Xiaomi Watch S5 vs Xiaomi Watch S4 - comparison

Xiaomi Watch S5 vs Watch S4 (47mm) comparison

Xiaomi has grown into an increasingly significant player in the smartwatch market in recent years. With models designed for sport, health and everyday use, Xiaomi offers an interesting alternative to brands such as Garmin, Samsung and Apple.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 is the latest model in the S Series and builds on the strong foundation of its predecessor. The watch combines a stylish design with extensive health and sports features, making it a compelling option for users looking for a modern smartwatch with plenty of capabilities.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 is now a generation older, but it remains an interesting choice. It still offers a large AMOLED display, extensive sports features, accurate GPS and impressive battery life. Its lower price can also make the S4 appealing to users who do not necessarily need the latest technology.

Although the two models have many similarities, there are some clear differences. The Watch S5 features newer sensors, an improved display, more extensive sports capabilities and a larger battery. Its GPS technology has also been further developed. The Watch S4, on the other hand, still offers a very complete package and can therefore provide excellent value for money.

But which Xiaomi smartwatch is best suited to your needs? In this in-depth comparison, we look at the differences between the Xiaomi Watch S5 and Watch S4 in terms of display, design, battery life, sensors, health features, sports features, smartwatch functions and price.

Specifications overview

* NFC and contactless payment availability may vary by region.

On paper, the differences may not seem particularly significant, but in everyday use you will mainly notice differences in the display, battery life, sensors, GPS and the latest health and sports features.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 is clearly aimed at users who want the latest Xiaomi model and value modern technology. The Watch S4 is more suited to users who want plenty of features but do not necessarily need the latest model.

Display

The display is one of the most important aspects of a modern smartwatch. Both the Xiaomi Watch S5 and Watch S4 feature a bright AMOLED touchscreen with vivid colours and high contrast.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 has a 1.48-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 × 480 pixels. With a peak brightness of 2,500 nits, the screen remains easy to read even in bright sunlight. Xiaomi has also reduced the size of the bezels, allowing the display to take up a larger proportion of the front of the watch.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 features a slightly smaller 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 × 466 pixels. This screen is also particularly bright, with an HBM brightness of up to 1,500 nits and a peak brightness of up to 2,200 nits. As a result, it remains excellent for everyday use and during workouts.

The main differences between the two displays are the screen size, resolution and maximum brightness. The Watch S5 also has a more modern appearance thanks to its slimmer bezels.

For viewing notifications, workout data and health information, both displays perform very well. However, the Watch S5 has a clear advantage thanks to its larger display, higher resolution and greater maximum brightness.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 is therefore the stronger option when it comes to the display. You will notice the advantage of the newer generation especially if you use the smartwatch outdoors frequently or regularly check data on the screen during workouts.

Design

In terms of design, the Xiaomi Watch S5 and Watch S4 have a lot in common. Both models feature a round watch case and are designed to be worn both during exercise and in everyday life.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 has a premium appearance thanks to its stainless-steel case. The watch has a diameter of 46mm and weighs around 46 grams without the strap. The case is 10.99mm thick, meaning that despite its large display, the S5 remains relatively slim.

Xiaomi has also paid close attention to the finish of the S5. The case is made from 316L stainless steel, while the bezel is available in different materials, including stainless steel, ceramic and forged carbon, depending on the version. This gives the Watch S5 a distinctly premium character.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 also has a stylish and classic design. At 48mm, it is slightly larger than the S5 and features an aluminium alloy case. One of the standout features of the S4 is its interchangeable bezel. This allows you to change the appearance of the watch relatively easily to suit your personal style.

The rotating crown on the Watch S4 also adds to its traditional watch-like appearance. It can be used to navigate through widgets, messages and other functions.

The two models therefore appeal to slightly different users. The Watch S5 has a more modern and refined appearance, while the Watch S4 is particularly interesting for those who appreciate a classic watch feel and the ability to customise the bezel.

