Scored using Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Smartwatches Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontumo Smartwatches Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 3,488 independent expert reviews and 5,192 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Smartwatches Methodology v2.0

Xiaomi Watch S3 Esim Review | 126 Data compared

Avg. price:~£130Screen size:1.43 inchBattery life:7 daysDisplay type:AMOLED

Xiaomi Watch S3 Esim Review: Compare 126 technical specifications and 8 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Smartwatches category and whether it is worth buying.

7.6

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the smartwatch's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartwatches on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.4

Technical score

30%

8.1

Review score ( 0 · 8)

Review score 30% · 8.1 · based on 8 videos
8 videos count as 3.8 of the 5 needed; the rest counts as 7/10. Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 30%, technical score 70%. A video or a short review counts less than a full test.
â–²Better than 77% of smartwatches
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

24%

6.2

Health

21%

9.4

Fitness

16%

5.5

Battery

14%

8.0

Smart features

12%

8.2

Connectivity

9%

7.6

Display & Design

4%

7.0

Hardware

â–²Better than 75% of smartwatches
8.1

Review score

Review score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (8)
8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Video reviews 3
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 69% of smartwatches
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Technical Specifications of smartwatch Xiaomi Watch S3 Esim

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the smartwatchx27s technical performance, covering seven key areas: health, fitness, display & design, hardware, battery, smart features and connectivity.
When it matters
When you want to compare smartwatches based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

24%

6.2

Health

21%

9.4

Fitness

16%

5.5

Battery

14%

8.0

Smart features

12%

8.2

Connectivity

9%

7.6

Display & Design

4%

7.0

Hardware

7.4
Review score
Review score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 30% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 5 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (8)
8 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 30%, the same for every model in this category.
Video reviews 3
estimated from the review
Shop star ratings are not part of this score.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the smartwatch.
When it matters
When you prefer to purchase a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Xiaomi Watch S3 Esim has a popularity of 1 point, which is lower than 70.7% of smartwatches.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the smartwatch's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a smartwatch with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

