The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Honor Watch GS 3 and the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro. Both offer sleek designs and a range of features, but which one truly comes out on top?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro edges out the Honor Watch GS 3 thanks to its significantly faster charging, more comprehensive health tracking features, and brighter display. While the GS 3 offers a stylish design, the S1 Pro's overall feature set and performance make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| | No | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 10 | 2022, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 15 | Available. Released 2022, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, stainless steel frame 316L | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame, sapphire crystal (heart rate zone), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 45.9 x 45.9 x 10.5 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.41 in) | 46 x 46 x 11.3 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.44 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 44 g (1.55 oz) | 48.5 g (1.73 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | Waterproof (5ATM) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 480 x 480 pixels (~462 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.47 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, 600 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | MIUI Watch OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 32MB RAM | Unspecified storage |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, EDR | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (China only) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), GLONASS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (China only) |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 100% in 85 min |
| Type | Li-Po 451 mAh | Li-Po 500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Steel, Gold | Black, Silver |
| Models | MUS-B19 | M2135W1, M2134W1 |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 220 EUR |
Honor Watch GS 3
- Stylish and lightweight design
- Good battery life (typical usage)
- Wireless charging
- Slower charging speed
- Less comprehensive health tracking
- Dimmer display
Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro
- Bright and vibrant AMOLED display
- Fast wireless charging (85 mins)
- Advanced health tracking features (ECG, SpO2)
- Sleek design with rotating crown
- Higher price point
- Can be slightly bulky for smaller wrists
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro boasts a brighter and more vibrant AMOLED display with higher resolution, offering a superior viewing experience compared to the Honor Watch GS 3's AMOLED screen. Colors are more saturated, and text is sharper on the S1 Pro.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in this price range.
Performance
Both watches run smoothly for everyday tasks. However, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro's more powerful processor and optimized software generally result in slightly faster app loading and smoother transitions. The GS 3 is still responsive, but the S1 Pro has a noticeable edge.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro's standout feature is its significantly faster wireless charging – achieving 100% in just 85 minutes. The Honor Watch GS 3's charging time is considerably longer, making the S1 Pro a more convenient option for those who value quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Honor Watch GS 3 is ideal for users prioritizing a minimalist design and basic fitness tracking at a more budget-friendly price. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro is perfect for those seeking advanced health metrics, a vibrant display, and faster charging, even if it comes with a higher price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Honor Watch GS 3 have GPS?
Yes, the Honor Watch GS 3 features built-in GPS for accurate tracking of outdoor activities.
❓ Can the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro make calls?
Yes, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro supports Bluetooth calling, allowing you to answer and make calls directly from your wrist.
❓ Are the watch straps interchangeable?
Yes, both watches use standard watch straps, making it easy to customize the look with different bands.
❓ What health metrics does the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro track?
The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro tracks heart rate, SpO2 (blood oxygen), ECG (electrocardiogram), sleep monitoring, stress levels, and more.
