Xiaomi’s latest smartwatches, the Watch 2 and Watch S3, stand out not just for their affordable prices but also for their striking looks and impressive features.
Each watch offers something unique: the Watch 2 boasts the versatile Wear OS, while the Watch S3 captivates with its interchangeable bezel design. With such distinctive attributes, choosing between them can be challenging.
In this article, we’ll delve into a detailed comparison of the Xiaomi Watch 2 vs Xiaomi Watch S3, focusing on their features to help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
Xiaomi Watch 2 vs Xiaomi Watch S3: Price & availability
When it comes to price and availability, the Xiaomi Watch 2 and Watch S3 cater to different budgets. The Xiaomi Watch 2, offered in elegant black and silver colors, carries a price of €199, approximately $215.
On the other hand, the Xiaomi Watch S3, also available in timeless black or silver, is more budget-friendly at €149, or around $161.
Both watches are accessible for purchase across Europe, making them an attractive option for smartwatch enthusiasts looking for style and functionality without breaking the bank.
Xiaomi Watch 2 vs Xiaomi Watch S3: Specs comparison
| Feature | Xiaomi Watch 2 | Xiaomi Watch S3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 1.43-inch AMOLED, 466 x 466 pixels, up to 600 nits, 326 PPI | 1.43-inch AMOLED, 466 x 466 pixels, 600 nits, 256 adaptive brightness levels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 | No info |
| RAM/Storage | 2GB RAM + 32GB storage | No info |
| Operating System | WearOS by Google | Xiaomi HyperOS |
| Sensors | Optical heart rate, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ambient light, Electronic compass, Barometer | Heart rate, blood oxygen, acceleration, gyroscope, geomagnetic, air pressure, ambient light |
| Sports Modes | 150+ sports modes | 150+ |
| Water Resistance | 5ATM | 5ATM |
| Dimensions & Weight | 47.5×45.9×11.8mm; 36.8g (without strap) / 54.5g (with strap) | 47mm × 47mm × 12mm; 44g |
| Strap Material | TPU / Leather / Braided | Fluororubber/Leather |
| GPS | Dual band: L1+L5 (GPS, Galileo, Glonass, Beidou, QZSS) | GPS/Galileo/Glonass/Beidou/QZSS |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2 | eSIM, 4G/3G, Dual band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz), Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Battery Life | 495mAh, Up to 65 hours | 486mAh, Up to 7 days (LTE) / 15 days (BT), 5 days with AOD ON (BT version) |
| Price | 199 Euros | 149 Euros |
| Compatibility | Android & iOS | Android & iOS |
Xiaomi Watch 2 vs Xiaomi Watch S3: Design & display
When it comes to design and display, both the Xiaomi Watch 2 and the Xiaomi Watch S3 boast elegant, circular shapes that immediately draw the eye. They exude premium quality right from the first look, thanks to their stainless steel cases that add a touch of luxury.
The Xiaomi Watch S3, however, introduces a unique feature that sets it apart: an innovative interchangeable bezel design. This allows you to customize the watch’s appearance with different bezels that snap on easily, each featuring its own dynamic animations and sound effects for a truly personalized touch.
Although both watches are offered in a single size, their dimensions are slightly different. The Xiaomi Watch 2 is somewhat larger yet slimmer, measuring 47.5×45.9×11.8mm, while the Xiaomi Watch S3 is more squarely shaped at 47mm × 47mm × 12mm.
When it comes to the display, there’s no clear winner, as both feature a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen with sharp 466 x 466 resolution, ensuring vivid and clear visuals whether you’re checking the time or reading a message.
For those who enjoy water activities or want a watch that can withstand rain, both models have 5ATM water resistance. This means they can be submerged in water up to 50 meters deep, making them suitable for swimming or wearing in the shower without worry.
