The smartwatch market offers a wide range of options, but finding the right balance between features and price can be challenging. We pit the Apple Watch SE (2022), Apple’s entry-level offering, against the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro, a feature-rich contender aiming to disrupt the established order. This comparison focuses on the core experience and value proposition of each device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and prioritizing seamless integration, the Apple Watch SE (2022) remains the superior choice. However, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro offers a compelling alternative with faster charging and a broader compatibility, making it ideal for Android users or those seeking a more platform-agnostic experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | N/A |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK | N/A |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | N/A |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | No |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | No cellular connectivity |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 07 | 2022, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 16 | Available. Released 2022, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame, sapphire crystal (heart rate zone), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 44 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) | 46 x 46 x 11.3 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.44 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | No |
| Weight | 33 g (1.16 oz) | 48.5 g (1.73 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant | Waterproof (5ATM) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass | - |
| Resolution | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 480 x 480 pixels (~462 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.78 inches | 1.47 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 600 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | - |
| Chipset | Apple S8 | - |
| GPU | PowerVR | - |
| OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to 9.4 | MIUI Watch OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | Unspecified storage |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | - | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (China only) |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) |
| | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 100% in 85 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 296 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight, Starlight, Silver | Black, Silver |
| Models | A2722, A2723, A2724, A2727, A2856, A2725, A2726, A2855, watch6,10, watch6,11, watch6,12, watch6,13 | M2135W1, M2134W1 |
| Price | € 289.00 | About 220 EUR |
| SAR | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.27 W/kg (head) 1.96 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple Watch SE (2022)
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- Optimized performance with the Apple S8 chip.
- Access to a wide range of watchOS apps.
- Slower wireless charging compared to Xiaomi.
- Limited compatibility with Android devices.
- Potentially higher cost of entry.
Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro
- Faster charging (100% in 85 minutes).
- Broader platform compatibility (Android and iOS).
- Potentially more affordable price point.
- Likely less powerful processor than the Apple S8.
- Uncertainty regarding display quality and specifications.
- Potentially less frequent software updates.
Display Comparison
Both watches utilize wireless charging, but details regarding display technology (OLED, LCD, LTPO) and resolution are absent for the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro. The Apple Watch SE (2022) likely employs an OLED panel, common for Apple Watches, offering excellent contrast. Without comparable display specs for the Xiaomi, a direct comparison is difficult, but the Apple Watch’s established display quality is a known strength. Bezels and color accuracy are also unknown for the Xiaomi, further limiting a detailed assessment.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch features a camera, a common omission in the smartwatch category. This simplifies the comparison, as image quality and related features are not factors.
Performance
The Apple Watch SE (2022) is powered by the dual-core Apple S8 chip, a significant advantage in terms of processing power and optimization within the watchOS ecosystem. While the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro’s chipset is unspecified, it’s reasonable to assume it utilizes a less powerful processor, given the price difference. This translates to potentially slower app loading times and less fluid animations on the Xiaomi. The Apple S8’s architecture is optimized for low-power operation, contributing to efficient performance. The lack of RAM specifications for both devices makes a direct comparison of multitasking capabilities impossible.
Battery Life
Battery life specifics are missing for both devices. However, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro boasts a full charge in 85 minutes, a notably faster charging speed than the Apple Watch SE (2022), which relies on slower wireless charging. This faster charging is a significant benefit for users who frequently forget to charge their devices or prefer quick top-ups. While the Apple Watch benefits from software optimization for power efficiency, the Xiaomi’s faster charging could offset a potentially smaller battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple Watch SE (2022) if you need tight integration with iPhones, access to Apple’s health ecosystem, and a proven track record of software updates. Buy the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro if you prefer a more open platform, faster charging speeds, and a design that leans towards a more traditional watch aesthetic, especially if you're an Android user.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Apple Watch SE (2022)'s S8 chip compare to the processor in the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro in terms of app responsiveness?
The Apple S8 is a dual-core processor designed specifically for watchOS, offering optimized performance and smooth app transitions. While the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro’s processor is unspecified, it’s likely less powerful, potentially resulting in slower app loading times and occasional lag, especially with more demanding applications.
❓ If I primarily use an Android phone, is the Apple Watch SE (2022) still a viable option?
While technically compatible via Bluetooth, the Apple Watch SE (2022) is heavily optimized for iOS. You'll lose access to key features like iMessage integration, Apple Pay, and seamless health data syncing. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro offers a much more integrated experience with Android devices.
❓ Does the faster charging of the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro significantly impact daily usability?
Yes, the 85-minute full charge time is a substantial advantage. It allows for quick top-ups throughout the day, minimizing downtime and ensuring the watch is ready when you need it. The Apple Watch SE (2022)'s slower wireless charging requires more planning and longer charging sessions.
