The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Two popular contenders are the Xiaomi Watch S1 and the Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro. Both offer stylish designs and a range of features, but which one truly delivers the best experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro edges out the Xiaomi Watch S1 thanks to its superior chipset and longer battery life. However, the Xiaomi Watch S1 boasts a more refined design and broader app ecosystem. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your priorities: performance and longevity vs. aesthetics and app availability.
| 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 | 2021, December 28 | 2020, September 10. Released 2020, October 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 31 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame, plastic back | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), ceramic back, titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 46.5 x 46.5 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 46.7 x 46.7 x 11.4 mm (1.84 x 1.84 x 0.45 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 53 g (1.87 oz) | 52 g (1.83 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM) | 50m water resistant
Compatible with standard 22mm straps |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 454 x 454 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.39 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | - | Kirin A1 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Huawei Lite OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified storage | 4GB 32MB RAM |
| | - | eMMC |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, LE, EDR |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (China only) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (China only) | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, VO2max |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 470 mAh | Li-Ion 455 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Night Black, Nebula Gray |
| Models | M2108W1 | VID-B19 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 140 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S1
- Premium design and build quality
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Wider app ecosystem
- Wireless charging
- Shorter battery life
- Occasional performance lag
- Less powerful chipset
Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro
- Excellent battery life (7-10 days)
- Powerful and efficient Kirin A1 chipset
- Stylish design
- Advanced health tracking features
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Wear OS
- Display not as bright as the S1
- Can be pricier
Display Comparison
Both watches feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and excellent clarity. The Xiaomi Watch S1's display is slightly larger and brighter, potentially making it easier to read in direct sunlight. The Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro's display is well-calibrated and offers good visibility, but may not be as punchy as the S1's.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, as integrating a high-quality camera in a small form factor is challenging.
Performance
The Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro's Kirin A1 chipset provides noticeably smoother performance and faster app loading times compared to the Xiaomi Watch S1. The Kirin A1 is optimized for wearable devices, resulting in efficient power management and a responsive user experience. The Xiaomi Watch S1's performance is adequate for everyday tasks, but can occasionally feel sluggish.
Battery Life
The Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro significantly outperforms the Xiaomi Watch S1 in battery life. The GT 2 Pro can easily last 7-10 days on a single charge, while the S1 typically requires charging every 2-3 days.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Watch S1 is ideal for users who prioritize a premium design, a vibrant display, and access to a wider range of apps. The Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro is a better choice for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking exceptional battery life and a powerful, efficient chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
The Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro generally offers more advanced fitness tracking features and more accurate data due to its optimized chipset and sensors.
❓ Can I install third-party apps on both watches?
The Xiaomi Watch S1 has a broader app ecosystem thanks to its compatibility with more platforms. The Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro's app selection is more limited.