The Watch S5 comes out on top in terms of design, mainly thanks to its high-quality stainless-steel case, slimmer profile and modern finish. The Watch S4 nevertheless remains an attractive choice for anyone who likes to customise the look of their smartwatch.

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the key strengths of Xiaomi smartwatches. While some smartwatches need to be charged every day or every few days, the Xiaomi Watch S5 and S4 can last considerably longer.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 has a battery capacity of 815 mAh. Xiaomi states that it can last up to 21 days with light use. With typical use, the battery life is around 14 days. When the Always-On Display is used more intensively, the stated battery life is approximately 9 days.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 also offers excellent battery life. Xiaomi quotes up to 15 days of use under normal conditions. This means you can easily use the watch for an extended period without having to recharge it in between.

The difference is more noticeable here than in many other areas. With comparable usage, the Watch S5 has a lead of several days, and with light use the difference becomes even greater.

Battery life will naturally decrease during GPS workouts on both models. Even so, both watches are particularly well suited to users who want to wear their smartwatch day and night.

The long battery life is also very practical for sleep tracking. You do not need to take the watch off as often to charge it, allowing you to keep collecting sleep data consistently.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 is clearly the stronger option when it comes to battery life. The S4 still performs very well, but the S5's larger battery gives the newer model a clear advantage.

Sensors

Both the Xiaomi Watch S5 and Watch S4 feature an extensive range of sensors that Xiaomi uses to collect health and sports data.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 includes:

• Heart rate sensor with blood oxygen sensor
• Accelerometer
• Gyroscope
• Ambient light sensor
• Electronic compass
• Barometric sensor
• Dual-band GNSS

The Watch S5 supports GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou and QZSS. Thanks to dual-frequency GNSS technology, the watch can determine your position more accurately and cope better with signal interference.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 also features an extensive range of sensors and uses a dual-frequency GNSS chip with support for five major satellite systems. The watch also includes heart rate, SpO₂, motion and other sensors for health and sports tracking.

For everyday use, such as measuring heart rate, steps, sleep and sports activities, both models are very comprehensive.

The main advantage of the Watch S5 lies in its newer sensor technology and improved algorithms. Xiaomi has further developed heart rate and sleep monitoring on the S5. The company claims heart rate accuracy of up to 98.4% under specific testing conditions.

Recreational athletes are unlikely to notice a major difference, but users who track their health and training data more intensively may benefit from the S5's improvements.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 is the better choice here, particularly thanks to its newer heart rate and health monitoring technology and further improved GNSS capabilities.

Health Features

Health is one of the most important aspects of both Xiaomi smartwatches. Both the Watch S5 and Watch S4 can collect a range of health data throughout the day.

Both models offer features including:

• Continuous heart rate monitoring
• SpO₂ monitoring
• Stress monitoring
• Sleep tracking
• Breathing exercises
• Menstrual cycle tracking
• Health checks
• Training and recovery data

The Xiaomi Watch S5 takes this a step further. The watch features improved heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, as well as an updated sleep algorithm. According to Xiaomi, the accuracy of detecting when you fall asleep and wake up has improved by 11%, while the accuracy of sleep stage monitoring has improved by 14%.

The S5 also offers a more comprehensive sleep improvement plan. This analyses your sleep data and provides recommendations relating to exercise, nutrition, routines and relaxation.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 also offers a comprehensive health package. The watch can track heart rate, stress, blood oxygen levels and sleep. With the health check feature, you can also collect several key health measurements in around 60 seconds.

For most users, the S4's health features are therefore more than sufficient. You get useful insights into your daily activity, sleep and stress without needing the latest model.

The Watch S5 does, however, have a clear advantage thanks to its improved sensors and more comprehensive sleep analysis.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 wins when it comes to health features. The Watch S4 remains a very capable smartwatch, but the S5 is more appealing to users who want to monitor their health and recovery as comprehensively as possible.

