Xiaomi Watch S1 Smartwatch review: Allrounder with shortcomings

The Watch S1 is currently the top high-end smartwatch from Xiaomi. Our review sample comes with a black stainless steel case and black straps. Alternatively, a silver variant with brown straps is available.

There are no different case sizes, nor is there a version with its own SIM card. Two different straps are provided: leather for a smart casual look in everyday life and rubber for exercise activities. The review will reveal whether the Watch S1 can handle both.

The Mi Fitness app, which is available for both Andriod and iOS, is required to set up the Xiaomi Watch S1. This is not the Mi Fit app that was recently renamed Zepp Life, but a standalone program. Once installed, the app automatically searches for suitable devices in the vicinity, which were quickly found under testing.

The rest of the setup runs quickly. After the app has access to notifications, a short tutorial on the use of the watch begins. However, not all settings are queried upon booting the watch for the first time: Many functions are deactivated ex works and are only discovered and activated (if so desired) when browsing through menus and submenus.

Occasionally, activation of certain features and settings in the Mi Fitness app results in further options. An example of this is the sleep tracking feature, the activation of which brings up the option for “Advanced Monitoring”, which collects more data. If you select this option, the app also warns you about higher battery consumption.

The other menu items are structured in a similar way. Further adjustments on the watch itself are possible via the settings, such as changing the clock face. Seven clock faces are stored on the device ex works, and further adjustments to the content displayed are possible in some cases.

Generally, the watch faces are not clickable. For example, clicking on the battery indicator does not lead to the corresponding menu. Additional clock faces can be downloaded free of charge via the smartphone app.

However, we had problems downloading backgrounds when using mobile data in several cases. Headphones can be connected directly to the watch, although music cannot be stored offline. There are also settings for sounds, display brightness, always-on display, night mode or the display lock.

The settings on the watch are thus very extensive. If longer inputs are necessary, such as entering the WiFi password, the watch refers to the smartphone app and opens the corresponding menu directly. The display is activated either via one of the buttons or a twist of the wrist.

Touching the display does not activate it. A swipe from the top to bottom leads to the message overview, where individual chats can be opened. Swiping from bottom to top opens the quick settings with access to night mode, activation of lift detection, sounds, flashlight, permanent activation of the display, alarm clock, and other settings.

Side swiping leads through various pages with widgets. Three pages are provided by default, but the app lets you customize the amount, selection and arrangement of the widgets. Most widgets can be clicked and lead to the respective area or menu.

The media widget can be used to control the music on the smartphone or on devices connected to the smartphone, such as speakers in the smarthome. Side swiping in the opposite direction leads you back through the pages. Pressing the upper button takes you back to the home screen.

From the home screen, pressing this button again takes you to the app overview. The smartphone app is used to select whether the programs on the watch should be displayed as a grid or scrollable list. The lower button leads to the exercise and training menu, where supported sports are listed.

Alternatively, the button can also be set for a specific sport, meaning that recording and monitoring starts directly when pressed. Xiaomi uses Amazon’s Alexa as a voice assistant on the Watch S1. However, the digital assistant has to be activated specifically via the menu; a direct voice command without prior input on the watch is not possible.

Alexa also only works when the corresponding Alexa app is installed on the smartphone. The assistant works quickly, but the results are displayed only on the screen; there is no voice output despite the speaker. Alexa was a little unreliable from time to time under testing; voice inputs were not always recognized or implemented.

The Watch S1 offers 117 different training modes. We did not test all of them, but we went jogging, cycling and swimming with the watch. If desired, the watch can be set to automatically detect (and start recording) when the user is running or walking.

For all other sporting activities, activation via the sports menu is necessary. The distance covered is recorded via GNSS, and there is a barometer for measurement of the altitude. For running, the smartwatch provides information about pace, pulse rate, steps and stride rate.

The total data is also broken down into more specific data for the individual kilometers. In addition, the watch vibrates with every completed kilometer and provides a status update. However, estimations of workout periods and recommendations for rest periods are lacking.

