The smartwatch market is booming, and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Today, we're pitting two popular contenders against each other: the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active and the Samsung Galaxy Watch4. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which wearable best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 generally edges out the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active thanks to its more powerful chipset, wider app ecosystem (Wear OS), and robust health tracking features. However, the Xiaomi offers a sleek design and potentially longer battery life, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious users prioritizing style and endurance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | No | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 15 | 2021, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March 24 | Available. Released 2021, August 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 46.5 x 47.3 x 11 mm (1.83 x 1.86 x 0.43 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 36 (1.27 oz) | 30.3 g (44mm), 25.9 g (40mm) (1.06 oz) |
| | Waterproof (5ATM) | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
50m water resistant (IP68)
Compatible with standard 20mm straps
ECG certified
Blood pressure monitor
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass DX+ |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~321 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.4 inches |
| Type | AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core 1.18 GHz Cortex-A55 |
| Chipset | - | Exynos W920 (5 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Proprietary OS | Android Wear OS 4, One UI Watch 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified storage | 16GB 1.5GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 470 mAh | Li-Ion 361 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Moon White, Space Black, Ocean Blue | Black, Pink Gold, Silver, Green, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition, PXG Golf Edition |
| Models | - | SM-R860, SM-R870 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S1 Active
- Stylish design
- Longer battery life
- More affordable
- Lightweight
- Less powerful chipset
- Limited app ecosystem
- Fewer advanced health features
Samsung Galaxy Watch4
- Powerful Exynos W920 chipset
- Wear OS platform with extensive app support
- Advanced health tracking (ECG, SpO2)
- Seamless Android integration
- Shorter battery life
- Higher price
- Can be resource-intensive
Display Comparison
Both watches feature AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and excellent visibility. The Galaxy Watch4 likely has a slightly higher resolution and potentially brighter display, but the S1 Active's display is still very good. Size and design aesthetics are subjective, with the S1 Active leaning towards a sportier look.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera, a common omission in smartwatches.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4's Exynos W920 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the S1 Active. Expect smoother navigation, faster app loading, and a more responsive user experience on the Galaxy Watch4. The S1 Active's performance is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Watch S1 Active is expected to offer longer battery life (potentially 7-14 days) compared to the Galaxy Watch4 (typically 1-2 days with moderate use). This is a significant advantage for users who dislike frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active? Users seeking a stylish, lightweight smartwatch with good battery life and basic fitness tracking at a more affordable price point. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4? Those prioritizing a feature-rich experience with Wear OS, advanced health metrics, and seamless integration with Android devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Xiaomi Watch S1 Active work with iPhones?
While it connects via Bluetooth, functionality with iPhones is limited compared to Android devices. You'll primarily get notifications and basic fitness tracking.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 compatible with iOS?
The Galaxy Watch4 has limited iOS compatibility. You can pair it for notifications, but many features, including health tracking and app installation, are exclusive to Android.
