The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which wearable best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 takes the lead thanks to its more powerful processor, robust health tracking features, and seamless integration with the Android ecosystem. While the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active offers a stylish design and competitive price, the Galaxy Watch5 provides a more polished and feature-rich experience overall.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 15 | 2022, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 24 | Available. Released 2022, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 46.5 x 47.3 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.86 x 0.43 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 36 (1.27 oz) | 33.5 g (44mm), 28.7 g (40mm) (1.02 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM) | MIL-STD-810H compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
Armor aluminum frame with tougher drop and scratch resistance (advertised)
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | - | Exynos W920 (5 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified storage | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 470 mAh | Li-Ion 410 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moon White, Space Black, Ocean Blue | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire |
| Models | - | SM-R915F, SM-R905F |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active
- Stylish design
- Competitive price
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Good battery life (though not exceptional)
- Less powerful processor
- Limited app ecosystem
- Fewer advanced health tracking features compared to Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- Powerful Exynos W920 processor
- Advanced health tracking (ECG, BIA)
- Seamless Android integration
- Wear OS platform with extensive app support
- Wireless charging (10W)
- Higher price point
- Battery life could be better for heavy users
- Some features require a Samsung phone for full functionality
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Galaxy Watch5 generally offers slightly better brightness and color accuracy. The S1 Active's display is still excellent, but the Samsung's is a touch more refined. The Galaxy Watch5 also has a wider range of watch faces available.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera, so this is a draw. Both rely on smartphone cameras for photo and video capture.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 boasts a significantly more powerful Exynos W920 chipset compared to the likely less powerful processor in the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active. This translates to smoother performance, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience. The Galaxy Watch5 handles demanding apps and features with ease.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch5 typically offers slightly better battery life than the S1 Active, potentially lasting up to two days with moderate use, while the S1 Active might require daily charging. Both support wireless charging, with the Galaxy Watch5 featuring 10W wireless charging for faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active? Users seeking a stylish, affordable smartwatch with basic fitness tracking and a focus on aesthetics. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch5? Android users prioritizing advanced health monitoring, performance, and seamless integration with Samsung devices and the Wear OS platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 offers more comprehensive fitness tracking features, including ECG, BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis), and advanced sleep tracking. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active provides basic fitness tracking but lacks some of the advanced sensors.
❓ Is the Galaxy Watch5 compatible with iPhones?
While the Galaxy Watch5 can pair with iPhones, functionality is limited compared to Android devices. You'll miss out on features like ECG and BIA, and integration won't be as seamless.