Sports Features

Both Xiaomi models are very capable when it comes to sports. Xiaomi offers more than 150 sports modes on both watches, meaning that almost every popular sport and activity can be tracked.

Both models support activities including:

• Running
• Walking
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Hiking and trekking
• Trail running
• HIIT
• Yoga
• Strength training
• Rowing
• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Golf
• Tennis
• Indoor sports

The Xiaomi Watch S5, however, is more specifically aimed at serious athletes. The watch offers improved training insights, a personal running coach and more detailed running data.

The S5 also offers some interesting additional features for cyclists. It can display real-time data such as heart rate, speed, distance and elevation gain. It also supports Bluetooth power meters and can broadcast your heart rate via Bluetooth to a cycling computer.

The S5's dual-band GNSS technology is also particularly useful for outdoor activities. The watch supports features including route navigation, offline maps and back-to-start navigation.

The Watch S4 is certainly no poor sports watch, however. It offers more than 150 sports modes, dual-frequency GNSS and professional training features. There are 17 modes with more detailed sports data, along with a further 144 activities that track metrics such as heart rate, calories, workout duration and performance.

For recreational athletes, the S4 therefore offers pretty much everything they need.

The Watch S5 also wins in terms of sports features, particularly for serious athletes, runners, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. For recreational users, however, the difference is smaller and the Watch S4 remains an excellent choice.

Smartwatch Features

In addition to sports and health tracking, both models also function as fully featured smartwatches.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 offers features including:

• Smartphone notifications
• Bluetooth calling
• Music features
• NFC
• Contactless payments
• Xiaomi Smart Hub
• Watch faces
• Find My Phone
• Remote camera control
• Control of selected Xiaomi Home devices

The S5 features both a microphone and speaker, allowing you to make Bluetooth calls directly from the watch. NFC is also supported, with Xiaomi stating that contactless payments using Mastercard and Visa are available where the feature is supported.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 also offers an extensive range of smart features. The watch supports notifications, Bluetooth calling, Xiaomi Smart Hub, remote control of selected functions and integration with the Mi Fitness app.

One important difference is that the Watch S5 comes with Xiaomi HyperOS 3, while the S4 uses an older generation of Xiaomi software. The S5 therefore offers a more modern software experience.

Both models are also interesting options for users with Android or iOS smartphones. The S5 supports smartphones running Android 8.0 or later and iOS 14.0 or later.

The Watch S5 offers the most complete smartwatch experience. The more modern software, broader integration and newer features are the main advantages.

Price

Price is one of the most important differences between the Xiaomi Watch S5 and Watch S4.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm is currently available in the UK for around £169.99. The Xiaomi Watch S4 is currently listed on the official Xiaomi UK store at £129.99, making the price difference around £40 at current prices.

That is interesting because, for a relatively small price difference, the S5 offers newer-generation hardware, longer battery life, a brighter display and more advanced health and sports features.

The original recommended retail price of the Watch S4 was around £139.99 in the UK, although it is currently available for less. This makes the S4 particularly interesting when you can find it at an attractive discount.

For the price, the Watch S4 offers:

• AMOLED display
• More than 150 sports modes
• Dual-frequency GPS
• Heart rate monitoring
• SpO₂ monitoring
• Sleep tracking
• Stress monitoring
• Long battery life
• Smart features

The Watch S5 adds a longer battery life, improved health monitoring, a brighter display, newer GPS technology and more advanced training features.

In terms of value for money, the Watch S5 currently has a slight advantage, particularly when the price difference remains around £40. However, if you can find the Watch S4 at a significantly lower price, the older smartwatch can become the better deal.

Where is the Xiaomi Watch S5 better?

The Xiaomi Watch S5 is the newer model and has clear advantages over the Watch S4 in several areas.

Better and brighter display

The Watch S5 features a larger 1.48-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 × 480 pixels and a maximum brightness of 2,500 nits.

This means the screen is not only larger, but also better suited to outdoor use in bright sunlight.

