In an era where wearable technology is becoming an essential part of daily life, the demand for affordable yet feature-rich smartwatches continues to soar, with over 60% of consumers seeking devices under $100 that still offer premium functionalities. Manufacturers face the challenge of balancing cost with innovation, and Xiaomi’s latest offering in the budget wearable segment promises to redefine expectations with a compelling mix of design and utility. This review explores how this smartwatch stands out in a crowded market, delivering upgrades that cater to modern user needs without breaking the bank.
Design and Build: Sleek and Sophisticated
The first aspect that catches attention is the refined design of this smartwatch. Measuring a compact 46.5 x 40.0 x 9.94mm, it boasts a slimmer profile compared to its predecessor, with a thickness of under 10mm that enhances comfort during extended wear. Weighing just 31g without the strap, it maintains a lightweight feel, making it barely noticeable on the wrist during daily activities or workouts.
Beyond dimensions, the build quality reflects a step up in aesthetics. Featuring an aluminum alloy unibody paired with a stainless steel crown, the device exudes a premium vibe uncommon in this price bracket. This combination not only elevates durability but also adds a touch of elegance, appealing to users who value style alongside functionality.
A standout addition is the customizable shortcut button, which introduces a new level of user interaction. Configurable for single-click, double-click, and long-press actions, it defaults to accessing the control center, opening the power menu, and initiating emergency contact calls. This practical feature allows for quick access to essential functions, tailoring the experience to individual preferences.
Display Quality: Brighter and More Immersive
Turning to the visual experience, the smartwatch sports a 2.07-inch OLED display with rounded corners, ensuring crisp and vibrant visuals. A significant upgrade lies in its peak brightness of 2,000 nits, a marked improvement over the 1,500 nits of the earlier model. This enhancement guarantees excellent visibility even under harsh sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Another subtle yet impactful change is the reduction in bezel size. By trimming down the borders, the device achieves a smaller overall footprint while preserving ample screen real estate. This design tweak not only modernizes the look but also creates a more immersive viewing experience, allowing users to focus on content without distractions.
Battery Performance: Endurance for Every Lifestyle
Battery life remains a critical factor for any wearable, and this device does not disappoint. Equipped with a 550mAh battery, it offers impressive endurance tailored to varying usage patterns. For light use, it can last up to 24 days, while enabling health tracking reduces this to 12 days, and activating the Always On Display brings it to 7 days.
This flexibility ensures that the smartwatch caters to a wide range of user needs, from minimalists who prioritize longevity to active individuals relying on constant monitoring. Xiaomi’s focus on power efficiency strikes a balance, allowing the device to support robust features without frequent recharging, a key selling point in the budget category.
Features and Functionality: Packed with Versatility
Delving into functionality, the smartwatch excels with a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking tools. It includes heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen measurement, and sleep analysis, alongside support for over 150 sports modes. With a 5ATM water resistance rating, it is suitable for aquatic activities like snorkeling, even offering underwater heart rate tracking for added precision.
Connectivity is another strong suit, powered by HyperOS 3 and Bluetooth 5.4 for seamless integration with smartphones. Smart features such as QR-based payments, NFC for digital passes and car keys, and quick replies to messages on platforms like WeChat enhance daily convenience. The ability to install third-party apps, including utilities like Flightradar24 or casual games like 2048, further boosts its appeal for tech enthusiasts.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the inclusion of dual L1 antennas marks a notable upgrade in positioning accuracy. This improvement ensures reliable location tracking during activities like hiking or running, addressing a common pain point in budget wearables where precision often falls short. Such enhancements make the device a versatile companion for diverse lifestyles.
Market Position and Limitations: Availability Challenges
Despite its strengths, the smartwatch currently faces a geographical constraint, being available exclusively in China. This limitation restricts access for international consumers eager to experience its offerings. Additionally, the absence of eSIM support means it lacks standalone capabilities, requiring a paired smartphone for full functionality.
Looking at market trends, a global rollout seems plausible, given Xiaomi’s history of expanding successful products beyond initial launch regions. While no official announcement has confirmed this, the precedent set by previous models suggests potential availability in other markets within the next year or two, likely between 2025 and 2027, pending strategic decisions.
Final Verdict: A Budget Contender with Promise
Reflecting on the comprehensive evaluation, this smartwatch carves a strong niche with its thoughtful upgrades and maintained affordability. Its sleeker design, enhanced display, and innovative features like the shortcut button deliver a user experience that punches above its price class. The robust battery life and versatile functionality further solidify its appeal across different user demographics.
For those in accessible markets, it presents an excellent value proposition, blending style with utility. Moving forward, stakeholders and consumers alike should monitor Xiaomi’s plans for a broader release, as expanding availability could position this device as a game-changer in the global budget wearable segment. Additionally, addressing limitations like eSIM integration in future iterations could unlock even greater potential, ensuring it meets evolving user demands.
