Technology writer Javier Rosagro published a comprehensive buying guide on August 22, 2026, evaluating top wearable devices from Xiaomi, OPPO, OnePlus and Garmin across price points ranging from 58 euros to over 200 euros.
The analysis revealed that basic health monitoring, including continuous heart rate tracking, blood oxygen measurement and sleep analysis, has become standard across all price tiers, leaving practical smartphone replacement features as the primary factor distinguishing entry-level fitness bands from high-end smartwatches.
While basic wristbands focus on step counting and passive notifications, higher-tier wearables introduce independent GPS tracking, larger displays, medical-grade sensors, contactless payment technology and full operating systems capable of executing standalone applications.
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro
Xiaomi designed the Smart Band 9 Pro in a lightweight, thin wristband format that incorporates integrated GPS positioning. Rosagro noted that this feature allows runners to leave their smartphones at home during morning runs without needing to hold a handset while exercising.
The device features a 1.74-inch elongated AMOLED display that allows users to view incoming call details without raising their wrist close to their face, although the screen layout does not support comfortable message replies. While the product is marketed with over 150 sports tracking modes, Rosagro indicated that most owners regularly utilize only four routine workout options alongside standard heart rate, blood oxygen and sleep monitoring.
The band pairs with smartphones running Android 8 or iOS 12 and higher using the Mi Fitness application. Rosagro advised buyers to review app compatibility prior to purchasing because software performance can vary across mobile operating systems. The band is available on AliExpress for 51.76 euros using coupon RAZONES06, reduced from its retail price of 59.99 euros.
Xiaomi Redmi Watch 6
For consumers prioritizing display visibility, Xiaomi produced the Redmi Watch 6 featuring a 2.07-inch AMOLED screen, making it the largest display among all five evaluated models. The expanded surface area enables users to read full text messages on the go without stopping or squinting.
Xiaomi expanded the health suite on this model by adding stress tracking and women's health monitoring to the core sensor array. The lightweight construction remains comfortable during extended wear, although the broad watch case presents a prominent profile on slender wrists. Because the factory text size cannot be altered, the larger display size provides an essential practical benefit.
Launched with HyperOS 3, this specific model variant does not include an NFC chip, preventing users from making contactless payments at store checkouts. Rosagro noted that the device targets users transitioning from narrow fitness bands who want a conventional watch design without paying for unneeded sensors. The watch sells on AliExpress for 86.50 euros with coupon RAZONES10, marked down from 99.99 euros.
OPPO Watch S
The OPPO Watch S introduces advanced diagnostic hardware by integrating on-demand electrocardiogram (ECG) tracking directly on the wrist. Built within a slim stainless steel frame, the watch features a 1.46-inch display alongside skin temperature measurement sensors.
The integrated NFC chip is engineered specifically for reading electronic access keycards rather than processing bank card transactions at retail checkout terminals. For outdoor navigation, the watch employs dual-band satellite positioning combining GPS L1 and L5 frequencies alongside Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou and QZSS protocols.
OPPO advertises peak screen brightness reaching 3,000 nits and battery life extending up to 10 days on European models, figures Rosagro characterized as ideal manufacturer ceilings rather than typical daily averages. Recorded health metrics sync to the OHealth application, with the included strap accommodating wrist sizes from 140 to 210 millimeters.
Rosagro emphasized that the ECG feature functions as a spot measurement initiated manually by the user rather than a background monitoring tool, warning that consumers who do not intend to run manual checks are paying extra for an unnecessary sensor. The device is listed on AliExpress for 126.34 euros with coupon RAZONES10, down from 214.99 euros.
OnePlus Watch 3
Powered by Google Wear OS, the 43-millimeter global edition of the OnePlus Watch 3 stands as the only device in the comparison featuring a complete smartwatch operating system. The platform supports native third-party applications, Google NFC contactless payments and independent GPS route mapping, eliminating the need to take out a smartphone during daily routines.
Addressing common battery life concerns associated with Wear OS, OnePlus advertises up to 60 hours of operation in smart mode, with real-world testing yielding over two full days of continuous use. Rosagro cited user feedback from a buyer who reported that normal daily usage yields about two and a half days of battery life, describing the endurance as impressive compared to previous Samsung Galaxy Watch models.
The same owner noted that the fast charging system recharges the battery from 12 percent to 100 percent in under an hour, allowing users to top up during a shower. Constructed with a 43-millimeter steel case and a strap fitting 130 to 210 millimeters, the device operates as a compact wrist computer. It is available on AliExpress for 131.16 euros using coupon RAZONES20, discounted from 249 euros.
Garmin Forerunner 255
Targeting dedicated fitness enthusiasts, the Garmin Forerunner 255 omits an open operating system and bright AMOLED screen in order to maximize battery efficiency. Weighing 49 grams, the watch provides up to 14 days of operation in smartwatch mode, 30 hours in single-satellite GPS mode, and 25 hours when using all satellite systems concurrently.
The casing provides 5 ATM water resistance, making it suitable for lap counting in swimming pools. Rosagro cited buyer feedback indicating that the GPS signal locks almost instantly and tracks swimming workouts with high accuracy. The device supports Garmin Pay for contactless purchases and connects to Connect IQ applications, though it does not feature an open store environment like Google Play.
The device utilizes a Memory-in-Pixel (MIP) display, which presents muted colors compared to AMOLED panels but maintains outdoor readability under bright sunlight, requiring roughly a week of adjustment for new users. The watch uses standard 22-millimeter quick-release straps, allowing easy replacement with fabric bands for summer use. The model is priced on AliExpress at 126.34 euros using coupon RAZONES10, down from 214.99 euros.
Choosing the Right Wearable
Rosagro explained that while all five wearables display incoming phone notifications, only the Wear OS-powered OnePlus Watch 3 allows users to interact with and respond to alerts directly from their wrist.
NFC capabilities also differ significantly between hardware tiers. While the OPPO Watch S restricts NFC to security badges and door access cards, retail payment processing requires upgrading to models such as the OnePlus Watch 3 or Garmin Forerunner 255.
Software longevity is determined by the underlying operating architecture. Devices with closed firmware rely exclusively on official manufacturer updates for new features, whereas open operating systems allow third-party developers to publish new software indefinitely. Garmin functions as a hybrid option, offering its Connect IQ platform and proprietary payment service without relying on external app stores.
Battery Life and Common Setup Errors
Setting aside retail prices, Rosagro identified charging frequency as the decisive factor when selecting a wearable. Devices requiring daily or near-daily charging work well for users who treat their watch as a secondary screen and charge during daily showers, whereas multi-week models allow chargers to be stored away. Xiaomi claims multi-week battery endurance on both the Smart Band 9 Pro and Redmi Watch 6, matching Garmin in long-term battery performance.
Rosagro highlighted two common setup mistakes made by new owners during their first week of use. Wearing straps too loosely prevents proper optical sensor contact, which requires a snug fit one finger width above the wrist bone to register reliable heart rate data.
Furthermore, enabling all continuous health tracking options, such as constant blood oxygen monitoring and continuous GPS tracking, severely degrades battery life. Rosagro advised users to activate advanced tracking features individually during their first week and select the specific device tier that replaces an active smartphone habit.
The source article was published in the shopping section of La Razón, which noted that affiliate links included in the review may yield a small commercial commission for purchases made through the platform.