On the positive side, the Watch S1 automatically detects short breaks during running and pauses the workout, which then automatically continues when you start running again. Annoyingly, the smartwatch does not remember the selected view in the training menu, so the user has to swipe to the desired view again every time the slideshow goes out. Xiaomi specifies that the Watch S1 can withstand a water pressure of 5 ATM and thus survive up to 50 meters water depth for a short time without damage.

In real-world testing, the smartwatch managed a trip to the swimming pool without any problems. The watch automatically detects the swimming style and provides values for the number of lanes and the stroke rate per lane. The SWOLF value is also provided, which is the time in seconds required to complete a lane in addition to the number of strokes.

Currently, the Mi-Fittness app can only be linked to a third-party app for data exchange (Strava). Other providers are missing. A link with Google Fit is also not possible.

Xiaomi employs dual-band satellite communication ranging from GPS, Glonass, BeiDou, Galileo to QZSS. Connections are established very swiftly; there were no delays or interference under testing. The Watch S1 also measures altitude independently of satellites via air pressure.

However, a test run alongside the Garmin Venu 2 comparison device clearly shows that the measured distance differs noticeably. While the Garmin indicates a total distance of 9. 89 kilometers at the end of the test run, the Xiaomi only measured 9.

41 kilometers, a deviation of almost five percent. Furthermore, individual peaks are noticeable in the Xiaomi’s speed measurement. Alongside a number of plausible values, there were individual peaks with impossible values in almost all workouts, such as a peak speed of 58.

9 km/h when hiking. The GPS thus leaves a mixed impression. Unfortunately, the Xiaomi Watch S1 does not offer a navigation app, nor is it possible to export or import GPS data.

The display is a highlight of the Xiaomi Watch S1. Thanks to the OLED technology used, the colors of the 1. 43-inch screen are crisp and the black levels excellent.

Viewing angles are also pleasing and all images are nicely sharp. Only the maximum brightness could be a bit higher. We measured a maximum brightness of 444 cd/m².

This means that the clock can always be seen. In bright sunlight, however, reading is sometimes a little strenuous. The display glass feels dull when wiped, and is also quite susceptible to fingerprints.

The refresh rate is 60 Hz, and the resolution 466×466. The Watch S1’s battery life is very dependent on the selected settings. If all measurements are activated at the highest level, as well as the always-on display, the S1 will run out of power after two to three days of training with GPS.

When sports and the always-on display are not used, a week of battery life is realistic, assuming continued use of all sensors and 24 hours of daily wear. Xiaomi states that the 470 mAh battery should last 12 to 24 days. These values – at least the 12 – are feasible, but only when some of the watch’s functions are deactivated.

The smartwatch is charged wirelessly using the Qi standard. Reverse wireless charging is also possible. Charging times varied under testing: For the fastest charge, the Xiaomi Watch to go from 10 to 90 percent in one hour.

A charge from 10 to 100 percent required an additional 10 minutes. The always-on display turns off after a few minutes during charging. The USB charging cable is unfortunately rather short at 40 centimeters, but this can be replaced.

A power adapter is not included in the scope of delivery. The Xiaomi Watch S1 is supposed to be a jack of all trades: a smart partner in sports and a sleek companion in everyday life. In terms of equipment features, the smartwatch is impressive.

The stainless steel case gives a solid impression, two straps for different purposes are provided, and Qi charging is supported. It also scores well in terms of a crisp display and decent battery runtime. The Xiaomi Watch S1 is well equipped, but unfortunately still incomplete.

However, the smartwatch does have several shortcomings. Software is lacking in some areas: Interfaces for third-party providers such as Google Fit are missing, and the NFC interface cannot be used in Germany currently because no banks are supported. Moreover, the Watch S1 falls short in the area of notifications because no replies are possible.

It is also incomprehensible why the sleep data cannot be not used for a smart alarm clock. But Xiaomi may be remedy these issues with a software update as well as the lack of apps in its own app store. The Huawei Watch GT 3 is in the same league as the Xiaomi Watch S1.

Its battery lasts even longer and it also offers way-back navigation. Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 offers an even larger feature set with an LTE modem and ECG measurement, but a shorter battery life. .