Blood pressure & interchangeable bezels: Watch H1 & Xiaomi Watch S3
Xiaomi has just pulled the curtain back on two intriguing new smartwatches, the Watch H1 and Watch S3. Each device has its own unique set of features. Capable of measuring blood pressure and ECG, the Watch H1 is a health aficionado’s dream. With its interchangeable bezels, the Watch S3 is a masterclass in customisation.
Both timepieces were unveiled at an event in China, alongside the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 14 Pro phones. However, there’s no word yet on their availability outside of the company’s local market. If these watches prove successful in China, it could potentially expedite their international release. Although Watch H1, will have some regulatory hurdles to climb.
Watch H1: The health aficionado’s dream
Starting off with arguable the more interesting of the two devices – the Watch H1. This is not your run-of-the-mill smartwatch.
With a 1.43-inch OLED screen that boasts a 466 x 466-pixel resolution, this device is designed to provide data in high-definition clarity. The thing is crafted from aluminium alloy and tips the scales at 48.5 grams, making it a lightweight yet robust companion.
The watch houses a 500 mAh battery, promising an impressive nine days of autonomy. Considering the plethora of health metrics it tracks, from heart rate and blood oxygen levels to skin temperature and sleep quality, this is no small feat.
Amongst these features is also ECG and blood pressure monitoring. Akin to the technology in Huawei’s Watch D, the latter works by inflating the bracelet slightly. This could potentially offer fairly accurate readings, setting it apart from competitors like Samsung that require calibration and work by shining a light on the wrist.
Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets
In China, the Watch H1 is priced at 1999 yuan (around $260). As mentioned – given its features, before it can make its way to international wrists, it will need certification from health authorities. And that might take a while.
Watch S3: The chameleon of smartwatches
Moving quickly on and we get to the second timepiece. At first glance, the Watch S3 might seem like another smartwatch in Xiaomi’s lineup. But don’t be fooled. This timepiece also has a trick up its sleeve.
It introduces interchangeable bezels. These are held in place magnetically, offering a level of customisation that’s as easy as it is innovative.
As far as other specs, Watch S3 sports a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and a 60 Hz refresh rate. It also shines bright with a peak brightness of 600 nits. Under the hood, it’s powered by a 486 mAh battery that claims to last up to 15 days. The sizeable battery is needed to keep the 12-channel heart rate sensor, dual-band GPS, an NFC chip happy.
The Watch S3 comes in silver or black finishes and offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. The base model starts at CNY 799 (around $110), while the eSIM variant is priced at CNY 999 (around $130). All variants come in just a single 47mm case size.
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