7.6

Overall score

40%

9.8

Price

8.3
Brand name
Xiaomi
Heart rate monitor
yes
Heart rate monitor
yes
This smartwatch includes a heart rate monitor. 10.5% of smartwatches include a heart rate monitor.
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
Blood oxygen monitoring
yes
This smartwatch supports blood oxygen monitoring. 33.4% of smartwatches support blood oxygen monitoring.
ECG
no
ECG
no
This smartwatch does not support ECG. 16.6% of smartwatches support ECG.
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
Irregular heart rate warnings
yes
This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings. 51.9% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
Show more
What reviewers say
Accelerometer
yes
Accelerometer
yes
This smartwatch includes an accelerometer. 0.6% of smartwatches include an accelerometer.
Barometer
yes
Barometer
yes
This smartwatch includes a barometer. 50.6% of smartwatches include a barometer.
Gyroscope
yes
Gyroscope
yes
This smartwatch includes a gyroscope. 30.2% of smartwatches include a gyroscope.
Cadence sensor
no
Cadence sensor
no
This smartwatch does not include a cadence sensor. 31.2% of smartwatches include a cadence sensor.
Distance tracking
yes
Distance tracking
yes
This smartwatch supports distance tracking. 4.1% of smartwatches support distance tracking.
Show more
What reviewers say
Battery life
7 days
Battery life
7 days
This smartwatch offers a battery life of 7 days which is longer than that of 38.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 17.1% of smartwatches.
Battery life in training mode
26.5 h
Battery life in training mode
26.5 h
This smartwatch lasts 26.5 h in training mode which is longer than 68.3% of smartwatches.
Battery life with GPS on
1 h
Battery life with GPS on
1 h
This smartwatch lasts 1 h with GPS on which is shorter than 99.7% of smartwatches and equal to that of 0.3% of smartwatches.
Battery power
486 mAh
Battery power
486 mAh
This smartwatch has a battery capacity of 486 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 91.3% of smartwatches and equal to those in 0.2% of smartwatches.
Charge time
70 min
Charge time
70 min
This smartwatch charges in 70 min which is faster than 79.7% of smartwatches and equal to the charge time of 1% of smartwatches.
Show more
What reviewers say
Operating system
HyperOS
Operating system
HyperOS
This smartwatch runs HyperOS which is more advanced than the operating system in 58.8% of smartwatches and the same as that in 1.3% of smartwatches.
Software update frequency
occasional
Software update frequency
occasional
This smartwatch has occasional software update support which is more active than that of 57.6% of smartwatches and equal to that of 36.2% of smartwatches.
Third-party app support
no
Third-party app support
no
This smartwatch does not support third-party apps. 47.7% of smartwatches support third-party apps.
Notifications
yes
Notifications
yes
This smartwatch supports notifications. 0.3% of smartwatches support notifications.
Voice assistant support
yes
Voice assistant support
yes
This smartwatch supports voice assistants. 32.4% of smartwatches support voice assistants.
Show more
What reviewers say
Cellular module
yes
Cellular module
yes
This smartwatch includes a cellular module. 82.2% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
SIM cards
1
SIM cards
1
This smartwatch uses 1 for cellular connectivity which is more advanced than that of 2% of smartwatches and the same as that of 98% of smartwatches.
eSIM
GPS
yes
GPS
yes
This smartwatch supports GPS. 43.9% of smartwatches support GPS.
Galileo support
yes
Galileo support
yes
This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation. 61.6% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
Compass
yes
Compass
yes
This smartwatch includes a compass. 47.5% of smartwatches include a compass.
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What reviewers say
Screen size
1.43 inch
Screen size
1.43 inch
This smartwatch has a screen size of 1.43 inch which is larger than the screens of 56.3% of smartwatches and equal to those of 8.2% of smartwatches.
Display type
AMOLED
Display type
AMOLED
This smartwatch uses a AMOLED display type which is more advanced than that of 49.9% of smartwatches and the same as that of 50.1% of smartwatches.
Resolution
466x 466
Resolution
466x 466
This smartwatch has a display resolution of 466x466 which is higher than that of 87.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 10.9% of smartwatches.
Pixel density
461 ppi
Pixel density
461 ppi
This smartwatch has a pixel density of 461 ppi which is higher than that of 84.5% of smartwatches and equal to that of 6.5% of smartwatches.
Display brightness
600 nits
Display brightness
600 nits
This smartwatch reaches 600 nits of display brightness, which is higher than that of 38.8% of smartwatches and equal to that of 14.1% of smartwatches.
Show more
CPU speed
?
Processor model
?
RAM
?
Internal storage
4 GB
Internal storage
4 GB
This smartwatch uses 4 GB for internal storage which is larger than that of 40.4% of smartwatches and equal to that of 27% of smartwatches.
External memory slot
no
External memory slot
no
This smartwatch does not include an external memory slot. 0.3% of smartwatches include an external memory slot.
Show more