Xiaomi Watch 2 vs Xiaomi Watch S3: Health & fitness tracking
When it comes to monitoring your health and fitness, both the Xiaomi Watch 2 and the Xiaomi Watch S3 are fully equipped to support you. Each watch is packed with the essential sensors needed for keeping a close watch on your physical activities and overall health.
They feature a standard accelerometer and gyroscope for tracking your movements, along with a heart rate sensor that utilizes a 12-channel detection module. This advanced heart rate technology improves accuracy by 20%, ensuring you get precise feedback on your pulse during various activities. Additionally, they include a blood oxygen monitoring (SpO2) feature, which is crucial for assessing your oxygen saturation levels.
For those who value precision in tracking their outdoor activities, both watches excel with Dual Frequency L1+L5 GPS support. This technology ensures you get accurate location data for your exercises, whether you’re running, walking, or cycling. It includes support for multiple global positioning systems such as Beidou, GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and QZSS, guaranteeing reliable tracking no matter your location.
Xiaomi Watch 2 vs Xiaomi Watch S3: Other features
Diving into the additional features of these smartwatches, the Xiaomi Watch 2 stands out with its compatibility with Google’s Wear OS 4. This platform provides access to a wide array of apps and watch faces, including Google Maps, Google Pay, YouTube Music, and many others, making it a versatile choice for users who value variety and functionality. Additionally, it’s equipped with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, offering ample space for apps and data.
Conversely, the Xiaomi Watch S3 operates on the latest Xiaomi HyperOS. While this operating system is relatively new and lacks extensive third-party app support compared to Wear OS, it’s praised for its lightweight nature, potentially offering a smoother user experience. A notable feature of the Watch S3 is its eSIM support, allowing for cellular connectivity without needing your phone nearby.
Both watches come with NFC support for convenient contactless payments, and they are equipped with built-in microphones and speakers, enabling voice calling directly from your wrist. This blend of features in each watch caters to different preferences, whether you prioritize a wide range of apps or a sleeker, more streamlined operating system with cellular capability.
Xiaomi Watch 2 vs Xiaomi Watch S3: Battery life
In terms of battery life, the Xiaomi Watch 2 and Xiaomi Watch S3 showcase impressive longevity, catering to both light and heavy users.
The Xiaomi Watch 2 is powered by a 495mAh battery, providing up to 65 hours of use, which means it can last for nearly three days on a single charge with regular use.
For the Xiaomi Watch S3, it comes equipped with a slightly smaller 486mAh battery. However, it still offers excellent battery life. With typical usage, you can expect the watch to last up to 7 days. If you’re using it more intensively, particularly the LTE version for calls and data, the battery life is around 3 days. For those opting for the Bluetooth (BT) version and using features like Always On Display (AOD), the watch can last up to 15 days on a light usage setting and 5 days even with AOD activated.
Xiaomi Watch 2 vs Xiaomi Watch S3: Final Verdict
Well, having explored all the differences, it’s clear that both watches have their strengths, but the Xiaomi Watch 2 stands out for its versatility, thanks in part to its powerful processor and integration with Google’s Wear OS 4. This makes it a comprehensive smartwatch choice, offering a wide range of apps and features such as Google Maps, Google Pay, and YouTube Music, as well as ample storage space with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. It’s an ideal option for those who seek a smartwatch that can do almost everything.
On the other side, the Xiaomi Watch S3, while not as app-centric due to its newer Xiaomi HyperOS, focuses more on style and basic functionality. It’s designed for users who appreciate a sleek look and want a smartwatch that covers all the essentials without overwhelming them with options. Its lightweight operating system and eSIM support model are significant advantages for users looking for a more streamlined experience and cellular connectivity on their wrists.
So, If you’re looking for a feature-rich, versatile smartwatch that keeps you connected in every way possible, the Xiaomi Watch 2 is the way to go.
However, if you prefer a smartwatch that combines style with functionality, offering a more straightforward user experience and the unique feature of eSIM support, the Xiaomi Watch S3 will be your best fit.
