The smartwatch market is booming, and two contenders consistently rise to the top: the Xiaomi Watch S2 and the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro. Both offer premium designs, advanced health tracking, and long battery life, but cater to slightly different user preferences. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro edges out the Xiaomi Watch S2 thanks to its superior build quality (especially the ceramic/titanium options), more refined health tracking algorithms, and slightly better battery optimization. However, the Xiaomi Watch S2 offers a more versatile app ecosystem and a more competitive price point.
| 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 | 2022, December 11 | 2022, April 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 11 | Available. Released 2022, May 05 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame | Sapphire crystal front, titanium frame or ceramic frame, ceramic back |
| Dimensions | 46 x 46 x 10.7 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.42 in) | 46.6 x 46.6 x 10.9 mm (1.83 x 1.83 x 0.43 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | - | 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 | - | 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 | No | No |
| 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-Po 530 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Light Gold | Silver |
| Models | - | ODN-B19, FRG-B19 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 200 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S2
- More affordable
- Larger app ecosystem
- Smooth performance (Snapdragon Wear 4100+)
- Good health tracking features
- Battery life slightly shorter than GT 3 Pro
- Build quality not as premium as GT 3 Pro
- Occasional software quirks
Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro
- Premium build quality (ceramic/titanium options)
- Excellent battery life
- Refined health tracking algorithms
- Stylish design
- Higher price
- Smaller app ecosystem compared to Xiaomi
- Occasional lag in performance
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro boasts slightly higher peak brightness, making it more visible in direct sunlight. The Xiaomi Watch S2's display is excellent, but the GT 3 Pro's is marginally better for outdoor use. Both offer customizable watch faces.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera, a common omission in this class of smartwatch. Users rely on their smartphones for photography.
Performance
The Xiaomi Watch S2 generally offers smoother performance due to its Snapdragon Wear 4100+ platform. The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro, while capable, can occasionally exhibit slight lag when navigating menus or launching apps. However, for basic smartwatch functions, both perform adequately.
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 S2 typically lasts around 7-10 days, depending on usage patterns and enabled features. The GT 3 Pro's battery optimization is a key advantage.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Watch S2 is ideal for users seeking a feature-rich smartwatch with a broader app selection and a more budget-friendly price. The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro is best suited for those prioritizing premium materials, refined health tracking, and a more polished overall experience, even at a higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro generally offers more accurate and refined health tracking, particularly for heart rate and sleep monitoring. However, the Xiaomi Watch S2 provides a wide range of sports modes.
❓ Can I install third-party apps on either watch?
The Xiaomi Watch S2 has a more extensive app store, offering greater flexibility. The Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro's app selection is more limited.
