The smartwatch market offers a wide spectrum of choices, from budget-friendly trackers to premium, feature-rich devices. We're pitting the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2, a contender in the affordable segment, against the Apple Watch Series 11, representing Apple's established ecosystem and performance focus. This comparison aims to determine which smartwatch delivers the best value for different user needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing affordability and basic fitness tracking, the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2 is the more sensible choice. However, the Apple Watch Series 11, powered by the Apple S10 chipset, offers a demonstrably smoother and more responsive experience, justifying its higher price tag for those deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
| 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 | 2021, October 28 | 2025, September 09 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 11 | Available. Released 2025, September 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame (grade 5) |
| Dimensions | 39.1 x 34.4 x 10 mm (1.54 x 1.35 x 0.39 in) | 46 x 39 x 9.7 mm (1.81 x 1.54 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 31 g (1.09 oz) | 34.6 g (42mm), 43.1 g (46mm) (1.52 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM)
50m water resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 360 x 320 pixels (~301 ppi density) | 496 x 416 pixels (~330 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.6 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 | Unspecified storage | 64GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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, heart rate, compass, SpO2 | 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 225 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Ivory | Slate, Gold, Natural |
| Models | M2102W1 | A3335, A3337, A3452, A3453 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | € 818.00 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.97 W/kg (head) |
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2
- Likely more affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to simpler features
- Suitable for basic fitness tracking and notifications
- Inferior performance compared to the Apple S10 chipset
- Likely lacks advanced features like wireless charging
- Less seamless integration with smartphones
Apple Watch Series 11
- Faster performance with the Apple S10 dual-core processor
- Convenient wireless charging with quick 0-80% charge time
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the Redmi Watch 2
- Ecosystem lock-in for optimal functionality
Display Comparison
Given the lack of display specifications for the Redmi Watch 2, we can infer it likely utilizes a standard LCD panel common in its price bracket. The Apple Watch Series 11, while not featuring the latest LTPO technology found in newer models, benefits from Apple’s color calibration and likely offers superior viewing angles and color accuracy. Bezels are expected to be more prominent on the Redmi Watch 2, a common cost-saving measure. The Apple Watch Series 11’s display, while older, will likely offer a more premium visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is marketed for its camera capabilities, and the Redmi Watch 2 is unlikely to include a camera at all. The Apple Watch Series 11 also does not feature a camera. Therefore, this is not a differentiating factor in this comparison.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 11’s dual-core Apple S10 chipset represents a significant performance advantage over the Redmi Watch 2, which likely employs a less powerful, unnamed processor. The S10’s architecture is optimized for quick app launches, smooth animations, and efficient background processing. While the Redmi Watch 2 will handle basic tasks, the Apple Watch Series 11 will provide a noticeably more fluid and responsive user experience, particularly when interacting with third-party apps. The lack of RAM specifications for the Redmi Watch 2 suggests it will have less memory available for multitasking.
Battery Life
Without specific battery capacity details for the Redmi Watch 2, it’s reasonable to assume it will prioritize longevity over rapid charging. The Apple Watch Series 11 offers wireless charging and a 0-80% charge in 30 minutes, a convenience factor the Redmi Watch 2 likely lacks. While the Redmi Watch 2 may offer longer overall battery life due to its simpler feature set, the Apple Watch Series 11’s faster charging mitigates downtime for users who prefer quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2 if you need a reliable, long-lasting smartwatch for basic activity tracking, notifications, and don't require advanced features or seamless integration with Apple devices. Buy the Apple Watch Series 11 if you prioritize performance, wireless charging convenience, and a tightly integrated experience with your iPhone and other Apple products, and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Apple Watch Series 11 still worth buying in [current year] considering it's an older model?
Despite being an older model, the Apple Watch Series 11 remains a viable option for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. The Apple S10 chip still provides a smooth experience for everyday tasks, and the wireless charging is a convenient feature. However, it won't receive the latest watchOS updates or benefit from the newest features.
❓ What level of fitness tracking can I expect from the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2?
The Redmi Watch 2 is expected to offer standard fitness tracking features, including step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and potentially multiple sports modes. However, it likely lacks the advanced sensors and algorithms found in higher-end smartwatches, resulting in less accurate data and fewer insights.
❓ Does the Apple Watch Series 11 require an iPhone to function?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 11 is designed to work exclusively with iPhones. It requires an iPhone for initial setup and relies on the iPhone for many of its features, including notifications, calls, and app downloads. It will not function with Android devices.
