The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Xiaomi Watch S1 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch5. Both offer a blend of style and functionality, but which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 takes the crown thanks to its superior performance, robust health tracking features, and seamless integration with the Android ecosystem. While the Xiaomi Watch S1 offers a stylish design and competitive price, the Galaxy Watch5's overall capabilities make it the better choice for most users.
| 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 | 2021, December 28 | 2022, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 31 | Available. Released 2022, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame, plastic back | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 46.5 x 46.5 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 53 g (1.87 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 | 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 | 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 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 470 mAh | Li-Ion 410 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire |
| Models | M2108W1 | SM-R915F, SM-R905F |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S1
- Stylish Design
- Competitive Price
- Wireless Charging
- Good Value
- Less Powerful Processor
- Limited App Ecosystem
- Health Tracking Less Comprehensive
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- Powerful Performance (Exynos W920)
- Advanced Health Tracking (ECG, BIA)
- Seamless Android Integration
- Faster Wireless Charging (10W)
- Higher Price
- Battery Life Could Be Better with Heavy Use
- Samsung Ecosystem Lock-in
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Galaxy Watch5 generally offers slightly better brightness and color accuracy. The Xiaomi Watch S1's display is still excellent, but the Samsung's is a touch more refined.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera, so this is a draw. Both rely on smartphone connectivity for photography.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5's Exynos W920 chipset provides a noticeable performance boost over the Xiaomi Watch S1. Apps launch faster, and the overall user experience feels smoother. The Galaxy Watch5 handles demanding tasks with ease.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch5 typically offers slightly better battery life than the Xiaomi Watch S1, especially with heavy usage. Both require wireless charging, with the Galaxy Watch5 supporting 10W charging for faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Watch S1? Users seeking a stylish, affordable smartwatch with a focus on design and basic fitness tracking. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch5? Android users prioritizing advanced health features, performance, and seamless integration with the Samsung ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Xiaomi Watch S1 have NFC for payments?
Yes, the Xiaomi Watch S1 supports NFC for contactless payments, but availability may vary by region.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 compatible with iOS?
While the Galaxy Watch5 connects via Bluetooth, its full functionality is best experienced with an Android smartphone. iOS compatibility is limited.
❓ What health features are available on the Samsung Galaxy Watch5?
The Galaxy Watch5 offers a wide range of health features including heart rate monitoring, ECG, body composition analysis (BIA), sleep tracking, and blood oxygen monitoring.
❓ How long does the Xiaomi Watch S1's battery last?
The Xiaomi Watch S1 typically lasts around 12 days in standard mode and 8 days in power-saving mode.
