The sub-$100 smartwatch market is fiercely competitive, offering a compelling entry point for users seeking fitness tracking and basic smart notifications. The Xiaomi Redmi Watch and Huawei Watch GT 3 SE represent two strong contenders, each prioritizing different aspects of the user experience. This comparison dissects their features to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing convenience and a slightly more refined software experience, the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE emerges as the better choice. Its wireless charging capability and likely more mature software ecosystem outweigh the Redmi Watch's potential cost advantage, given the limited available specifications.
| 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 | 2020, November 26. Released 2020, December 01 | 2022, November 10 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, November 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 41 x 35 x 11.9 mm (1.61 x 1.38 x 0.47 in) | 46.4 x 46.4 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 35 g (1.23 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 | 320 x 320 pixels (~323 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.4 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | IPS LCD | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 4GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS (market/region dependent) | GPS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, compass | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Ion 230 mAh | 455 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Ivory | Graphite Black, Wilderness Green |
| Models | REDMIWT01 | RUNE-B29 |
| Price | About 30 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Xiaomi Redmi Watch
- Potentially the lowest price point in the market.
- Likely lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear.
- Basic fitness tracking functionality.
- Limited specifications and unknown chipset performance.
- Potentially less refined software experience.
- Lack of wireless charging.
Huawei Watch GT 3 SE
- Convenient wireless charging capability.
- Huawei’s optimized software and power management.
- Potentially more robust app ecosystem.
- Slightly higher price point than the Redmi Watch.
- Still limited in advanced features compared to higher-end smartwatches.
- Reliance on Huawei’s ecosystem.
Display Comparison
Without specific display specifications for the Redmi Watch, we can infer it likely utilizes a standard LCD panel common in this price bracket. The GT 3 SE, while also likely LCD, benefits from Huawei’s display optimization experience. The absence of LTPO technology in either device suggests refresh rates will be limited to 60Hz, prioritizing battery life over fluid animations. Bezels are likely comparable, given the similar form factors, but the GT 3 SE’s design language may offer a slightly more visually appealing experience.
Camera Comparison
Neither the Redmi Watch nor the GT 3 SE feature cameras, focusing instead on core smartwatch functionality. This is a common omission in the budget smartwatch segment, prioritizing battery life and cost reduction.
Performance
The Redmi Watch’s chipset remains unknown, but given its price point, it likely employs a basic ARM Cortex-M series processor sufficient for basic fitness tracking and notification handling. The GT 3 SE, while not a powerhouse, benefits from Huawei’s optimization and likely a more efficient chipset. RAM capacity is also unknown for both, but the impact on performance will be minimal given the limited functionality. Thermal management isn’t a significant concern for these devices, as they aren’t designed for intensive tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor in the smartwatch space. While mAh capacity is unknown for the Redmi Watch, the GT 3 SE’s efficiency, coupled with Huawei’s power management algorithms, likely provides a competitive advantage. The GT 3 SE’s wireless charging is a significant convenience feature, eliminating the need for proprietary cables and offering a more seamless charging experience. The Redmi Watch likely relies on a traditional magnetic charging connector.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi Watch if you are primarily focused on the absolute lowest price point and are comfortable with a potentially less polished software experience. Buy the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE if you value the convenience of wireless charging, a potentially more robust app ecosystem, and a generally more premium feel, even within the budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE compatible with non-Huawei smartphones?
Yes, the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE is compatible with both Android and iOS devices via the Huawei Health app. However, some features may be limited when paired with iOS compared to a Huawei smartphone.
❓ What fitness tracking features does the Redmi Watch offer?
While specific features are unknown, the Redmi Watch likely offers standard fitness tracking capabilities such as step counting, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and potentially multiple sports modes. The accuracy of these features will depend on the quality of the sensors.
❓ Does the Huawei Watch GT 3 SE support contactless payments?
The Huawei Watch GT 3 SE does *not* support NFC for contactless payments in most regions. This is a common omission in budget smartwatches.
