In the rapidly evolving world of smartwatches, where premium players like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei have established strong footholds, Xiaomi continues to challenge the status quo with devices that blend affordability with surprising sophistication. The Xiaomi Watch S4 is the latest addition to the company’s extensive wearable lineup, and it carves out a unique niche. It targets users who want both style and substance, all without shelling out flagship-level prices. This smartwatch builds upon the success of the Watch S3 and aims to perfect the budget-smartwatch formula with thoughtful improvements, an impressive display, and battery life that could rival much pricier devices. With a price tag starting at just AED 550, the Xiaomi Watch S4 doesn’t just compete on price—it strives to redefine what we expect from a budget wearable

What stands out immediately about the Xiaomi Watch S4 is that it doesn’t try to be overly ambitious in the wrong places. Instead, it focuses on refining the experience where it matters: design, battery life, core smartwatch features, and customization. While the lack of LTE support and a robust app ecosystem might deter some, for most users who rely on their smartwatch for notifications, fitness tracking, and the occasional call or music control, this device delivers more than enough.

Now, let’s dive deep into every detail of the Xiaomi Watch S4—from its specs and pricing to software performance, fitness tracking accuracy, and everything in between.

Design, Build Quality, and Band Customization – Style Meets Substance

One of the most striking aspects of the Xiaomi Watch S4 is how it visually punches above its weight class. The device looks far more premium than its price suggests, and that’s largely due to thoughtful design choices and high-quality materials. The 47mm watch case is crafted from aluminum alloy with a high-gloss finish that mimics stainless steel so convincingly, most casual observers will assume it’s a much pricier device.

In our review, the Silver variant stood out for its classic, almost minimalist approach to smartwatch design. The bezel blends so seamlessly with the main body that it doesn’t initially appear detachable. Yet, with a firm twist and click, users can pop it off and switch it for another style. This feature elevates the Xiaomi Watch S4 from being “just another budget wearable” to something much more versatile.

The rotating crown on the side of the watch feels tactile and purposeful. It includes a tasteful black accent and can be used to navigate menus or scroll through notifications. Below the crown, a physical button allows for quick access to favorite apps or functions.

At 12mm thick and weighing 44 grams, the Watch S4 hits the sweet spot for wrist presence without feeling cumbersome. It wears well on both small and large wrists, though the 47mm face might feel slightly oversized for those used to smaller, more discreet wearables. Still, the curvature of the body and the soft bands ensure that it remains comfortable for all-day wear, even during sleep or workouts.

Flip the watch over, and you’ll find a ceramic backplate—a premium material choice typically reserved for much more expensive models. Ceramic is hypoallergenic, which makes it an excellent choice for sensitive skin. It also houses the heart rate sensor and charging pins, which are subtly integrated into the body for a seamless design.

Another highlight is the strap compatibility. While Xiaomi includes a fluoroelastomer strap with the Silver and Black models and a nylon strap with the Rainbow edition, the watch supports any standard 22mm quick-release band. This opens up extensive personalization options without locking users into expensive proprietary accessories.

Software Experience and Smartwatch Features – Simplicity Done Right

The Xiaomi Watch S4 runs on HyperOS 2.0, the company’s in-house operating system optimized for wearables. This lightweight OS delivers smooth performance and a clean, intuitive user interface. It may not offer the app richness of Google’s Wear OS or Apple’s watchOS, but it provides a focused experience that nails the essentials.

Pairing the watch is simple. Android and iOS users can connect through the Mi Health app. While core functionality is available across platforms, some smart home features (like advanced integration with Xiaomi’s IoT devices) are only accessible when paired with a Xiaomi phone.

The software covers all the typical smartwatch staples. Users can view notifications, control music, set timers and alarms, check the weather, and even trigger the phone’s camera remotely. Bluetooth call support is available as well, thanks to dual microphones and a surprisingly loud speaker.

Despite having only about 30 pre-installed apps, the Watch S4 gets the basics right. Each feature is snappy, well-integrated, and accessible with minimal taps or swipes. There’s no app store to expand functionality, but the focus here is on practicality rather than bloat.

NFC is included, though mobile payments depend on regional bank support. In some countries, this may mean the feature is underutilized, but its presence is appreciated at this price point.

Health and Fitness Tracking – Broad Capabilities, Reliable Performance

If you buy a smartwatch primarily for fitness tracking, the Xiaomi Watch S4 will not disappoint. It supports over 150 activity types, from standard exercises like running and swimming to niche categories like dance, combat sports, and winter sports. The inclusion of 17 water-based activities and an IP68 rating means the watch can comfortably handle pool laps or ocean dips without concern.

The running suite is particularly robust, with options like interval training, MIIT runs, and guided jogging. You can view data in real-time, including pace, cadence, heart rate, and distance, all displayed clearly on the vibrant AMOLED screen.

Heart rate monitoring is continuous and can be adjusted to take readings at intervals to conserve battery. In testing, heart rate accuracy closely matched that of flagship devices like the Apple Watch SE and Galaxy Watch 7.

SpO2 tracking is included as well, and while not medically certified, it offers useful indicators of respiratory health, especially during workouts or sleep. The watch also measures stress levels through heart rate variability, giving you a snapshot of your physical and emotional state throughout the day.

Sleep tracking is one of the most enjoyable features. It not only records your sleep stages—light, deep, REM, and wake periods—but also assigns you a whimsical “sleep animal” after a few nights of use. This adds a layer of gamification that encourages users to track their rest more consistently. Each morning, you’ll also receive a sleep score with personalized tips for improvement.

Battery Life and Charging – Exceeding Expectations with Real-World Endurance

Battery life remains one of the biggest selling points of the Xiaomi Watch S4. On paper, Xiaomi promises up to 15 days of usage, which would be a game-changer in a world where many smartwatches struggle to get through two full days. In practice, users can expect around five to seven days of moderate-to-heavy use.

For lighter users who disable the always-on display and opt for less frequent health readings, the 10-15 day range is certainly within reach. It’s also worth noting that the Watch S4 charges fairly quickly. A full charge takes just over an hour, and a five-minute top-up provides up to two days of usage, which is perfect for busy users.

Charging is done via a magnetic pogo pin connector. While functional, this can sometimes be finicky to align, especially in low light. Wireless charging is absent, which is a missed opportunity, but forgivable given the price.

Verdict: The Xiaomi Watch S4 is the Best Budget Smartwatch for Most People

At the end of the day, the Xiaomi Watch S4 isn’t trying to be the smartest smartwatch out there. It’s trying to be the best value—and in that mission, it succeeds with flying colors. It delivers excellent hardware design, a gorgeous and bright AMOLED display, respectable performance, extensive fitness tracking capabilities, and better-than-average battery life.

While it lacks cellular connectivity, a robust app store, and a few premium health features, it makes up for it by getting all the basics right. Most importantly, it does so with a level of polish and refinement that we don’t often see in the budget category.

For anyone seeking a stylish, dependable, and customizable smartwatch that won’t break the bank, the Xiaomi Watch S4 should be at the top of your list.