Discover the Xiaomi Watch S4’s 1.43‑inch AMOLED display, HyperOS 2, GPS & NFC, and 486 mAh battery in our in‑depth review of its design, performance, and value.
In our hands‑on exploration of the Xiaomi Watch S4, we found a sleek smartwatch that punches above its price class. From its 1.43‑inch AMOLED display to the HyperOS 2 software, the Watch S4 blends style with substance, delivering smooth performance and robust health tracking—all while lasting days on a single 486 mAh battery charge.
We dive deep into its design, screen quality, software experience, battery life, connectivity options, and overall value to help you decide if the Xiaomi Watch S4 deserves a spot on your wrist.
Related: Honor Band 10 Review
Design & Build Quality
The Xiaomi Watch S4 greets you with a polished stainless‑steel bezel that frames its circular face, lending an upscale feel rarely seen at its price point. Its scratch/drop‑proof glass protects the 1.43‑inch AMOLED display, ensuring durability during daily wear.
Weighing in at just under 40 g, the Watch S4 sits comfortably on the wrist without feeling bulky, and the interchangeable straps allow you to switch between sporty and formal looks in seconds.
The rotating crown and single side button offer intuitive navigation, while the case’s 5 ATM water resistance rating means you can swim or shower worry‑free. Overall, the Xiaomi Watch S4’s build quality feels premium, with attention to detail that elevates its aesthetic above many rivals in the sub‑$250 segment.
Display Quality
When it comes to the screen, the Xiaomi Watch S4 does not disappoint. The 466 × 466‑pixel resolution yields sharp text and crisp graphics at ~326 ppi, making notifications and watch faces pop.
Its peak brightness of 1500 nits ensures excellent outdoor visibility, even under direct sunlight. With a 60 Hz refresh rate, animations feel fluid whether you’re scrolling through menus or swiping between widgets.
The AMOLED panel delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors, enhancing both aesthetics and battery efficiency when using always‑on display modes. Even at wide viewing angles, contrast remains consistent, making the Xiaomi Watch S4’s display one of the best in its class.
Performance & Software Experience
Under the hood, the Xiaomi Watch S4 runs on HyperOS 2, Xiaomi’s latest wearable operating system, which brings smoother animations and more customization options than its predecessor.
Swiping through menus and launching apps is responsive, thanks to efficient resource management and the Bluetooth 5.3 chipset that minimizes latency. While the third‑party app ecosystem remains limited compared to Apple Watch or Wear OS, essential apps like Strava and Spotify integrate well via the Mi Fitness companion, and notifications from your phone arrive promptly.
Haptic feedback is strong and reassuring, making interactions feel tactile—though some may find the single‑button plus crown interface takes a short learning curve.
Battery Life & Charging
One of the Xiaomi Watch S4’s standout specs is its 486 mAh battery, which delivers up to 10 days of typical use on a single charge. In our testing—featuring daily activity tracking, sleep monitoring, and occasional GPS workouts—the watch comfortably lasted eight days before requiring a top‑up.
Charging via the magnetic puck is straightforward, though the two‑pin connector can feel less secure than pogo‑pin alternatives. A full charge takes around two hours, meaning you can easily juice up overnight without fuss. For commuters or travelers, the long endurance of the Xiaomi Watch S4 eliminates daily charging anxiety.
Connectivity & Features
The Xiaomi Watch S4 packs GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, and QZSS for precise location tracking during runs or hikes. NFC support enables contactless payments in select regions, while Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable pairing with Android and iOS devices.
It also includes sensors for heart rate, SpO2, barometer, compass, and a gyroscope, allowing comprehensive health monitoring. The watch can control music playback, display incoming calls, and even act as a remote shutter for your phone’s camera. However, the lack of onboard storage for music and absence of an ECG sensor may disappoint power users.
User Experience & Practicality
Daily use of the Xiaomi Watch S4 feels intuitive: raising your wrist instantly wakes the screen, and customizable watch faces let you prioritize data like steps, heart rate, or weather. The Mi Fitness app collects health metrics in a clear dashboard, syncing data seamlessly to Health Connect for third‑party app access.
Sleep and stress tracking are detailed, though advanced metrics like VO2 max are absent. The watch’s comfortable fit and quick‑release straps make swapping bands painless, and its light weight hardly intrudes during workouts. While third‑party app options remain modest, core functionality covers most users’ needs without overwhelming them with complexity.
Pricing & Value for Money
At approximately $132 USD (RM 559.00), the Xiaomi Watch S4 undercuts many competitors while delivering premium design and features. For less than half the price of an Apple Watch 10 or significantly undercutting a Galaxy Watch 7, you get comparable display quality, multi‑satellite GPS, NFC, and multi‑day battery life.
The trade‑offs—limited third‑party apps and no ECG—are reasonable given the cost savings. If you seek a stylish daily‑driver smartwatch with robust fitness tracking and standout battery endurance, the Xiaomi Watch S4 offers compelling value.
Final Verdict
The Xiaomi Watch S4 strikes a rare balance between style, performance, and affordability. Its 1.43‑inch AMOLED display, HyperOS 2 fluidity, multi‑satellite GPS, and 486 mAh battery set it apart in the budget smartwatch arena.
While the app ecosystem lags behind top‑tier rivals and it lacks advanced health sensors like ECG, these omissions feel minor next to its strengths. For tech‑curious friends who want a feature‑rich smartwatch without breaking the bank, the Xiaomi Watch S4 is a smart buy.
FAQs
How long does the Xiaomi Watch S4 battery last with heavy GPS use?
With continuous GPS tracking, the Xiaomi Watch S4’s 486 mAh battery typically endures around 20 hours of active workout monitoring before dipping below 20%. Casual runners can expect a full week between charges even with daily outdoor sessions.
Can I use third‑party apps on the Xiaomi Watch S4?
Yes—the Xiaomi Watch S4 supports select third‑party apps like Strava and Suunto via the Mi Fitness app, though availability is currently better on Android than iOS. The ecosystem is growing but remains smaller than Apple’s or Wear OS.
Is the Xiaomi Watch S4 suitable for swimming?
Absolutely. With a 5 ATM water resistance rating, the Xiaomi Watch S4 handles pool laps and open‑water swims. Its swim‑tracking mode logs distance and stroke count, though GPS is disabled underwater as expected.
Does the Xiaomi Watch S4 support contactless payments?
Yes—NFC on the Xiaomi Watch S4 enables contactless payments in supported markets. Setup is done through the Mi Fitness app; however, regional banking partnerships vary, so availability may differ by country.
How customizable are the watch faces on the Xiaomi Watch S4?
Extremely. The Xiaomi Watch S4 offers dozens of preloaded watch faces, many with editable widgets showing weather, steps, heart rate, and more. You can also download new faces via the Mi Fitness app or create your own layouts for a personalized look.
