The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two strong contenders against each other: the stylish Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro and the feature-rich 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 edges out the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro thanks to its superior integration with Android, more robust app ecosystem, and generally smoother performance. However, the Xiaomi offers a stunning design and impressive battery life, making it a compelling alternative for those prioritizing aesthetics and longevity.
| 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, August 12 | 2022, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 12 | Available. Released 2022, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame, sapphire crystal (heart rate zone), plastic back | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 46 x 46 x 11.3 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.44 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 48.5 g (1.73 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 | 480 x 480 pixels (~462 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.47 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 600 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | - | Exynos W920 (5 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G68 |
| OS | MIUI Watch 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 | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (China only) | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless, 100% in 85 min | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 500 mAh | Li-Ion 410 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire |
| Models | M2135W1, M2134W1 | SM-R915F, SM-R905F |
| Price | About 220 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro
- Stunning Design
- Long Battery Life (up to 14 days)
- Affordable Price
- Large Display
- Less Powerful Processor
- Limited App Ecosystem
- Occasional Lag
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- Smooth Performance (Exynos W920)
- Seamless Android Integration
- Extensive App Ecosystem
- Advanced Health Tracking
- Shorter Battery Life (around 40 hours)
- Higher Price
- Smaller Display
Display Comparison
Both watches boast vibrant AMOLED displays. The Xiaomi S1 Pro features a larger 1.95-inch display with a slightly curved design, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The Galaxy Watch5 has a 1.4-inch display, which is still excellent, but smaller. Resolution is comparable, ensuring sharp visuals on both.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, and users will need to rely on their smartphones for capturing photos and videos.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 benefits from the Exynos W920 chipset, providing noticeably smoother performance and quicker app loading times. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro's processor is less powerful, resulting in occasional lag, especially when multitasking. The Galaxy Watch5's 5nm process also contributes to better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro shines in battery life, offering up to 14 days of typical use and charging to 100% in 85 minutes. The Galaxy Watch5, with its 10W wireless charging, provides around 40 hours of battery life, requiring more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro? Users seeking a premium design, long battery life, and a more affordable price point. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch5? Android users wanting seamless integration, a wider range of apps, and advanced health tracking features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 compatible with iOS?
While the Galaxy Watch5 connects via Bluetooth, its functionality is significantly limited on iOS compared to Android. You'll miss out on key features like notifications and advanced health tracking.
❓ Does the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro have NFC for payments?
Yes, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro supports NFC for contactless payments via Xiaomi Pay, but availability may vary depending on your region.