Xiaomi Watch S1 vs Xiaomi Watch S1 Active: Comparison of the best Xiaomi smartwatches for Europe

New smartwatches with card payment support have also reached the European market. This is a pair of models Xiaomi Watch S1 and Xiaomi Watch S1 Active. Each model targets a slightly different user group, has a different design, and also a different retail price.

But how does this pair turn out in a direct comparison of the most important features? That’s exactly what we’ll try to answer in today’s comparison article.

These are the technical specifications: Xiaomi Watch S1 vs Xiaomi Watch S1 Active

This is what the pair of watches looks like in the comparison video:

Design and display: 1.43″ touch AMOLED

Generally speaking, watches designed mainly for sports activities have a simple design with a silicone strap. Xiaomi Watch S1 Active is no exception. The watch’s plastic (polyamide) body is complemented by a lightweight metal frame for the display, physical control buttons, a replaceable strap, and a 1.43″ AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels.

This display is covered with a more specifically unspecified protective glass, but it will at least protect you from damage thanks to the raised edge with button function labels, or a kind of static bezel.

The different design comes with the Xiaomi Watch S1 model. It’s an elegant watch with black stainless steel (316L type) and a sapphire-protected display glass. It doesn’t have a protective bezel; symbols for the minute hand are shown around the display edges, which you’ll especially appreciate if you’re a fan of an analog dial.

What’s more, the leather strap is replaceable and the display technology itself matches the Active model. So you get a 1.43″ AMOLED panel with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. Control is complemented in both cases by a pair of physical buttons.

Sensors and activity tracking: Up to 117 sports

When it comes to health monitoring, the sensors on both watches—Xiaomi Watch S1 and Watch S1 Active—are identical. The lineup includes continuous heart rate monitoring (24/7), a blood oxygen measurement sensor (SpO2), a sensor for measuring atmospheric pressure, and also a sensor for detecting ambient light. You also get an accelerometer, gyroscope, or a geomagnetic sensor.

Sports activities are the perfect use case for these two watches. Both models support monitoring of up to 117 different sports (including 19 professional ones, with automatic recognition). In addition, you also get step count, calories burned, stress monitoring, and sleep tracking. You can view the results of these activities clearly in your mobile app, which we’ll talk about in the next chapter.

Connectivity and durability: Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 connection

The specs of Xiaomi’s two new European watches are impressive even from a connectivity standpoint. You get Wi‑Fi connectivity, specifically the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n standard (2.4 GHz), plus Bluetooth technology in the 5.2 BLE version.

The last-mentioned one ensures fast and smooth pairing with the new mobile app Mi Fitness, Xiaomi’s latest project. This app gives you an overview of your stats, but it also lets you measure activity or browse the watch’s settings.

The watch body, both the Xiaomi Watch S1 and the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, has enhanced resistance to water and dust. The manufacturer reveals this durability via the 5 ATM standard.

Payments via NFC and other features

Another big advantage of these new models is the built-in NFC chip. This chip also supports mobile payments—officially in Europe as well—through Mastercard with selected partners. If you don’t use this service, you can get around it via Curve. A detailed guide to paying with Xiaomi watches and fitness wearables you can find in the following link.

The Xiaomi Watch S1, as well as the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active, also supports the MIUI system designed for wearable electronics. You can choose from several designs for the home screen, support for the Czech language, and even the option to add selected apps.

The system also supports accepting or rejecting calls with the caller’s name displayed. And with the Watch S1, thanks to the built-in microphone and speaker, you can even make voice phone calls.

A benefit of the more advanced model Xiaomi Watch S1 is also support for wireless charging. The wireless charger with a USB Type-C connector is included directly in the package, so on the go you only need a single cable (for example, from your phone). However, if your phone, e.g., Xiaomi 12 Pro, also supports reverse charging, the watch can be charged from the back of the smartphone—or even on another wireless charger.

Battery capacity and endurance on a single charge

Both smartwatches use the same battery with a capacity of 470 mAh. Since they have the same display and very similar features, the battery life on a single charge will be around 12 – 24 days in both cases (depending on how intensively you use them).

Watch S1 Active uses magnetic charging pins for charging, and the magnetic charger is included right in the box. Watch S1 supports wireless charging.

Retail price: Is it cheaper—and better?

If we look at the selling price, the choice is clear. The cheaper and better-value option is the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active. These watches are sold at a recommended retail price of 169 €, but with a discount coupon, the price can drop even further.

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Updated 11. 11. 2023 on 11:11

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1. Copy the code and click GET THE DISCOUNTIn our article, copy the coupon and click the button GET THE DISCOUNT. The link will take you directly to the product in the AliExpress app.
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A more luxurious and elegant—but also more expensive—option is the Xiaomi Watch S1. This model is aiming for the premium segment of smartwatches. It has sapphire protective glass, but the vast majority of the technical specs are the same as in the cheaper Active version. So whether the added cost is worth it is up to you, because the selling price of these watches has increased to as much as €229.

Final verdict on smartwatches: Xiaomi Watch S1 vs Xiaomi Watch S1 Active

The smart watch Xiaomi Watch S1 is aimed at a different audience than Xiaomi Watch S1 Active. Xiaomi Watch S1 Active will appeal thanks to its low price, yet you still get the same sharp and delicate AMOLED display and a wide range of sports modes. On the other hand, Xiaomi Watch S1 is more expensive, but you get a bit more in the package for your investment—most of all a more versatile, and especially elegant, design, with a leather strap, a sapphire crystal, and increased 5 ATM durability.

Which Xiaomi smart watch do you like more? Are you considering buying the Xiaomi Watch S1 or S1 Active? If you have any other questions, feel free to write them to us below, in the discussion under the article. Also, follow our Facebook group: Xiaomi Planet – A place for true Xiaomi fans and also our Xiaomi Planet portal to learn more.