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Head-to-head · Best Smartwatches

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Xiaomi Watch 5

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 4.0). Apple Watch Ultra 3 is best for: Outdoor adventurers needing robust features. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Apple Watch Ultra 3
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Smartwatches
Apple Watch Ultra 3
2 sources$649as of Oct 16

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 brings a larger LTPO3 display, 5G connectivity, and visible seconds to the wrist, making it well-suited for adventurers and fitness enthusiasts. PCMag's Andrew Gebhart notes its enhanced battery life and cellular performance, while a YouTube reviewer found the screen improvements subtle in daily use. The device is ideal for those seeking a premium smartwatch with robust outdoor features, though it doesn't drastically outpace its predecessor in core functionality.

Strengths
  • — Larger LTPO3 display with improved off-angle viewing
  • — Seconds are visible on the screen without raising wrist, per Birchtree
  • — Enhanced battery life compared to previous models, per OutdoorGearLab
Watch-outs
  • — Sold in only one 49mm case size and one titanium configuration, unlike cheaper Apple Watch models
$649 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Xiaomi Watch 5
Ranked #8 in Best Smartwatches
Xiaomi Watch 5
2 sources

The Xiaomi Watch 5 stands out as one of the best Wear OS smartwatches available, thanks to its integration of Wear OS 6 and a significant battery upgrade with silicon-carbon technology that delivers up to four days of usage. Reviewers praised its 1.54-inch AMOLED display and smart features like YouTube Music and remote camera control. However, some noted the lack of wireless charging and that the build quality, while solid, doesn't quite match premium offerings. This makes it ideal for users seeking long battery life and Android smartwatch functionality, though those prioritizing premium feel may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Features Wear OS 6 integration which improves software experience
  • — Includes silicon-carbon battery technology delivering up to 4 days of battery life
  • — Supports advanced smartwatch functions like YouTube Music, Spotify, and remote camera control
Watch-outs
  • — Charger is not wireless and uses a proprietary two-pin charging port, per GSMArena
  • — According to Tech Advisor, the design is somewhat plain and lacks standout style.
Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 features a larger LTPO3 display and 5G connectivity, which the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 11 don't offer, but it lacks the advanced fitness metrics found in the Garmin Venu 4 and doesn't provide the same level of battery life as the OnePlus Watch 3. Compared to the Google Pixel Watch 4, it offers more comprehensive health tracking but lacks the built-in Gemini AI. The Apple Watch SE 3 provides better value with its updated design and speaker capabilities.

Xiaomi Watch 5

The Xiaomi Watch 5 offers four days of battery life and Wear OS 6 integration, which is more than the OnePlus Watch 3 and Apple Watch Series 11, but it lacks the advanced health tracking features of the Garmin Venu 4 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. While it provides smart features like YouTube Music and Spotify, it doesn't match the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2's durability or the Apple Watch SE 3's speaker capabilities. The Google Pixel Watch 4 offers more battery life but lacks the Android smartwatch functionality.

Specs side-by-side

SpecApple Watch Ultra 3Xiaomi Watch 5
Display TypeLTPO3 OLEDAMOLED touchscreen
Connectivity5GBluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, NFC, dual-band L1+L5 GNSS
Water Resistance100m5ATM rating (50m depth)
OSWatchOS 26Wear OS 6
CompatibilityiOSAndroid 6.0+
MaterialTitaniumSapphire crystal glass, stainless steel frame (316L)
BatteryBuilt-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery930 mAh
Dimensions8.4 x 4.6 x 1.5 inches47 x 47 x 12.3 mm
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