The smartwatch market offers a spectrum of choices, from premium, feature-rich options like the Apple Watch Series 9 to more affordable alternatives like the Xiaomi Watch S4. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, analyzing where the Apple Watch justifies its higher price tag and where the Xiaomi Watch S4 offers compelling value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and prioritizing seamless integration with iPhones, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the clear winner. However, users seeking a functional, stylish smartwatch at a significantly lower price point will find the Xiaomi Watch S4 a capable and attractive option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International, China, HK |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International, China, HK |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 29 | 2023, September 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 29 | Available. Released 2023, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel bezel | Sapphire crystal front, ceramic/sapphire crystal back, stainless steel frame |
| Dimensions | 47.3 x 47.3 x 12 mm (1.86 x 1.86 x 0.47 in) | 45 x 38 x 10.7 mm (1.77 x 1.50 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | eSIM (market/region dependent) | eSIM |
| Weight | 44.5 g (1.59 oz) | 42.3 g (41mm), 51.5 g (45mm) (1.48 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch/drop-proof glass | Sapphire crystal glass |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 484 x 396 pixels (~326 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 inches | 1.9 inches |
| Type | AMOLED, 1500 nits (HBM), 2200 nits (peak) | Retina LTPO OLED, 2000 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core |
| Chipset | - | Apple S9 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR |
| OS | HyperOS 2 | watchOS 10, upgradable to watchOS 26.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | No |
| Internal | - | 64GB |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | No | No |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, barometer, always-on altimeter, compass, SpO2, VO2max, temperature (body) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wireless, 0-80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Po 486 mAh | Li-Ion 308 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Rainbow | Graphite, Silver, Gold, Red |
| Models | M2424W1, M2425W1 | A2982, A2984, A2983, A2985, Watch7,3, Watch7,4 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 630 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
Xiaomi Watch S4
- Likely more affordable price point
- Potential for longer battery life (speculation)
- May include a camera for quick snapshots
- Less powerful processor
- Inferior display technology (likely)
- Limited app ecosystem
Apple Watch Series 9
- Powerful Apple S9 chipset
- Seamless iPhone integration
- Mature app ecosystem and advanced features
- High price point
- Shorter battery life (compared to potential Xiaomi S4)
- Requires iPhone for full functionality
Display Comparison
Given the lack of specific display data for the Xiaomi Watch S4, a comparison relies on brand positioning. Apple Watch Series 9 likely features an LTPO display, enabling variable refresh rates for improved battery efficiency and smoother animations. The Apple Watch’s display is also known for its excellent color accuracy and high peak brightness, crucial for outdoor visibility. The Xiaomi Watch S4, positioned as a budget option, likely utilizes a standard AMOLED panel, potentially with lower peak brightness and a fixed refresh rate. Bezels are also likely to be more prominent on the Xiaomi device.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities. However, the Apple Watch Series 9 does not have a camera. The Xiaomi Watch S4’s inclusion of a camera, even a low-resolution one, offers a niche functionality for quick snapshots, though image quality will be limited. This is a minor differentiator, unlikely to be a deciding factor for most buyers.
Performance
The Apple Watch Series 9 is powered by the dual-core Apple S9 chipset, a significant upgrade over previous generations. This chip enables faster app launch times, smoother animations, and improved performance for demanding tasks. The Xiaomi Watch S4’s processor remains unspecified, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a less powerful chipset. While sufficient for basic smartwatch functions like notifications and fitness tracking, it will likely struggle with complex applications or demanding tasks. The Apple S9’s architecture allows for on-device processing of Siri requests, enhancing privacy and responsiveness, a feature unlikely to be present on the Xiaomi Watch S4.
Battery Life
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers wireless charging and can reach 80% charge in 45 minutes. Battery life is typically around 18 hours with normal use. The Xiaomi Watch S4’s battery capacity and charging speed are unknown. However, given its likely lower power consumption due to the less powerful chipset, it may offer comparable or even slightly better battery life than the Apple Watch Series 9. The lack of fast charging on the Xiaomi Watch S4 could be a drawback for users who need to quickly top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Watch S4 if you need a stylish, functional smartwatch with essential fitness tracking features and are not reliant on the Apple ecosystem. It’s ideal for Android users or those seeking a secondary smartwatch. Buy the Apple Watch Series 9 if you prioritize advanced health monitoring, seamless iPhone integration, a mature app ecosystem, and are willing to pay a premium for the best possible smartwatch experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Xiaomi Watch S4 support third-party app installations like the Apple Watch?
The Xiaomi Watch S4 likely has a limited app ecosystem compared to the Apple Watch Series 9. While it may support some basic apps, the breadth and depth of available applications will be significantly smaller. The Apple Watch benefits from a mature app store with thousands of options.
❓ Is the Xiaomi Watch S4 compatible with iPhones?
While the Xiaomi Watch S4 may offer basic Bluetooth connectivity with iPhones for notifications, it will not provide the same level of seamless integration as the Apple Watch Series 9. Features like iMessage replies, Apple Pay, and advanced health data synchronization will be limited or unavailable.
❓ How does the health tracking accuracy of the Xiaomi Watch S4 compare to the Apple Watch Series 9?
The Apple Watch Series 9 utilizes advanced sensors and algorithms for accurate health tracking, including ECG, blood oxygen monitoring, and fall detection. The Xiaomi Watch S4 likely offers basic heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking, but its accuracy and range of health metrics may be less comprehensive.
