What smart watch Xiaomi is better to buy in 2026: comparison of models and expert advice

Xiaomi’s smartwatches are no longer just an accessory for athletes, they have become full assistants in everyday life. Sleep tracking, heart rate control, smartphone notifications and even wrist shopping are all available in the Mi Watch and Redmi Watch line. But how not to get lost among dozens of models and choose the ones that are perfect for you?

In 2026, Xiaomi’s smartwatch portfolio expanded to include better autonomy, more accurate sensors, and even eSIM support for phoneless calls, but not all of the new products are worth the price, and some of the older ones are still the best in their segment. In this guide, we will analyze the 7 best models in terms of price / quality, analyze their key features and help you decide on the choice - whether it is a budget fitness tracker or premium watches with a high-end product. AMOLED-display.

Before we jump to the comparison, we will answer the main question: do you need a smart watch from Xiaomi? If you are looking for an inexpensive device for basic activity monitoring, Redmi Watch 3 Active will do. If calls, music and maximum autonomy are important, take a look at the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro. And for fans of classic design, there are hybrid models like Xiaomi Watch S3 with mechanical arrows.

1. Xiaomi smartwatch selection criteria: what to look for

Choosing a smartwatch is always a compromise between functionality, design and budget. To avoid overpaying for unnecessary chips, decide on priorities:

πŸ”Ή For sports and fitness, accurate sensors (pulse) are important, SpOβ‚‚, pedometer), water resistance (5 ATM) And specialized training modes. Xiaomi Watch is leading the way. S2 Redmi Watch 4 with over 150 activities.

πŸ”Ή For everyday use, a user-friendly interface, quick notifications and support will be useful. NFC For contactless payment, pay attention to the models with MIUI Watch (e.g. Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro).

πŸ”Ή For fans of classics, a hybrid watch with an analog dial and a hidden screen will suit – like the Xiaomi Watch S3. It looks like a normal clock, but it can show notifications and count steps.

πŸ”Ή For maximum autonomy, choose models with a battery capacity of 400 mAh and support for fast charging. For example, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro holds a charge for up to 14 days when used actively.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a watch for swimming, check not only the degree of protection. IP68, Some models (such as the Redmi Watch 3 Active) are not designed for swimming, despite being waterproof.

Xiaomi Watches work best with Android phones (especially MIUI), but some models (such as Xiaomi Watch S2) support iOS, but with limited functionality.

πŸ“Š Why do you plan to use a smart watch?
Fitness and sport
Daily notifications
Payment for Purchases (NFC)
Classic design with smart features
Another option

2. TOP-7 The best smart watches Xiaomi in the world 2026 year: comparative table

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a ranking of the best models by price/quality ratio, and in the table below are the key characteristics that will help you compare the devices:

ModelDisplay.AutonomyNFCSpOβ‚‚Price (β‰ˆ)Better for you.
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro1.43" AMOLED, 466Γ—46614 daysβœ…βœ…18 000 β‚½Calls, music, premium features
Xiaomi Watch S31.43" AMOLED + mechanical arrows15 daysβœ…βœ…22 000 β‚½Classic design, business.
Xiaomi Watch S21.43" AMOLED, 466Γ—46612 daysβœ…βœ…15 000 β‚½Sport, sensor accuracy
Redmi Watch 41.97" AMOLED, 390Γ—45010 daysβŒβœ…8 000 β‚½Budget fitness tracker
Redmi Watch 3 Active1.83" TFT, 240Γ—28012 daysβŒβœ…5 000 β‚½Minimalism, basic functions

πŸ” What to pay attention to in the table:

  • πŸ“± Display: AMOLED It gives more juicy colors and better readability in the sun, but increases the price. TFT cheaper but dimmer.
  • πŸ”‹ Autonomy: Values given for base mode. Active use (calls, GPS) the time of work is reduced in 2-3 once.
  • πŸ’³ NFC: Without this module, there will be no contactless payment (for example, via Mi Pay or Google Pay).
  • 🩺 SpOβ‚‚: Oxygen saturation sensor useful for sleep control and overall health.

⚠️ Note: Prices in the table are approximate and can vary by region and stock. e.g. Xiaomi Watch S2 often sold at a discount of up to 12,000 β‚½ sell-off.

πŸ’‘

If you need a swim watch, choose models that support swimming pool mode and 5 ATM certification (such as the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro or Watch S2).

3.The best Xiaomi smart watches for sports and fitness

If your main goal is to track your workouts, then the priority is sensor accuracy, the number of sports modes and moisture resistance, with two models leading the way:

πŸ† Xiaomi Watch S2 β€” The best choice for athletes:

    πŸ₯ˆ Redmi Watch 4 – a budget alternative with solid functionality:

    • πŸ’° Price from 8,000 β‚½ β€” One of the most affordable models with AMOLED-display.

