Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro introduction & Smart Band 8 global launch
Xiaomi has launched today Watch 2 Pro alongside the new 13T and 13T pro at an event in Berlin. Also, the company has finally announced global availability of Smart Band 8. However, there was no mention of the enigmatic Smart Band 8 Active.
A new operating system experience
One of the most striking features of the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is its operating system. Unlike its predecessors, which either ran a non-AOSP-based OS or a stripped-down version of Wear OS, the Watch 2 Pro comes with MIUI layered on top of Wear OS 3.5.
This inclusion not only provides a more cohesive user experience but also grants access to the Google Play Store, Google Maps, Google Wallet – broadening the device’s utility. It’s clear that Xiaomi is aiming to broaden its appeal and compete more directly with other smartwatch giants.
Hardware Specifications
The Watch 2 Pro features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a 466×466 resolution. This ensures crisp visuals, whether you’re checking notifications or monitoring your health metrics.
Under the hood, the timepiece is powered by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset. The fast processor is coupled with 2GB RAM and 32GB storage. This promises a smooth and responsive user experience, even when multitasking between apps and features.
The watch houses a 495mAh battery, offering up to 65 hours of battery life for the Bluetooth model and 55 hours for the LTE variant. Charging is also efficient, reaching 100% in just 85 minutes.
The Watch 2 Pro supports a range of connectivity options, including NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, and dual-band GNSS. It also comes equipped with a comprehensive set of sensors, such as an accelerometer, barometer, and gyroscope, to name a few. You can find the full list in the table below. There’s even a bioelectrical impedance sensor for estimating body composition metrics such as body fat percentage and muscle mass.
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro Technical Specifications
From its robust chipset to its extensive connectivity options, the Watch 2 Pro is designed to meet a variety of needs.
Specification Category | Details |
---|---|
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 |
Operating System | MIUI Watch (based on Wear OS) |
Display | 1.43-inch AMOLED, 466×466 resolution, 600 nits |
Pixel Density | 326ppi |
RAM | 2GB |
Storage | 32GB |
Battery | 495mAh |
Battery Life | Up to 65h (Bluetooth), 55h (LTE) |
Charging Time | 100% in 85 minutes |
Connectivity | NFC, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, LTE (optional) |
GNSS Support | Dual-band GNSS |
Case Material | Black or silver stainless steel |
Case Dimensions | 47.6×45.9×11.8mm |
Weight | 54.5g |
Strap Options | Leather or fluororubber |
Health & Fitness | 150 sports modes, optical heart rate, bioelectrical impedance analysis |
Sensors | Accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, electronic compass, body temperature, ECG |
Buttons | Rotating crown, shortcut key |
Water resistance | 5 ATM |
Price (Bluetooth) | 269 Euros |
Price (LTE) | 329 Euros |
Pricing and availability
The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is priced at 269 Euros for the Bluetooth model and 329 Euros for the LTE variant. That sounds pretty reasonable considering the specs. Unlike the Mi Watch, this device will be available outside of China, making it more accessible to a global audience.
Essential reading: Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 8 vs 7: should you upgrade?
Another device that has been made globally available is Mi Band 8. This follows its initial release in China a few months ago. The wait for global availability has been a bit longer than in previous years. Nevertheless, the Mi Band 8 is now available for purchase through various online retailers and Xiaomi’s official website, offering global customers the opportunity to experience its array of features. In Europe you can pick it up for 40 Euros.
Interestingly, Xiaomi made no mention of the Xiaomi Band 8 Active during the launch event. The enigmatic device has been the subject of various leaks and references. While official details are still scant, Band 8 Active is expected to feature a 1.47-inch display and a sporty design. With speculated features such as two-week battery life, 5 ATM water resistance, and advanced health tracking capabilities, the Smart Band 8 Active appears poised to fill the mid-range gap in Xiaomi’s wearable lineup, targeting users who seek more than basic fitness tracking but are not yet ready for a full-fledged smartwatch.
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