Xiaomi has launched Mijia, a Quartz timepiece with smart features and an affordable price tag.

Essential reading: Top hybrid watches of 2018, the best of both worlds

Hybrid watches blend classic looks with abilities that are evident in today’s smartwatches. Discreetly housed in the casing of these devices is technology that keeps tabs on your daily activity. Some even display smartphone notifications.

Entry into this market is a first for Xiaomi. The tech giant has been gaining market share in the wearable space thanks to its strategy of bringing low cost devices to the masses. The company has recently launched the Mi Band 3. An updated version of its popular fitness tracker, it comes with upgraded OLED, NFC and more.

Mijia is the company’s answer to the likes of Nokia Steel, Misfit Command and Garmin Vivomove. It features a minimalist design and measures 40mm in diameter. The watch face comes with a classic two-hand dial, with a smaller dial underneath showing the number of steps. Like MiBand, Xiaomi’s first hybrid uses the MiFit app.

In addition to basic fitness tracking smarts (calories, steps taken, and distance covered), the watch supports different time-zones, it has vibrating call notifications and an alarm clock. All this is customisable through the accompanying smartphone app.

Casing is made of stainless steel while the dial is covered with mineral glass. The straps have quick-release functionality and come in three colors – white, gray and black. The whole thing is waterproof down to 30 meters and uses a CR2430 battery to support the low-power Bluetooth module.

The watch retails for just CNY 349 ($52). This makes it one of the most affordable hybrid smartwatches out there. Its only sold in China for now but it shouldn’t be too long until it makes its way across the border.

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