The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, known for its stylish design and value, and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro, a rugged powerhouse packed with features. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro takes the crown for overall performance and durability, boasting a powerful processor, longer battery life, and a titanium build. However, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active offers a compelling alternative for budget-conscious users prioritizing aesthetics and essential fitness tracking.
| 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), titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 46.5 x 47.3 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.86 x 0.43 in) | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 36 (1.27 oz) | 46.5 g (1.66 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM) | MIL-STD-810H compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
*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 (body temperature) |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 470 mAh | Li-Ion 590 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moon White, Space Black, Ocean Blue | Black Titanium, Gray Titanium |
| Models | - | SM-R925F |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active
- Stylish Design
- Good Value for Money
- Essential Fitness Tracking
- Lightweight
- Less Powerful Processor
- Shorter Battery Life
- Fewer Advanced Features
- Potentially Less Durable
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Powerful Performance (Exynos W920)
- Long Battery Life
- Rugged Titanium Build
- Advanced Health Tracking (ECG, Blood Oxygen)
- Bright and Vibrant Display
- Higher Price
- Bulkier Design
- Samsung Ecosystem Dependence
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro features a brighter and more vibrant AMOLED display, typically around 1,000 nits, offering excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active likely has a smaller AMOLED display, though brightness and color accuracy may be slightly less impressive. Samsung's display often has more customization options.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches.
Performance
The Exynos W920 chipset in the Galaxy Watch5 Pro provides significantly faster and smoother performance compared to what's likely in the S1 Active. Expect quicker app loading times, more responsive navigation, and better overall system fluidity on the Samsung device. The W920's 5nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro boasts a significantly larger battery (590mAh) and optimized power management, resulting in considerably longer battery life – often exceeding 2-3 days with typical use. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active's battery life is likely around 1-2 days, depending on usage.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active is ideal for fitness enthusiasts on a budget who appreciate a sleek design and basic smartwatch functionality. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is perfect for serious athletes, outdoor adventurers, and those seeking a premium, feature-rich smartwatch with exceptional durability and advanced health tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro worth the extra cost?
If you're a serious athlete or prioritize durability and advanced health features, the Watch5 Pro's premium price is justified. Otherwise, the S1 Active offers a great balance of features and affordability.
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro offers more comprehensive fitness tracking with advanced sensors and features like ECG and blood oxygen monitoring. However, the S1 Active still provides essential tracking metrics for everyday use.
