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 and the rugged Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which wearable best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro offers superior performance, advanced health tracking, and a more durable design. However, the Xiaomi Watch S1 provides a compelling alternative with a sleek aesthetic and a more accessible price point. For serious athletes and health enthusiasts, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is the clear winner.
| 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), titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 46.5 x 46.5 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 45.4 x 45.4 x 10.5 mm (1.79 x 1.79 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 53 g (1.87 oz) | 46.5 g (1.66 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM) | MIL-STD-810H compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
*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 (body temperature) |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 470 mAh | Li-Ion 590 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Black Titanium, Gray Titanium |
| Models | M2108W1 | SM-R925F |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S1
- Stylish Design
- Affordable Price
- Wireless Charging
- Good Value
- Less Powerful Processor
- Limited App Ecosystem
- Durability Concerns
Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro
- Superior Performance
- Advanced Health Tracking (ECG, Blood Oxygen)
- Durable Titanium Case & Sapphire Crystal
- Longer Battery Life
- Wear OS Powered
- Higher Price
- Bulky Design for Some
- Limited Customization Compared to Some Wear OS Watches
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Galaxy Watch5 Pro boasts a slightly larger screen size and enhanced outdoor visibility thanks to its sapphire crystal glass. The Xiaomi Watch S1's display is excellent, but the Pro's durability and brightness give it an edge.
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 Pro's Exynos W920 chipset provides significantly faster and smoother performance compared to the Xiaomi Watch S1. App loading times are quicker, and overall responsiveness is noticeably better. The Pro's dual-core processor handles demanding tasks with ease.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch5 Pro generally offers longer battery life, especially in typical usage scenarios. While both support wireless charging, the Pro's larger battery capacity provides a more extended runtime, particularly beneficial for GPS-intensive activities.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Watch S1 is ideal for users prioritizing style, affordability, and basic smartwatch functionality. It's a great choice for those new to smartwatches or seeking a fashionable accessory. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is best suited for outdoor adventurers, fitness enthusiasts, and users who demand top-tier performance, robust health tracking, and exceptional durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro worth the extra cost?
If you're a serious athlete or prioritize advanced health tracking and durability, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro's premium features and robust build justify the higher price. Otherwise, the Xiaomi Watch S1 offers excellent value for basic smartwatch needs.
❓ Which watch has better health tracking features?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro has a more comprehensive suite of health tracking features, including ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, body composition analysis, and advanced sleep tracking. The Xiaomi Watch S1 offers standard health tracking but lacks some of the Pro's advanced capabilities.
