Syed Imran Haider 
Even though it has been releasing wearables since 2014, Xiaomi has been unable to do well in the premium smartwatch category. While it has done great in the hardware department, it has suffered in terms of software. The simplest solution to this problem is to opt for Google’s Wear OS and this is precisely what the Chinese company has done on the Watch 2 Pro. It seems to have worked because it is undoubtedly the company’s finest smartwatch yet.
Design and build
The Watch 2 Pro manages to distinguish itself in the world of Android-based smartwatches because it boasts a stainless-steel bezel surrounding the 1.43-inch display. This gives the watch a premium touch because it shimmers every time it catches the light. The size is quite big, which makes it suitable for people with bigger wrists. It weighs 54.5g and is about 11.6mm thick, which means it is also quite bulky.
The extra weight is due to the premium materials used. The stainless-steel build is also highly durable and the raised bezel protects the screen. While the Watch 2 Pro is mostly a touchscreen device, it comes with three physical controls. You can scroll through menus or switch between apps through the rotating physical crown. Pressing it for long opens up Google Assistant.
The button below it can open up the app used last and a double press leads to Google Play. Pressing it for long opens up power options. The button above it leads to workouts. Everything is very intuitive and works smoothly.
Screen and audio
The Watch 2 Pro comes in just one display size, which is 1.43-inch AMOLED display that comes with a 466 x 466 resolution. It means all content looks crisp and clear and the vibrant and rich colors only add to it. The refresh rate is 60Hz, which is quite high for a smartwatch. You will not have any issues in scrolling, as everything feels responsive and smooth.
The audio also turns out to be better than expected, as the built-in speaker is fairly loud and provides decent clarity. The built-in microphone is also impressive, as it works nicely for Google Assistant commands and calls.
Specs and performance
The Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 powers the Watch 2 Pro. Even though it was released last year, it remains the greatest and latest chipset from Qualcomm for smartwatches. Combined with 2GB of RAM, it delivers outstanding performance. Whether you are scrolling menus, swiping between screens, or toggling settings, everything feels responsive and fluid.
The Watch 2 Pro also comes with built-in Wi-Fi, which means you can use it independently of your phone. There is also support for Bluetooth 5.2 and it manages to retain a strong connection. There is also on-device storage of 32GB available, which is enough for downloaded songs, apps and audiobooks.
The Verdict
The decision to switch to Google Wear OS has proven to be transformative for the Watch 2 Pro and it is Xiaomi’s best smartwatch that boasts the company’s stunning hardware.
