The smartwatch market is increasingly competitive, offering a wide range of options at various price points. The vivo iQOO Watch and the 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 best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a balance of features and a potentially more refined software experience, the Xiaomi Watch S3 emerges as the stronger contender. While the iQOO Watch's exact specifications remain elusive, Xiaomi's established track record in wearables and the S3's likely focus on health tracking give it an edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 24 | 2023, October 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 24 | Available. Released 2023, October 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel bezel |
| Dimensions | 46.1 x 46.1 x 11.3 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.44 in) | 47 x 47 x 12 mm (1.85 x 1.85 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | eSIM | eSIM (market/region dependent) |
| Weight | 36 g (1.27 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 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | 4GB 64MB RAM | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | 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 | 505 mAh | Li-Po 486 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Silver, Brown |
| Models | - | M2313W1, M2311W1 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 110 EUR |
vivo iQOO Watch
- Potential for deeper integration within the iQOO/vivo ecosystem.
- May offer a unique design aesthetic.
- Could feature innovative software features tailored to iQOO users.
- Lack of publicly available specifications creates uncertainty.
- Unproven track record in the smartwatch market.
- Potential for limited app ecosystem compared to established brands.
Xiaomi Watch S3
- Established brand reputation in wearables.
- Likely features a comprehensive health tracking suite.
- Mature software ecosystem with broad app compatibility.
- Design may be conservative compared to some competitors.
- Potential for software bloat.
- May require frequent software updates to maintain optimal performance.
Display Comparison
Given both devices target a similar price bracket, we can anticipate AMOLED displays on both. However, the Xiaomi Watch S3 likely benefits from Xiaomi’s display expertise, potentially offering higher peak brightness for outdoor visibility. The iQOO Watch, being a newer entrant, may prioritize a larger screen-to-body ratio, but this could come at the cost of thicker bezels. Expect both to feature always-on display functionality, but the efficiency of the implementation will depend on the panel technology and software optimization. The S3's likely inclusion of LTPO technology would offer adaptive refresh rates, conserving battery life during static content viewing.
Camera Comparison
Neither the iQOO Watch nor the Xiaomi Watch S3 are expected to feature cameras. This is a common trend in modern smartwatches, as camera quality is often compromised due to size constraints and limited utility. Focusing on core smartwatch functions like health tracking and notifications is a more sensible approach.
Performance
Without specific chipset details for the iQOO Watch, it's reasonable to assume Xiaomi leverages a more mature and optimized processor in the Watch S3, likely a variant of a Cortex-M series chip. This translates to smoother animations, faster app loading times, and more responsive health tracking. RAM capacity is crucial for multitasking; the S3 likely features at least 128MB, allowing for multiple watch faces and background app operation. The iQOO Watch’s performance will heavily rely on its software optimization, as raw processing power isn’t always the defining factor in a smartwatch experience. Bluetooth 5.2 or later is expected on both for stable connectivity.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor. The Xiaomi Watch S3 likely features a battery capacity around 470-500mAh, offering up to 7-14 days of typical use. The iQOO Watch’s battery size is unknown, but a larger capacity doesn’t automatically guarantee longer life; software optimization plays a significant role. The S3’s inclusion of fast charging (potentially magnetic charging) will be a key advantage, allowing for quick top-ups. The iQOO Watch’s charging speed will be a crucial differentiator if it aims to compete effectively.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO Watch if you are deeply embedded in the iQOO/vivo ecosystem and prioritize seamless integration with other devices, potentially benefiting from exclusive software features. Buy the Xiaomi Watch S3 if you are a fitness enthusiast seeking a robust health tracking suite, reliable GPS, and a more established app ecosystem with broader compatibility across Android and iOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How accurate is the GPS on the Xiaomi Watch S3 compared to other smartwatches?
The Xiaomi Watch S3 is expected to utilize a multi-GNSS chip, supporting GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BDS. This provides improved accuracy and faster lock-on times, especially in urban environments. While accuracy varies based on environmental factors, Xiaomi's wearables generally perform well in GPS testing, rivaling established brands like Fitbit and Garmin.
❓ Does the iQOO Watch offer the same level of health tracking features as the Xiaomi Watch S3, such as SpO2 monitoring and sleep tracking?
While the exact health tracking capabilities of the iQOO Watch are unknown, it's highly probable it includes standard features like heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, and sleep analysis. However, the Xiaomi Watch S3 likely offers more advanced features, such as stress monitoring, breathing exercises, and potentially skin temperature sensing, benefiting from Xiaomi's investment in health technology.
❓ What is the level of water resistance on both the iQOO Watch and the Xiaomi Watch S3?
Both smartwatches are expected to have at least 5ATM water resistance, meaning they are suitable for swimming and showering. However, it's important to note that water resistance can degrade over time, so it's best to avoid exposing the devices to high-pressure water or extreme temperatures.
