The smartwatch market offers options across a vast price spectrum. We're pitting the Xiaomi Watch Color, a device likely focused on affordability and style, against the Apple Watch Series 11, representing Apple's established ecosystem and performance-driven approach. This comparison aims to dissect the trade-offs between these two devices, considering the limited specifications available for the Xiaomi Watch Color.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and proven performance, the Apple Watch Series 11 is the clear winner. Its Apple S10 chipset and wireless charging offer a more refined experience. However, budget-conscious consumers may find the Xiaomi Watch Color a viable alternative, assuming it delivers acceptable functionality at a significantly lower price point.
| 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 | 2020, January. Released 2020, January | 2025, September 09 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, September 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, stainless steel frame, plastic back | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, titanium frame (grade 5) |
| Dimensions | 53.3 x 46.2 x 11.4 mm (2.10 x 1.82 x 0.45 in) | 46 x 39 x 9.7 mm (1.81 x 1.54 x 0.38 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | - | 34.6 g (42mm), 43.1 g (46mm) (1.52 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 454 x 454 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 496 x 416 pixels (~330 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.39 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 | - | 64GB |
| | eMMC | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | - |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer | 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 420 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Keith Haring | Slate, Gold, Natural |
| Models | XMWT06 | A3335, A3337, A3452, A3453 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 818.00 |
| SAR | - | 1.19 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.97 W/kg (head) |
Xiaomi Watch Color
- Potentially lower price point
- Likely stylish design
- May offer longer battery life (speculation)
- Unknown chipset performance
- Limited ecosystem integration
- Potentially slower app loading
Apple Watch Series 11
- Apple S10 dual-core processor for smooth performance
- Wireless charging with fast charging capabilities
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to Xiaomi (speculation)
- Requires an iPhone for full functionality
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Xiaomi Watch Color, we can only speculate. Given its positioning, it likely utilizes an AMOLED panel to compete visually. The Apple Watch Series 11, while not specified, likely benefits from Apple’s advancements in display technology, potentially including features like always-on display and high peak brightness. The absence of LTPO specification for either device suggests neither prioritizes variable refresh rates for power saving, though Apple’s custom display controllers often optimize power consumption regardless. Bezels are likely thinner on the Apple Watch Series 11, reflecting its premium build quality.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is known for camera capabilities, and this comparison is largely irrelevant. Smartwatches primarily focus on display and sensor functionality, not photography. Any camera on the Xiaomi Watch Color would likely be a low-resolution sensor for limited functionality, while the Apple Watch Series 11 does not feature a camera.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 11’s dual-core Apple S10 chipset is the defining performance advantage. This custom silicon is designed for efficient operation within the watchOS ecosystem, delivering smooth animations and responsive app loading. The Xiaomi Watch Color, lacking chipset information, likely employs a less powerful, more generic processor to keep costs down. This will likely translate to slower app performance and potentially lag when multitasking. The Apple S10’s architecture is optimized for wearable tasks, while the Xiaomi’s processor may be more general-purpose, leading to inefficiencies. The Apple Watch Series 11’s RAM speed is also likely superior, contributing to its overall responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 11 offers wireless charging and a 0-80% charge in 30 minutes, indicating a relatively fast charging solution. The Xiaomi Watch Color’s charging method and speed are unknown, but it likely utilizes a proprietary magnetic charger. Without mAh specifications for either device, it’s difficult to directly compare battery life. However, the Apple S10’s efficiency and Apple’s software optimizations likely contribute to competitive battery performance, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity compared to the Xiaomi Watch Color.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Watch Color if you need a stylish smartwatch primarily for basic notifications and fitness tracking, and are heavily price-sensitive. You're willing to potentially compromise on performance and ecosystem integration. Buy the Apple Watch Series 11 if you prefer a premium experience with a responsive interface, wireless charging, and tight integration with other Apple devices, and are willing to pay a premium for these features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How does the Apple S10 chip impact real-world usage on the Series 11 compared to what we might expect from the Xiaomi Watch Color?
The Apple S10 is a custom-designed System-on-a-Chip (SoC) optimized for wearable devices. This means faster app launches, smoother animations, and more efficient power management. The Xiaomi Watch Color, lacking specific chipset details, likely uses a more generic processor, resulting in a less responsive and potentially less power-efficient experience. Expect noticeable lag when switching between apps or using complex features on the Xiaomi device.
❓ Is the 30-minute 0-80% charging time on the Apple Watch Series 11 a significant advantage over what the Xiaomi Watch Color might offer?
Yes, the fast charging capability of the Apple Watch Series 11 is a considerable convenience. Being able to quickly top up your watch before a workout or event is a significant benefit. The Xiaomi Watch Color’s charging speed is unknown, but it’s unlikely to match the Apple Watch Series 11’s efficiency, potentially requiring longer charging times for a similar level of charge.
❓ If I don't own an iPhone, is the Apple Watch Series 11 still a viable option?
No. The Apple Watch Series 11 is designed to work exclusively within the Apple ecosystem. It requires an iPhone for initial setup and relies on the iPhone for many of its core features and functionalities. Without an iPhone, the Apple Watch Series 11 is essentially a very expensive paperweight.
