Back in the day, you could change the faceplate on old Nokia phones. Xiaomi has taken this concept and applied it to a smartwatch in 2024. The new Xiaomi Watch S3, unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, allows you to twist and remove the bezel around the screen to replace it with another, giving your watch a fresh new look. The watch face automatically switches to an exclusive one that complements the new bezel, and you can also match it with a new strap.
Options for bezel colors include Chrome Yellow, Rainbow, Dual-tone Ceramic, and Ocean Blue, as well as black and off-white strap colors. The aluminum case is available in black or silver, chosen at the time of purchase. There are already over 180 free watch faces available, with more available for purchase through Xiaomi’s app store.
Aside from its unique interchangeable bezel feature, the Xiaomi Watch S3 stands out for using Xiaomi’s new HyperOS software instead of Google’s Wear OS. HyperOS, announced in 2023, is based on Xiaomi’s Vela system and Linux, with Android underlying it. Like Huawei’s HarmonyOS, HyperOS will be used across Xiaomi’s range of products, providing a new control method with gestures like wrist flicks or twists to access various features.
The smartwatch boasts a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen, 466 x 466 pixel resolution, 47mm case size, and 5ATM water resistance. It tracks activity with heart rate monitoring, blood oxygen measurement, sleep tracking, 150 sports modes, and GPS. It is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, supports Bluetooth calling, and promises around 15 days of battery life from a single charge.
While Xiaomi’s previous Watch 2 Pro with Wear OS was well-received, the Watch S3 with HyperOS aims to provide a unique user experience. Pricing has not been announced yet, but it will likely face stiff competition from other premium smartwatches in the market.
Editors’ Recommendations
