Global release with a punchy price tag
Xiaomi could be set to unleash a new smartwatch on Western markets after the Watch S1 Pro was tipped for MWC release.
Reliable tech tipster @_snoopytech_ has alleged that the smartwatch will land at MWC 2023 later in February, and have a price tag of €299.
The Xiaomi Mi Watch S1 Pro has already been out in China since August 2022, so we have a very good idea of its specs.
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Leading the changes is a larger screen, with a 1.47-inch AMOLED display and 480×480 resolution.
That’s a slight jump in size and resolution from the standard Xiaomi Watch S1, and there’s been a reduction in the size of the bezels for an overall improved design.
The Chinese model had a temperature sensor built-in, GPS on board, as well as a heart rate monitor with SpO2, and it will be compatible with Android and iOS.
And it features 15 days of battery life according to Xiaomi, although this will likely be far less with advanced health sensors, and sleep tracking turned on.
The Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro certainly looks like a sleek and sophisticated smartwatch – so it should make a nice addition to the crowded Android smartwatch market.
However, €299 is a serious amount of money for what is essentially a mid-range smartwatch.
It will go up against the likes of the Huawei Watch GT3 Pro, which has established a foothold in the market.
But the price tag is too close to the likes of the Apple Watch and Pixel Watch for our liking.
Yes, the battery life here is certainly a big plus point. But with a limited ecosystem, without third-party apps or payments, there are significant limitations.
Watch S2 and Mi Band 8 spotted
Meanwhile, another leak has revealed that the Watch S2 and Band 8 are also heading for a global release.
GoAndroid has spotted two Xiaomi devices at regulators.
It says the device codenamed M2239B1 is the Smart Band 8, and M2207W1 is the Watch S2.
It seems unlikely these two will land around MWC and may take a few more months.
The Xiaomi Watch S2 (above) has already been launched in China, and features body composition analysis and 42mm and 46mm case sizes.
The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 is the next generation of the company’s fitness tracker – that has dominated the market by under-cutting Fitbit and more expensive options.
There’s no word on new features heading to the company’s fitness tracker yet – so watch this space.
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