Xiaomi Watch S3 Esim vs the average smartwatch

246810TotalHealthFitnessBatteryConnectivityDisplay & DesignSmart featuresHardware
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • 50 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    70 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (70 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    70 min vs 120 min
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
    NFC hardware is present, but functionality may be limited by region/app support.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • 10% better value for money
    Xiaomi Watch S3 Esim has a higher value-for-money score than the average smartwatch (8.27 vs 7.5).
    8.27 vs 7.52
  • VO2 max measurement
    VO2 max measurement
    yes
    This smartwatch measures VO2 max, the average smartwatch does not. 47.6% of smartwatches measure VO2 max.
  • Irregular heart rate alerts
    Irregular heart rate warnings
    yes
    This smartwatch supports irregular heart rate warnings, the average smartwatch does not. 48.1% of smartwatches support irregular heart rate warnings.
  • Calorie tracking
    Calorie tracking
    yes
    This smartwatch supports calorie tracking, the average smartwatch does not. 48.6% of smartwatches support calorie tracking.
  • Water intake tracking
    Water intake tracking
    yes
    This smartwatch tracks water intake, the average smartwatch does not. 44% of smartwatches track water intake.
  • External heart rate monitor support
    External heart rate monitor compatibility
    yes
    This smartwatch supports external heart rate monitor compatibility, the average smartwatch does not. 42.7% of smartwatches support external heart rate monitor compatibility.
  • Barometer sensor included
    Barometer
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a barometer, the average smartwatch does not. 49.5% of smartwatches include a barometer.
  • 70 more exercise profiles
    Multi-sport mode
    150
    This smartwatch supports more exercise modes than the average smartwatch (150 vs 80). The average smartwatch supports 80 exercise modes.
    Reported as at least 150 exercise modes.
    150 vs 80
  • 50 min shorter charge time
    Charge time
    70 min
    This smartwatch charges faster than the average smartwatch (70 min vs 120 min). The average smartwatch charges in 120 min.
    70 min vs 120 min
  • 186 mAh larger battery capacity
    Battery life
    486 mAh days
    This smartwatch has a larger battery capacity than the average smartwatch (486 mAh vs 300 mAh). The average smartwatch battery is 300 mAh.
    486 mAh vs 300 mAh
  • 7.25 h longer training battery life
    Battery life in training mode
    26.5 h
    This smartwatch lasts longer in training mode than the average smartwatch (26.5 h vs 19.25 h). The average smartwatch lasts 19.25 h.
    26.5 h vs 19.25 h
  • Built-in cellular module
    Cellular module
    yes
    This smartwatch includes a cellular module, the average smartwatch does not. 17.9% of smartwatches include a cellular module.
  • NFC functionality
    NFC
    yes
    This smartwatch supports NFC, the average smartwatch does not. 43.4% of smartwatches support NFC.
    NFC hardware is present, but functionality may be limited by region/app support.
  • Supports Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports Wi-Fi, the average smartwatch does not. 43.3% of smartwatches support Wi-Fi.
  • Galileo satellite support
    Galileo support
    yes
    This smartwatch supports Galileo navigation, the average smartwatch does not. 38.5% of smartwatches support Galileo navigation.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.2
    This smartwatch supports a newer Bluetooth version than the average smartwatch (5.2 vs 5). The average smartwatch uses 5.0.
    5.2 vs 5.0
  • Stronger display glass
    Display glass type
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3
    This smartwatch uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 display glass, while the average smartwatch uses mineral glass.
    Corning Gorilla Glass 3 vs mineral glass
  • 135 ppi higher pixel density
    Pixel density
    461 ppi
    This smartwatch has a higher pixel density than the average smartwatch (461 ppi vs 326 ppi). The average smartwatch display reaches 326 ppi.
    461 ppi vs 326 ppi
  • Better case material
    Case material
    aluminum, stainless steel
    This smartwatch uses aluminum, stainless steel for the case material, while the average smartwatch uses polycarbonate.
    aluminum alloy middle frame with stainless steel bezel
    aluminum, stainless steel vs polycarbonate
  • Higher resolution
    Display type
    466 x 466
    This smartwatch has a display resolution of 466x466, while the average smartwatch reaches 352x430.
    466x466 vs 352x430
  • Better band material
    Band material
    leather
    This smartwatch uses leather for the band material, while the average smartwatch uses silicone.
    leather vs silicone
  • Crash detection capability
    Crash detection
    yes
    This smartwatch supports crash detection, the average smartwatch does not. 12.6% of smartwatches support crash detection.
  • Emergency SOS
    Emergency SOS
    yes
    This smartwatch includes Emergency SOS, the average smartwatch does not. 42.8% of smartwatches include Emergency SOS.
  • More frequent updates
    Software update frequency
    occasional
    This smartwatch receives occasional software updates, while the average smartwatch receives ended updates.
    occasional vs ended
  • More advanced operating system
    Operating system
    HyperOS
    This smartwatch runs a more advanced operating system than the average smartwatch (HyperOS vs Proprietary OS).
    HyperOS vs Proprietary OS
  • 2 year/s newer release date
    Release date
    2023
    This smartwatch has a newer release date than the average smartwatch (2023 vs 2021). The average smartwatch was released in 2021.
    October 2023
    2023 vs 2021
  • 19 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    1 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (1 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    1 h vs 20 h
  • No smart scale support
    Smart scale compatibility
    no
    This smartwatch does not support smart scale compatibility, the average smartwatch does. 53.7% of smartwatches support smart scale compatibility.
  • 6.12x less popular
    Xiaomi Watch S3 Esim has a lower popularity than the average smartwatch (1 vs 6.1).
    1 vs 6.12
  • 0.6 mm thicker watch body
    Thickness
    12.20 mm
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (12.2 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    12.20 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 5 mm wider watch width
    Width
    47.0 mm
    This smartwatch is wider than the average smartwatch (47 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    47.0 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • 2 mm taller watch height
    Height
    47.0 mm
    This smartwatch is taller than the average smartwatch (47 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    47.0 mm vs 45 mm
  • 6.12x less popular
    Xiaomi Watch S3 Esim has a lower popularity than the average smartwatch (1 vs 6.1).
    1 vs 6.12
  • No smart scale support
    Smart scale compatibility
    no
    This smartwatch does not support smart scale compatibility, the average smartwatch does. 53.7% of smartwatches support smart scale compatibility.
  • 19 h shorter GPS battery life
    Battery life with GPS on
    1 h
    This smartwatch lasts less with GPS on than the average smartwatch (1 h vs 20 h). The average smartwatch lasts 20 h.
    1 h vs 20 h
  • 0.6 mm thicker watch body
    Thickness
    12.20 mm
    This smartwatch is thicker than the average smartwatch (12.2 mm vs 11.6 mm). The average smartwatch thickness is 11.6 mm.
    12.20 mm vs 11.6 mm
  • 5 mm wider watch width
    Width
    47.0 mm
    This smartwatch is wider than the average smartwatch (47 mm vs 42 mm). The average smartwatch width is 42.0 mm.
    47.0 mm vs 42.0 mm
  • 2 mm taller watch height
    Height
    47.0 mm
    This smartwatch is taller than the average smartwatch (47 mm vs 45 mm). The average smartwatch height is 45 mm.
    47.0 mm vs 45 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
The Wearableist
≈ estimated
05/07/2024
Long-term test · several weeks of fitness tracking
Verdict
Xiaomi Watch S3 eSIM delivers most of its promised premium features, though battery life and gestures fall short.
9.0
Concept Creator
≈ estimated
23/02/2024
Hands-on review · customization, battery and display
Verdict
Xiaomi Watch S3 eSIM is a strong smartwatch with long battery life and plenty of customization for people who like changing their look.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video
Shop video
Not graded yet

