The smartwatch market is heating up, with Xiaomi aggressively challenging Apple's dominance. We pit the established Apple Watch Series 11, powered by Apple’s S10 chip, against the newer Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, boasting the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1. This isn't just a spec sheet comparison; it's a look at how architectural choices impact real-world usability and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing seamless ecosystem integration and established app support, the Apple Watch Series 11 remains a solid choice. However, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro delivers comparable, and potentially superior, performance thanks to the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1, at a significantly lower price point, making it the winner for value-conscious buyers.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 09 | 2023, September 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 19 | Available. Released 2023, October 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame | 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 | 29.7 g (42mm), 36.9 g (46mm) (1.06 oz) | 54.5 g (1.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Ion-X strengthened glass (2025 gen) | - |
| 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 26, 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 | Li-Po 495 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jet Black, Space Gray, Rose Gold, Silver | Black, Silver |
| Models | A3333, A3331, A3335, A3337, A3450, A3451, A3452, A3453 | M2233W1 |
| Price | € 398.00 | About 170 EUR |
| SAR | 0.42 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.11 W/kg (head) | - |
Apple Watch Series 11 Aluminum
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Mature app library and support
- Established brand reputation
- Potentially outdated chipset
- Higher price point
- Limited compatibility outside Apple ecosystem
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro
- Cutting-edge Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset
- Superior power efficiency
- More affordable price
- Less established app ecosystem
- Potential software quirks
- Brand recognition is lower than Apple
Display Comparison
Context data lacks display specifics for both devices. However, given the Series 11's age, it likely utilizes an older OLED panel with lower peak brightness compared to modern displays. The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, being a newer device, likely benefits from advancements in OLED technology, potentially including higher peak brightness and improved color accuracy. Bezels are also likely slimmer on the Xiaomi, contributing to a more modern aesthetic. Without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Xiaomi likely has the edge.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is known for its camera capabilities, and context data doesn't provide any information. Smartwatches generally prioritize functionality over photographic excellence. It's safe to assume both devices have basic camera functionality for quick snapshots, but neither will rival dedicated smartphone cameras.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Apple S10, a dual-core processor, is a proven performer within the Apple ecosystem, optimized for watchOS. However, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro’s Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 (4nm) represents a significant leap forward in smartwatch silicon. The 4nm process node inherently offers superior power efficiency and thermal performance compared to the S10’s likely larger process. This translates to potentially longer battery life and less performance throttling under sustained load. While Apple’s software optimization is excellent, the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1’s architectural advantages give the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro a performance edge, particularly for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Context data only provides charging speed for the Apple Watch Series 11 (0-80% in 30 minutes). The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro’s battery life is heavily influenced by the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1’s power efficiency. While mAh capacity is unknown for both, the Qualcomm chipset’s 4nm process suggests the Xiaomi will achieve comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a similar or smaller battery capacity. The Apple Watch’s 0-80% in 30 minutes charging speed is respectable, but the Xiaomi’s overall efficiency could translate to fewer charging cycles per day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Apple Watch Series 11 Aluminum if you are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, rely heavily on Apple-specific features like tight iPhone integration and Apple Pay, and prioritize a mature app library. Buy the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro if you prefer an open platform, value cutting-edge chipset technology, and seek a high-performing smartwatch without the premium Apple price tag. The Xiaomi offers a compelling alternative for Android users or those seeking broader compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro's Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset feel noticeably faster than the Apple Watch Series 11 in everyday use?
While the Apple Watch Series 11 is responsive, the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1's architectural advantages and 4nm process should result in smoother performance, especially when launching apps or handling more complex tasks. The difference may not be dramatic for basic functions, but it will be noticeable for power users.
❓ How does the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro handle notifications compared to the Apple Watch Series 11, particularly regarding responsiveness and customization?
The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, running a more open operating system, generally offers greater customization options for notifications. While Apple's notification system is polished, it's less flexible. The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 should ensure notifications are delivered promptly on the Xiaomi, though the Apple Watch's deep iOS integration may offer slightly faster delivery in some scenarios.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro compatible with iPhones, and if so, are there any limitations compared to using it with an Android phone?
The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro *is* compatible with iPhones via Bluetooth, but functionality is limited. You won't have access to the full range of features available when paired with an Android phone, such as app installations directly from the watch or seamless data syncing. It functions primarily as a notification mirror and basic fitness tracker when paired with an iPhone.
