If you need proof that you don’t have to break the bank for a premium smartwatch experience, Xiaomi has the answer. The recently launched Xiaomi Watch S4 looks and feels like a high-end device, and its feature set only adds to that illusion. You’d expect to pay upwards of P15,000, but nope—this wearable starts at just P7,799.
Design and build
The Xiaomi Watch S4 balances style, functionality, and affordability, making it a compelling option for those looking to get a versatile smartwatch. Its sleek aluminum alloy frame with a high-gloss PVD finish convincingly mimics the look of a premium stainless steel watch.
Xiaomi’s focus on customization ensures the Watch S4’s versatility. With easy-to-swap bezels and straps, and over 200 watch faces to choose from, you can go from boardroom sophistication to bootcamp readiness in an instant.
For everyday durability, the Watch S4 is a reliable companion. It boasts 5 ATM water resistance, which protects it from rain and splashes. You can even use it for brief swims.
The responsive physical controls of the Watch S4 likewise enhance the user experience. The tactile rotating crown makes menu navigation a breeze, offering a satisfying alternative to purely touchscreen interactions. There’s also a customizable secondary button that allows for instant access to your favorite features and workouts.
And speaking of the screen, the 1.43-inch AMOLED display is sharp (466 x 466 resolution), bright (2,200 nits peak brightness/1,500 nits high brightness mode), vibrant, and easy to read in bright sunlight. We’ve used it while jogging outdoors at 8am and we didn’t have a problem checking the time and our stats. The 60Hz refresh rate makes animations feel smooth.
At 12mm thick, the watch sits slightly chunky on the wrist—but unless your wrists are on the smaller side, this is unlikely to be a significant drawback.
Features and performance
The Xiaomi Watch S4 delivers a robust set of health and fitness tracking features, including heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep analysis.
One standout feature is its one-tap health insights tool, which provides a quick snapshot of your vital metrics—heart rate, stress, blood oxygen, and sleep—generated in around 1 minute.
Heart rate and SpO2 tracking on the Xiaomi Watch S4 were consistently reliable. We compared the readings to ones from a dedicated pulse oximeter and blood pressure monitor, and the results were remarkably close, showing only a minimal margin of difference.
In our tests, the Xiaomi Watch S4’s dual-frequency GNSS provides excellent GPS tracking for outdoor workouts. Our walking and running routes were accurately mapped, with fast signal acquisition and detailed route information.
Whether you’re into water sports, outdoor adventures, or structured training, this smartwatch has you covered with over 150 activity tracking options. There’s an auto-tracking feature, which is convenient, but if you’re after precision, we recommend manual tracking.
Meanwhile, sleep tracking on the Xiaomi Watch S4 includes breathing rate, blood oxygen monitoring, and sleep stage analysis. After each night, you’ll get a sleep score—or an overall estimation of your sleep quality—and suggestions on how to improve it.
Overall, the Xiaomi Watch S4 is easy to use. Xiaomi’s HyperOS delivers a consistently smooth and responsive experience, making everyday interactions like swiping through menus and using the crown feel effortless and lag-free.
Battery and charging
Battery life is another strong point of this smartwatch. It easily lasts up to 15 days of typical use on a single charge, so there’s no need to constantly look for an outlet.
And when you do need to juice it up, charging is fast via the 2-pin magnetic charger. A five-minute top-up provides two days of use, and a full charge takes just over an hour so you’re never without your watch for long.
Speed says
The Xiaomi Watch S4 is an easy recommendation for anyone wanting a stylish, customizable smartwatch with great fitness features and long battery life. Its premium look and solid performance are a bonus.
