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.

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.

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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