Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm: Elegance Meets Functionality
Introduction
The Watch S4 might be Xiaomi’s most popular smartwatch to date, and our S4 review’s popularity is a testament to that. While the full-sized S4 emphasizes customizability, the 41mm version is committed to elegance. This watch strikes a delicate balance between style and functionality.
With its refined design and smaller size, the 41mm model leans toward a more feminine appeal. Although it is not strictly a women’s watch, it may feel too compact for the broader male wrist sizes, as noted in various reviews from GSMArena HQ.
Our review features the Sunset Gold model, which stands out among the various options, including Black, White, and Mint Green. Each variant primarily differs in strap material and the unique accent on the rotating crown. The Black, White, and Mint Green versions boast glossy silver cases, while the Sunset Gold version sports a distinctive mesh strap made of finely-woven steel wires.
Each color variant has a special design element in their crown: the Sunset Gold features a “lab-grown” diamond, while others showcase a color-matching center.
Charging the device is done via a proprietary puck-style wireless charger similar to its 47mm counterpart. Aligning the pins can feel cumbersome, as a more intuitive charging method would be preferred.
Build Quality and Features
The Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm is not only smaller than its regular counterpart but also features a slightly altered design. Its most notable difference is the flush bezel, which lacks the protruding design of the 47mm model, offering less glass protection.
Integrating the lugs into the body allows for seamless strap attachments, particularly for the Gold model, where compatibility with third-party options is exceptional.
Two buttons are present on the device: the rotating crown, which opens the app list and allows widget scrolling, and a function button below it for quick access to settings. This design simplifies navigation, enhancing user experience.
The magnetic clasp strap provides convenience but presents challenges for fitness tracking. Users often reported that it detached during activities, complicating health monitoring efforts. While the watch boasts more than 150 sports modes, sleep tracking, and a skin temperature sensor, the strap’s design limits its effectiveness during rigorous workouts.
Magnetic clasp
The display on the Watch S4 41mm is remarkable; it features a 1.32-inch AMOLED panel with a resolution of 466x466px and a peak brightness of 1,500 nits. This impressive specification ensures outstanding visibility even in bright conditions, earning high praise.
The display is flat, excellent
The watch’s unique vertical list for widgets and apps deviates from the standard side-scroll design found on most smartwatches but proves intuitive after a brief adaptation period. Swipe gestures from the right edge allow users to change watch faces quickly, enhancing the overall user experience.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Watch S4 is claimed to offer up to 8 days of battery life under light usage. Normal usage allows for about 4 days, while heavy usage can reduce this to around 3 days. This encompasses features such as continuous health tracking and notifications.
With a Xiaomi-developed T1 SoC, the watch efficiently utilizes its 320mAh battery, helping manage power more effectively. In practical use, the watch lasted through the fifth day with active features like health tracking and notifications enabled, proving satisfactory relative to competitors.
Conclusion
In summary, the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm impresses with its feature set, display quality, and stylish design. Whether opting for the more affordable fluororubber strap versions or the distinctive Sunset Gold model, it caters to diverse tastes. Retailing at just over €100 for basic models and close to €200 for the luxurious Gold variant, this smartwatch combines elegance and functionality effectively.
For an in-depth view and additional details, visit the full review here.
Image Credit: www.gsmarena.com
