Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
How do you make smartwatch pattern interesting ? It ’s difficult , as few will have something unusual like a triangular case ( unlessyou’re aMen in Blackfan ) or anything overtly fancy . As such , most stick with the examine - and - tested way of providing a few bezel intention to opt from at the time of purchase and then alternative strap down the road .
Xiaomi has take this one stone’s throw further in its pursuit to make an center - catching , fun smartwatch . On its new Xiaomi Watch S3 , you’re able to quick change both the strapand the bezelto suit your taste , outfit , and lifestyle at any fourth dimension . I ’ve been doing exactly that , and it has been brilliant .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
What makes the Xiaomi Watch S3 unique
The Xiaomi Watch S3 looks exactly like most other smartwatches as it has a circular case made of aluminum and a strap attached to it . However , with a swift twist , the bezel comes aside from the watch , and by using the fast - release pins , the strap comes free in a likewise brusk amount of time . It then takes no clock time at all to replace them both with alternative versions , completely changing the look of the smartwatch in the process .
While switch the strap for another on theApple Watch Series 9and theSamsung Galaxy Watch 6makes it expect unlike , the instance remains exactly the same . This is n’t the manner with the Xiaomi Watch S3 , as it really does become a dissimilar watch once you ’ve interchange the bezel . Xiaomi has made another crucial alteration really simple , too , as when you click the bezel into place , it immediately intimate you enable a tradition , made - for - the - bezel watch boldness to go with it .
In less than two minutes , the Xiaomi Watch S3 ’s intact flair is altered , meaning you’re able to do it as often as you care , even multiple times a day if the mood takes you . Just calculate at the picture .
It ’s well-fixed to think there are three different smartwatches picture , but in realism , it ’s the same one , just with a different bezel and strap . The small lugsail emphasize the subject and bezel , and perhaps the only downside is the case itself remains a simple black or silver color , so while it still go with everything and rarely looks totally ill-timed , it doesn’tquitematch in the same way as it would if the smartwatch was contrive with a single colouring scheme in nous .
Plenty of bezels to choose from
I was mail the Xiaomi see S3 in black with a disastrous bezel and contraband shoulder strap . It ’s good - looking but retiring . fortunately , I could bed it up with the Ocean Blue shoulder strap and bezel combo or a undimmed yellow strap and bezel , both accomplished with diver - style numeration - up number weighing machine . The blue version ’s bezel is made of stainless steel , while the yellowness is made of ceramic , so both give a in high spirits - course of study look to the lookout man when attached .
The straps are made of leather and have chop-chop adapted to my wrist , proving lightweight and pliable and also comfortable enough to be worn overnight . There are two other options : the first is a fantastic dual - semblance ( black and unripened , so very on - trend ) ceramic bezel that I think would go well with the received disastrous shoulder strap , more so than the strange dual - colour leather shoulder strap that ’s officially paired with it . Finally , there ’s a carbon paper fiber rainbow edition , matched with a leather shoulder strap with colored sewing .
It ’s a sensitive raiment of pick that does n’t overwhelm and suitably pink into the world of watches , both mode and opulence , through conception choices . The materials used make the bezel find and look expensive , and the straps are really comfortable . Xiaomi has done something different but has n’t reduce any nook in the process , making it a far more suitable oddment product .
A good overall smartwatch experience
The Xiaomi Watch S3 does n’t expend Google ’s Wear OS software ; rather , it has Xiaomi ’s HyperOS shown on the 1.43 - inch AMOLED CRT screen . The political platform is Xiaomi ’s energy towards software suitable for a wide range of devices , such as smartphones and even galvanising cable car . I of late used it on theXiaomi 14 Ultrasmartphone , where it did n’t really differ from its older MIUI interface over Android . On the Watch S3 , it is more individual but does n’t deviate far from the common swipe - base motion controls .
I like how it approaches Tiles though , as it shows multiple small square toes on a single screen by default , but you’re able to also exchange the layout if it ’s a small pocket-size or busy for your taste . There ’s a helpful always - on screen so it shows the clip when it ’s not being used , the climb - to - awaken gesture is firm and reliable , and the overall public presentation is excellent — making the computer software a slick , fluid experience . Xiaomi has apply Amazon ’s Alexa to move as the virtual helper , and it ’s a great choice .
I ’ve used the Xiaomi Watch S3 connected to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra and theOnePlus 12 , and it has delivered notifications faithfully , although there is n’t much fundamental interaction available . It use the Xiaomi Mi Fitness app to connect , which is colorful , distinctly laid out , and informatory .
It ’s reminiscent of Samsung ’s Health app and hold in enough data points to occupy both the casual and the more experient exerciser , but it ’s not as comprehensive as more expensive health article of clothing . For illustration , the eternal rest tracking does n’t include heart charge per unit variability ( HRV ) data point . The shelling has live for about 10 days on a single charge .
Where you can buy the Xiaomi Watch S3
Xiaomi does n’t officially sell its mobile gadget in the U.S. , but the Watch S3 is usable in the U.K. , and it ’s deal for a very reasonable 120 British pound at the time of piece of writing . That allege , it will increase to 130 pounds at the remainder of the current promotion . This converts over to $ 150 , which is half the cost of an Apple Watch and about the same as you give for a much less stylishFitbit Charge 6 , which also has a subscription mannikin attached to its app .
presently , Xiaomi has four different strap and bezel combination available , and if you need the pair , it costs close to 40 pounds , or around $ 50 . If you bribe the smartwatch and all four bezel and strap combinations , it ’ll still play out about the same as just the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 on its own . However , just a couple of dissimilar bezels and straps will probably be enough , and considering the smartwatch itself is decent , it all represent very sound time value .
Is this the future of smartwatch design?
Xiaomi is n’t the first to provide a picket with interchangeable bezel , but it ’s almost certainly the first smartwatch to incorporate the characteristic . Whether it ’ll regulate other brands stay on to be insure , but it would be howling if third - party companionship also made strap and bezels ( of like quality ) , helping Xiaomi increase the number of selection available .
But sport bezel and straps would think nothing if the Watch S3 itself was n’t very serious , but this is n’t the case . It ’s way full than the price paint a picture . I ’ve enjoyed wearing it , and the app is illuminating enough to keep me concerned . Good design , a fun and expertly implemented feature , most of the wellness data point you need , and all at a reasonable cost ? The Xiaomi Watch S3 is an promiscuous good word .
