The smartwatch market is booming, and two contenders vying for your wrist are the Xiaomi Watch S1 and the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro. Both offer premium designs, advanced health tracking, and wireless charging, but which one truly delivers the best experience? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro edges out the Xiaomi Watch S1 thanks to its superior build quality (especially the ceramic/titanium options), more refined software, and slightly better battery life. However, the Xiaomi Watch S1 offers a more competitive price and a vibrant display, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers.
| 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 | 2022, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 31 | Available. Released 2022, May 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame, plastic back | Sapphire crystal front, titanium frame or ceramic frame, ceramic back |
| Dimensions | 46.5 x 46.5 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 46.6 x 46.6 x 10.9 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 53 g (1.87 oz) | 50 g (43mm) / 54 g (46mm) (1.76 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM) | 30m water resistant
5 ATM
IP68
Compatible with standard 22mm straps (46mm model), 20mm straps (43mm model)
ECG certified |
| 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 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified storage | 32GB |
| 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 (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 530 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Silver |
| Models | M2108W1 | ODN-B19, FRG-B19 |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S1
- Larger, brighter display
- Competitive price
- Comprehensive health tracking features
- Wireless charging
- Occasional software lag
- Shorter battery life compared to GT 3 Pro
- Less premium build materials (compared to GT 3 Pro's high-end options)
Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro
- Premium build quality (ceramic/titanium options)
- Refined HarmonyOS software
- Longer battery life
- Elegant design
- Higher price
- Smaller display compared to S1
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Wear OS
Display Comparison
Both watches feature AMOLED displays, but the Xiaomi Watch S1 boasts a slightly larger screen size (1.97 inches vs 1.43 inches on the GT 3 Pro). The S1's display is also noticeably brighter, making it easier to read outdoors. The GT 3 Pro, however, has a more refined color accuracy and potentially better viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera, a common omission in this price range. Users will need to rely on their smartphones for capturing photos and videos.
Performance
The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro generally feels smoother and more responsive due to Huawei's HarmonyOS. The Xiaomi Watch S1, running a proprietary OS, can occasionally exhibit minor lag, especially when navigating through menus. Both handle fitness tracking and notifications without issue.
Battery Life
The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro consistently delivers longer battery life, often exceeding the advertised 14 days with typical usage. The Xiaomi Watch S1 typically lasts around 7-10 days, depending on usage patterns and enabled features.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Watch S1 is ideal for users seeking a feature-rich smartwatch with a large, bright display at a more accessible price point. The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro is best suited for those prioritizing premium materials, a polished user experience, and extended battery life, even if it comes at a higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
Both offer extensive fitness tracking, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and various workout modes. The GT 3 Pro might have slightly more advanced features like blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) monitoring and ECG.
❓ Can I receive notifications on both watches?
Yes, both watches support notification mirroring from your smartphone. You can receive calls, texts, and app notifications directly on your wrist.
