Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro Review: New Features

Like most Pro models, the design remains largely the same as the standard version. Internally, minor updates have been made to improve smoothness. Practical features, components, and sensors have been enhanced.

Design Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro has a round face, similar to its predecessors, the standard Xiaomi Watch S1 and Xiaomi Watch S1 Active. The casing is available in two colours: black and silver. The watch case is made of stainless steel, and the rotatable button controls much of the smartwatch.

When we examined the standard strap of the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro, we weren’t particularly impressed. The quality is limited, and the colour doesn’t quite match the smartwatch for us. You only get one strap with the purchase, so switching from a sporty to a formal look isn’t quick. Want to swap straps? We offer a variety of Xiaomi straps to personalise your style.

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro is water-resistant with a 5ATM rating, sufficient to protect it from water as long as you don’t use it for diving. It’s fine to wear while swimming, showering, or in the rain. However, be cautious with showering—soap use on the watch can affect its appearance.

Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro Review: Display & Screen

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro’s screen has been upgraded from the Xiaomi Watch S1. It features a 1.47-inch AMOLED display with a 480x480 pixel resolution, making it larger and higher resolution than its predecessor. The screen is clearly visible on sunny days or in brightly lit rooms. We tested the always-on feature, but it drains the battery quickly.

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro has a sapphire glass layer over the screen, offering good protection against drops and bumps. We’re used to seeing sapphire glass on high-end smartwatches.

Though the screen is larger, both smartwatches are relatively similar in size. The refined look of the Watch S1 Pro makes it appear smaller in proportion while boasting a bigger screen!

Battery Life of the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro

The battery capacity of the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro has increased to 500 mAh compared to the 470 mAh in the standard Watch S1. However, we notice little difference in battery life since the larger screen of the Watch S1 Pro consumes more power. Xiaomi claims a maximum battery life of 14 days.

In reality, you’ll need to charge the watch daily. With careful use, you might get 2 days out of it.

Charging the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro pleasantly surprised us. A 10-minute charge brings it to 60%, enough for a full day’s use. For a complete charge, expect about 80 minutes.

Features and Sensors

The biggest differences between the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro and the Xiaomi Watch S1 lie in the hardware. All functionalities of the standard Watch S1 are also present in the Watch S1 Pro. However, the Pro version adds a PPG heart rate monitor, which is more expensive than the one in the Watch S1 and measures heart rate and oxygen levels more accurately.

The Watch S1 Pro also includes a temperature sensor, new to the Xiaomi Watch S1. This sensor, increasingly common in smartwatches, measures skin temperature to detect overexertion or illness, issuing warnings when limits are reached. However, never use smartwatch heart rate monitors for medical purposes!

The most noticeable upgrade is the dual-band GPS system, which is far more accurate than the standard version, improving tracking for cycling or running routes.

Price and Availability

As expected, the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro is pricier than the Xiaomi Watch S1. The price is around £299.00. For that amount, we’d recommend a Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 with a set of new straps instead. The Apple Watch SE 2022 is also a better option than the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro is an improved version of the Watch S1, as anticipated. However, its price isn’t low enough to compete with rivals like Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit, and Apple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro Waterproof?

The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro has a 5ATM rating, making it water-resistant. It’s not suitable for diving, as it can’t handle that pressure.

Is the Xiaomi Watch S1 Worth the Money?The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro is a good and stable Android smartwatch but can’t compete with major brands like Samsung and Apple. It’s not worth the price.

What’s the Difference Between the Xiaomi Watch S1 and Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro?The biggest difference between the Watch S1 and Watch S1 Pro is the dual-band GPS system and temperature sensor. The design and clock size have also seen a slight upgrade.