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

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.

Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro

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.

Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and never miss out!

Ivan Jovin

Ivan has been a tech journalist for over 7 years now, covering all kinds of technology issues. He is the guy who gets to dive deep into the latest wearable tech news.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.