The Watch S4 also has an excellent display, but the S5 simply offers a more modern viewing experience.

Longer battery life

Battery life is one of the biggest improvements with the S5.

With up to 21 days of battery life with light use and around 14 days with typical use, the Watch S5 lasts longer than the Watch S4, which can last up to around 15 days.

For users who wear their smartwatch day and night, this is an important advantage.

Improved health features

The Watch S5 features improved heart rate and blood oxygen sensors, along with an updated sleep algorithm.

The more detailed sleep analysis and sleep improvement plan in particular make the S5 appealing to users who place a strong emphasis on health and recovery.

Better GPS and outdoor sports features

The Watch S5's dual-band GNSS system has been further improved and supports route navigation, offline maps and back-to-start navigation.

For walkers, cyclists, trail runners and other outdoor enthusiasts, this provides clear advantages.

More modern smartwatch experience

The Watch S5 comes with newer software and more extensive integration with Xiaomi devices.

Features such as NFC payments, Bluetooth calling and Xiaomi Smart Hub also contribute to a more complete everyday smartwatch experience.

Where is the Xiaomi Watch S4 better?

Although the Watch S5 is technically the better model, the Watch S4 still has several appealing features.

Better price if you find it discounted

The biggest potential advantage of the Watch S4 is its price.

Because the model is older, it becomes increasingly attractive when retailers or Xiaomi offer additional discounts. If there is a significant price difference, the S4 can be a much better deal for users who do not need all the latest features.

Interchangeable bezel

The Watch S4 has a unique advantage over the S5: its interchangeable bezel.

This allows you to change the appearance of the watch and create different styles. For users who place a high value on personalisation, this is a fun feature that helps the S4 stand out from many other smartwatches.

Still excellent for sports

The Watch S4 features more than 150 sports modes and a dual-frequency GNSS system.

For recreational athletes, the available features are therefore more than sufficient. You do not automatically need to choose the S5 to get a capable sports smartwatch.

Xiaomi Watch S5 vs Watch S4: which should you choose?

The choice between the Xiaomi Watch S5 and Watch S4 mainly depends on your expectations and budget.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 is the best choice if you:

• want the latest Xiaomi technology;
• value a bright and large AMOLED display;
• want long battery life;
• consider advanced health features important;
• are a serious athlete;
• want better GPS and navigation features;
• are looking for a modern smartwatch that will last for several years.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 is the better choice if you:

• want to spend as little as possible;
• are looking for a good all-round smartwatch;
• mainly want to track sports and health;
• are happy with around two weeks of battery life;
• like the idea of an interchangeable bezel;
• do not need the latest features.

Conclusion: Xiaomi Watch S5 vs Watch S4

The comparison between the Xiaomi Watch S5 and Watch S4 shows that both models are excellent smartwatches, but the Watch S5 is a step ahead in almost every technical area.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 is clearly the better choice for users who want to get the most out of their smartwatch. It features a brighter display, longer battery life, improved health monitoring, newer sensors and more advanced sports and navigation features.

Serious athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and users who want to track their health and sleep in greater detail will particularly benefit from these improvements.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 remains a very capable smartwatch, however. It still offers an excellent AMOLED display, more than 150 sports modes, comprehensive health features, dual-frequency GPS and up to around 15 days of battery life.

The biggest advantage of the S4 comes when you can find it at a significantly lower price. In that situation, you still get a very comprehensive package without having to pay for the latest technology.

In short: the Watch S5 is technically the better smartwatch, while the Watch S4 is primarily attractive as a more affordable alternative. If the price difference is relatively small, we would choose the Watch S5. If the S4 is available with a substantial discount, this older Xiaomi smartwatch remains an excellent value-for-money option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Xiaomi Watch S5 better than the Watch S4?

Yes. The Xiaomi Watch S5 is technically the more advanced model. It has a larger and brighter display, longer battery life, improved health monitoring and more advanced sports and navigation features.

The Watch S4 remains an excellent choice if you are mainly looking for a good smartwatch at a lower price.

