Xiaomi Watch S3: A Game-Changer in the Smartwatch Industry
The Xiaomi Smartwatch game has steadily evolved since the first rewatch came on the scene in 2019. We’ve seen various Xiaomi wearables since, some with simple proprietary operating systems that changed names more often than features, and some with Google’s more capable, but power-hungry OS.
Hyper OS Powering Xiaomi Watch S3
The Xiaomi Watch S3 is the first smartwatch from the brand to launch with Hyper OS, the maker’s in-house operating system that powers numerous other devices, including IoT appliances and the Maker’s Su7 electric car. This new OS brings a whole new level of functionality and performance to the Xiaomi smartwatch lineup.
Features and Functionality
The Xiaomi Watch S3 has everything you need in a smartwatch. It boasts a bright and crisp screen, the standard mix of health and activity tracking features, GNSS positioning, NFC payments, and the ability to take calls directly from your wrist. It is also highly customizable, with interchangeable watch bezels and straps that allow you to adapt the watch to your personal style.
Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi Watch S3 features a familiar design that falls in line with the Xiaomi Watch 2 generation. It is a large watch with a 47mm casing and a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen, which may take some time to get used to if you are coming from a smaller watch or smart band. The standout feature of the Watch S3 is the stainless steel bezel, which is detachable and allows for unparalleled customization options. With just a quick counterclockwise twist, you can detach the bezel and switch it out with one of the four additional styles available, with more likely to come in the future.
The Design
The Xiaomi Watch S3 comes with a bayonet Mount, similar to what you would find on a camera lens. This design choice ensures a secure lock when attaching the interchangeable bezels, each of which comes with its own unique watch face. The 22 mm watch bands offer endless customization options, allowing users to refresh the look of their watch over time. While the bezel is primarily for aesthetics and does not offer the same functionality as a rotating bezel found on other smartwatches, it certainly adds a touch of style to the S3.
Premium Feel
The silver Xiaomi Watch S3 review unit exudes a sense of luxury with its sleek aluminum frame, stainless steel watch bezels, and a selection of 22 mm watch strap options. Despite its large form factor, the S3 feels surprisingly light and comfortable on the wrist, weighing in at 44g without the strap and measuring just 12mm in thickness. Furthermore, the watch is 5 ATM waterproof, allowing users to take it for a swim without any worries.
Display Quality
The 1.43-inch AMOLED display on the Xiaomi Watch S3 offers vibrant colors, excellent viewing angles, and a peak brightness of 600 nits, making it easily readable even in bright outdoor settings. The addition of a dedicated auto-brightness sensor ensures that the display adjusts to ambient lighting conditions seamlessly. With a 60 Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass 3 protection, the display feels responsive and durable. However, some users may find certain always-on display options challenging to see in direct sunlight.
Performance
Under the hood, the Xiaomi Watch S3 is powered by a robust chipset that delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks. The smartwatch comes equipped with a range of health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen saturation measurement, sleep tracking, and more. The S3 also offers NFC for contactless payments and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, ensuring broad compatibility for users.
Battery Life
Xiaomi claims that the Watch S3 can deliver up to 14 days of battery life on a single charge, depending on usage. With its efficient power management system, users can enjoy extended use without constantly worrying about recharging. Additionally, the smartwatch supports fast charging, enabling users to top up the battery quickly when needed.
Xiaomi Watch S3 Design and Build
There are two buttons for navigation with the top one, acting as a shortcut to the app menu, while also doubling as a back button, while the bottom one is programmable and can be paired to launch any app but acts as a shortcut to the workout Page by Default despite its aluminum alloy frame and stain steel bezel Xiaomi Watch S3 weighs 44 G, which does not feel heavy on the wrist and is comfortable to wear all day long. The retail box features the watch S3, its proprietary two pin magnetic charging puck, which ends in a USB-A cable and the usual mix of manuals.
Xiaomi Watch S3 Features
Wireless charging seems to be the only Omission features. Xiaomi Watch S3 packs a long spec sheet with one of its key features. Being hyper OS Xiaomi’s proprietary IoT platform looks familiar to MI Watch but sadly does not support third-party apps outside of China. There are 31 built-in apps, including Amazon Alexa, a phone dialer, a voice recorder, an NFC cards app alongside all of the usual set of apps you’d, find on a smartwatch like an alarm, a pretty detailed weather app as well as health and activity tracking apps. You also get reminders, calendar contacts, media controls, breathing exercises a barometer Compass, flashlight, and a camera. Xiaomi Watch S3 features a microphone and speaker, allowing you to make and take calls from your paired phone over Bluetooth. Our review unit does not feature eSIM connectivity, though Chinese versions, due gaining total independence from your phone Xiaomi, is also off offering push notifications on the watch from most apps, but these are usually just simple alerts without the option to reply or toggle any additional actions.
Software and Performance
While its naming is new, hyper OS, did not offer any tangible differences over previous non war. Os xiaomi watches during our testing the app icons and menus have received a new code of paint but that’s about it. Xiaomi says that hyper OS will allow for more seamless connectivity and integration between its devices down the line, but for now its mostly the same thing under a new name. The UI is simple and runs without any noticeable lag.
Interaction
You can interact with the watch in a few ways by double-tapping the screen raising your wrist or by pushing either of the side buttons from there. This functionality adds convenience and ease of use to the overall experience of using the Xiaomi Watch S3.
Connectivity and Integration
As Xiaomi promises more seamless connectivity and integration between its devices with hyper OS, users can look forward to a more cohesive ecosystem where their smartwatch is seamlessly integrated with their other Xiaomi devices. This opens up possibilities for a more interconnected and streamlined user experience.
Design and Build
The Xiaomi Watch S3 boasts a sleek and modern design that is both stylish and functional. Its build quality feels sturdy, and the smartwatch sits comfortably on the wrist without feeling bulky. The attention to detail in the design reflects Xiaomi’s commitment to delivering a premium product.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the Xiaomi Watch S3 is its impressive battery life. With its efficient power management, the smartwatch can last for days on a single charge, ensuring that users can rely on it for extended periods without the need for frequent recharging.
The Xiaomi Watch S3 impresses with its premium design, vibrant display, solid performance, and long-lasting battery life. While it may lack some advanced features found in more expensive smartwatches, the S3 offers excellent value for users looking for a stylish and reliable wearable device. With its blend of style and functionality, the Xiaomi Watch S3 stands out as a compelling option in the smartwatch market.
