The smartwatch market is increasingly segmented, with options ranging from basic fitness trackers to fully-featured extensions of your smartphone. We're pitting the Realme Watch, a more budget-oriented offering, against the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, which aims for a premium experience with its Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset. This comparison will dissect the key differences to help you determine which smartwatch best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and a smoother user experience, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is the clear winner. The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset delivers a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and efficiency. However, if budget is the primary concern and basic smartwatch functionality is sufficient, the Realme Watch remains a viable option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 25. Released 2020, June 05 | 2023, September 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, October 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 36.5 x 25.6 x 11.8 mm (1.44 x 1.01 x 0.46 in) | 47.6 x 45.9 x 11.8 mm (1.87 x 1.81 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 31 g (1.09 oz) | 54.5 g (1.94 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 320 x 320 pixels (~323 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD, 380 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 600 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 (4 nm) |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android Wear OS 3.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | No | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 160 mAh | Li-Po 495 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Silver |
| Models | RMA161 | M2233W1 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Realme Watch
- Likely more affordable price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially longer battery life with limited features
- Significantly slower performance
- Lower quality display
- Limited feature set
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro
- Powerful Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life with heavy usage
- More complex interface for some users
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display information for the Realme Watch, a direct comparison is challenging. However, Xiaomi typically equips its 'Pro' models with high-quality AMOLED displays. The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro likely features a vibrant AMOLED panel with good outdoor visibility. The Realme Watch, based on its market positioning, likely utilizes a less advanced LCD or lower-resolution AMOLED, potentially impacting color accuracy and brightness. Bezels are also likely to be more prominent on the Realme Watch, contributing to a less immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is marketed for camera capabilities, and both are unlikely to include cameras. This section is therefore not applicable to this comparison.
Performance
The core differentiator here is the chipset. The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro's Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 (4nm) represents a significant leap in performance compared to the likely MediaTek or proprietary chipset found in the Realme Watch. The 4nm process node of the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, resulting in smoother animations, faster app launches, and more reliable performance during demanding tasks like GPS tracking. The Realme Watch will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slower response times, particularly when multitasking. The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro's architecture allows for a more responsive and future-proof experience.
Battery Life
Without specific battery capacity details for the Realme Watch, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 in the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is designed for efficiency. While the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro's battery life will depend on usage patterns, the chipset's power management capabilities should deliver competitive endurance. The Realme Watch, with a potentially less efficient chipset and potentially smaller battery, may require more frequent charging. Charging speeds are also likely to be slower on the Realme Watch, further extending the time between charges for the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Watch if you need a simple, affordable smartwatch primarily for basic notifications and activity tracking. It's ideal for users new to smartwatches or those who don't require advanced features. Buy the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro if you prioritize a fluid user interface, faster app loading times, and a more comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features, and are willing to invest in a more capable device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 in the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro noticeably improve app loading times compared to typical smartwatches?
Yes, the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 is a significant upgrade. Its architecture and 4nm process node deliver a substantial performance boost, resulting in much faster app loading times and a more responsive user interface. You'll experience less waiting and a smoother overall experience.
❓ Is the Realme Watch suitable for serious athletes or fitness enthusiasts who require accurate GPS tracking?
While the Realme Watch likely offers basic GPS tracking, its performance will likely be less accurate and reliable than the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, which benefits from the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1's improved GPS capabilities and power efficiency. Serious athletes should prioritize the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro for more precise data.
❓ How does the lack of specific Realme Watch specs impact its overall value proposition?
The absence of detailed specifications for the Realme Watch suggests it's positioned as a budget-friendly option with compromises in performance and features. While it may suffice for basic smartwatch functions, users seeking a more robust and capable device should consider the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro.
