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As smartphones have gradually stabilized in form, wearable devices, especially smartwatches, have become one of the few categories that are still boldly experimenting with style and design. Taking a fashion-forward approach remains a viable path.

This time, the all-new 41mm Xiaomi Watch S4 is designed around this concept. Compared to the previous version, this 41mm model has also been updated internally. A new self-developed chip has been added, aiming to further improve energy efficiency; at the same time, body temperature sensing capabilities have been added, and the sleep algorithm has been optimized.

However, if you value the look and feel of wearing it, everyday comfort, and a more traditional watch design, this approach seems more restrained and clear. Next, let’s start with the actual user experience and see if its performance matches this change.

Xiaomi Watch S4: Design, Size and Straps

The design of the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm is the core reason for its existence. The overall style is fashionable, restrained, and elegant; it’s not flashy at first glance, but it grows on you upon closer inspection. The case is made of polished stainless steel, and the chamfered texture on the crown is delicately finished, demonstrating excellent craftsmanship and quality.

We tested the sunset gold version. The small diamonds inside the crown add a touch of brilliance to the overall look, making it more refined in its understated style. The watch is about 9.5 mm thick and weighs only 32 grams, making it very lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods without feeling burdensome.

It’s important to note that this compact size may not suit everyone, especially those with larger hands. While defining products by gender is less common these days, this size and style may be more appealing to female users from a design perspective.

The screen performance is equally excellent, offering clear and ample brightness with a pixel density of approximately 352 PPI. Consistent with the larger version, it reaches up to 1,500 nits in bright light, ensuring clear readability even in direct sunlight.

Regarding the watch straps, different color options correspond to different materials. The sunset gold version comes with a metallic Milanese-style strap, the black and mint green versions use fluoroelastomer straps, and the white version is paired with a leather strap.

The lugs use a standard 22mm quick-release structure, but in terms of the way the case and strap are connected, some common third-party 22mm straps may not be as visually compatible as the original straps.

Additionally, the usage scenario needs to be considered. If you frequently wear it for sports or running, the Milanese strap may not be the most comfortable choice for long-distance activities. However, its magnetic clasp is stable and reliable, and adjustment is also convenient, which is commendable.

Xiaomi Watch S4: Software and Feature Experience

Like the larger version, the 41mm Xiaomi Watch S4 requires a companion app on your phone for connection, supporting most mainstream mobile operating systems. Downloading and using the app is convenient, and the overall process is user-friendly, even for new users.

Pairing is quite simple; it can be done by scanning a QR code or by manually searching for the device within the app. Once connected, all the common smartwatch functions are available, including making and receiving calls (working as a Bluetooth headset), receiving message notifications, and controlling music playback on your phone.

The watch has built-in NFC functionality for mobile payments, but actual availability may vary by region. The system is based on HyperOS 3.0, featuring a clean interface, smooth animations, and virtually no lag during daily use.

In terms of sports features, the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm supports more than 150 sports modes, covering a very wide range, including 17 water sports, 11 outdoor sports, as well as dance, combat sports, ball games and winter sports.

In terms of sports data recording, the information is relatively comprehensive, showing heart rate, pace, stride length, and altitude changes, as well as providing indicators such as VO2 max and running ability assessment. Although it’s not a sports watch specifically designed for running, it’s perfectly adequate for recording daily training sessions.

Sleep monitoring records light sleep, deep sleep, REM sleep, and wakefulness. Every morning, the system generates a sleep score and provides some basic suggestions for improvement.

If you wear the watch to sleep for an extended period, the system will generate a virtual sleep avatar representing your personal sleep habits as a fun feedback mechanism. Overall, the accuracy of sleep monitoring is similar to that of other smartwatches, focusing more on helping users understand sleep duration and overall quality trends rather than providing medical-grade analysis.

Xiaomi Watch S4: Health Features

In terms of health monitoring, the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm is positioned as relatively basic, without pursuing overly complex or advanced health analysis functions. It does not offer more conceptual indicators such as electrocardiogram, body composition analysis, high blood pressure monitoring, or antioxidant index.

The watch supports common health monitoring features, including heart rate tracking, stress assessment, blood oxygen monitoring, and menstrual cycle recording with the assistance of a temperature sensor. Users can quickly obtain this data through a single, unified health check, a process that takes approximately one minute.

Overall, this watch is not particularly advanced in terms of the depth of its health functions, but it has all the basic features you need, and the data is presented in a clear and intuitive way that is easy to understand. It is more geared towards daily self-management and reference use.

Xiaomi Watch S4: Battery and Charging

As the smaller and more compact version in the Xiaomi Watch S4 series, the 41mm model inevitably makes some compromises in terms of battery life. The watch has a built-in 320 mAh battery, which isn’t particularly large. Official data states that it can last up to 8 days under light use, and approximately 4 days under frequent use.

It’s important to note that this type of battery life data typically doesn’t include the “always-on display” feature. With this feature enabled and approximately one hour of regular GPS activity tracking per day, the actual usage time on a single charge is roughly between 2.5 and 3 days, which is not surprising.

For charging, it doesn’t feature a wireless solution, instead using a two-pin magnetic charger. In actual use, careful alignment is required, making the operation less than convenient. Furthermore, this charging method is incompatible with common wireless charging devices, requiring the carrying of a dedicated charger when traveling or on business trips.

Should you choose it?

The smartwatch market is already quite crowded, and releasing a separate size after a series has been around for a while does seem a bit unusual at first glance. However, the reason for the existence of the Xiaomi Watch S4 41mm is not its stacked features, but its overall style, which is not found in other versions of the same series.

It’s more like a product that prioritizes aesthetics and wearability before providing the core functions of a smartwatch. The basic experience is already quite complete, and for most users, these functions already cover their daily needs. The clear and bright display, health and fitness tracking capabilities, and relatively stable battery life all contribute to a well-balanced overall experience.

If you value design and want a more refined appearance and lighter weight, while still wanting to maintain the basic functions of a smartwatch, then this 41mm version of the Xiaomi Watch S4 offers just such a compromise.

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