeks depending on the model and intensity of use.It is important to note that manufacturers often specify maximum running time in standby mode rather than when actively using it.
- 📱 Compatibility: Most Xiaomi models work with Android 5.0+ iOS 10.0+, Some features may be limited to iPhone.
- 🏃 Sports features: the number of supported training regimens varies from 10 to 100+. Professional athletes need accurate heart rate sensors and SpO2.
- 💳 NFC Payments: Not all models support contactless payments, and in some regions this feature may be disabled software.
- 🎨 Design and materials: plastic case vs metal, straps made of silicone vs leather – this affects not only the appearance, but also the comfort of the wearer.
Another important point is firmware and updates: Xiaomi watches run on the Mi Fit or Zepp OS, and this depends on the stability of work, the presence of bugs and the speed of updates. For example, models on Zepp OS (like Amazfit GTR 3) receive updates more often than budget versions on simplified firmware.
⚠️ Attention: Many users face a problem when, after updating the firmware, the watch begins to discharge faster or lose contact with the smartphone.
Top.-5 Xiaomi smartwatch 2021 Year: Comparative review
Now, to the specific models, we've selected five of Xiaomi's most interesting smartwatches released in 2021 and compared them by key parameters, and in this section you'll find not only the specifications, but also the real user experience, as well as our selection guidelines.
For convenience, we have divided the models into three categories: budget (up to 5000 rubles), middle class (5000-10,000 rubles) and premium (over 10000 rubles). This will help you quickly navigate the price range and not waste time studying models that are initially not suitable for the budget.
| Model | Display. | Autonomy | NFC | Price (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite | 1.4" TFT, 320×320 | 9 days | ❌ No. | ~3500 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Mi Watch | 1.78" AMOLED, 448×368 | 16 days | ✅ Yes. | ~8000 ₽ |
| Amazfit GTR 3 | 1.39" AMOLED, 454×454 | 21 days | ✅ Yes. | ~12000 ₽ |
| Amazfit GTS 3 | 1.75" AMOLED, 390×450 | 12 days | ✅ Yes. | ~11000 ₽ |
| Xiaomi Watch S1 | 1.43" AMOLED, 466×466 | 12 days | ✅ Yes. | ~15000 ₽ |
As you can see from the table, even in the budget segment there are models with decent functionality, such as the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite. However, you should not expect high accuracy of sensors or premium materials. But flagship models like the Xiaomi Watch S1 or Amazfit GTR 3 can compete with watches from Apple or Samsung, while costing much less.
Budget smart watch Xiaomi 2021: what you can buy up to 5000 rubles
If you’re looking for a low-cost smartwatch for the first wearables experiments or just don’t want to overpay for unnecessary features, models under 5,000 rubles are a great choice. In this segment, Xiaomi offers several options, but we recommend paying attention to the two most balanced ones.
The Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite is the most affordable model in the 2021 lineup. Despite its low price, the watch has a color touchscreen display, 11 sports modes and basic health monitoring features. Of course, there is no NFC or built-in GPS, but there are plenty of options for tracking steps, sleeping and receiving notifications from a smartphone.
- ✅ Pros: low price, light weight (35 g), 5 atmospheres of water protection, up to 9 days of autonomy.
- ❌ Cons: plastic case, small screen, no automatic sleep tracking.
Another interesting model is the Redmi Watch (yes, it's also a Xiaomi brand), which features a square display that looks like the Apple Watch, and supports up to 7 sports modes. It's slightly more expensive than the Mi Watch Lite, but offers a more stylish design and better build.
⚠️ Attention: Budget models often have problems with the accuracy of the heart rate sensor. If you care about medical scores, be prepared for errors of up to 10-15.
Make sure that the Russian language is available in the firmware |
Check compatibility with your smartphone |
Evaluate feedback on sensor accuracy |
Compare prices in different stores (the difference can reach 1000) ₽)-->
Smart watches Xiaomi middle class: the optimal ratio of price and quality
If the budget allows you to spend on hours from 5000 to 10000 rubles, then you will open up much more opportunities. AMOLED-displays integrated GPS, support NFC And then we can talk about replacing the fitness bracelet with a smartwatch.
The leader in this category is considered to be the Xiaomi Mi Watch (not to be confused with the Mi Watch Lite). 1.78-inch AMOLED-resolution-screen 448×368 It's a pixel, which is great readability in the sun, and one of the key things is support. NFC For contactless payments (works with Mi Pay), built-in GPS To track routes accurately and more 100 sport-regime.
- 🏆 Best for the sport: Accurate GPS, waterproofing 5 ATM, swimming-support.
- 💼 Best for the office: stylish metal case, interchangeable straps, notifications with Quick Reply support.
