The sub-$100 smartwatch market is fiercely competitive, offering a compelling blend of fitness tracking and smart notifications. We pit the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2 against the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE, two contenders aiming to deliver maximum value without breaking the bank. This comparison focuses on understanding where each watch excels, given the limited publicly available specifications for the Redmi Watch 2.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing convenience and a potentially wider app ecosystem, the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE emerges as the stronger choice. Its wireless charging capability and likely more refined software experience, typical of Huawei’s wearables, offer a more premium feel despite the similar price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 4G bands | N/A | N/A |
| EDGE | No | No |
| GPRS | No | No |
| Speed | No | No |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | No cellular connectivity |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 28 | 2022, November 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 11 | Available. Released 2022, November 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 39.1 x 34.4 x 10 mm (1.54 x 1.35 x 0.39 in) | 46.4 x 46.4 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 31 g (1.09 oz) | 35.6 g (1.27 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM)
50m water resistant | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
Compatible with standard 22mm straps (46mm model) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 360 x 320 pixels (~301 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.6 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified storage | 4GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, compass, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 225 mAh | 455 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Ivory | Graphite Black, Wilderness Green |
| Models | M2102W1 | RUNE-B29 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2
- Potentially lower price point
- Integration with Xiaomi ecosystem
- Likely lightweight design
- Unknown display specifications
- Wired charging only
- Limited software features (likely)
Huawei Watch GT 3 SE
- Wireless charging convenience
- Huawei’s optimized chipset for efficiency
- Potentially longer battery life
- May require Huawei Health app
- Potentially less app support
- Non-AMOLED display
Display Comparison
Without specific Redmi Watch 2 display specs, we can infer it likely utilizes a standard LCD panel, common in this price bracket. The GT 3 SE, while not boasting an AMOLED display, benefits from Huawei’s optimization for outdoor visibility. The absence of LTPO technology in either watch suggests standard refresh rates, impacting battery consumption. Bezels are likely comparable, prioritizing affordability over edge-to-edge designs. Color accuracy will likely be superior on the GT 3 SE due to Huawei’s calibration efforts.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Redmi Watch 2 nor the GT 3 SE feature a camera, a common omission in budget smartwatches. This simplifies the design and reduces power consumption, focusing resources on core smartwatch functions.
Performance
The Redmi Watch 2’s chipset remains unknown, but given its price point, it likely employs a low-power processor sufficient for basic fitness tracking and notifications. The GT 3 SE, leveraging Huawei’s proprietary chipset, is optimized for power efficiency and health monitoring. While neither watch is designed for intensive app usage, the GT 3 SE’s dedicated processor likely handles data processing and sensor readings more efficiently. RAM capacity is likely similar, sufficient for the limited functionality of both devices.
Battery Life
The Huawei Watch GT 3 SE’s battery life is a key selling point, potentially offering up to 7 days of typical use. The Redmi Watch 2’s battery capacity is unknown, but its reliance on wired charging suggests a potentially smaller battery or less efficient power management. The GT 3 SE’s wireless charging adds convenience, eliminating the need for cables, while the Redmi Watch 2’s wired charging will likely offer faster top-up times, assuming similar wattage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 2 if you need a basic, no-frills fitness tracker and are heavily invested in the Xiaomi ecosystem for seamless integration. Buy the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE if you prefer the convenience of wireless charging, a potentially more polished user interface, and a design that leans towards a more traditional watch aesthetic. The GT 3 SE is also a better fit for users who value longer battery life and comprehensive health monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE require a smartphone to function fully?
While the GT 3 SE can track basic activity without a paired smartphone, you'll need the Huawei Health app for detailed data analysis, firmware updates, and advanced features like notification mirroring. The app is available on both Android and iOS.
❓ What type of charging connector does the Redmi Watch 2 use?
The Redmi Watch 2 utilizes a proprietary wired charging cable. This means you won't be able to use standard USB-C or micro-USB chargers, and you'll need to keep the included cable safe to avoid compatibility issues.
❓ Is the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE compatible with all Android and iOS devices?
The GT 3 SE is generally compatible with most Android devices running Android 6.0 or later and iOS devices running iOS 9.0 or later. However, some features may be limited depending on the specific device and operating system version.
