Apple Watch SE VS Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4: features, differences and price

In the Apple catalog there are three models of “smart” watches. The 2nd generation Apple Watch Ultra is the most complete, aimed at very sporty users who are looking for an experience more similar to what the proposals from Garmin, Polar or Suunto can offer.

Then there’s the Apple Watch Series 9, which is the most balanced option (and cheaper than the previous one), for users looking for a smart watch with good functions related to health and sports, to follow their daily life.

And there is also the Apple Watch SE, which is the cheapest proposition of all, ideal for those who want a “smart” watch. no frills, no particularly advanced features (such as ECG for electrocardiograms or blood oxygen measurement).

The latter is the most striking for many because it costs “little” compared to the prices charged by its older brothers. And for this reason It is also the one that perhaps has the most competition. For example, the recent Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4.

Let’s compare the options of Apple and Xiaomi to know in depth their characteristics, differences and prices.

Features Apple Watch SE and Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4

• Screen: while the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 is only available in one size and its screen is 1.97-inch AMOLED with a refresh rate of 60 Hz and brightness up to 60 Hz, the Apple Watch SE can be purchased in two versions: 40mm (1.57-inch LTPO Retina OLED) and 44mm (1.78-inch LTPO Retina OLED). The brightness of both is 1,000 nits.
• Chip: Apple’s watch integrates the S8 chip, and Xiaomi does not specify details on this subject.
• RAM and storage: Although Xiaomi does not provide any information, the Apple Watch has 1 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage.
• Connectivity: Apple’s smartwatch integrates WiFi, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC and there is a Cellular version with LTE/4G. The one from Xiaomi has Bluetooth 5.3 and GPS.
• Sensors– Accelerometer, gyroscope, 2nd generation heart rate, barometer, altimeter and compass always on on Apple Watch SE 2nd generation; heart rate monitor with blood oxygen, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light and electronic compass on the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4.
• Battery: Xiaomi promises up to 20 days in normal use, and Apple around 18 hours in sports and normal use.
• voice assistant– The Apple Watch offers Siri, but the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 does not.
• Operating system: watchOS on Apple Watch. In the Xiaomi it is not specified.
• Compatibility: Apple Watch can only be used with iPhone 8 or later and iOS 16. Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 works on both Android 8.0 and iOS 12.0 and later.
• Précio: The Apple Watch SE 2nd generation is available from 279 dollars, while the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 costs 99.99 dollars.

Apple Watch SE VS Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4, which smartwatch to buy?

The 2nd generation Apple Watch SE is the most accessible “smart” watch in the entire Apple catalog. Although it lacks some features available on the Series 9 and Ultra 2, It has everything you need to have a good experiencebecause these are not “must-have” features for many users.

Its price makes it quite attractive for people who want a smartwatch fully compatible with iPhone to receive notifications and messages on the wrist, in addition to recording physical activity and keeping good track of calories consumed and steps taken, among others.

But it’s not the only smartwatch that can be paired with an iPhone, since the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 can also be used with an Apple phone and it costs a lot less. It is true that the two do not have exactly the same characteristics, but they are similar. Below we will comment on the positive and weak points of each proposal.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the 2nd Generation Apple Watch SE

• + Available in two sizes
• + Accurate heart rate sensor
• + Powerful chip
• + NFC connectivity for mobile payments via Apple Pay
• + Operating system on which applications can be installed
• + There is a version with 4G
• / Has a Siri voice assistant
• – Solo is compatible with iPhone
• – Doesn’t have as many features as other Apple Watch models
• – Although it is the “cheap” Apple Watch, its sale price is almost 300 dollars.
• – Its battery barely lasts a day and a half in the best case

Strengths and weaknesses of the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4

• + Large AMOLED screen
• + Refresh rate at 60 Hz
• + Bluetooth 5.3 and GPS
• + Heart rate sensor with oxygen measurement
• + Up to 20 days of battery life
• + iOS and Android compatibility
• + 150 sports modes
• + Calls via Bluetooth
• + Very attractive price
• – Maximum brightness is not as high as Apple Watch
• – There is no cellular version
• – Does not have NFC for mobile payments
• – Sensors are not as precise as those on the Apple Watch

The operating system

Apple uses watchOS in its “smart” watches, one of the best operating systems for this type of device. The reason lies in its possibilities: from responding to messages with the keyboard or voice to installing applications to expand its possibilities.

Although Xiaomi offers some smartwatches with Wear OS, the other major operating system for watches, the Redmi Watch 4 does not. For this model, it uses a proprietary software which has some flaws compared to Apple’s proposal, such as not being able to add new applications or make payments from the wrist.

However, It also has some strong points. For example, it’s highly customizable with over 200 stylish watch faces, making Apple lose points for offering too few options. They are available in all colors and designs, displaying all kinds of data, such as calories consumed, heart rate or steps taken during the day.

Autonomy

One of the big disadvantages of Apple connected watches is their battery life. In normal use, it is difficult for them to exceed the day and a half per load. This situation improves with the Ultra model, but the expense is much higher and this is not the case with the Apple Watch SE.

Concerning the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4, the brand promises a battery about 20 days on a single charge, which is a very good figure, although it is very likely that it will actually last two weeks or a few days less if you give it a lot of effort, which is still very good.

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pictures | Apple, Xataka and Applesfera

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