Xiaomi Watch S3: A Comprehensive Review
The Xiaomi Watch S3, released on October 28, 2023, has quickly made a name for itself in the crowded smartwatch market. Known for its affordability, premium build, and robust feature set, the Watch S3 aims to provide a comprehensive smartwatch experience without breaking the bank. This review delves into its various aspects, highlighting both its strengths and areas for improvement.
Design and Build Quality: Premium Feel at an Affordable Price
The Xiaomi Watch S3 sports a circular design with a 47mm aluminum alloy frame and a stainless steel bezel, giving it a premium look and feel. Weighing just 44 grams and with a thickness of 12mm, it strikes a balance between sturdiness and comfort. The detachable bezel adds a layer of customization, allowing users to change the watch's look to match their style. Available in black, silver, and brown, the Watch S3 caters to various tastes.
Display: Crisp and Clear
Featuring a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466x466 pixels, the Watch S3 offers a sharp and vibrant viewing experience. The display, protected by scratch and drop-proof glass, boasts a peak brightness of 600 nits, ensuring readability even in bright sunlight. The AMOLED technology ensures deep blacks and vivid colors, enhancing the overall visual experience.
Performance and Battery Life: Power to Last
The Xiaomi Watch S3 runs on HyperOS, providing a smooth and lag-free user experience. The watch is equipped with a 486mAh battery, capable of lasting up to two weeks on a single charge under typical usage conditions. Even with all features enabled, users can expect four to five days of battery life, making it a reliable companion for daily activities and outdoor adventures. Charging is quick, with the proprietary magnetic charger fully juicing up the battery in about an hour.
Connectivity and Versions: Options for Everyone
The Watch S3 comes in multiple versions to suit different markets: eSIM & NFC for China, Bluetooth & NFC for China, and Bluetooth only for international users. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, providing seamless connectivity options. Bluetooth 5.2 ensures stable connections with smartphones, while the NFC functionality, although region-dependent, allows for contactless payments.
Health and Fitness Tracking: Comprehensive Monitoring
Packed with sensors like an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, barometer, heart rate monitor, and SpO2 sensor, the Watch S3 excels in health and fitness tracking. It supports over 150 sports modes, catering to various activities from running to swimming, thanks to its 5ATM water resistance. The dual-band GNSS (L1+L5) ensures accurate location tracking, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
Xiaomi Watch S3 Technical Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Xiaomi Watch S3 |
| Release Date | October 28, 2023 |
| Dimensions | 47 x 47 x 12 mm |
| Weight | 44 g |
| Build | Aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel bezel |
| Display Type | AMOLED |
| Display Size | 1.43 inches |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels |
| Brightness | 600 nits |
| Protection | Scratch/drop-proof glass |
| Operating System | HyperOS |
| SIM | eSIM (market/region dependent) |
| Water Resistance | 5 ATM |
| Battery | Li-Po 486 mAh, non-removable |
| Charging | Magnetic two-pin charger, full charge in ~1 hour |
| Connectivity Versions | eSIM & NFC (China), Bluetooth & NFC (China), Bluetooth only (International) |
| Network | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| WLAN | No |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Colors | Black, Silver, Brown |
| Models | M2313W1, M2311W1 |
| Price | €120.00 |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| 3.5mm Jack | No |
| Camera | No |
| USB | No |
| Sound | Loudspeaker |
| Microphone | Yes |
| Strap Material | Fluororubber |
| Customization | Interchangeable bezels and straps |
| Health Monitoring Features | Heart rate monitor, Blood oxygen monitor, Sleep tracking, Stress monitoring |
| Fitness Tracking Features | Step counter, Calories burned, Distance traveled, Workout modes, Swim tracking |
| Smart Features | Music control, Call handling, Notifications, Voice assistant |
| Compatibility | Android 8 or later, iOS 12 or later |
| Third-Party Apps | No |
| Payment System | Xiaomi Pay (limited to specific Mastercards) |
| Voice Assistant | Amazon Alexa (requires signing in to Amazon account) |
| Health Data Sync | Google Fit, Apple Health, Strava, Suunto |
| Additional Features | Music controls, Dialer app, Notes app, Compass, Camera shutter control |
| Pros | Affordable, Premium design, Long battery life, Customizable design |
| Cons | Limited app compatibility, No dedicated digital assistant, No support for Google apps |
Smart Features: A Mixed Bag
The Watch S3 mirrors notifications from your phone, allowing you to stay connected without constantly checking your device. It also features a microphone and speaker for call handling, although sound quality is best reserved for emergencies. The NFC wallet supports Xiaomi Pay, but its compatibility is limited to specific Mastercards. One major downside is the lack of third-party app support, restricting the smartwatch's versatility compared to competitors.
Sleep and Wellness Tracking
The redesigned sleep app on the Galaxy Watch6 provides detailed insights directly on the watch. It tracks various sleep metrics, including skin temperature and blood oxygen levels, helping users improve their sleep quality with personalized coaching based on their sleep patterns.
Customization: Tailor Your Look
One of the standout features of the Xiaomi Watch S3 is its customizable bezels and straps. This unique design element allows users to change both the bezel and strap, effectively transforming the watch's appearance. With over 100 watch faces to choose from, users can tailor the watch to match their outfit or mood, making it a versatile accessory.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the Budget Segment
The Xiaomi Watch S3 is an excellent option for those seeking a premium smartwatch experience at an affordable price. Its impressive battery life, robust health tracking features, and customizable design make it a standout choice. However, the limitations in app compatibility and software polish might be a deal-breaker for some. Overall, the Watch S3 offers great value and is a solid choice for anyone in the market for a new smartwatch.
