The smartwatch market is booming, and two contenders vying for your wrist are the Xiaomi Watch S2 and the Huawei Watch 4 Pro. Both offer premium designs, advanced health tracking, and seamless smartphone integration, but which one truly reigns supreme? Let's break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Watch 4 Pro edges out the Xiaomi Watch S2 thanks to its superior health tracking capabilities, particularly its advanced SpO2 monitoring and ECG functionality. While the Xiaomi offers a sleek design and competitive price, the Huawei's robust feature set and longer battery life make it the overall winner for serious health enthusiasts.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | N/A |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 / 800 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 11 | 2023, May 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 11 | Available. Released 2023, June 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame | Glass front, ceramic back, TC4 titanium frame |
| Dimensions | 46 x 46 x 10.7 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.42 in) | 47.6 x 47.6 x 12.9 mm (1.87 x 1.87 x 0.51 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | - | 65 g (2.29 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM) | 50m water resistant
5 ATM
Compatible with standard 22mm straps |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 466 x 466 pixels (~310 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.5 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| | - | * the display resolution is unconfirmed
Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Proprietary OS | HarmonyOS 3.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 32GB 2GB 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 (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (market/region dependent) |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), body composition (BMI) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, compass, SpO2, thermometer (body temperature) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 500 mAh | Li-Ion |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Light Gold | Titanium |
| Models | - | MDS-AL00, MDS-AL10 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 550 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S2
- Sleek and stylish design
- Competitive price
- Good fitness tracking features
- Wireless charging
- Shorter battery life compared to Huawei
- Zepp OS can feel limited
- Occasional performance lag
Huawei Watch 4 Pro
- Advanced health tracking (ECG, SpO2)
- Longer battery life
- Bright and vibrant display
- Rugged and premium design
- HarmonyOS offers smooth performance
- Higher price point
- Limited app ecosystem compared to Wear OS
- Huawei ecosystem lock-in
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Huawei Watch 4 Pro boasts a slightly larger screen size and brighter peak brightness, making it easier to read outdoors. The Xiaomi Watch S2's display is still excellent, offering crisp visuals and customizable watch faces.
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 4 Pro generally offers smoother performance thanks to its HarmonyOS and optimized software. The Xiaomi Watch S2, running Zepp OS, can occasionally experience minor lag, especially when navigating complex menus or using third-party apps. Both handle basic smartwatch functions flawlessly.
Battery Life
The Huawei Watch 4 Pro consistently delivers longer battery life, often lasting 4-5 days on a single charge with moderate usage. The Xiaomi Watch S2 typically lasts around 2-3 days, depending on usage patterns and enabled features.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Watch S2 is ideal for users prioritizing style and a more affordable price point, who want a good all-around smartwatch experience without needing the most advanced health features. The Huawei Watch 4 Pro is perfect for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals who demand comprehensive health tracking, including ECG and SpO2 monitoring, and appreciate a rugged, premium design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Huawei Watch 4 Pro support ECG?
Yes, the Huawei Watch 4 Pro features ECG (electrocardiogram) monitoring, allowing users to track their heart rhythm and detect potential irregularities. However, availability may vary by region due to regulatory approvals.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Watch S2 compatible with iOS?
While the Xiaomi Watch S2 primarily focuses on Android compatibility, it does offer limited iOS support. You can receive notifications and basic fitness data, but full functionality is restricted.
