The ZTE Watch Live and Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite represent the entry point for many into the world of smartwatches. Both aim to deliver core functionality – notifications, fitness tracking, and basic health monitoring – without breaking the bank. This comparison dissects their features, performance, and value proposition to determine which offers the most compelling package for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent fitness tracking and reliable notifications, the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite emerges as the slightly better choice. While specific specs are limited, Xiaomi’s established ecosystem and generally more refined software experience give it an edge over the ZTE Watch Live, which lacks detailed public information.
| 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 | 2020, November 27. Released 2020, December 03 | 2020, December 10. Released 2020, December 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 40.6 x 34.6 x 10.8 mm (1.60 x 1.36 x 0.43 in) | 41 x 35 x 11.9 mm (1.61 x 1.38 x 0.47 in) |
| SIM | No | No |
| Weight | 35.7 g (1.27 oz) | 35 g (1.23 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant | Waterproof (5ATM)
50m water resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 240 pixels (~261 ppi density) | 320 x 320 pixels (~323 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.3 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) |
| 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 | No | No |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion 230 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Blue, Ivory |
| Models | ES43C | - |
| Price | About 30 EUR | About 70 EUR |
ZTE Watch Live
- Potentially lower price point
- Basic smartwatch functionality
- Simple and easy to use interface (assumed)
- Limited information available
- Potentially less refined software
- Uncertainty regarding long-term software support
Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite
- Established brand reputation
- Dedicated sports modes
- Heart rate monitoring
- Likely better software optimization
- Proprietary charging cable
- Limited app ecosystem
- Display may not be as vibrant as higher-end models
Display Comparison
Given the price point of both devices, we anticipate both utilizing TFT LCD panels. The Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite likely benefits from a slightly larger display size (around 1.4 inches versus a potential 1.3 inch on the ZTE Watch Live), offering more screen real estate for viewing notifications and fitness data. Color accuracy is expected to be similar, leaning towards functional rather than color-critical. Bezels are likely to be noticeable on both, a common trade-off in this price bracket. The Mi Watch Lite’s brightness is likely higher, improving outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Neither the ZTE Watch Live nor the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite include cameras. This is standard for budget smartwatches, as adding a camera would significantly increase cost and complexity without adding substantial value for the target user.
Performance
Without specific chipset details, it’s reasonable to assume both watches employ low-power ARM Cortex-M series processors. The Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite, benefiting from Xiaomi’s software optimization, likely delivers a smoother user experience and faster response times when navigating menus and accessing features. RAM capacity is likely similar (around 32MB-64MB), but Xiaomi’s software efficiency could translate to better multitasking performance. Thermal management isn’t a significant concern for these devices, as their processing demands are minimal.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature battery capacities around 230mAh. The Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite, with its optimized software and potentially more efficient processor, is expected to offer slightly longer battery life – potentially up to 7-10 days with typical use, compared to 5-7 days for the ZTE Watch Live. Charging times are likely similar, taking around 2-3 hours for a full charge via a proprietary magnetic charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Watch Live if you need a basic, functional smartwatch and are comfortable with limited information regarding its internal components and software support. It's likely geared towards users who simply want timekeeping and call/message alerts. Buy the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite if you prefer a more feature-rich experience with dedicated sports modes, heart rate monitoring, and a more established brand reputation for software updates and reliability within the budget smartwatch segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How accurate is the heart rate monitoring on the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite compared to dedicated chest straps?
While the Mi Watch Lite's optical heart rate sensor is suitable for general fitness tracking, it won't match the accuracy of a dedicated chest strap, especially during high-intensity workouts. Expect some variance, particularly with rapid heart rate changes. It's best used for trend analysis rather than precise measurements.
❓ Can I reply to text messages directly on either the ZTE Watch Live or the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite?
Neither the ZTE Watch Live nor the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite offer direct text message reply functionality. They can display notifications, but you'll need to use your smartphone to respond. This is a common limitation in the budget smartwatch category.
❓ Is the ZTE Watch Live compatible with iPhones?
Compatibility with iPhones for the ZTE Watch Live is uncertain due to limited official information. The Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite generally offers better iOS compatibility, allowing for basic notification mirroring and call alerts, but full feature parity with Android is not guaranteed.
❓ What sports modes are available on the Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite?
The Xiaomi Mi Watch Lite offers a range of dedicated sports modes, including running, walking, cycling, swimming, and more. These modes track metrics like distance, pace, and calories burned, providing a more tailored fitness tracking experience.
