The Xiaomi Watch 2 is a strong contender in the Wear OS ecosystem, offering an appealing mix of features, design, and affordability. Originally launched with Wear OS 3.5 and later updated to Wear OS 4, it’s clear that Xiaomi is working hard to catch up to its competition. However, it still has some distance to cover, particularly when compared to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra, which launched with Wear OS 5.
Design: Simplicity Over Flash
The Xiaomi Watch 2 stands out with its sleek and minimalist design, giving it a more traditional watch feel compared to the often over-designed, tech-heavy competitors. While it matches the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro in specs, it comes at a more budget-friendly price and opts for a simpler, more refined aesthetic. In contrast, the Galaxy Watch 7, with its plastic build, and the bulky Ultra model, can feel more like gadgets than timepieces. Xiaomi’s watch is lightweight, comfortable, and versatile enough for both casual and formal settings. The included strap is fairly basic, but can easily be replaced with any 22mm strap, giving users the freedom to customize its look.
Battery Life: Good, but Not Great
When it comes to battery life, the Xiaomi Watch 2 offers around two days of usage on a single charge. This is an improvement over Samsung’s Galaxy Watch models, which average around 1.5 days, but it’s still far from what some competitors like the OnePlus Watch 2R and TicWatch Pro 5 can achieve, lasting 4-5 days on a charge. While the Xiaomi Watch 2 does a good job in this area, its battery life doesn’t stand out in a crowded market.
Processor and Performance
The Xiaomi Watch 2, OnePlus Watch 2R, and TicWatch Pro 5 all feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset, delivering smooth performance and impressive power efficiency. Having tried all of these alongside the Galaxy Watch 6, the Xiaomi Watch 2 feels the most snappy, offering the best response times and overall performance. While Samsung’s Exynos W1000 chip is competent, it doesn’t match the smoothness of Xiaomi’s offering.
Features and Performance
Running Wear OS 4, the Xiaomi Watch 2 offers a solid user experience with the essential features like fitness tracking, notifications, and Google Assistant integration. However, in terms of software polish and exclusive features, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup takes the lead. The Galaxy Watch 7 and Ultra provide a more refined experience with exclusive features like the Samsung Health ecosystem, which is deeply integrated into the watch’s interface, and superior app optimization. Xiaomi’s offering feels a bit basic in comparison.
Comparing Key Specs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Clean, minimalist design that suits various occasions.
- Longer battery life than Samsung’s Galaxy Watch models.
- Competitive pricing in comparison to premium smartwatches.
- Runs Wear OS 4 with a solid app ecosystem.
Cons:
- Behind Samsung in terms of software polish and exclusive features.
- Battery life is still behind competitors like OnePlus and TicWatch.
- Lacks standout features to make it a must-have in a crowded market.
- Build quality is decent but doesn’t compete with the premium feel of the Galaxy Watch Ultra or TicWatch Pro 5.
Final Verdict
The Xiaomi Watch 2 is a solid, budget-friendly Wear OS smartwatch that’s perfect for those who prioritize design and affordability. While it doesn’t lead the pack in performance, software, or battery life, it offers a well-rounded experience that should suit many users. For those who are more focused on software features, performance, or battery life, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup or other competitors like the OnePlus Watch 2R may be better choices.