Xiaomi Watch S1 and S1 Active launched with NFC payments

Xiaomi launched the Watch S1 and Watch S1 Active smartwatches in Europe after their launch in China at the end of 2023. After launching its Mi Watch and Mi Watch Lite watches outside of China, Xiaomi is back with two new watches that will now be launched in Europe; with no details yet on a US launch date.

Clearly the S1 and S1 Active are designed for two different types of watch owners, with the S1 being the more expensive of the two options.

Watch S1 Details

Let’s start with the Xiaomi Watch S1. It has a 46 mm diameter case, a thickness of 11 mm and a weight of 52 grams. Fluoroelastomer and leather straps are included. The Watch S1 comes with 5 ATM water resistance.

Front and center is an always-on 1.43-inch AMOLED display, with a tough sapphire crystal lens surrounded by a stainless steel frame.

On the sensor side, you have a PPG heart rate sensor that also supports SpO2 monitoring. There are standard motion sensors as well as geomagnetic and atmospheric pressure sensors; for additional environmental data.

Xiaomi Watch S1 and S1 Active

Along with the 117 fitness modes, Xiamoi offers the ability to sync data with Strava and Apple Health. Xiaomi also offers dual-band multi-system GPS support to make the most of the five supported satellite systems; and offer accurate outdoor tracking. It’s a feature we’ve already seen appear on Huawei’s latest smartwatches; like the Watch GT Runner.

In terms of smartwatch features, there’s a lot going on on that front here. This is an iOS and Android compatible watch to begin with. It offers the possibility of viewing notifications, making calls via Bluetooth. Also, there’s Amazon Alexa integration to handle voice queries and commands. Alexa will be available for Android users at launch. iOS support will be rolled out at a later date; via an OTA update.

The battery life promised for the Watch S1 seems pretty solid. The 470mAh capacity battery should last up to 12 days with normal use; and 24 days in battery saving mode. It also supports wireless charging.

Xiaomi Watch S1 Active Details

For the S1 Active, we find the same 46 mm case, a thickness of 11 mm and a featherweight of 36.3 grams. It features the same always-on 1.43-inch AMOLED display and a lighter metal bezel. The watch is available in Moon White, Space Black and Ocean Blue; with five different strap color options.

Xiaomi smart watch

All the software and hardware features of the Watch S1 are present on the Watch S1 Active. This includes dual-band multi-system GPS and NFC payments; as well as up to 12 days of battery life under normal use.

In terms of price, the Watch S1 is offered at €229 and the Watch S1 Active at €169. These two watches are therefore in the category of mid-range smartwatches. About the same price as watches like the Fitbit Versa 3, Huawei Watch GT 3 and GT Runner, and Apple Watch Series 3.