The smartwatch market caters to diverse needs, from basic fitness tracking to comprehensive health monitoring and seamless smartphone integration. We pit the Xiaomi Mi Watch Color Sports, a likely budget-focused offering, against the Apple Watch Series 11, representing Apple’s established premium wearable ecosystem, to determine which device delivers the best value and functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the Apple Watch Series 11 is the clear winner, thanks to its Apple S10 chipset and wireless charging. However, users prioritizing affordability and potentially longer battery life (given the lack of detailed specs for the Xiaomi) may find the Mi Watch Color Sports a viable alternative.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 20. Released 2020, November 01 | 2025, September 09 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, September 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame (grade 5) |
| Dimensions | 53.4 x 45.9 x 11.8 mm (2.10 x 1.81 x 0.46 in) | 46 x 39 x 9.7 mm (1.81 x 1.54 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 32.5 g (1.16 oz) | 34.6 g (42mm), 43.1 g (46mm) (1.52 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 496 x 416 pixels (~330 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.39 inches | 1.96 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Retina LTPO3 OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S10 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Proprietary OS | watchOS 26, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 64GB |
| | eMMC | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body), temperature (water) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless, 0-80% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 420 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Ivory | Slate, Gold, Natural |
| Models | XMWTCL01 | A3335, A3337, A3452, A3453 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 818.00 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.97 W/kg (head) |
Xiaomi Mi Watch Color Sports
- Likely more affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life (speculation)
- Simple and focused fitness tracking
- Less powerful processor
- Limited ecosystem integration
- Unknown display quality
Apple Watch Series 11
- Powerful Apple S10 chipset
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Fast wireless charging (0-80% in 30 min)
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Ecosystem lock-in
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Xiaomi Mi Watch Color Sports, it's reasonable to assume a standard LCD or TFT panel, likely prioritizing cost-effectiveness over advanced technologies like LTPO. The Apple Watch Series 11, while not featuring the latest display advancements, benefits from Apple’s color calibration and likely offers superior outdoor visibility. Bezels are likely thinner on the Apple Watch, contributing to a more modern aesthetic. The absence of detailed specs for the Xiaomi makes a direct comparison of brightness and color accuracy impossible, but Apple’s display technology generally excels in these areas.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is known for camera capabilities, and this comparison is largely irrelevant. Smartwatches primarily focus on display and sensor data, not photography. The absence of camera specs for both devices reinforces this point.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 11’s dual-core Apple S10 chipset provides a significant performance advantage over what is expected in the Xiaomi Mi Watch Color Sports. The S10 allows for smoother app transitions, faster processing of health data, and more responsive interactions. While the Xiaomi likely utilizes a less powerful processor to conserve battery, the S10’s efficiency is also noteworthy. The Apple Watch’s architecture is optimized for wearable applications, ensuring a fluid user experience. The lack of RAM specifications for the Xiaomi makes it difficult to assess its multitasking capabilities, but it’s likely to be less capable than the Apple Watch.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 11 offers wireless charging and a 0-80% charge in 30 minutes, indicating a relatively fast charging speed. Without battery capacity information for the Xiaomi Mi Watch Color Sports, it’s difficult to directly compare battery life. However, given its likely lower power consumption and potentially larger battery size (to compensate for a less efficient processor), the Xiaomi *could* offer longer battery life between charges. The convenience of wireless charging on the Apple Watch is a significant advantage for many users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Mi Watch Color Sports if you need a simple, affordable fitness tracker and aren't reliant on a specific ecosystem. It's ideal for users new to smartwatches or those seeking a dedicated workout companion without the premium price tag. Buy the Apple Watch Series 11 if you prioritize seamless integration with iPhones, advanced health tracking features, and a polished user experience, and are willing to pay a premium for the Apple ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Apple Watch Series 11’s Apple S10 chip still relevant in today’s smartwatch market?
While not the newest chip, the Apple S10 remains a capable processor for smartwatch tasks. It provides a smooth and responsive user experience for everyday activities, fitness tracking, and app usage. It’s more than sufficient for most users’ needs, and its efficiency contributes to reasonable battery life.
❓ How much does ecosystem lock-in matter with the Apple Watch Series 11?
Ecosystem lock-in is a significant factor. The Apple Watch Series 11 is designed to work seamlessly with iPhones, offering features like iMessage notifications, Apple Pay integration, and health data synchronization with the Apple Health app. Android users will not be able to use the Apple Watch Series 11.
❓ What type of user would benefit most from the Xiaomi Mi Watch Color Sports?
The Xiaomi Mi Watch Color Sports is ideal for users who primarily want a basic fitness tracker with heart rate monitoring and activity tracking. It’s a good choice for those who don’t need advanced features or seamless smartphone integration and are looking for an affordable option.