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 S2 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch4. Both offer a blend of style and functionality, but which one reigns supreme?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4 boasts a more powerful processor and tighter integration with Android, offering a smoother, more feature-rich experience. However, the Xiaomi Watch S2 excels in design and offers a compelling value proposition for those prioritizing aesthetics and battery life. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your ecosystem and priorities.
| 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, December 11 | 2021, August 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 11 | Available. Released 2021, August 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Sapphire crystal front, stainless steel frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass DX+), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 46 x 46 x 10.7 mm (1.81 x 1.81 x 0.42 in) | 44.4 x 43.3 x 9.8 mm (1.75 x 1.70 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | - | 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 | - | 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, thermometer (skin temperature), body composition (BMI) | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| | - | Natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless | Wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 500 mAh | Li-Ion 361 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Light Gold | Black, Pink Gold, Silver, Green, Thom Browne Edition, Bespoke Edition, PXG Golf Edition |
| Models | - | SM-R860, SM-R870 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S2
- Stylish Design
- Long Battery Life (up to 7 days)
- Affordable Price
- Comprehensive Fitness Tracking
- Slower Performance
- Limited App Ecosystem
- Less Seamless Android Integration
Samsung Galaxy Watch4
- Powerful Performance (Exynos W920)
- Seamless Android Integration
- Advanced Health Tracking (ECG, BIA)
- Rotating Bezel (Classic Model)
- Shorter Battery Life (2-3 days)
- Higher Price
- Wear OS limitations
Display Comparison
Both watches feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the Galaxy Watch4's slightly higher resolution and brighter output give it a visual edge. The Xiaomi Watch S2's display is still excellent, offering crisp visuals and good outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch has a built-in camera, a common omission in this category. Users will need to rely on their smartphones for capturing photos and videos.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy Watch4's Exynos W920 chipset provides significantly faster performance compared to the Xiaomi Watch S2. App loading times are quicker, and the overall user experience feels more fluid. The Xiaomi Watch S2 is adequate for basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Xiaomi Watch S2 generally offers longer battery life, often lasting up to a week on a single charge, while the Galaxy Watch4 typically lasts around 2-3 days with moderate use. This difference is largely due to the Xiaomi's more efficient processor and optimized software.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Xiaomi Watch S2? Users seeking a stylish smartwatch with long battery life and a focus on fitness tracking, particularly those already invested in the Xiaomi ecosystem. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch4? Android users wanting a feature-packed smartwatch with seamless integration, advanced health tracking, and a responsive user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 work with iOS?
While the Galaxy Watch4 connects via Bluetooth, its functionality is limited with iOS. You'll primarily be able to receive notifications and control music playback, but many advanced features like ECG and BIA won't be available.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Watch S2 waterproof?
Yes, the Xiaomi Watch S2 has a 5ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming and showering.
