Xiaomi launched the Watch S1 since late last year, the product recently got access to Xiaomi Pay service in the UK. The Pro model only comes to enhance the experience offered to users.
Launched for now only for the Chinese market, Watch S1 Pro and Buds 4 Pro are upgraded versions of Xiaomi gadgets already available in the European market. We could say that it’s already becoming a pattern for Xiaomi to release an initial version of a product, then and upgrade available exclusively to Chinese buyers, to reach European buyers much later (or never). The first explanation would be cost, with Xiaomi having to manage the cost of shipping and import duties, in the end, devices that are very attractive to the Chinese audience become unsellable on the European market. We could also argue that the Chinese market is simply more important for Xiaomi at the moment.
Returning to the Chinese market, the Watch S1 Pro joins the Watch S1 and Watch S1 Active, delivering fans a larger screen, increased battery life and two color options for the exterior finish.
The Watch S1 Pro comes in a case that should withstand submersion in water up to 50 meters deep, features a 1.47-inch AMOLED display with 480×480 pixel resolution, capable of 600 nits maximum brightness. At the same time, the screen is boasting oleophobic coating and scratch protection provided with artificial sapphire coating.
Promoted as a premium smartwatch, the Watch S1 Pro features a 500mAh battery, promising up to 14 days of battery life. The list of features is quite dense: Bluetooth sync and Wi-Fi support, integrated dual-band GPS receiver, voice command pickup via built-in microphone, 117 modes for sports activities, pulse sensor and for measuring blood oxygen concentration.
Further, the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro earphones are notable for Hi-Res audio certifications, LHDC 4.0 and active background noise cancellation technology. Sound is played using 11mm membrane drivers and an audio processor capable of 96KHz HD Audio decoding and SBC/AAC/LHDC 4.0 codec processing respectively.
The IP54 splash and dust certified headphones are expected to offer up to 9 hours of battery life with Noise Canceling enabled, or 38 hours when used in “classic” mode.
Prices (valid in Chinese stores) are 163 dollars for Buds 4 Pro and 222 dollars for Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro. Obviously, costs exclude import and shipping fees.