The smartwatch market offers a spectrum of choices, from budget-friendly options to premium, feature-rich devices. This comparison pits the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm against the Google Pixel Watch 2, representing distinct approaches to wearable technology. The Xiaomi aims for affordability and style, while the Pixel Watch 2 leverages Google’s Wear OS ecosystem and advanced sensors.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing seamless integration with Google services and advanced health tracking, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm 5100 chipset and Wear OS platform offer a smoother, more feature-complete experience, despite a potentially higher price point. However, the Xiaomi Watch S4 may appeal to budget-conscious users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, June 26 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 26 | Available. Released 2023, October 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Stainless steel bezel and frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 41.2 x 41.2 x 9.5 mm (1.62 x 1.62 x 0.37 in) | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | No | eSIM |
| Weight | 32 g (1.13 oz) | 31 g (1.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch/drop-proof glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~320 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.32 inches | 1.2 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 1500 nits (HBM), 2200 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 1000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm 5100 |
| OS | HyperOS 2 | Android Wear OS 4 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | Unspecified | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature) | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wired, 80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Po 320 mAh | Li-Ion 306 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, White, Gold | Polished Silver, Matte Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | M2502W1 | G4TSL, GC3G8, GD2WG |
| Price | € 128.85 / $ 189.70 | About 160 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm
- Likely more affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to less demanding hardware
- Stylish design (based on Xiaomi’s aesthetic)
- Inferior performance compared to the Pixel Watch 2
- Limited app ecosystem
- Less advanced health tracking features
Google Pixel Watch 2
- Powerful Qualcomm 5100 chipset
- Seamless integration with Google services
- Advanced health tracking with Fitbit integration
- Higher price point
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the Xiaomi Watch S4
- Circular design may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
Without specific display specs for the Xiaomi Watch S4, we can infer it likely utilizes an AMOLED panel common in its price range. The Pixel Watch 2 boasts a circular AMOLED display, a design choice prioritizing aesthetics. The Pixel Watch 2’s display benefits from the Qualcomm 5100’s image processing capabilities, potentially offering more vibrant colors and sharper details. Bezels are a key differentiator; the Pixel Watch 2 aims for minimal bezels, maximizing screen real estate, while the Xiaomi Watch S4’s bezel size is likely more substantial to maintain affordability. Color accuracy will likely be higher on the Pixel Watch 2 due to its calibration and processing power.
Camera Comparison
Neither watch features a camera, a common omission in modern smartwatches. This section is therefore not applicable to this comparison.
Performance
The Google Pixel Watch 2’s Qualcomm 5100 chipset is the clear performance leader. This chipset, while not a flagship mobile processor, is specifically designed for wearables, offering a balance of power efficiency and responsiveness. The Xiaomi Watch S4’s chipset remains unknown, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a less powerful, more cost-effective solution. This translates to potentially slower app loading times and less fluid animations on the Xiaomi. The Pixel Watch 2’s optimized software and chipset pairing will result in a smoother user experience, particularly when handling complex tasks like voice assistant interactions or navigating the Wear OS interface. RAM speed (likely LPDDR4 or LPDDR5 on the Pixel Watch 2) also contributes to overall responsiveness.
Battery Life
The Pixel Watch 2 offers 80% charge in 45 minutes, indicating a relatively fast charging speed. Without battery capacity information for the Xiaomi Watch S4, it’s difficult to directly compare endurance. However, the Pixel Watch 2’s optimized power management, driven by the Qualcomm 5100 chipset and Wear OS, likely provides a competitive battery life despite its feature set. The Xiaomi Watch S4 may offer slightly longer battery life due to its less demanding hardware, but at the cost of functionality. Real-world usage, including always-on display settings and health tracking frequency, will significantly impact battery performance on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm if you need a stylish, affordable smartwatch primarily for basic notifications, timekeeping, and activity tracking, and aren't heavily invested in the Google ecosystem. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 2 if you prefer a premium experience with deep integration with Google Assistant, Fitbit health tracking, and a more robust app ecosystem, and are willing to pay a premium for those features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Qualcomm 5100 chipset in the Pixel Watch 2 generate excessive heat during prolonged use, such as during workouts or GPS tracking?
The Qualcomm 5100 is designed for wearables with thermal efficiency in mind. While some heat generation is inevitable during intensive tasks, the chipset’s architecture and Google’s software optimization minimize throttling and maintain stable performance during workouts and GPS tracking. User reports suggest minimal overheating issues.
❓ How well does the Pixel Watch 2 integrate with non-Google Android phones, and are there limitations in functionality?
The Pixel Watch 2 functions with all Android phones running Android 6.0 or higher, but full functionality is best experienced with a Pixel phone. Features like Fast Pair and certain Google Assistant integrations are optimized for Pixel devices. While core features like notifications and health tracking work seamlessly on other Android phones, some exclusive features may be limited.
❓ What type of straps are compatible with the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm, and are there readily available third-party options?
The Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm likely uses standard 20mm quick-release straps, a common size ensuring compatibility with a wide range of third-party straps. Numerous aftermarket options are available online, offering various materials, colors, and styles to personalize the watch.
