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 S2 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 lead thanks to its more powerful processor, robust health tracking features, and seamless integration with the Android ecosystem. While the Xiaomi Watch S2 boasts a sleek design and competitive price, the Galaxy Watch5 offers a more polished and feature-rich experience overall.
| 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 | 2022, December 11 | 2022, August 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 11 | Available. Released 2022, August 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame | Glass front (Sapphire crystal), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 46 x 46 x 10.7 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.42 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | - | 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 | - | 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 | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), body composition (BMI) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, thermometer (skin temperature) |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | 10W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 500 mAh | Li-Ion 410 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Light Gold | Graphite, Silver, Pink Gold, Sapphire |
| Models | - | SM-R915F, SM-R905F |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 170 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S2
- Sleek and stylish design
- Rotating crown for easy navigation
- Competitive price
- Good value for basic fitness tracking
- Less powerful processor
- Limited app ecosystem
- Battery life could be better
Samsung Galaxy Watch5
- Powerful Exynos W920 chipset
- Advanced health tracking features (ECG, BIA)
- Seamless Android integration
- Bright and vibrant display
- Good battery life
- Higher price point
- Samsung ecosystem lock-in
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Galaxy Watch5's slightly higher resolution and brighter panel give it a visual edge. The Xiaomi Watch S2's rotating crown offers a unique and intuitive navigation method.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera, a common omission in this category. Users rely on their smartphones for photography.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5's Exynos W920 chipset provides noticeably faster performance and smoother multitasking compared to the Xiaomi Watch S2. App loading times are quicker, and the overall user experience feels more responsive.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Watch5 generally offers slightly better battery life, lasting around 1.5-2 days with moderate use, while the Xiaomi Watch S2 typically requires charging every 1-1.5 days. Both support wireless charging.
Buying Guide
The Xiaomi Watch S2 is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize aesthetics and basic fitness tracking. The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 is perfect for Android users seeking advanced health monitoring, a smoother user experience, and tighter integration with the Samsung ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which watch is better for fitness tracking?
The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 offers more comprehensive fitness tracking features, including ECG, BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis), and advanced sleep monitoring.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Watch S2 compatible with iPhones?
While the Xiaomi Watch S2 can pair with iPhones, functionality is limited compared to Android devices. You'll miss out on some features and notifications.
