Image source: Xiaomi

Xiaomi expands its smartwatch lineup with the new Watch S4

Xiaomi has added another timepiece to its lineup – the Xiaomi Watch S4. Building upon the success of its predecessors, the Watch S3 and S4 Active, the new model introduces a few enhancements such as HyperOS 2.0, a better display, gesture control and more.

In my previous hands-on review of the Watch S3, I found the device to strike an impressive balance between style and functionality, offering a capable fitness tracking experience with a premium build quality. Of course, its claim to fame is the removable bezel. That stays for S4 which, in fact, looks very similar to its predecessor. Even the dimensions and weight are almost identical.

One of the key additions to the Watch S4 is the integration of HyperOS 2.0, the latest version of Xiaomi’s wearable operating system. This updated platform promises more seamless integration with the company’s broader ecosystem, enabling users to control compatible smart home devices, access apps, and even perform intuitive gesture-based commands, such as turning on a fan or light by snapping their fingers. No word yet if older devices in the range will be getting the HyperOS 2.0 update.

Another noteworthy upgrade is the inclusion of an optional eSIM, which allows for cellular connectivity on the Chinese variant of the Watch S4. This feature, combined with the device’s Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n support, ensures users remain connected at all times.

Xiaomi Watch S4

The Watch S4 also boasts an improved display, capable of reaching up to 1,500 nits of peak brightness (up to a maximum of 2,000 nits) – a nice boost from the 600 nits of its predecessor. This enhancement should ensure better visibility in direct sunlight. Additionally, the device now features a rotating crown, providing a bit of variety in navigating the user interface. Coupled with this are the new wrist gestures.

Under the hood, the Watch S4 retains its focus on fitness and health tracking, with the ability to monitor over 150 different exercise modes, including GPS-enabled outdoor activities. Users can also keep tabs on their heart rate, sleep patterns, stress levels, and blood oxygen saturation. The company says heart rate and blood oxygen are now tracked with 98% accuracy, so a bit of an improvement.

Xiaomi Watch S4

The capacity of the on-board battery is exactly the same. So users can expect around 5 days with the always-on display or 15 days in normal mode.

With a starting price of 999 yuan (approximately $130 USD), the Xiaomi Watch S4 aims to offer a premium wearable experience at a relatively accessible price point. If it makes it to International market, this will likely be bumped up to $150. A eSIM variant sells for $20 more.


Xiaomi Watch S4 vs S3 vs S4 Sport: tech specs comparison

Here is how the new Watch S4 stacks up against the S3 and S4 Sport.

Specification
Xiaomi Watch S4
Xiaomi Watch S3
Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport
Release date
Oct-24
Feb-24
Jul-24
Case material
Aluminium alloy frame, stainless steel bezel, corning glass, interchangeable bezel
Aluminium alloy frame, stainless steel bezel, corning glass, interchangeable bezel
Titanium frame, with sapphire crystal protection for both the front and back
Number of physical buttons
Flat button and rotating crown
2 flat buttons
Rotating Crown + 2 buttons
Shape
Round
Round
Round
Size
47.3 x 47.3 x 12mm
47.0 x 47.0 x 12.0 mm
46.9 x 46.9 x 12.6 mm
Display type
AMOLED
AMOLED
AMOLED
Resolution
466 x 466 pixels, up to 1500 nits
466 x 466 pixels, up to 600 nits
466 x 466 pixels, up to 2200 nits
Screen size
1.43 inch
1.43 inch
1.43 inch
Weight (without strap)
44.5 grams
44 grams
49 grams
Sensors
Heart rate sensor (with blood oxygen sensor), accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic sensor, barometer sensor, ambient light sensor
Heart rate sensor (with blood oxygen sensor), accelerometer, gyroscope, electronic compass, barometer sensor, ambient light sensor, hall sensor
Heart rate sensor (with blood oxygen sensor), accelerometer, gyroscope, electronic compass, barometer sensor, ambient light sensor, hall sensor
Water-resistance
5 ATM
5 ATM
5 ATM, 40 meter for diving (EN1319 certificate)
Positioning
L1+L5 dual-band GNSS (five-satellite positioning)
L1+L5 dual-band GNSS (five-satellite positioning)
L1+L5 dual-band GNSS (five-satellite positioning)
Built-in speaker
Yes
Yes
Yes
Microphone
Yes (two)
Yes
Yes
NFC
Yes
Yes
Yes
Music storage
Yes
Yes
Yes
Connection
Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 5.2
Cellular connectivity
Optional
No
Optional
Battery type
486 mAh
486 mAh
586 mAh
Battery life
Typical usage up to 15 days, AOD usage – up to 5 days
Typical usage up to 15 days, AOD usage – up to 5 days
15 days with typical use, 9 days with eSIM, 26 hours dual-band use
Operating system
Xiaomi HyperOS 2.0
Xiaomi HyperOS
HyperOS
Colors
Classic black and white body
Black, Silver
Titanium
Typical RRP
starting at $150
$150
starting at $250

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Marko Maslakovic

Marko founded Gadgets & Wearables in 2014, having worked for more than 15 years in the City of London’s financial district. Since then, he has led the company’s charge to become a leading information source on health and fitness gadgets and wearables.

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