Xiaomi has brought its smartphone line to Italy Xiaomi 12, with impressive performance and feature-rich. And in order not to miss anything he has launched on the market too two new smartwatches: Xiaomi Watch S1 and the Active version, which we tested for this review. The fact that we can buy a bundle with the smartphone makes Xiaomi Watch S1 Active particularly attractive. But this sports watch has an excellent value for money even if you intend to buy it individually. With this review we want to help you understand if Xiaomi Watch S1 Active is the right smartwatch for you.
Our Xiaomi Watch S1 Active review
By opening the package you will find the magnetic charging cable (no transformer, but any charger with USB-A input is enough) and your new Xiaomi Watch S1 Active waiting for you. The strap in black silicone of the model given to us by Xiaomi is easily replaceable, for those looking for more color or elegance. But it goes well with the 'sporty' nature of the device.
Xiaomi has in fact opted for a round dial, with thin but clearly visible bezels, reminiscent of a classic sports chronograph. On the left side you will find the Home button up and that Sport down. Xiaomi also wrote the name of the function above the keys, which is intuitive but which helps to give the watch a sporty look.
The device measures 46,5mm diagonally, which on tight wrists could be quite bulky. But compared to many current sports chronographs and fitness smartwatches, it seems to us that Xiaomi has found the right compromise. Also, it turns out really light at 36 grams and 11mm thickness nis not excessive. The smartwatch is certified for resistere a 5ATM, so you can dive up to 50 meters.
It's not a revolutionary design, but it's not always what we want. The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active's look is discreet without being 'old'. A sports watch, without being excessive.
A great AMOLED screen
Xiaomi has equipped its Xiaomi Watch S1 Active with one AMOLED screen da 1,43 inches, which impressed us positively during this review. The resolution from PPI 326 and the brightness from 450 nits they are not record-breaking, but the colors on the smartphone are seen very well and the brightness is enough to see well even outdoors and in the sun.
Also excellent contrast and viewing angles, as expected from a AMOLED. The animations are particularly fluid and Xiaomi has equipped the smartwatch with many dials that make the most of them. The display is also very touch responsive, even if you have wet fingers during a workout. And the keys click with the right resistance.
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active review: tracking of sports activity
After pairing the smartwatch with the app Xiaomi Fitness, we immediately took the opportunity to detach ourselves from the PC and test it in a light run. Xiaomi called this watch Active and the functionality shows. Tapping the Sport button offers 117 fitness modes, with 19 also offering sport-specific metrics.
First on the list is outdoor running. We selected it and the smartwatch asked us for that first time to calibrate the multi-system dual-band GPS system. In fact this watch communicates with GPS, Glonass, Galileo, BDS, QZSS to find the position quickly and accurately. And he did it, very quickly.
After the run, the Xiaomi watch reported a few meters more than the Fitbit we had on the other wrist, but it was almost perfectly in line with the Google Fit tracking activated on the smartphone. By trying a few other races, we were able to ascertain that Watch S1 Active is undoubtedly accurate.
For our tastes the average pace changed a little too 'jerky': when we accelerated or when we had to slow down before crossing a road, it changed too quickly. In our experience, it seemed to us that it recorded a heartbeat during the run that was slightly higher than reality. Professionals will likely have to opt for some other product (which will likely cost twice as much). But those who run for fun will find a precise and reliable ally, in line with the best trackers in this price range.
During the swimming in the pool and the home workouts we tested (HIIT e rowing), the readings seemed consistent with those of the other trackers we compared it with. Promoted for amateur use, without reservations.
Health features and metrics in the app
Using the Xiaomi Fitness app, you can activate the 24/7 monitoring of different metrics for health. Among these the heart rate, stress levels, sleep and blood oxygenation level (while the pedometer is always active).
Heartbeat tracking seemed like it slightly higher compared to the comparison made with other meters, but not so much as to create problems. It is not a medical device, but to get an idea of the heartbeat during the day it is quite accurate. We found the blood oxygen monitoring to be of good quality.
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active rileva accurate sleep values, although the heart rate here also seems slightly higher. However, it accurately identifies the stages of sleep and gives clear feedback even on the smartwatch. The stress level is mainly based on the heartbeat, something useful but not revolutionary.
All the readings are easily accessible already with the widgets on the clock. But noIn the app you will find graphs and extra details if you want more accurate readings.
Smartwatch functionality: notifications, calls and more
Xiaomi has done a great job to make this Watch S1 Active more "smartwatch", although the focus on sports functions remains. There reading of notifications (which you can manage from the smartphone app) is really excellent, the large and bright screen makes it easy to read the WhatsApp and Telegram messages that have arrived there. Unfortunately cannot be answered directly from the smartwatch.
instead you can receive calls, clicking the green handset when someone is looking for you. The volume of the speakers is not very high (although you can connect Bluetooth headphones), but whoever called us could hear our voice very well.
There are also interesting functions such as the music control (or in our case podcasts) from the clock with a very intuitive widget. You can too take photographs with the paired smartphone, but the watch screen does not act as a viewfinder: it is just a button to operate the shutter from afar.
On the Xiaomi Fitness app you can enable Xiaomi Pay via Mastercard, while the Amazon Alexa functionality was not available (Xiaomi announced it on a geographical basis, but we hope for an update).
Autonomy
Xiaomi promises up to 14 days of autonomy, which you can also extend by giving up some function. This, however, if you do not activate the constant reading of heart rate, stress, sleep. Even in this case, however, the recharge dropped by less than 10% per day, while using the GPS for running or for a bike ride. You should get to 10 days of autonomy without problems, even when using the watch to the fullest. We are talking about really good values, especially considering the large AMOLED screen.
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active review: is it worth buying?
With a price of 199,99 euros on the Xiaomi website, Xiaomi Watch S1 Active it is in a particularly competitive category. There are some more accurate trackers for sports, some smartwatches that include more comprehensive features (like replying to notifications). But Watch S1 Active yes defends well in all fields and proves to be a watch you can rely on.
If you also want to change your smartphone and buy a Xiaomi 12, you will find it for free: give us a serious thought, it is an offer not to be missed. But even as a single purchase, play it safe: a complete and well made smartwatch.
PRO
- Great screen
- Lightweight and strong
- Full
- Great autonomy
AGAINST
- Slightly higher heart rate reading
- Conventional design (which for some may be a Pro)
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active (Ocean Blue) con cavo USB-C 1m,...
- 1.43 "AMOLED HD display, elegant metal bezel and 60 Hz refresh rate screen for graphic ...
- 117 fitness modes, including 19 professional like HIIT and elliptical machine to help you keep fit ....
- Dual-band GPS technology for faster and more precise location.
