The smartwatch market is booming, and two popular contenders are the Xiaomi Watch S1 and the Huawei Watch GT 3. Both offer stylish designs, comprehensive health tracking, and wireless charging, but which one truly reigns supreme? This in-depth comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Watch GT 3 edges out the Xiaomi Watch S1 thanks to its superior battery life and more refined health tracking algorithms. However, the Xiaomi Watch S1 boasts a more premium design and a slightly brighter display, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing aesthetics.
| 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 | 2021, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 31 | Available. Released 2021, November 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 46.5 x 46.5 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 45.9 x 45.9 x 11 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 53 g (1.87 oz) | 35 g (42mm) / 42.6 g (46mm) (1.23 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM) | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
Compatible with standard 22mm straps (46mm model), 20mm straps (42mm model) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.43 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | HarmonyOS 2.0, upgradable to 4.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified storage | 4GB 32MB RAM |
| 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| 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, thermometer (body temperature) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 470 mAh | Li-Po 455 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Black, Steel, Gold |
| Models | M2108W1 | MIL-B19 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 120 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S1
- Premium Design & Build Quality
- Brighter AMOLED Display
- Comprehensive Fitness Tracking
- Wireless Charging
- Shorter Battery Life
- Price Slightly Higher
- Software can be less polished than Huawei's
Huawei Watch GT 3
- Exceptional Battery Life (14+ days)
- Accurate Health Tracking (SpO2, ECG)
- Sleek and Stylish Design
- HarmonyOS Optimization
- Display Not as Bright as Xiaomi
- Limited App Ecosystem Compared to Wear OS
- May have connectivity issues in some regions
Display Comparison
Both watches feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and excellent clarity. The Xiaomi Watch S1 generally has a slightly higher peak brightness, making it easier to read outdoors in direct sunlight. The Huawei Watch GT 3's display is still very good, but the Xiaomi's edge is noticeable.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a common omission in smartwatches, and both brands have opted to focus on other features.
Performance
Performance is generally smooth on both devices. Navigation is responsive, and app loading times are reasonable. Neither watch is designed for heavy gaming, but everyday tasks are handled well. The Huawei Watch GT 3's HarmonyOS often feels slightly more optimized for wearable use.
Battery Life
This is where the Huawei Watch GT 3 truly shines. It consistently delivers significantly longer battery life – often exceeding 14 days – compared to the Xiaomi Watch S1, which typically lasts around 7-10 days with moderate use. This difference is a major factor for many users.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Watch S1 is ideal for users who value a premium look and feel, appreciate a brighter display, and don't mind slightly shorter battery life. The Huawei Watch GT 3 is perfect for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking exceptional battery performance and accurate health monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
The Huawei Watch GT 3 generally offers more accurate and comprehensive health tracking, particularly with its SpO2 and ECG monitoring capabilities. However, the Xiaomi Watch S1 still provides a solid suite of fitness features.
❓ Can I make calls directly from these watches?
Yes, both watches support Bluetooth calling, allowing you to answer and make calls directly from your wrist when connected to your smartphone.
