The smartwatch market is heating up, with Apple continuing its dominance and Xiaomi aggressively challenging the status quo. We pit the upcoming Apple Watch Series 10, powered by the new S10 chip, against the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1, to determine which offers the best blend of performance, features, and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and prioritizing seamless integration, the Apple Watch Series 10 remains the superior choice. However, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro delivers impressive performance thanks to the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1, potentially offering comparable functionality at a more competitive price point, making it ideal for Android users or those seeking a feature-rich alternative.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 09 | 2023, September 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, September 20 | Available. Released 2023, October 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame (grade 5) | Stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 46 x 39 x 9.7 mm (1.81 x 1.54 x 0.38 in) | 47.6 x 45.9 x 11.8 mm (1.87 x 1.81 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM |
| Weight | 34.4 g (42mm), 41.7 g (46mm) (1.48 oz) | 54.5 g (1.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Sapphire crystal glass | - |
| Resolution | 496 x 416 pixels (~330 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.96 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | Retina LTPO3 OLED, 2000 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 600 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core | - |
| Chipset | Apple S10 | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR | - |
| OS | watchOS 11, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 | Android Wear OS 3.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 64GB | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water) | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 0-80% in 30 min | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 327 mAh | Li-Po 495 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Slate, Gold, Natural | Black, Silver |
| Models | A3001, A3002, A3003, A3206 | M2233W1 |
| Price | € 614.01 | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 1.08 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.26 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | - |
Apple Watch Series 10
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
- Optimized watchOS experience
- Likely superior display quality
- Potentially lower battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Higher price point
- Limited compatibility with Android devices
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro
- Efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset
- Platform-agnostic compatibility (Android & iOS)
- Potentially longer battery life
- May lack the polish of watchOS
- Integration with Apple services will be limited
- Display quality may not match Apple’s standards
Display Comparison
While specific display details for the Series 10 are currently unavailable, Apple typically employs LTPO displays for variable refresh rates, maximizing battery efficiency. The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro’s display specs are unknown, but given its positioning, we anticipate an AMOLED panel. The key differentiator will likely be peak brightness and color accuracy; Apple historically excels in these areas. The Series 10’s display will likely benefit from Apple’s calibration expertise, offering a more visually accurate experience, while the Xiaomi will need to compete on value.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is marketed for its camera capabilities, and detailed camera specs are unavailable for either. Smartwatches generally feature limited camera functionality, primarily for quick scans or video calls. It’s unlikely either device will offer a significant photographic experience.
Performance
The core of this comparison lies in the chipsets. Apple’s dual-core S10 is a custom design, optimized for watchOS. However, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro leverages the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1, fabricated on a 4nm process. This smaller node generally translates to improved thermal efficiency and power consumption compared to Apple’s likely larger process node for the S10. While core count isn’t everything, the 4nm process gives the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 a potential edge in sustained performance and battery life, particularly during demanding tasks. The Snapdragon’s architecture is also designed specifically for wearables, offering dedicated processing for sensor data and AI tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor. While mAh ratings are unknown for both devices, the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1’s 4nm process suggests superior power efficiency. The Apple Watch Series 10 offers wireless charging with a 0-80% charge in 30 minutes. The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro’s charging speed is currently unknown, but a faster charging rate would be a significant advantage, especially given the potential for longer battery life due to the Snapdragon’s efficiency. Real-world battery performance will depend heavily on usage patterns and software optimization.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple Watch Series 10 if you need tight integration with iPhones, access to Apple’s health ecosystem, and a polished user experience. Buy the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro if you prefer a platform-agnostic smartwatch with strong performance, potentially longer battery life (based on Snapdragon efficiency), and a more affordable price tag. The Xiaomi is also the better choice for Android smartphone users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 in the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro be able to handle demanding apps as smoothly as the Apple S10?
The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 is a powerful chipset designed specifically for wearables. While the Apple S10 benefits from tight software optimization, the Snapdragon’s 4nm process and dedicated AI engine should provide comparable performance for most tasks, including running apps and tracking fitness data. However, highly optimized Apple-specific apps might perform slightly better on the Series 10.
❓ How does the wireless charging speed of the Apple Watch Series 10 compare to the expected charging capabilities of the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro?
The Apple Watch Series 10 charges to 80% in 30 minutes wirelessly. The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro’s charging speed is currently unknown. If the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro offers a comparable or faster charging speed, it would be a significant advantage, especially considering the potential for longer battery life due to the Snapdragon’s efficiency.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro a good choice for iPhone users?
While the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is compatible with iOS, the experience won't be as seamless as with an Apple Watch. You'll likely have limited access to Apple-specific features and services. iPhone users prioritizing full integration should stick with the Apple Watch Series 10.