Which Xiaomi Watch should I buy: S5 or S4?

Choose the Watch S5 if you want the latest technology, better health features and the longest battery life.

The Watch S4 is more appealing if you are mainly looking for a capable all-round smartwatch and can find it at a significantly lower price.

What is the biggest difference between the Xiaomi Watch S5 and S4?

The main differences are the display, battery life, health monitoring and sports features.

The Watch S5 has a 1.48-inch AMOLED display, up to 21 days of battery life with light use and improved heart rate and sleep monitoring. The Watch S4 has a 1.43-inch AMOLED display and up to around 15 days of battery life.

Which has better battery life: Xiaomi Watch S5 or S4?

The Xiaomi Watch S5 has the better battery life.

According to Xiaomi, the S5 can last up to 21 days with light use and around 14 days with typical use. The Watch S4 can last up to around 15 days with normal use.

Does the Xiaomi Watch S5 have GPS?

Yes. The Xiaomi Watch S5 features dual-band GNSS and supports GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou and QZSS. This makes the watch suitable for accurate route and distance tracking during outdoor activities.

Which Xiaomi Watch is better for running?

The Watch S5 is the better choice for serious runners. It offers advanced running workouts, a personal running coach and analysis of metrics including running form and training load.

For recreational runners, however, the Watch S4 is more than capable.

Which is better for cycling?

The Xiaomi Watch S5 has a clear advantage here. It offers an improved cycling mode, can display real-time cycling data and supports Bluetooth power meters. You can also broadcast your heart rate via Bluetooth to a cycling computer.

Is the Xiaomi Watch S5 suitable for swimming?

Yes. The Xiaomi Watch S5 has a 5 ATM water-resistance rating and can be used for swimming and other shallow-water activities. Xiaomi does advise against using the watch for diving, saunas or hot showers.

Can I make calls with the Xiaomi Watch S5?

Yes. The Watch S5 features a built-in microphone and speaker and supports Bluetooth calling. This allows you to make and receive phone calls directly from the watch when it is connected to a compatible smartphone.

Does the Xiaomi Watch S5 have NFC?

Yes. The Xiaomi Watch S5 supports NFC. Xiaomi states that contactless payments using Mastercard and Visa are supported, although NFC payment availability can vary by region.

Does the Xiaomi Watch S5 work with iPhone?

Yes. The Xiaomi Watch S5 supports smartphones running iOS 14.0 or later and Android 8.0 or later.

Which is better for sleep tracking?

The Watch S5 offers more advanced sleep features. Xiaomi has improved the sleep algorithm and added features such as sleep trend reports and a sleep improvement plan.

The Watch S4 also offers comprehensive sleep tracking and will be more than sufficient for most users.

Does the Xiaomi Watch S5 have an ECG function?

No. The Xiaomi Watch S5 does not have an ECG function. The watch can, however, measure heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress and other health data.

Is the Xiaomi Watch S4 still a good choice?

Yes. Despite its age, the Xiaomi Watch S4 remains a very capable smartwatch. With more than 150 sports modes, dual-frequency GPS, health monitoring, an AMOLED display and up to around 15 days of battery life, it still offers a lot of functionality.

Can you use the straps from the Xiaomi Watch S5 and S4 interchangeably?

Yes, both the Xiaomi Watch S5 straps and Xiaomi Watch S4 straps are 22mm wide and use quick-release pins. This allows you to use them interchangeably and makes them easy to swap without tools. Please note that there is also a smaller 41mm variant of the Watch S4 on the market. This model uses 18mm wide bands. 

Which Xiaomi Watch offers the best value for money?

That mainly depends on the current price. The Watch S5 is technically the better smartwatch, but the Watch S4 can be the better deal when it is available at a significantly lower price.

If the price difference is relatively small, we would choose the Watch S5. If the Watch S4 is heavily discounted, however, the older smartwatch remains a very appealing value-for-money option.