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 premium Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum is the clear winner for users invested in the Apple ecosystem, offering superior performance, features, and integration. However, the Redmi Watch 2 provides excellent value for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing basic fitness tracking and long battery life.
| 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 | 2021, October 28 | 2022, September 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 11 | Available. Released 2022, September 16 |
| 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) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 31 g (1.09 oz) | 32 g (41mm), 38.8 g (45mm) (1.13 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM)
50m water resistant | IP6X certified
50m water resistant
ECG certified (region dependent SW application; HW available on all models) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Ion-X strengthened glass |
| Resolution | 360 x 320 pixels (~301 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.6 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | 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 | Unspecified storage | 32GB 1GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | 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 sensing (0.01˚ accuracy)
Natural language commands and dictation (talking mode)
Ultra Wideband (UWB) support |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 225 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Ivory | Midnight, Starlight, Silver, Red |
| Models | M2102W1 | A2773, A2775, A2772, A2774, A2857, A2858, A2770, A2771, watch6,14, watch6,15, watch6,16, watch6,17 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 340 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 Redmi Watch 2
- Affordable price
- Long battery life
- Fitness tracking features
- Lightweight design
- Limited app ecosystem
- Potentially lower display quality
- Less powerful processor
- Basic functionality
Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum
- Seamless iPhone integration
- Advanced health tracking (ECG, blood oxygen)
- Fast performance
- Premium design and build quality
- App Store access
- Higher price
- Requires iPhone
- Shorter battery life
- Can be complex for new users
Display Comparison
The Apple Watch Series 8 boasts a vibrant and always-on OLED display, offering excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The Redmi Watch 2 likely features an AMOLED display, but with potentially lower resolution and brightness. Apple's display is generally considered superior in terms of clarity and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Neither device has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, particularly in more affordable models.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 8, powered by the S8 chip, delivers significantly faster performance and smoother navigation compared to the Redmi Watch 2. The Apple Watch's dual-core processor handles apps and tasks with ease, while the Redmi Watch 2 may experience occasional lag. Apple's watchOS ecosystem also contributes to a more refined user experience.
Battery Life
The Redmi Watch 2 is expected to offer significantly longer battery life, potentially lasting several days or even weeks on a single charge. The Apple Watch Series 8, while offering wireless charging (0-80% in 45 minutes), typically requires daily charging due to its more power-intensive features and always-on display.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2 is ideal for those seeking an affordable smartwatch primarily for fitness tracking, basic notifications, and extended battery life. The Apple Watch Series 8 Aluminum is best suited for iPhone users who want a feature-rich smartwatch with advanced health tracking, seamless integration, and a premium experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Redmi Watch 2 compatible with iPhones?
While the Redmi Watch 2 can connect via Bluetooth, its functionality is limited on iPhones compared to Apple devices. The Apple Watch Series 8 offers seamless integration with iPhones.
❓ Does the Apple Watch Series 8 have cellular connectivity?
Yes, the Apple Watch Series 8 is available with cellular connectivity, allowing you to make calls and use data without your iPhone nearby. A cellular model is required for this functionality.
