The smartwatch market is booming, offering a plethora of options for fitness tracking, notifications, and more. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the budget-friendly Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2 and the feature-rich Apple Watch SE. Let's dive in to see which one comes out on top.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch SE offers superior performance, a more polished user experience, and tighter integration with the Apple ecosystem. While the Redmi Watch 2 provides excellent value for its price, the SE's advanced features and reliability make it the overall winner for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 39, 40, 41, 66 - USA, LATAM, Canada |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - Global |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 28 | 2020, September 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 11 | Available. Released 2020, September 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 39.1 x 34.4 x 10 mm (1.54 x 1.35 x 0.39 in) | 44 x 38 x 10.4 mm (1.73 x 1.50 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 31 g (1.09 oz) | 36.4 g (1.27 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM)
50m water resistant | 50m water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 360 x 320 pixels (~301 ppi density) | 448 x 368 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.6 inches | 1.78 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S5 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | Proprietary OS | watchOS 7.0, upgradable to watchOS 10.6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified storage | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, compass |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 225 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Ivory | Silver, Gold, Space Gray |
| Models | M2102W1 | A2353, A2354, A2355, A2356, A2351, A2352 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 290 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2
- Affordable price
- Longer battery life (potentially)
- Basic fitness tracking
- Lightweight design
- Limited features
- Less powerful processor
- Less vibrant display
- Less polished user interface
Apple Watch SE
- Powerful processor (Apple S5)
- Seamless iOS integration
- Advanced health features (ECG, fall detection)
- Bright and vibrant display
- Wireless charging
- Higher price
- Shorter battery life (compared to Redmi)
- Limited compatibility with Android
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch SE boasts a brighter and more vibrant display with excellent readability even in direct sunlight. The Redmi Watch 2 likely features a smaller, less vibrant display, typical of its price point. Expect sharper visuals and more customization options on the Apple Watch.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, particularly in this price range.
Performance
The Apple Watch SE, powered by the Apple S5 chip, delivers significantly faster and smoother performance compared to the Redmi Watch 2. App loading times are quicker, and the overall user experience is more responsive. The Redmi Watch 2's performance will likely be adequate for basic functions but may struggle with more demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch SE typically offers around 18 hours of battery life with moderate use. The Redmi Watch 2, due to its simpler features and potentially less power-hungry display, may offer longer battery life, potentially extending to several days. However, real-world usage will vary.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2 is ideal for budget-conscious users primarily focused on basic fitness tracking and notifications. The Apple Watch SE is perfect for iPhone users seeking a comprehensive smartwatch experience with advanced health features, seamless integration, and a premium feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Apple Watch SE compatible with Android?
No, the Apple Watch SE is exclusively compatible with iPhones.
❓ Does the Redmi Watch 2 have GPS?
The Redmi Watch 2 may have GPS, but this can vary by model. Check the specific model's specifications.
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
The Apple Watch SE offers more advanced fitness tracking features and greater accuracy due to its more sophisticated sensors and processing power.
