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Buy the Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm if you want the larger, sharper display, substantially larger listed battery, stainless-steel construction, and newer outdoor-navigation features. Choose the Xiaomi Watch S4 when interchangeable bezels matter more than those upgrades or when you find the S4 at a meaningfully lower verified local price. Xiaomi’s published material supports a stronger specification sheet for the S5, but it does not establish a third-party advantage in real-world battery endurance, GPS accuracy, or health tracking.
The comparison below uses Xiaomi’s global specifications and product pages. Prices, stock, NFC/payment functions, software features, and included styles can differ by country and software version, so check the exact regional model before ordering.
What changed from the Watch S4 to the Watch S5?
The S5 is an incremental but substantial hardware upgrade rather than a completely different watch. Its 46mm case is stated to be smaller in height and thickness than the S4’s 47.3mm case, yet it weighs slightly more because Xiaomi uses stainless steel instead of an aluminum-alloy frame. The screen grows from 1.43 to 1.48 inches and gains resolution. Battery capacity rises from 486mAh to 815mAh, and Xiaomi publishes longer usage estimates for the newer model. The S5 also adds a newer software listing, dual-frequency GNSS positioning, and outdoor tools such as offline maps and route retracing in its FAQ.
The S4’s defining advantage is different: its interchangeable-bezel design lets you change the watch’s appearance. The S5 offers different case and bezel materials by style, but its design is presented as an integrated, fixed bezel. Neither watch should be treated as a dive computer or a proven accuracy upgrade solely on the basis of Xiaomi’s marketing claims.
#1 Best Overall
- Stunning images, smooth touch: Immerse yourself in brilliant clarity with the large 1.72-inch AMOLED display.Vacuum filling sealing technology enables symmetrical 2.0mm ultra-thin bezels, expanding screen-to-body ratio from 66% to 73%. Enjoy incredibly smooth and seamless interaction with crisp, color-accurate images, right on your wrist.
- Fast charging, longer adventures: Say goodbye to daily charging hassles! Enjoy an exceptional 21 days of battery life on a single charge. And when you need more power, it only takes an hour to fully recharge the device with fast charging. Freedom without limits!
- Revolutionize your swimming and training sessions: The Xiaomi smartwatch is equipped with a new high-precision electronic compass that tracks swimming direction like never before, delivering unparalleled accuracy for pool sessions. Plus, gain detailed insights through professional analysis of your workouts to optimize each session.
- Master your nighttime recovery: Discover the secrets of your sleep with comprehensive and enhanced sleep monitoring. Get comprehensive insights into your sleep stages and quality, helping you wake up refreshed and optimize your well-being.
- 1500 nits HBM brightness,Glanceable in any light:25% brighter than before, the display achieves a remarkable 1500 nits HBM brightness, making every message readable even in direct sunlight.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm | Xiaomi Watch S4 | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case | 46 × 46 × 10.99mm; approximately 46g without strap; stainless steel body | 47.3 × 47.3 × 12.0mm; approximately 44.5g without strap; aluminum-alloy frame | The S5 is stated to be shorter and thinner but slightly heavier. Xiaomi’s measurement notes differ in how protrusions are excluded, so do not treat the dimensions as a laboratory head-to-head measurement. S5 specifications; S4 specifications |
| Display | 1.48-inch AMOLED, 480 × 480, 323 ppi; 1,500 nits HBM and 2,500 nits peak | 1.43-inch AMOLED, 466 × 466, 326 ppi; 1,500 nits HBM; 2,200 nits peak on Xiaomi’s product page | The S5 has more screen area and pixels. HBM and peak brightness are different measures and should not be compared as though they were the same test. |
| Battery capacity | 815mAh | 486mAh | The S5 has the larger listed cell. Capacity alone does not prove the same percentage increase in runtime. |
| Xiaomi’s battery estimate | Up to 21 days in light use, 14 days in normal use, or 9 days with always-on display in normal use | Up to 15 days in typical use | These are Xiaomi scenarios, not independent measurements; the definitions and settings differ. S5 product page; S4 product page |
| Software listing | HyperOS 3 | HyperOS 2 on Xiaomi’s specification page | Functions can change with updates and region. Both list Android 8.0 or later and iOS 14.0 or later. |
| Sports modes | 150+ on the product page; 160+ in the FAQ | 150+ on the product page | Xiaomi’s own S5 pages disagree. Use “150+” as the conservative common figure. |
| Water rating | 5ATM | 5ATM | Xiaomi limits use to pools, near-shore swimming, and shallow-water activity. The rating is not an approval for diving, saunas, hot showers, or fast-moving water. |
| NFC | Availability varies by region | Availability varies by region | Confirm payment and transit support for your country and phone before buying. |
Design, materials, and comfort
The S5 uses a more premium case material
Xiaomi lists a stainless-steel body for the S5 46mm. Depending on the style, the bezel or other visible parts can use stainless steel, ceramic, or forged carbon. The S4 uses an aluminum-alloy frame. That distinction affects the feel and appearance more than the small weight difference: the S5 is approximately 46g without a strap, while the S4 is approximately 44.5g.
