Xiaomi Watch S4 Review: Built to Impress, Designed to Perform

Smartwatches have evolved far beyond simple fitness bands. Today, they are an extension of our smartphones, wellness guides, and even fashion statements. The new Xiaomi Watch S4 combines powerful health tracking and smart features with a sleek, stylish design that looks good in any setting.

I’ve been using the Watch S4 every day—while working, exercising, and even just relaxing, and it’s been smooth, reliable, and stylish. Whether you're checking your heart rate, tracking your steps, or just reading notifications, everything works great.

Unboxing Xiaomi Watch S4

Design and Build Quality

Housed in a sleek aluminum alloy frame, the watch manages to feel both premium and lightweight at just 44.5g. It’s comfortable enough for all-day wear, and the curved chassis blends seamlessly with the wrist for a natural fit, yet it doesn’t compromise on durability.

The interchangeable bezel design is one of my favorite upgrades, letting you switch up styles depending on the occasion, be it at work or a formal dinner.

While the included fluororubber strap is practical, it slightly detracts from the watch’s elegant design. For a more stylish upgrade, consider choosing one of the better-quality straps available on Xiaomi’s official stores.

Navigating the interface is simple and easy thanks to the classic rotating crown, which feels satisfyingly tactile. It’s a small detail, but it adds an extra layer of intuitive control that feels natural and responsive, especially when scrolling through apps or adjusting settings.

Display

The 1.43-inch AMOLED display is hands-down one of the brightest and sharpest I’ve seen on a smartwatch in this price range. Boasting 326 PPI and a 60Hz refresh rate, every notification, app icon, and health stat looks sharp and smooth.

In real-world use, the screen stays visible even under direct sunlight, thanks to its 1500nits HBM brightness, peaking at 2200nits. That’s not just a spec-sheet flex, it genuinely makes a difference during outdoor walks and while navigating in bright environments.

Even more impressive is the moisture-resistant touch control, a new algorithm ensures that wet conditions or sweat won’t trigger accidental touches. I’ve worn the Watch S4 during rainy walks, and it handled the condition flawlessly.

Durability

This watch doesn’t just look premium, it’s also durable. With a 5ATM water resistance rating, I’ve confidently worn it while swimming, washing dishes, and even during showers without skipping a beat. It’s not rated for diving or saunas, but for day-to-day wear, it more than holds its own.

Performance

The Xiaomi Watch S4 delivers in both casual and almost any scenario. From step tracking to continuous heart rate monitoring, the sensors are accurate and reliable. I especially appreciated the one-tap health insights feature, which gives you a snapshot of your heart rate, SpO₂, stress level, and sleep data in seconds.

Xiaomi packs the Watch S4 with health sensors, including:

24/7 heart rate monitoring
SpO2 blood oxygen saturation tracking
Sleep tracking (including REM and nap detection)
Stress and body energy monitoring
Menstrual cycle tracking

It also supports over 150+ sports modes, including niche activities and functional training. During my use, switching modes was seamless, and I found the built-in GPS accurate enough for outdoor runs and cycling without needing to carry my phone.

One of the features I personally enjoy is the One-Tap Health Insights. With just a tap, the Watch S4 quickly scans your heart rate, stress level, blood oxygen, and sleep status, then compiles the data into a micro-physical examination report—all in just around 60 seconds. It's like having a mini wellness check-up anytime you need it, right on your wrist. This is especially useful when you’re feeling off or just want a quick snapshot of your body’s condition.

Another feature I love is the built-in breathing exercises. There are different modes like Relax, Concentrate, Take a Nap, and Sleep Soundly. I use the “Relax” mode the most, especially after a stressful day at work. A few minutes of guided breathing really helps me calm down and refocus, it’s like a mini reset button on my wrist.

The Watch S4 is packed with smart functions that go beyond the basics:

Find My Device – Ring your paired phone instantly
Remote Camera Control – Great for group shots
Earbud Controls – Adjust volume, check battery, and more
Quick Gestures – dismiss alerts or reject calls quickly

These features transform the Watch S4 into more than just a passive companion—it actively enhances your digital lifestyle.

OS and User Interface

Running on Xiaomi HyperOS 2, the interface is both fluid and organized. From setting alarms to controlling music or checking weather updates, the UI feels snappy and clutter-free.

I particularly enjoyed the integration with Xiaomi Smart Hub, which allowed me to manage smart home devices, like adjusting the lights or checking my air purifier, right from my wrist. It’s little features like these that make the Watch S4 feel like an extension of your digital life, and not just a fitness tracker.

Paired with the Xiaomi Fitness app, the experience becomes even better. The app is a comprehensive, easy-to-use fitness tracker that consolidates your steps, heart rate, sleep quality, and workouts into detailed, actionable insights. Compatible with a wide range of Xiaomi wearables, it lets you set goals, track progress, and join community challenges to stay motivated.

The Fitness app also allows you to manage watch faces, making it simple to upload new designs to your Watch S4 for a more personalized look. With a wide variety of styles to choose from, you can easily match your watch to your mood, outfit, or occasion.

Connectivity

With Bluetooth 5.3, built-in GNSS support (GPS, Glonass, Galileo, BeiDou, QZSS), and NFC (region dependent), the Xiaomi Watch S4 ticks all the boxes for a modern smartwatch. Bluetooth calling worked well in my testing, with clear microphone pickup, good speaker output, and a stable connection throughout the day.

Battery and Charging

Impressive battery life. On a typical usage cycle (notifications, heart rate monitoring, a few workouts, and some GPS use), I got 11-13 days consistently. For heavier users, that might drop slightly, but it’s still impressive for a smartwatch with such a vivid display and robust sensors.

Charging via the 2-pin magnetic dock is easy and secure, and though not the fastest I’ve seen, it comfortably charges the battery fast enough.

Pros:
Brilliant AMOLED display with exceptional brightness
Lightweight yet premium design
Accurate health monitoring and GPS
Seamless HyperOS UI and smart home control
Long-lasting battery life

Cons:
NFC and some features may vary by region
No native support for voice assistant yet
Interchangeable bezels cost extra
Included Fluororubber strap doesn’t match the premium design

Verdict
At just ₱7,799 for the Black and Silver variants and ₱8,299 for the Rainbow Edition, the Xiaomi Watch S4 offers excellent value for what it brings to the table. It’s stylish, functional, and packed with features that enhance your everyday experience.

If you want a smartwatch that looks great, tracks your health reliably, and genuinely makes your digital life easier, the Watch S4 is a strong contender. For everyday use, it’s one of the most well-rounded and affordable smartwatches Xiaomi has ever released.

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