The Xiaomi Watch S series has quickly become a popular choice for those seeking a stylish and feature-rich smartwatch. But with the newer S2 arriving, is it worth upgrading from the S1? This comprehensive comparison will delve into every aspect, helping you decide which smartwatch best suits your lifestyle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Watch S2 offers subtle but meaningful improvements over the S1, including a slightly larger display, enhanced health tracking, and a refined design. While the S1 remains a solid option, the S2's upgrades justify the price difference for those seeking the latest and greatest.
| 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, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 31 | Available. Released 2022, December 11 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame, plastic back | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 46.5 x 46.5 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) | 46 x 46 x 10.7 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 53 g (1.87 oz) | - |
| | Waterproof (5ATM) | Waterproof (5ATM) |
| 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 | Proprietary OS |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified storage | - |
| 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, GALILEO, BDS, 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, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), body composition (BMI) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 470 mAh | Li-Po 500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver | Black, Silver, Light Gold |
| Models | M2108W1 | - |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 150 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S1
- Premium design and build quality
- Excellent value for money
- Comprehensive health tracking features
- Wireless charging
- Slightly smaller display compared to S2
- Battery life could be better
- No built-in camera
Xiaomi Watch S2
- Larger and more immersive display
- Improved battery life
- Refined design with thinner bezels
- Enhanced health tracking algorithms
- Higher price point
- Performance gains over S1 are minimal
- No built-in camera
Display Comparison
The Xiaomi Watch S2 boasts a larger 1.43-inch AMOLED display compared to the S1's 1.39-inch screen. Both offer vibrant colors and excellent clarity, but the S2's extra real estate provides a more comfortable viewing experience, especially for notifications and workout data. The S2 also has slightly thinner bezels.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera. This is a consistent omission in the Xiaomi smartwatch lineup.
Performance
Both watches utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100+ platform, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and app navigation. However, the S2 benefits from minor software optimizations, resulting in marginally faster response times. Real-world usage differences are minimal.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Watch S2 offers slightly improved battery life, typically lasting around 2-3 days with moderate usage, compared to the S1's 1.5-2 days. This improvement is attributed to power efficiency enhancements in the S2's chipset and software.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Watch S1? Those on a tighter budget who still want a premium-feeling smartwatch with essential features. Who should buy the Xiaomi Watch S2? Users seeking a more immersive display, improved health tracking capabilities, and a slightly more modern aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Xiaomi Watch S2 a significant upgrade over the S1?
Yes, the S2 offers improvements in display size, battery life, and design, making it a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking the latest features and a more premium experience.
❓ Does either watch have a built-in camera?
No, neither the Xiaomi Watch S1 nor the S2 includes a built-in camera.
❓ What are the key health tracking features offered by these watches?
Both watches offer heart rate monitoring, SpO2 (blood oxygen) tracking, sleep monitoring, stress tracking, and various workout modes. The S2 has slightly more advanced algorithms for improved accuracy.