Design, battery & value in Xiaomi Watch S4 vs Redmi Watch 5

Redmi Watch 5 and Xiaomi Watch S4 both arrived in the second half of 2024 in China with global availability following soon after. They both sport large AMOLED displays, a similar suite of health features, and the latest HyperOS software. On paper, the two devices overlap a lot — but when you wear them, the differences start to show.

Here are the main ones.

1. Materials and design approach

Both watches are on the larger side, but the Redmi Watch 5 leans slightly more unisex in its design. Its rectangular case and slim profile give it a more neutral look, and at just 33.5 grams, it’s noticeably lighter than the Xiaomi Watch S4. You really can feel the difference.

The Redmi uses an aluminium alloy frame with a plastic back. It’s a straightforward build that feels durable enough, even if it doesn’t lean into premium materials. Comfort is one of its stronger points. In our Redmi Watch 5 review, we note that it’s well-suited for all-day wear. Navigation is handled through a responsive touchscreen and a single rotating crown.

Xiaomi Watch S4 goes in a different direction with its more traditional round design. It’s heavier at 44.5 grams and framed in stainless steel, with Corning glass on the front. The overall build feels more refined. One feature that stands out is the removable bezel, which adds some scope for visual customisation.

In our Xiaomi Watch S4 review, we note that it looks and feels more like a proper watch — one that wouldn’t seem out of place in a business or formal setting. It also adds a flat side button beneath the rotating crown, giving another layer of physical control.

2. Displays are similar but shaped differently

Both watches feature AMOLED panels with support for always-on display and up to 1500 nits of brightness. Redmi Watch 5 offers a large 2.07-inch rectangular display, which makes excellent use of screen space. Text is sharp, colours are vibrant, and visibility in sunlight is solid. In day-to-day use, the screen is bright, colourful and easy to read — making it ideal for everything from workout stats to notification previews.

Xiaomi Watch S4 comes with a smaller 1.43-inch round display. It’s not as expansive, but the quality is excellent. We found it to be vibrant and responsive, with reliable touch input and strong outdoor visibility.

While the rectangular layout of the Redmi does offer more space for dense information, the S4’s round design feels more like a classic wristwatch, which could be a deciding factor for some users.

3. Sensors, navigation and extras

Both watches come equipped with the standard set of tracking sensors: heart rate, SpO2, accelerometer, gyroscope, and ambient light. Xiaomi Watch S4 adds a barometer and geomagnetic sensor, which can improve elevation tracking and orientation when needed.

Fitness tracking is reliable on both devices. Heart rate and sleep data on the Redmi Watch 5 are broadly in line with what other devices provide, and step counting is accurate for the most part. GPS performance is consistent, with no major issues during outdoor sessions.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 includes L1+L5 dual-band GNSS, which helps improve positioning accuracy. Tracking is accurate and reliable, with fast satellite acquisition and steady performance over longer distances. The added sensors give it an edge in outdoor scenarios, though it’s not aimed at serious athletes. That’s because, while it does track all the basics, it does not offer the same depth of performance metrics as some sports watches like those from Garmin.

4. Battery life and everyday use

As far as battery life – the Redmi Watch 5 packs a 550 mAh battery, and it lasts longer — up to 18 days on a single charge. The S4, despite having a slightly smaller 486 mAh battery, offers less time between charges — up to 15 days for typical use. You can expect around a third of that on both with the always-on display.

That shorter battery life is not necessarily a drawback for the S4. It’s doing more under the hood — handling Wi-Fi in addition to Bluetooth, cellular if you opt for that version, and a richer sensor suite. But if you’re the kind of user who just wants to charge as little as possible, the Redmi Watch 5 is more forgiving.

What it all comes down to

Redmi Watch 5 is a solid value-focused watch that offers a large, bright screen, long battery life, and all the core features most people need. It keeps things efficient and light, both in physical weight and in how much it asks from your wallet — at around $60 (check price on Xiaomi), it’s hard to ignore.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

The Xiaomi Watch S4 is more polished, more capable, and at $150 (check price on Xiaomi) – more expensive. With its better build materials, more accurate positioning, optional eSIM, and added sensors, it aims at users who want something closer to a smartwatch experience than a smart band upgrade.

Both get the basics right and run on the same software ecosystem, but they’re made for different types of wearers. One’s a budget-friendly all-rounder, the other’s a full-featured daily driver — and the choice depends on where your priorities land.

Tech specs comparison: Redmi Watch 5 vs Xiaomi Watch S4

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