The Xiaomi Watch S3: A Stylish Budget Smartwatch with Quirks
The Xiaomi Watch S3 is a compelling option for budget-minded smartwatch enthusiasts. It boasts a unique feature: interchangeable bezels that let you customize the look of your watch to match your outfit. With decent health and fitness tracking, impressive battery life, and a comfortable design, the Watch S3 offers a lot of value for the price.
Standing Out from the Crowd
Unlike traditional smartwatches, the Watch S3 features a swappable bezel system. This lets you change the bezel’s color and material, transforming the watch’s appearance in seconds. Paired with a variety of strap options, the Watch S3 offers a high degree of personalization.
The watch itself has a 47mm aluminum case with a comfortable, lightweight feel (44 grams without the strap). The included strap is made of fluororubber, but numerous other options are available for purchase. The 1.43-inch AMOLED display is crisp and clear, although visibility in direct sunlight can be hampered by the watch’s relatively low peak brightness.
Focused Functionality
The Watch S3 prioritizes core smartwatch features. It delivers phone notifications, tracks your health and fitness metrics (sleep, heart rate, steps, etc.), and offers basic utilities like a voice recorder and compass. Unlike some smartwatches, the Watch S3 utilizes Xiaomi’s HyperOS, which means no third-party app support. While the interface is functional and responsive, it lacks the polish and visual appeal of other smartwatch platforms.
Read also:
- Unveiling the Craftsmanship of Apple Watch Series 9: Cutting-Edge Features and Unparalleled User Experience
- Overwatch 2 & Helldivers 2… 5 Best Online Games to Play With Friends
- How to reset your Apple Watch
Despite the limitations, the Watch S3 excels in battery life. Xiaomi claims up to 15 days on a single charge, with realistic usage reaching 4-5 days. This eliminates the need for daily charging, a major advantage for busy users.
Tracking Your Wellness
The Watch S3 provides a solid foundation for health and fitness tracking. It boasts a 12-channel PPG sensor for continuous heart rate monitoring, along with GPS for outdoor route tracking. While the sleep tracking seems accurate in terms of overall sleep duration, it might overestimate deep sleep phases. The included Mi Fitness app allows you to view and analyze all your health data.
A Caveat: Limited Integration
While the Watch S3 offers core smartwatch features, it comes with some limitations. The notification system is one-way (you can’t reply to messages from your wrist), and the speaker quality is subpar for phone calls. Additionally, the lack of third-party app support restricts functionality compared to more versatile smartwatches.
The Verdict: A Budget Champion
The Xiaomi Watch S3 is a great choice for those seeking a stylish and affordable smartwatch. The swappable bezels and impressive battery life are clear highlights. However, the limited software and lack of advanced features might deter users who crave a more comprehensive smartwatch experience.
Ultimately, the Watch S3 strikes a balance between affordability, functionality, and style. If you’re on a budget and prioritize core smartwatch features with a touch of customization, the Watch S3 is a compelling option. But if you require advanced functionalities and seamless integration with your smartphone, you might want to consider pricier alternatives.