What reviewers agree on

Based on 0 · 8

Reviewers like the personalisation, solid battery and accurate GPS, but message replies and smart features are limited, and health tracking splits opinion.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

Third-party reviews

What we like about Xiaomi Watch S3 Esim

  • Unique interchangeable bezel and strap design allows for extensive aesthetic personalization.
  • Excellent battery life, lasting up to 15 days on a single charge or 5 days with Always-On Display enabled.
  • Vibrant 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate.
  • Supports over 150 sports modes and features accurate dual-band GNSS for outdoor tracking.
  • Competitive pricing, offering premium materials like stainless steel at a lower cost than many rivals.
  • Supports Bluetooth calling and independent network connection via eSIM.

What we don't like about Xiaomi Watch S3 Esim

  • HyperOS lacks third-party app support (no Spotify, WhatsApp, or Google Maps).
  • Notifications are one-way only; users cannot reply to messages directly from the watch.
  • Heart rate and sleep tracking accuracy can be inconsistent compared to dedicated medical or high-end devices.
  • NFC payments via Xiaomi Pay are limited to specific banks and regions.
  • Voice recorder files are stored locally on the watch and cannot be easily exported.
  • The 47mm case can feel bulky or heavy on smaller wrists.

Verdict

The Xiaomi Watch S3 eSIM is a versatile smartwatch featuring a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with 466 x 466 resolution, 600 nits peak brightness, and a unique interchangeable bezel design for deep aesthetic customization. Running on Xiaomi HyperOS, it includes a 486mAh battery providing up to 7 days of life in eSIM mode (extending to 15 days in typical Bluetooth mode), dual-band L1+L5 GNSS, 5ATM water resistance, and independent 4G LTE connectivity for standalone calls and messaging. Main pros include its innovative modular design, comprehensive health monitoring (heart rate, SpO2, and sleep), and 150+ sports modes, while notable cons include a lack of third-party app support, the absence of wireless charging, and limited bank compatibility for its NFC payment system.

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