In the fiercely competitive smartwatch market, where flagship models often come with prohibitive price tags and budget options frequently compromise on key features, REDMI has consistently stood out by delivering exceptional value for money. The launch of the REDMI Watch 6 is a testament to this philosophy, blending a stunning display, long-lasting battery, comprehensive health tracking, and seamless smart connectivity—all at a price point that makes high-end functionality accessible to the masses. After weeks of rigorous testing across daily commutes, intense workouts, and weekend adventures, it’s clear that the REDMI Watch 6 isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s a standout offering that redefines what users can expect from an affordable smartwatch.
Design & Build: Sleek, Lightweight, and Durable
First impressions matter, and the REDMI Watch 6 makes a strong one with its refined design. Measuring a mere 9.94mm thick (excluding the protrusion) and featuring a high-strength aluminum middle frame, the watch strikes an impressive balance between slimness and sturdiness. Compared to its predecessor, the REDMI Watch 5, it shaves off 1.4mm in thickness, making it significantly more comfortable for all-day wear—even during sleep. The middle frame, crafted from high-strength aluminum, boasts a 20% increase in Vickers hardness and a 40% boost in yield strength, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use without feeling bulky or fragile.
The star of the design is undoubtedly the 2.07-inch AMOLED display, which features ultra-narrow 2mm four-sided bezels and an 82% screen-to-body ratio. This results in an immersive viewing experience that makes navigating menus, checking notifications, and viewing workout data a pleasure. With a peak brightness of 2000nits, the display remains crisp and readable even under direct sunlight— a crucial feature for outdoor enthusiasts. The 60Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and responsive touch interactions, while the 324 PPI (pixels per inch) resolution delivers sharp, vibrant visuals. Whether you’re glancing at a text message or analyzing a detailed workout graph, the display never disappoints.
REDMI has also paid careful attention to usability with the addition of a new secondary button, complementing the stainless steel crown (adorned with a stylish red accent ring). The secondary button can be customized for quick access to the control center with a single press, while a long press brings up the power/restart menu, and three quick presses trigger emergency contacts—a thoughtful safety feature. The watch is available in three trendy color options: Elegant Black, Bright Moon Silver, and Misty Blue, paired with quick-release straps for easy customization. The optional Kona leather magnetic strap adds a touch of sophistication, though it’s sold separately.
Battery Life: Exceptional Endurance for Every Lifestyle
One of the biggest pain points for smartwatch users is poor battery life, but the REDMI Watch 6 addresses this with a 550mAh large-capacity battery that delivers impressive endurance. Depending on usage patterns, the watch offers three distinct battery life scenarios: up to 24 days in minimal usage mode, 12 days in regular monitoring mode, and 7 days with always-on display (AOD) enabled.
In our testing, the regular monitoring mode lived up to its promise. With features like high-precision sleep tracking, all-day stress monitoring, 24/7 blood oxygen detection, and smart heart rate monitoring enabled, we consistently got 11-12 days of use on a single charge. This included receiving 100+ notifications daily, 2-3 alarm alerts, 8 NFC card swipes, 360 wrist raises to wake the screen, and 6 minutes of screen scrolling per day. We also used the watch for 180 minutes of weekly workouts with GNSS enabled and 15 minutes of weekly Bluetooth calls—all without needing to recharge.
For users who prioritize battery life over advanced health tracking, the minimal usage mode (with non-essential features disabled) can stretch to 24 days, making it ideal for long trips or users who don’t want to worry about charging frequently. Even with AOD activated— a feature that keeps the time visible at all times— the 7-day battery life is more than enough for most users, eliminating the need for nightly charging. This level of endurance is unmatched in the affordable smartwatch segment and even outperforms many high-end models.
Health & Fitness Tracking: Comprehensive and Accurate
The REDMI Watch 6 is a powerhouse when it comes to health and fitness features, offering a wide range of tracking capabilities that cater to both casual users and serious athletes. At its core is an upgraded AFE chip paired with REDMI’s self-developed algorithms, which deliver precise measurements for key health metrics.
The watch offers 24/7 heart rate monitoring with abnormal heart rate alerts, ensuring users stay informed about their cardiovascular health. We found the heart rate readings to be highly accurate when compared to a chest strap monitor during workouts, with minimal lag and consistent tracking even during high-intensity exercises. A notable new feature is underwater heart rate detection, made possible by the watch’s 5ATM waterproof rating (equivalent to 50 meters underwater). This is a game-changer for swimmers, as it allows for continuous heart rate monitoring during pool or open-water swims— a feature previously reserved for more expensive watches.
The 5ATM waterproof rating, certified by TÜV SÜD (report number: 68.189.25.0452.02) in accordance with GB/T 30106:2013 standards, makes the watch suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other shallow-water activities. However, it’s important to note that it’s not designed for hot showers, saunas, or deep diving, and the waterproof function may diminish over time.
Beyond heart rate tracking, the watch offers all-day blood oxygen monitoring (with low oxygen alerts), high-precision sleep analysis (tracking deep sleep, light sleep, and REM cycles), and 24/7 stress monitoring. The sleep tracking feature provided detailed insights into our sleep quality, with accurate bedtimes and wake-up times, and the stress monitoring function helped us identify periods of high tension throughout the day. Additionally, the watch includes women’s health management with menstrual cycle reminders, making it a versatile companion for all users.
