While most smartwatches these days usually feature designs which lean towards more active lifestyles and rugged aesthetics, we’re still seeing manufacturers occasionally put out smaller devices which bring a more subdued look that wouldn’t look out of place at a dinner party or formal occasion. Take for example the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm, which made its global debut not too long ago.
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That being said, we’ve managed to get up close and personal with Xiaomi’s latest smartwatch and check out some of its features. If you’re curious about the 41mm Watch S4, then scroll on down to find out more—let’s get started!
Design and Display
As you can probably tell from its size, the 41mm Watch S4 is a more petite and less rugged-looking option compared to the standard Watch S4 model. The watch features a glossy stainless steel chassis that gives it a classy look, which contrasts a lot of smart wearables that we’re used to seeing on the market these days. On the side, you’ll find an action button and a rotating crown for controls, while the underside houses the sensors and charging pins.
The watch is built with water resistance, so it should be safe for shallow water activities like swimming. Overall though, the lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear, especially on small wrists like mine.
The Watch S4 41mm also features a 1.32-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a resolution of pixels, and Xiaomi states the screen can reach up to 1500 nits of brightness, which should ensure the display remains easy to view even when you are outdoors in bright sunlight. It’s not clear what kind of glass the watch uses for its display, although Xiaomi’s product listing claims that it’s scratch and drop resistant.
Software Features
Instead of Google’s Wear OS, the Watch S4 4amm runs on Xiaomi’s own HyperOS platform. While this means the software is a bit more limited than Wear OS in terms of versatility, it still provides a lot of features that most users need.
This includes support for customizable watch faces, health and fitness tracking, sleep tracking, skin temperature monitoring, and over 150 different sports modes. For casual users ( like myself) who primarily track steps, heart rate, sleep, and check smartphone notifications, the Watch S4 will of course be able to handle these tasks effortlessly.
To pair the watch and view all settings and health data, users will need to download the Mi Health app on their smartphone—as it’s not a Wear OS device, you’ll also be able to use this with an iPhone. The watch connects using Bluetooth 5.4, which allows users to answer calls directly on the watch. There is also NFC support in certain regions, although it lacks WiFi and data connectivity.
Other Details
Battery life is a major selling point for the Watch S4 41mm. Despite the smaller battery, Xiaomi claims the watch can last for up to eight days with typical use. Heavy users may find themselves charging it more often at around the three or four-day point, although the watch still outlasts a lot of other Wear OS-powered smartwatches on the market.
Priced at around £129.99 (that’s around $180 when converted), the Watch S4 41mm does make for a tempting choice for users after a classy-looking smart wearable with all the basics. Regional availability does vary however, although it’s nice to see more smaller watches on the market with a focus on style in addition to function.