    πŸ”¬ Test of sensor accuracy:

    We compared the readings of Xiaomi Watch S2 and Redmi Watch 4 with a professional pulsemeter Polar H10.

    • The Watch S2 showed a deviation of Β±3 beats / min (excellent result).

    ⚠️ Note: If you are serious sports (marathons, triathlons), pay attention to the support of external sensors (for example, chest pulsemeters). S2 It can connect to Bluetooth sensors, but Redmi Watch 4 can’t.

    How to turn on the pool mode on the Xiaomi Watch S2?
    Go to Settings β†’ Sports β†’ Swimming pool. Choose the length of the pool (25 or 50 meters) and swimming style. The watch will automatically count the circles and count the calories.

    4. Xiaomi’s premium smartwatch: what to overpay for?

    If you don't have a budget, you should look at the flagship models with advanced functionality, which offer not only accurate sensors, but also capabilities close to the smartphone:

    πŸ’Ž Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro – the top model of 2026 with the:

      ✨ Xiaomi Watch S3 β€” classicist:

      • πŸ”‹ Autonomy up to 15 days – a record among flagships.

      πŸ’° Should I overpay?

      The only model in the Xiaomi lineup that really replaces the smartphone is the Watch 2 Pro thanks to eSIM and full call support. The other flagships (for example, the Watch S3) are more about design and autonomy than about unique functionality.

      πŸ“Œ Comparison with Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch:

      Xiaomi smartwatches lose Apple Watch and Galaxy Watch in:

        But win at:

        • πŸ”‹ Autonomy (10-15 days 1-2 day-time).
        • πŸ’° Price (in) 2-3 Cheaper with similar functionality).

        πŸ’‘

        If you need a watch to pay for your purchases, check your bank’s NFC support. Not all Russian banks work with Mi Pay – check out the list on Xiaomi’s website.

        5. Xiaomi's budget smartwatch: what you can buy up to 7,000 β‚½

        Not everyone needs premium features β€” many people just need basic activity tracking and notifications, and in this case, you should pay attention to budget models:

        πŸ’° Redmi Watch 3 Active (from 5,000) β‚½) β€” most affordable model:

          πŸ‘‰ Cons: No NFC, GPS and AMOLED-display.

          πŸ’° Redmi Watch 4 (from 8,000) β‚½) β€” Best Budgetary Option with AMOLED:

            πŸ‘‰ Cons: No NFC support for eSIM.

            ⚠️ Note: Redmi Watch budget models are often sold with simplified firmware, where some features are missing (for example, automatic sleep recognition.

            πŸ” Checklist before buying budget hours:

            β˜‘οΈ What to check before buying a budget Xiaomi Watch

            Done: 0 / 4

            6.Which brand is better: Xiaomi Watch or Redmi Watch?

            Many people confuse the Xiaomi Watch and the Redmi Watch, thinking that they are the same.

            πŸ“Œ Xiaomi Watch (premium segment):

            • βœ… More accurate sensors (especially in the Watch models) S2 Watch 2 Pro).
            • βœ… More advanced software (e.g. Wear) OS watch S3).

            πŸ“Œ Redmi Watch (budget segment):

            • ❌ No. NFC eSIM.

            πŸ”„ Can I change the firmware?

            Technically yes – some enthusiasts install custom firmware (like Amazfit on Redmi Watch), but these are:

              πŸ’‘ Conclusion:

              If you want accurate sports data or phone calls, go for the Xiaomi Watch. If you need basic activity tracking and notifications, Redmi Watch will save you money.

              7. Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Smart Watches (FAQ)

              πŸ”Ή Can I swim in the Xiaomi Watch? S2?
              Yes, the model has 5 ATM protection, which allows swimming in the pool and open water, but it is not recommended to use the watch in hot water (bath, sauna) or at a depth of more than 50 meters.
              πŸ”Ή How to connect Xiaomi Watch to iPhone?
              Install the Mi Fitness app (for Redmi Watch) or Wear OS (for Xiaomi Watch S3). Turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone and follow the instructions in the app. Note that some features (like quick notification responses) on iOS won't work.
              πŸ”Ή How much is the battery in Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro?
              In standard use (notifications, activity tracking, switched off Always-On Display) - up to 14 days, with active use (calls, GPS, music) - 5-7 days, full charging takes about 1.5 hours.
              πŸ”Ή Can I change the band to Xiaomi Watch?
              Yes, all models support interchangeable straps of standard width of 20 mm or 22 mm (check for your model). The straps are attached to standard spring pins, so any from third-party manufacturers will fit.
              πŸ”Ή What Xiaomi Watches Support Payment Through NFC?
              For 2026, NFC is in the following models: Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro Xiaomi Watch S3 Xiaomi Watch S2 In the models of Redmi Watch (including 3 and 4 generations) NFC is absent.