For fitness enthusiasts, the REDMI Watch 6 supports over 150 sports modes, including running, cycling, hiking, swimming, and strength training. The addition of dual L1 antenna GNSS positioning ensures accurate tracking of outdoor activities, with automatic switching between antennas based on orientation to maintain signal stability. During our outdoor running tests, the watch accurately recorded distance, pace, and route, matching the data from dedicated GPS devices. The watch also provides real-time workout metrics, such as heart rate zones and calorie burn, helping users optimize their training.
To enhance relaxation, the watch features four breathing modes— box breathing, buzzing breathing, nap assistance, and 4-7-8 breathing— which guide users through mindfulness exercises to reduce stress and improve focus. This is a welcome addition in a world where mental health is just as important as physical fitness.
Smart Features: Seamless Connectivity and Convenience
As a smartwatch, the REDMI Watch 6 excels at keeping users connected and simplifying daily tasks. Powered by Xiaomi HyperOS 3, the watch offers a smooth and intuitive user experience, with seamless integration with Xiaomi and REDMI smartphones. The standout smart feature is the new Xiaomi Super Island, which displays real-time background activities and priority notifications in a streamlined interface, ensuring important information is never missed.
The watch supports a wide range of third-party apps, including WeChat, NetEase Cloud Music, and Ctrip, allowing users to access their favorite services without pulling out their phones. Notably, the watch offers WeChat quick replies (available on Android 8.0+ devices, with iOS support coming soon via OTA update), enabling users to respond to messages with pre-set replies directly from their wrists. This is a convenient feature for busy users who need to stay in touch on the go.
Payment options are also comprehensive, with support for WeChat Pay and Alipay Tap-to-Pay (Alipay support coming in mid-November via OTA). The Alipay feature works offline, allowing users to make payments at compatible POS terminals without a phone connection. The watch’s multi-function NFC chip supports transit cards (including Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Interconnection Card), access cards, and smart door locks, making it a versatile tool for daily commutes and home access. For car owners, the watch can also function as an NFC car key for select models, including Xiaomi, MINI, Lotus, and BYD vehicles (compatibility varies by brand and model).
Other convenient features include a linear motor for customizable vibration alerts (with over 20 vibration patterns), hands-free voice control via Xiaoai Assistant (for setting alarms, checking the weather, and more), remote camera control, and find-my-phone functionality. The watch also supports “free wearing” mode, allowing it to be worn on either wrist while maintaining a correct display orientation— a small but thoughtful detail that enhances usability.
The cross-device ecosystem integration is another highlight, with the watch acting as a control center for smart home devices and cars. Users can lock/unlock their cars, adjust smart home thermostats, and control lights— all with a few taps on their wrists. This level of connectivity transforms the watch from a personal accessory into a central hub for a smart lifestyle.
Limitations to Consider
While the REDMI Watch 6 is an exceptional smartwatch for its price, it’s not without its limitations. First, some features require specific devices or software versions: WeChat quick replies and local music playback are only supported on Android phones, and certain Super Island functions require a Xiaomi HyperOS 3-equipped smartphone. iOS users will miss out on some third-party app support and WeChat replies, though basic functionality remains intact.
Second, the Alipay Tap-to-Pay feature is not yet available at launch and will require an OTA update in mid-November. Similarly, some advanced health features, such as more detailed sleep analysis, are dependent on the Xiaomi Sports Health App, which may require regular updates for full functionality.
Finally, it’s important to note that the REDMI Watch 6 is not a medical device, and all health measurements (including heart rate, blood oxygen, and sleep data) are for reference only, not for diagnostic purposes. Users with serious health conditions should consult a healthcare professional rather than relying solely on the watch’s data.
Conclusion: A Top-Tier Smartwatch for Every Budget
The REDMI Watch 6 is a remarkable achievement in affordable smartwatch design, offering a perfect blend of style, performance, and functionality. Its 2.07-inch AMOLED display is one of the best in its class, delivering vibrant visuals and excellent outdoor readability. The 550mAh battery provides unmatched endurance, eliminating the need for frequent charging, while the comprehensive health and fitness tracking features cater to users of all activity levels.
The addition of dual L1 antenna GNSS, underwater heart rate monitoring, and Xiaomi HyperOS 3 integration elevates the watch beyond basic smartwatch capabilities, making it a viable alternative to more expensive models. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking for accurate workout tracking, a busy professional needing seamless connectivity, or someone who simply wants a reliable smartwatch that won’t break the bank, the REDMI Watch 6 delivers.
While there are minor limitations— particularly for iOS users and those waiting for OTA-enabled features— they are far outweighed by the watch’s strengths. At its price point, the REDMI Watch 6 has no real competitors that offer the same combination of display quality, battery life, and feature depth.
In summary, the REDMI Watch 6 is a must-buy for anyone in the market for an affordable smartwatch. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a high-quality, feature-rich device that enhances your daily life. REDMI has once again set the bar for value in the smartwatch market, and the REDMI Watch 6 is sure to be a top seller for years to come.
