The smartwatch market offers a spectrum of choices, from budget-friendly options to premium, feature-rich devices. We pit the Xiaomi Mi Watch, a contender focused on affordability, against the Apple Watch Series 8, the established leader in the space, to determine which offers the best value for your wrist.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a seamless ecosystem and advanced health tracking, the Apple Watch Series 8 is the superior choice, justifying its higher price tag with the powerful S8 chip and comprehensive features. However, the Xiaomi Mi Watch presents a compelling option for those seeking essential smartwatch functionality without the premium cost.
| 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 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 30. Released 2020, October 13 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 53.3 x 45.9 x 11.8 mm (2.10 x 1.81 x 0.46 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 32 g (1.13 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM)
Up to 50 meters depth for 10 mins
Compatible with standard 22mm straps | IP6X certified
50m water resistant
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.39 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 450 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S8 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Proprietary OS | watchOS 9.0, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC | eMMC 5.1 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| | - | Temperature sensing (0.01˚ accuracy)
Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 420 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Elegant Black, Fashion Silver, Navy Blue, Beige | Graphite, Silver, Gold |
| Models | XMWT06 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 330 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.31 W/kg (head) 0.55 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Mi Watch
- Affordable price point
- Wireless charging convenience
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Limited performance compared to Apple S8
- Lack of detailed specifications
- Less comprehensive health tracking features
Apple Watch Series 8
- Powerful Apple S8 chip for smooth performance
- Advanced health tracking features (ECG, blood oxygen)
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem
- Higher price point
- Charging time of 45 minutes to 80%
- Requires iPhone for full functionality
Display Comparison
While specific display details for the Xiaomi Mi Watch are absent, its market positioning suggests an LCD or AMOLED panel. The Apple Watch Series 8 boasts an always-on Retina display, crucial for at-a-glance information. The Series 8’s display likely benefits from LTPO technology, dynamically adjusting refresh rates to conserve battery. The absence of detailed display specs for the Mi Watch makes a direct comparison difficult, but the Series 8’s always-on functionality and likely higher peak brightness provide a significant usability advantage.
Camera Comparison
Neither device features a camera, a common omission in modern smartwatches. This focuses both devices on core smartwatch functionality rather than image capture.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 8 is powered by the Apple S8 SiP, a dual-core processor designed for efficient performance. This chip enables smooth animations, quick app launches, and responsive interactions. The Xiaomi Mi Watch lacks detailed chipset information, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a less powerful processor. The S8’s dual-core architecture and optimized software integration provide a noticeable performance advantage, particularly for demanding tasks and complex health tracking algorithms. This benefits users who frequently use apps or rely on accurate fitness data.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Mi Watch offers wireless charging, a convenient feature. The Apple Watch Series 8 also supports wireless charging, achieving 0-80% charge in 45 minutes. While the exact battery capacity of the Mi Watch is unknown, the Series 8’s optimized charging and power management, coupled with the efficiency of the S8 chip, likely translate to comparable or even better real-world battery life despite potentially similar mAh ratings. The faster charging speed of the Series 8 is a benefit for users who need a quick power boost.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Mi Watch if you need a functional smartwatch with wireless charging and basic fitness tracking, and are comfortable outside the Apple ecosystem. It’s ideal for users who want a reliable wearable without breaking the bank. Buy the Apple Watch Series 8 if you prioritize advanced health monitoring (ECG, blood oxygen), a smooth and responsive user experience powered by the S8 chip, and deep integration with other Apple devices. It’s the choice for users invested in the Apple ecosystem and demanding the best in smartwatch technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Apple Watch Series 8's S8 chip impact app performance compared to the Xiaomi Mi Watch?
The Apple S8 SiP is a dedicated processor designed for smartwatch applications, offering significantly faster processing speeds and smoother animations. The Xiaomi Mi Watch, lacking detailed chipset information, likely uses a less powerful processor, resulting in slower app loading times and potentially less responsive interactions, especially with complex applications.
❓ Is the 45-minute charge time for the Apple Watch Series 8 a significant drawback?
While not the fastest charging speed available, 45 minutes to reach 80% is a reasonable charging time for a smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 8’s power efficiency, thanks to the S8 chip and optimized software, helps mitigate the need for frequent full charges. The convenience of wireless charging also offsets this slightly longer charging duration.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Mi Watch offer the same level of health tracking accuracy as the Apple Watch Series 8?
The Apple Watch Series 8 features advanced health sensors, including ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, providing a more comprehensive and accurate health tracking experience. The Xiaomi Mi Watch likely offers basic fitness tracking, but may lack the precision and advanced features found in the Apple Watch.
