Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm Hands-On: Elegance Meets Smartwatch Functionality

Xiaomi's Watch S4 lineup has proven popular since its launch, with the full-sized 47mm model earning praise for its customizability. Now, the company has introduced a more compact 41mm variant that prioritizes elegance over extensive personalization options. After spending considerable time with the Sunset Gold model, here's what stands out about Xiaomi's latest smartwatch offering.

Design Philosophy: Style First

The Watch S4 41mm represents a deliberate shift in design philosophy. While the 47mm model caters to those who want to customize every aspect of their wearable, the 41mm version is locked into being elegant from the start. The smaller size and refined aesthetics make it particularly appealing to those with slender wrists, though it's worth noting that even the most delicate male wrists at GSMArena HQ found it too small for comfortable daily wear.

The Sunset Gold variant we tested is genuinely special. Beyond the standard Black, White, and Mint Green options, this model features a unique mesh strap crafted from finely-woven steel wires that perfectly complements the case. Each color variant has its own distinctive crown accent - the Sunset Gold boasts a "lab-grown" diamond, while the others feature color-matching centers.

Build Quality and Design Details

One of the most noticeable differences between the 41mm and 47mm models is the bezel design. The larger S4 features a screw-on bezel that protrudes over the glass for protection, while the 41mm model opts for a flush bezel that sits perfectly level with the display. This creates a more seamless look but sacrifices the protective benefits of the raised design.

The integrated lugs and strap attachment system deserve mention. Unlike some smartwatches where the strap connects directly to the watch body, here the lugs are part of the case itself. This integration is particularly effective on the Sunset Gold model, making it difficult to find third-party straps that match as well.

The Magnetic Clasp Dilemma

Here's where the Watch S4 41mm faces its biggest challenge. The magnetic clasp, while incredibly convenient for quickly putting the watch on or taking it off, proves problematic for fitness tracking. During our testing period, the watch detached from wrists during sleep tracking attempts four separate nights, ending up lost somewhere under the sheets.

This isn't just an inconvenience - it's a fundamental limitation for anyone interested in health and fitness features. The watch includes over 150 sports modes, deep sleep tracking, and even a skin temperature sensor for female cycle prediction. However, the magnetic clasp essentially forces users to choose between style and functionality. Forget about high-intensity workouts like running, football, or basketball - the watch simply won't stay secured during any activity with impact.

Display Excellence

Where the Watch S4 41mm truly shines is its display. The 1.32-inch AMOLED panel delivers 466x466 pixels of resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate and an impressive 1,500-nit peak brightness. The flat design eliminates any distortion at the edges, and the contrast is exceptional. Even in direct sunlight, the display remains perfectly visible - a crucial feature for any outdoor activity.

User Interface and Navigation

Xiaomi has taken a different approach to widget navigation compared to most competitors. Rather than the typical side-scrollable Rolodex of apps and widgets, the Watch S4 presents everything in a vertical list. This took some adjustment initially, but proves intuitive once you're accustomed to it.

The crown functionality deserves special mention. A simple press opens the apps list, while rotation allows you to scroll through widgets on the homescreen. The function button below the crown opens the toggles screen with a press and can quickly launch apps or settings with a long press. Perhaps most impressively, swiping from the right edge instantly changes the watch face - faster than the tap-and-hold method required by most other smartwatches.

Battery Performance

Xiaomi claims up to 8 days of battery life with light usage, dropping to 4 days for normal use and around 3 days for heavy usage. The "heavy" scenario includes always-on display, notifications, continuous health tracking (heart rate, SpO2, stress monitoring), several workouts, and sleep tracking.

In our real-world testing, we managed just over 4 days before the battery died. This included three workouts, always-on display enabled, notifications active, and all health tracking features running throughout the day. While this doesn't quite match the exceptional battery life offered by Huawei and Honor devices, it significantly outperforms most WearOS watches and the Apple Watch.

The efficiency gains come partly from Xiaomi's T1 SoC, which helps maximize the potential of the 320mAh battery pack.

The Verdict

The Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm excels at what it sets out to do - provide a stylish, feature-rich smartwatch that doesn't compromise on elegance. For around €125 with a fluororubber strap, you're getting comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities that represent excellent value. The Sunset Gold model, priced closer to €200, shifts the focus almost entirely to aesthetics and premium feel.

This model won't satisfy everyone. If you're serious about fitness tracking or plan to use your smartwatch during workouts, the magnetic clasp alone makes this a poor choice. However, if you're looking for a beautiful timepiece that happens to offer smartwatch features, or if you primarily want health tracking during low-impact activities, the Watch S4 41mm delivers admirably.

The 8-day battery life projection becomes much more achievable when you disable the always-on display and limit continuous health monitoring - perfect for those who want the style without the constant tracking.

At its core, the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm proves that smartwatches don't have to choose between functionality and fashion. It's a device that understands its audience and delivers exactly what they need, even if that means accepting certain limitations in the pursuit of elegance.