Overview
Xiaomi’s selection of watches can be a bit complex compared to other brands. They offer both proprietary OS wearables, like the Watch S3 and Smart Band 8 Pro, and full-fledged Wear OS watches, like the Watch 2 Pro and the focus of our review – the Watch 2.
So, what sets the Xiaomi Watch 2 apart from its Pro counterpart, which was reviewed in October? The most noticeable difference is the aluminum casing, which is lighter at 36.8 grams compared to the stainless steel case of the Watch 2 Pro, which weighs 54.5 grams. Additionally, the Pro features a push-down-rotating crown along with its two buttons, while the Watch 2 only has buttons. The strap on the non-Pro version is made of TPU, while the Pro version comes with a fluororubber strap that feels more durable. Both watches offer the option to upgrade to a higher-quality strap, including leather options from Xiaomi.
Before we dive into comparisons, let’s do a quick unboxing of the Watch 2. It comes with a proprietary charging puck and a TPU strap.
Unboxing the Xiaomi Watch 2, strap options
Other differences include the absence of a Bioelectrical impedance analysis sensor on the Watch 2, which allows for tracking of BMI, bone structure, water, and muscle mass. Additionally, the Watch 2 does not have eSIM functionality.
Despite these differences, the Watch 2 offers the same high-quality display, 4nm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 SoC, dual-band L1 + L5 GPS, and a variety of health and fitness tracking options.
Design and Construction
Compared to the raised edge of the glass dial on the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, the Watch 2 features a nearly flat dial with a slight curve at the edges. The display is not edge-to-edge, as it has a bezel under the glass cover with 12-hour markers. The Watch 2 is available in Black or Silver color options.
The matte watch case of the Watch 2 includes two lugs, with two buttons on the right side that sit flush with the body. Unlike the Pro version, there is no rotating crown button on the Watch 2, giving it a more simplistic appearance.
The watch faces for the Watch 2 can be customized using the Mi Fitness app. It’s worth noting that Xiaomi still uses the Mi branding in its fitness app despite transitioning to the Xiaomi name.
The Watch 2 is equipped with a high-quality 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466x466px and a maximum brightness of 600 nits. The display is bright enough for outdoor use and features a responsive auto-brightness mode. It also supports an always-on display feature.
Navigation on the Watch 2 is done through two buttons on the side of the device. The top button allows you to go back or access recent apps, while the lower button opens the most recent app or Google Wallet. Without a rotating crown, users will need to swipe on the display to navigate.
The Watch 2 comes with a grippy TPU strap that is easy to remove and replace. The strap is available in black or white and is 22mm wide, matching the 47.5mm-wide watch case.
The vibration motor on the Watch 2 is strong, although it may be too intense for some users. Despite its simplicity, the Watch 2 is lightweight, comfortable, and suitable for everyday wear.
Wear OS
Like the Pro version, the Watch 2 runs Wear OS 3.5, providing access to Google’s suite of apps and services. While newer versions of Wear OS are available on select devices, the Watch 2 currently runs the previous version. It is expected that the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 SoC in the Watch 2 will support future updates to Wear OS.
As a Wear OS device, the Watch 2 offers access to popular apps like YouTube, Google Maps, Google Pay, Spotify, and more. Users can interact with Google Assistant through voice or button commands for various tasks like turning on the flashlight or locating their phone.
Navigation and customization on Wear OS are straightforward, allowing users to manage notifications, apps, and settings from the watch itself. Google Pay is supported on the Watch 2, requiring a PIN for security purposes.
The Watch 2 includes useful apps like Pressure & Elevation and a basic compass tool for added functionality.
Fitness and Health Tracking
The Xiaomi Watch 2 offers a wide range of fitness and health tracking capabilities, including support for over 150 sports modes. The dual-band GPS system provides accurate tracking within a meter using both L1 and L5 bands.
The GPS performance of the Watch 2 is comparable to the Pro version, delivering quick and accurate tracking during various activities such as running. The watch is also water-resistant up to 5ATM, making it suitable for swimming.
While fitness tracking is comprehensive, some modes provide basic information like heart rate, average HT, and expended calories. More detailed tracking is available for activities like outdoor running, displaying distance, time, pace, elevation data, and VO₂ max information.
Sleep tracking on the Watch 2 is detailed, monitoring sleep cycles, waking time, breathing data, and blood oxygen levels throughout the night. Additional features include menstrual cycle tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, and breathing exercises for overall well-being.
Battery Life
The Watch 2 is equipped with a 495mAh battery, offering up to 65 hours of runtime on a single charge. Real-world usage may vary based on activity levels, but the watch can easily last for two days with regular use.
Charging the Watch 2 is done using Xiaomi’s proprietary puck, providing convenient charging but requiring proper alignment for optimal performance. While battery life does not match some other models on the market, the Watch 2 offers a good balance between performance and longevity.
Conclusion
Xiaomi’s Watch 2 provides a comprehensive set of features and performance at an attractive price point. While lacking some advanced sensors and eSIM support, the Watch 2 offers practical functionality and reliable performance. The minimalist design may appeal to users seeking a straightforward and efficient smartwatch option.
