For persons in the Apple Ecosystem, an Apple Watch is a no-brainer. That is absolutely the watch to get as it works well with the iPhone and in the Apple ecosystem in general. But then what about everyone else? What’s the best smartwatch for an Android user?
The answer to this question isn’t as straightforward owing to the fragmentation in this space. OEMs like Garmin, Motorola, Samsung, and more, are making WearOS-powered watches but these are the minority. Google will be soon launching the Pixel Watch and maybe that will be the champ in this space.
For the masses, fitness trackers have been catering to their smartwatch needs, all while being affordable and with stellar battery life. Check out the post below that breaks down some of our best picks in 2022.
- Which Apple Watch Series Should I Buy in 2022 – Comparing All Models
- Best Fitness Trackers and Bands You Can Purchase in 2022
Now onto the Xiaomi-made watches, you can buy in 2022. Worth noting is that Xiaomi has always been pretty bad when it comes to naming its products. Sometimes, there are overlapping features, making the distinction between these products a little difficult. But that’s why I am here.
Redmi Watch 2 Lite
The Redmi Watch 2 Lite remains one of my favorite smartwatches to date. It is definitely not as smart as the Galaxy Watches or Apple Watches of this world but for what it is and is capable of, it is a pretty solid device.
The Redmi Watch 2 Lite looks and feels a lot more expensive than it actually is. Xiaomi has also been working on wearables for a while and the company knows a thing or two about wearable software, something that the proprietary OS this watch runs depicts.
Should you be in the market for a simple, unassuming, no-frills smartwatch that does its job with little to no fuss, all at an affordable price, then the Redmi Watch 2 Lite is your best bet right now.
- Price: $91.88
Mi Watch Lite
The Mi Watch lite has a 1.4-inch display in a square form factor and is made of plastic for the most part with rubber straps. The watch is a little thicker than most normal watches but that’s probably to accommodate the battery.
Speaking of, the battery life is rated at up to 2 weeks but a more realistic estimate is around 10 days. This watch has since been succeeded by the above-mentioned Redmi Watch 2 Lite and as such, availability in the market is a little limited.
Here’s a quick summary of the specs.
- Support for GPS/GLONASS
- 120+ watch faces
- 1.4-inch display
- Heart rate and sleep monitoring
- 5 ATM water resistance up to 50m
Like the other watches from Xiaomi, this too runs on the OEM’s proprietary software which doesn’t come with as many smart features or support for third-party apps but it still offers a decent experience.
It sports a smaller display than its successor but manages to offer most of the functionalities. I mean it even has GPS. To pair it with your smartphone, you will need to use the Mi Fitness app.
This can be gotten at pretty affordable prices of around $50 with massive discounts where it is listed. As mentioned, availability might be limited but for the discounted price, it is hard to complain.
Poco Watch
The Poco Watch comes to us courtesy of Xiaomi’s sub-brand, Poco. This watch features a 1.6-inch AMOLED touch display with a 320 x 360px resolution with always-on display (AOD) functionality. This alone should be enough to sway Redmi Watch 2 Lite users. AMOLED beats LCD any day, especially on these small displays.
Like many other Xiaomi watches, this one comes with a non-standard 125–205 mm soft silicone watch strap with a buckle and clasp for a secure fit, just like the Redmi Watch 2 Lite.
The Poco Watch also runs the same Xiaomi’s proprietary software that might not be as feature-rich as Wear OS but isn’t bad either. There is no support for third-party apps but the benefit of this is stellar battery life. Poco says it should last you around 2 weeks on a charge but ideally, a week is a more reasonable estimate.
Here are the key specs.
- SpO2 and 24-hour heart rate tracking
- Over 100 different fitness modes tracking
- Support for GPS and GLONASS
- 1.6″ AMOLED display
- 5ATM water-resistant
Sadly though, the availability of this watch has been pretty spotty. The Poco Watch is available in select regions and markets for a price of £79.99 (roughly $100 / AU$140) . Should this be available in your region, go for it? It offers a better display than the Redmi Watch 2 Lite and a bigger display than older models.
Mi Watch
This Xiaomi smartwatch was unveiled back in late 2020 and still offers some of the best value for money in the smartwatch space to date if you can find it that is. This watch dons a more traditional circular form factor and comes with all the basic functions you’d expect.
It has 1GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. It has two buttons for navigation and internally, bears GPS and GLONASS support, and has a heart rate sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, SpO2 sensor, a barometer, the whole deal basically.
Here’s a quick summary of these specs.
- 1.39″ AMOLED display with 326 ppi and support for Always-on display.
- SpO2 tracking and 24-hour heart rate monitoring
- Firstbear-powered sports mode tracking with upto 117 supported modes.
- 12nm processor
- GPS/GLONASS/Galileo/BDS support
All this, including the premium design, comes at a price that can be considered a bargain when put against the Apple Watches and Samsung Watches of this industry.
Price: $179.99
Xiaomi Watch S1
The Xiaomi Watch S1 smartwatch is a full premium watch from Xiaomi and is built to match. It offers a circular design akin to more traditional watches.
This one sports the standard 22mm swappable straps so you’re not limited to the ones that the watch comes with.
Again, this watch connects to your phone using the Mi Fitness app, which offers you all the management features and settings for the watch and the custom watch faces. Here’s a quick breakdown of the features.
- Sapphire glass and stainless steel case with leather straps out of the box
- Dual-band GPS and support for others like GLONASS
- 117 activity tracking
- 1.43” AMOLED display with Always-on Display support
- Bluetooth phone call
- Wireless charging
- Heart rate and SpO2 monitoring
The Watch S1 is available across select stores and online platforms at a price of around $151.31.
- Price: $ 80.99
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active
This is the sports version of the Watch S1 and is available for the global market. The battery is rated for up to 10 days. This Xiaomi smartwatch offers a more rugged design compared to its S1 counterpart.
This too runs on Xiaomi’s proprietary smartwatch software and pairs to your phone using the Mi Fitness app.
- Price: $249.99
Conclusion
WearOS holds a lot of promise and it is a shame that all these years later, we haven’t seen an accessible, affordable watch that works well with Android. The Pixel Watch promises this but that is still several weeks from hitting the market.
Over the years, Xiaomi has demonstrated the ability to offer in-house solutions to such issues, and this Xiaomi smartwatch collection, while not super robust and extensive, offers shoppers a decent smartwatch experience.
We can’t wait for the day when WearOS watches will be an easy recommendation for Android users.
I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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