Redmi’s first smartwatch is an Apple Watch lookalike that sells for $40
Redmi’s first smartwatch was unveiled this morning in China. This is an Apple Watch lookalike that sells for around $40.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
The company was launched in 2013 but its only last year that it became a sub-brand of Xiaomi. Redmi was initially set-up as a maker of affordable mobile phones. The main distinguishing factor from Xiaomi smartphones is that Redmi uses less-expensive components.
The outfit recently expanded into wearables with its first fitness tracker. The $15 Redmi Band borrows a lot from Xiaomi Mi Band 4 including a colour 1.08 inch screen along with an accelerometer and optical heart rate sensor.
The fitness band has received mixed reviews so far. Not surprising considering this is a fairly basic affair. The thing monitors steps, distance, calories and sleep and has 5 sports modes.
It recently launched as Xiaomi Mi Band 4c in Europe. Xiaomi is a much better known name on the continent than Redmi, so that was probably behind the decision.
Redmi Watch – technical specs
But now Redmi has churned out a more complex wearable that comes in the form of a smartwatch. We knew it was coming because the company’s General Manager of Redmi, Lu Weibing said so late last year. This was further confirmed by a certification in January 2020 from the Bureau for Indian Standards (BIS).
A more recent development is the Bluetooth SIG’s nod of approval. This indicates that we should see a global version of the device soon.
As far as specs, Redmi Watch comes with a square, 1.4 inch, color display. The pixel density is 323PPI and it seems a decent quality 2.5D curved glass panel with a small bezel around the edges. This can be customized with a choice of 20 dials.
The timepiece is stamped with a 5 ATM rating for water-resistance. The watch has matte texture body and a single metal texture button on the side.
The whole thing weighs only 35 grams making it one of the lightest smartwatches around.
Fitness tracking tech includes a high-precision six-axis sensor with a motion algorithm and a heart rate sensor. This allows the watch to monitor steps, distance, calories, heart rate and there’s also a breathing training function. As far as sports, Redmi Watch has modes for outdoor running, indoor running, outdoor cycling, indoor cycling, walking, swimming in the pool, and free activities.
There’s also some smart functionality on-board. The thing comes with a built-in microphone that supports XiaoAI voice assistant. The NFC supports hundreds of city bus cards, it can be used for contactless payments, to open Xiaomi door locks and more.
Battery life is pretty decent, as well On a single charge the watch keeps going for about a week. Switch on battery saver mode and you’ll get an extra 5 days.
Redmi Watch – price and availability
The Redmi Watch is open for pre-orders in China. It comes with a 299 yuan ($40) price tag and is available in a choice of black, ivory, blue ink. This can be paired with TPU straps that come in black, ivory, cherry pink, and pine needle green.
The official availability date is December 1st. No word yet on an international launch but the Bluetooth Sig certification implies this should not be too far off.
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