The smartwatch market offers a wide spectrum of choices, from premium experiences like the Google Pixel Watch 2 to more affordable options like the Xiaomi Watch S4. This comparison focuses on dissecting the core differences between these two devices, analyzing where each excels and who will benefit most from their respective feature sets. The Pixel Watch 2 represents Google’s fully integrated Wear OS vision, while the Xiaomi Watch S4 aims to deliver essential smartwatch functionality at a competitive price point.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a seamless Wear OS experience and advanced health tracking, the Google Pixel Watch 2 is the superior choice, despite its higher price. However, budget-conscious consumers seeking a functional and stylish smartwatch will find the Xiaomi Watch S4 a compelling alternative, assuming its feature set meets their needs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, October 29 | 2023, October 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 29 | Available. Released 2023, October 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel bezel | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 47.3 x 47.3 x 12 mm (1.86 x 1.86 x 0.47 in) | 41 x 41 x 12.3 mm (1.61 x 1.61 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | eSIM (market/region dependent) | eSIM |
| Weight | 44.5 g (1.59 oz) | 31 g (1.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch/drop-proof glass | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 466 x 466 pixels (~326 ppi density) | 450 x 450 pixels (~320 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.43 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 | - | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), 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 | Accelerometer, gyro, heart rate, altimeter, compass, SpO2, thermometer (skin temperature), skin conductance |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | Wired, 80% in 45 min |
| Type | Li-Po 486 mAh | Li-Ion 306 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Rainbow | Polished Silver, Matte Black, Champagne Gold |
| Models | M2424W1, M2425W1 | G4TSL, GC3G8, GD2WG |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 160 EUR |
Xiaomi Watch S4
- Likely more affordable price point
- Potentially longer battery life due to simpler features (speculation)
- Stylish design (based on Xiaomi’s aesthetic)
- Unknown chipset performance
- Potentially limited software support and updates
- Inferior health tracking capabilities compared to Pixel Watch 2
Google Pixel Watch 2
- Powerful Qualcomm 5100 chipset
- Seamless Wear OS integration with Google services
- Advanced health tracking features powered by Fitbit
- Higher price point
- Battery life may be shorter than some competitors
- Circular design may not appeal to all users
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Xiaomi Watch S4, we can infer it likely utilizes an AMOLED panel common in its price segment. The Google Pixel Watch 2 features a circular AMOLED display, a key aesthetic differentiator. The Pixel Watch 2’s display benefits from the Qualcomm 5100’s optimized power management, potentially allowing for always-on display functionality with minimal battery impact. Bezels are likely thinner on the Pixel Watch 2, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy and peak brightness are unknown for the S4, but the Pixel Watch 2 is expected to deliver vibrant and easily readable visuals even in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is primarily marketed for its camera capabilities, and neither is expected to have a camera. 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 processor, while not a powerhouse, is specifically designed for wearables, offering a balance of power efficiency and responsiveness. The S4’s chipset is unspecified, but given its price point, it likely utilizes a less powerful and less efficient processor. This translates to potentially slower app loading times, less fluid animations, and a less responsive user interface on the Xiaomi device. The 5100’s architecture allows for smoother multitasking and more complex health tracking calculations. RAM specifications are also unknown for the S4, but the Pixel Watch 2 benefits from optimized memory management within Wear OS.
Battery Life
The Google Pixel Watch 2 offers approximately 24 hours of battery life with typical use and supports wired charging, reaching 80% charge in 45 minutes. The Xiaomi Watch S4’s battery capacity and charging speed are unknown. However, given the less power-efficient chipset likely used in the S4, it may require more frequent charging. The Pixel Watch 2’s optimized power management, thanks to the Qualcomm 5100, allows for more efficient background processing and potentially longer standby times. The 45-minute charging time on the Pixel Watch 2 is a significant convenience factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Watch S4 if you need a stylish, affordable smartwatch with basic fitness tracking and notification support, and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. Buy the Google Pixel Watch 2 if you prefer a premium design, deep integration with the Google ecosystem, advanced health features powered by Fitbit, and a smoother, more responsive Wear OS experience, and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Qualcomm 5100 chipset in the Google Pixel Watch 2 generate excessive heat during prolonged use?
The Qualcomm 5100 is designed for wearables with a focus on power efficiency. While it can experience some warmth during intensive tasks like GPS tracking or workout recording, it is not known to overheat significantly. Google has implemented thermal management strategies to prevent performance throttling.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Xiaomi Watch S4 and the Google Pixel Watch 2?
The Google Pixel Watch 2 runs Wear OS, offering a fluid and customizable experience with access to a vast library of apps through the Google Play Store. The Xiaomi Watch S4 likely utilizes a proprietary operating system, which may have a more limited app ecosystem and potentially slower software updates.
❓ What level of water resistance do these smartwatches offer?
The Google Pixel Watch 2 is rated for 5 ATM water resistance, meaning it's suitable for swimming in shallow water. The water resistance rating for the Xiaomi Watch S4 is unknown, but it likely offers at least basic splash resistance.
