The smartwatch market offers a diverse range of options, from feature-packed flagships to more affordable, fitness-focused devices. We're pitting the Ulefone Watch GPS, notable for its wireless charging, against the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, a device positioned as a premium active lifestyle companion. This comparison aims to uncover which smartwatch delivers the best blend of functionality and value, especially given the limited publicly available specifications for the Xiaomi model.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing charging convenience and a lower price point, the Ulefone Watch GPS emerges as the winner. While the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active likely offers a more refined software experience and potentially broader feature set (based on Xiaomi's brand reputation), the lack of detailed specs makes it difficult to definitively recommend over the Ulefone, which confirms wireless charging.
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 27. Released 2020, October 27 | 2022, March 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 42 x 37 x 12 mm (1.65 x 1.46 x 0.47 in) | 46.5 x 47.3 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.86 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 35 g (1.23 oz) | 36 (1.27 oz) |
| | 50m water resistant, 5ATM (up to 10 mins) | Waterproof (5ATM) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 240 pixels (~261 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.3 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | TFT LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | Unspecified storage |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 210 mAh | Li-Po 470 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black/Green, Black/Red, Pink/Blue | Moon White, Space Black, Ocean Blue |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Ulefone Watch GPS
- Confirmed Wireless Charging: Offers convenient charging without cables.
- Potentially Lower Price: Ulefone typically targets the budget-friendly segment.
- Simple Functionality: Likely focuses on core smartwatch features.
- Unknown Specifications: Limited information hinders a comprehensive assessment.
- Potentially Basic Software: May lack the polish of more established brands.
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active
- Xiaomi Brand Reputation: Suggests a potentially refined user experience.
- Active Lifestyle Focus: Likely includes advanced fitness tracking features.
- Potential for Premium Build Quality: Xiaomi often uses quality materials.
- Missing Specifications: Lack of details makes it difficult to assess value.
- Unconfirmed Charging Method: Charging convenience is unknown.
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, a direct comparison is challenging. However, Xiaomi typically employs AMOLED panels in its wearables, suggesting vibrant colors and good contrast. The Ulefone Watch GPS's display characteristics (resolution, brightness, and panel type) are currently unknown. The absence of LTPO technology in either device is assumed, meaning power efficiency gains from variable refresh rates are unlikely. Bezels and color accuracy remain unknown for both.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Ulefone Watch GPS nor the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active are expected to feature cameras, making this section irrelevant. Smartwatches generally prioritize battery life and form factor over camera integration.
Performance
The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, given its 'Active' designation and Xiaomi's history, likely utilizes a proprietary chipset optimized for fitness tracking and smartwatch functions. The Ulefone Watch GPS's processor is unspecified. RAM capacity is also unknown for both devices. Thermal management is unlikely to be a significant concern for either smartwatch, as their processing demands are relatively low. The Xiaomi's potential for smoother animations and faster app loading times is inferred from its likely more powerful chipset.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for both devices is currently unknown. However, the Ulefone Watch GPS's inclusion of wireless charging offers a convenience advantage, allowing for charging without the need for a cable. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active's charging method is unspecified, but it likely relies on a proprietary magnetic charger. Without mAh figures or charging wattage, estimating 0-100% charge times is impossible. Wireless charging, while convenient, is typically slower than wired charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Watch GPS if you need a straightforward, affordable smartwatch with the convenience of wireless charging and are less concerned with advanced features or a premium build. Buy the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active if you prioritize a potentially more polished user experience, a wider range of fitness tracking metrics, and are willing to pay a premium, assuming it offers features beyond basic smartwatch functionality. The Xiaomi's value proposition hinges on features not currently specified.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the wireless charging on the Ulefone Watch GPS Qi-compatible, allowing me to use any Qi charger?
While the Ulefone Watch GPS supports wireless charging, its Qi compatibility is currently unconfirmed. It's possible it requires a proprietary wireless charging dock, so verifying compatibility with existing chargers is recommended before purchase.
❓ Given the lack of detailed specs for the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, what features should I expect based on Xiaomi's other wearables?
Based on Xiaomi's previous smartwatch releases, the Watch S1 Active likely includes features such as heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, sleep analysis, multiple sports modes, and potentially built-in GPS. It may also offer NFC for contactless payments and Bluetooth calling. However, these are assumptions based on brand trends and not confirmed specifications.
❓ How does the Ulefone Watch GPS's software compare to Xiaomi's smartwatch operating system?
Xiaomi typically utilizes a proprietary operating system for its smartwatches, known for its user-friendly interface and integration with the Mi Fitness app. The Ulefone Watch GPS likely runs a simpler, more basic operating system, potentially lacking the advanced features and customization options found on Xiaomi's platform. Expect a less polished experience with the Ulefone.
