The smartwatch market is increasingly competitive, offering a blend of fitness tracking, smart notifications, and stylish designs. The Honor Watch GS 4 and Xiaomi Watch S3 both aim to deliver a comprehensive wearable experience, but cater to slightly different priorities. This comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and design to determine which one offers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a blend of style and robust fitness tracking, the Xiaomi Watch S3 emerges as the slightly stronger contender. Its classic watch design and potentially wider app ecosystem give it an edge, though the Honor GS 4 may appeal to those seeking a more modern aesthetic.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, March 18 | 2023, October 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March 29 | Available. Released 2023, October 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, stainless steel frame 316L | Aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel bezel |
| Dimensions | 45.9 x 45.9 x 10.5 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.41 in) | 47 x 47 x 12 mm (1.85 x 1.85 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM (market/region dependent) |
| Weight | 44 g (1.55 oz) | 44 g (1.55 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch/drop-proof glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED, 600 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | HyperOS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 32MB RAM | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, EDR | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (China only) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| 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 | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 451 mAh | Li-Po 486 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Steel, Gold | Black, Silver, Brown |
| Models | MUS-B19 | M2313W1, M2311W1 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Honor Watch GS 4
- Potentially longer battery life due to Honor's optimization.
- Modern and sporty design aesthetic.
- Likely integration with the Honor/Huawei ecosystem.
- Potentially limited third-party app support.
- Uncertainty regarding chipset performance.
Xiaomi Watch S3
- Classic watch design appeals to a wider audience.
- Potential for broader app ecosystem via Xiaomi's platform.
- Likely smoother performance with a Snapdragon Wear chipset.
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the Honor GS 4.
- Design may not appeal to those seeking a modern look.
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display specs, we can infer based on brand positioning. Honor typically favors larger, brighter displays, suggesting the GS 4 likely boasts a higher peak brightness and potentially a larger screen size than the Xiaomi S3. However, Xiaomi often focuses on color accuracy and viewing angles, potentially giving the S3 an advantage in these areas. The S3's design suggests a more traditional circular display, while the GS 4 may opt for a more modern, edge-to-edge look. The presence or absence of LTPO technology in either watch would significantly impact battery life during always-on display usage.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch is expected to feature a camera, a trend increasingly common in modern smartwatches. This omission simplifies the design and reduces potential privacy concerns. The focus is entirely on sensor-based health and fitness tracking.
Performance
Without chipset details, we must rely on brand tendencies. Xiaomi often utilizes Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear platforms, known for their balance of performance and efficiency. Honor, historically linked to Huawei, may employ a proprietary chipset or a MediaTek solution. The S3's potential use of a Snapdragon chip suggests smoother app performance and faster processing of health data. RAM capacity (likely 2GB-4GB in both) will be crucial for multitasking and responsiveness. Thermal management is unlikely to be a major concern for either watch, given their passive cooling designs.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor. Honor often prioritizes battery endurance, potentially equipping the GS 4 with a larger capacity battery (400mAh+) and optimized power management. The Xiaomi Watch S3, while likely offering respectable battery life (300mAh+), may prioritize faster charging speeds. A difference of even 30 minutes in charging time can be significant for daily users. Wireless charging support, if present on either model, would add convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Watch GS 4 if you prioritize a modern, sporty design and potentially longer battery life, and are heavily invested in the Honor/Huawei ecosystem. Buy the Xiaomi Watch S3 if you prefer a classic watch aesthetic, value a potentially broader range of third-party apps, and appreciate a more established smartwatch platform with wider compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Xiaomi Watch S3 support contactless payments, and which services are compatible?
While specific details are unavailable, Xiaomi smartwatches typically support NFC for contactless payments. Compatibility usually includes popular services like Alipay and WeChat Pay in China, and potentially Google Pay or other regional options depending on the market. Check local availability for full compatibility.
❓ How does the Honor Watch GS 4 handle notifications from different apps, and can they be customized?
Honor smartwatches generally offer robust notification management. Users can expect to receive notifications from various apps, with options to customize which apps send alerts and how those alerts are displayed (vibration patterns, sound, etc.). The level of customization will likely be similar to other Honor/Huawei wearables.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Watch S3 compatible with both Android and iOS devices?
Xiaomi watches generally offer compatibility with both Android and iOS, but functionality may be limited on iOS. While you can connect the watch via Bluetooth for basic notifications and activity tracking, features like replying to messages directly from the watch or accessing the full app ecosystem may be restricted on iPhones.
