The Xiaomi Watch S4 has arrived with an updated design , add a crown to the suit for improved usability . Inside though , it ’s more of the same , but is that a bad matter ? We ’ve had some deal - on time with the affordable smartwatch to regain out .
Crowning achievement
TheXiaomi Watch S3made do with a span of button on the case along with the touchscreen for navigation , but for the Watch S4 Xiaomi has put a crown at the two o’clock place , gross with a gimmick - to - curl feature . There ’s a noticeable vibe when you change by reversal it , and the software reacts rapidly , making it a great upgrade . However , I do n’t think the Watch S3 being a navigational nightmare without it .
It ’s bind to a smartwatch that ’s otherwise quite alike . The cagy obliterable bezel feature makes a welcome paying back , give you far more customization than on a normal smartwatch , as each bezel comes with its own matching strap and watch face . It ’s genuinely fun , and the chemical mechanism to convert the bezel makes things really gentle : you just twist and get through to lock it in place .
I was n’t so take with the elemental bezel and strap supplied with my Watch S4 modeling , as the rainbow colors cheapen it more or less . AnAudemars Piguet Royal Oak with a rainbow bezelit ’s most definitely not . The rubber strap with its multi - colour sewing is comfortable , but still not to my predilection . I also take in an orangish isthmus that ’s a pile like a Sport Loop band for the Apple Watch , and it was well-fixed and really optic - catching . The enceinte affair is , the Xiaomi Watch S4 can depend how you need with its ready change bezel and shoulder strap .
What about the specs?
Things have n’t changed much with the specification . The 1.43 - inch cover has a 466 x 466 pixel resolution , and it ’s really bright at 1,500 nits in sun , and a 2,200 peak . I have n’t struggled to see it at all . The grammatical case is made of aluminum , the bezel material changes bet on the one you buy and several come in ceramic . There ’s a 486mAh battery with up to 15 days of use on a individual charge . It ’s charge using a plastic puck that magnetically attaches to the back of the sentry . Be careful though , as the magnets are n’t that unattackable , and it ’s also happy to latch on even when the battery charger ’s pogo stick are n’t lined up aright .
On the back is a heart pace sensor and the watch connects to the Mi Fitness app on your Android earpiece , and Xiaomi says the algorithm has been update . It tracks heart rate , blood atomic number 8 , tenseness , and log Z’s , plus there ’s a one - hydrant health overview feature where a 60 - second check - up alarm you to any abnormal results . TheOnePlus Watch 3has a similar feature of speech .
The computer software is Xiaomi ’s own HyperOS 2 , which do with a few strange features around connectivity with other Xiaomi devices . There are gestures like making a fist to move through intro pages on a Xiaomi tablet , for example , and snapping your fingerbreadth to reject a call . I wear a spotter on my unexpended wrist and I ca n’t snap my fingers with my left hand , so this one would go idle . The software is fine , but funnily put down out . It does n’t utilize a side swipe organization like Google ’s Wear bone , and instead employs the rotating bezel to voyage through a inclination of cards . Swipe left , and a watch look customization page come out , which seems unnecessary .
Worth a buy?
I still think the interchangeable bezel feature is nerveless , but I know that once I plant a pairing I liked , I ’d probably dumbfound with it . However , the chance to transfer it up after a while is really welcome , adding much want length of service to the conception .
The Xiaomi Watch S4 ’s cost has n’t been unveil at the meter of writing , but ground on the 130 British pounds price of the Watch S3 ( about $ 160 ) , it will be far less than theSamsung Galaxy Watch 7and OnePlus Watch 3 .
It ’s principal challenger will be theCMF by Nothing Watch 2 professional , which also has a swappable bezel doodad . The Xiaomi Watch S4 looks and feels in high spirits quality though , and although the software ’s a bit weird , it has been reliable . Provided the Xiaomi Watch S4 does n’t suddenly double in price , it ’s looking like a honorable value smartwatch with a cagey customization feature , good performance and all the wellness tech most need .