- ⚡ Autonomy: up to 16 days in standby mode, but with active use will last for 5-7 days.
Another decent model - Amazfit GTS 3.This watch is distinguished by a thin body (only 8.8 mm) and a large 1.75-inch AMOLED-They're running Zepp's proprietary display. OS, It offers smoother animations and extra widgets compared to the Mi Fit, and features that are unique include Alexa support and the ability to set third-party dials.
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If you choose between the Xiaomi Mi Watch and the Amazfit GTS 3, look at the design: the former look more classic, while the latter look modern and futuristic. The GTS 3 is also slightly thinner and lighter, which is important for thin wrists.
Xiaomi 2021 Smart Watches: For Those Who Want The Most
If you are willing to invest in watches over 10,000 rubles, Xiaomi offers models that will not be inferior to the flagships from Apple or Samsung. In this segment, you get premium materials, advanced functionality and maximum sensor accuracy.
The absolute flagship of the lineup is the Xiaomi Watch S1. This watch is made in a classic design with a round stainless steel body and sapphire glass, which makes it resistant to scratches. The screen here is at the premium level: 1.43-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 466×466 pixels and support for Always-On Display.
- 🩺 Medical Functions: Measurement SpO2, stress, sleep with phases, heart rate with arrhythmia warning.
- 🎧 Offline music: up to 500 songs can be downloaded in hours.
- 🔄 Fast charging: 5 minutes of charging is enough for 24 hours of operation.
Another top-end model is the Amazfit GTR 3, which boasts record-breaking battery life up to 21 days thanks to the optimized Zepp OS firmware and energy-efficient processor, and is sportier than the Watch S1, but lighter (32g) and thinner (10.8mm) for active users who value long work without recharging.
| Parameter | Xiaomi Watch S1 | Amazfit GTR 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Case material | Stainless steel | Aluminum alloy |
| Weight. | 52 | 32g |
| Autonomy | 12 days | 21 days |
| Features | Sapphire glass, always-on | Record Autonomousity, Zepp OS |
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi premium models are often forged. buy them only in official stores or from trusted sellers.The original watch should have a hologram on the package and a serial number that can be checked on the manufacturer's website.
Xiaomi 2021 smartwatches compared to competitors: which is better?
To see how good Xiaomi’s smartwatches are compared to other brands, let’s briefly compare them to the main competitors in the same price categories.
In the budget segment, the main competitor of the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite is the Huawei Band 6. The latter offer a larger screen (1.47" vs 1.4"), but lose in autonomy (up to 14 days vs 9 days). Huawei boasts more accurate sleep tracking. If you are more important than medical functions, you should look at the Band 6, and if you want a classic design of the watch, the Mi Watch Lite will be better.
In the mid-segment Xiaomi Mi Watch competes with Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2. Korean brand offers a smoother interface and better integration with the Samsung ecosystem, but loses in autonomy (up to 2 days vs 5-7 days at Xiaomi). If you have a Samsung smartphone, it is better to take the Galaxy Watch, in all other cases, the Mi Watch will be a more versatile choice.
In the premium segment, the Xiaomi Watch S1 rivals the Apple Watch Series 6 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 4. Here, Xiaomi loses in the ecosystem and the number of applications, but wins in autonomy and price. If you want an iPhone watch, the Apple Watch is the no-choice. For Android devices, the Watch S1 will be a great alternative, especially if you want to work long hours without recharging.
Why Xiaomi Watch S1 is cheaper than Apple Watch, but not inferior in quality?
Which smartwatch model Xiaomi 2021 to give preference?
So to sum up, let's figure out which model is suitable for different categories of users, and we'll take into account not only the specifications, but also the real needs, whether it's for sports, office, travel or everyday use.
For athletes and active users, the Amazfit GTR 3 is the best choice.This watch offers record-breaking autonomy, accurate GPS and over 150 sports modes.The lightweight and waterproof 5 ATM make it ideal for running, swimming and cycling.
For office workers and business people: here is out of competition Xiaomi Watch S1. Classic design, sapphire glass, support NFC-Payments and notifications with quick response – all this makes the watch a universal accessory for work and everyday life.
For those looking for basic functionality at a low price, the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite or Redmi Watch will be a great first-time experience with a smartwatch, suitable for tracking activity, sleeping and getting notifications without overpaying for unnecessary features.
For tech and gadget lovers: Amazfit GTS 3 with Zepp OS will offer more customization options, support for voice assistant Alexa and stylish futuristic design.
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If you’re unsure of the choice, start with a budget model. Xiaomi smartwatches are easy to sell in the secondary market, so you can always upgrade to a more advanced version if needed without much loss.