On paper, the S5 measures 46 × 46 × 10.99mm and the S4 measures 47.3 × 47.3 × 12.0mm. Xiaomi’s specification pages do not describe the physical boundaries in identical ways, and protrusions can be excluded differently. Expect the S5 to present as the slimmer watch, but do not infer that every wrist will experience a dramatic size reduction.
Interchangeable bezel versus fixed styling
The S4 promotes interchangeable bezels as a central design feature. You can change the visible ring to match clothing or occasions, provided you buy compatible S4 bezels. The S5 instead emphasizes a finished case with material and color variants. Confirm the exact regional SKU because the available bezel material, color, and bundle can differ.
No official compatibility information establishes that an S4 bezel, strap, or charging dock fits the S5. Treat accessories as model-specific unless the product listing explicitly names your watch.
Display: larger on the S5, with brightness figures that need context
The S5’s 1.48-inch AMOLED panel has a 480 × 480 resolution and 323 pixels per inch. The S4’s 1.43-inch panel is 466 × 466 and 326 pixels per inch. The S5 therefore gives you a larger canvas and more total pixels, while the S4’s slightly higher pixel-density figure is a consequence of its smaller screen, not a sharper overall viewing experience in ordinary use.
Rank #2
- 【2-inch LCD Display & 200+ Dials】The Redmi Watch 5 Active features a 2-inch square LCD display with over 70% screen-to-body ratio and a quality matte-finish frame. Choose from 200+ watch faces via the Mi Fitness app.
- 【5ATM Waterproof & Long Battery】5ATM waterproof (ISO 22810:2010) for rain and handwashing. The 470mAh battery lasts up to 18 days in typical usage.
- 【140 Sports Modes & Tracking】140+ workout modes with auto-detection for running/walking/cycling. Tracks exercise duration and calories.
- 【Bluetooth Calling & Tools】Bluetooth calls with dual-mic noise reduction. Get notifications, control music, use flashlight/find phone.
- 【 Customer Support】 We prioritize your satisfaction. If there is any questions or suggestions about our products before, during or after uses, please do not hesitate, and feel free to contact us! We will reply you within 24 hours, and try our best to help you, ensuring that any issues you encounter are promptly addressed. Experience the reliability and efficiency of our smart watch
Xiaomi rates the S5 at 1,500 nits HBM and 2,500 nits peak brightness. The S4 is listed at 1,500 nits HBM, while its product page separately states 2,200 nits peak brightness. High-brightness mode (HBM) and a peak figure are not interchangeable standards: HBM describes a sustained high-output mode under specified conditions, whereas peak usually describes a short-duration maximum. The published numbers suggest a higher ceiling for the S5, but they do not constitute an outdoor visibility test.
For a buyer who reads notifications, maps, or workout data frequently, the S5’s larger physical area is the more practical change. If your priority is simply an AMOLED panel with a similar stated HBM rating, the S4 is not obsolete.
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What Xiaomi claims
The S5 lists an 815mAh battery. Xiaomi advertises up to 21 days in light-use conditions, 14 days in normal use, and 9 days in normal use with the always-on display enabled. The S4 lists a 486mAh battery and an “up to 15 days” typical-use estimate. Xiaomi says the S4 figure is based on internal laboratory testing and that actual results vary.
In its S5 FAQ, Xiaomi describes the 815mAh cell as a 68% capacity increase over the S4. The capacities printed on the two specification pages do not mathematically equal that percentage, so treat 68% as Xiaomi’s stated marketing comparison rather than a calculation to repeat. The reliable comparison is that 815mAh is substantially larger than 486mAh.
Why the estimates are not a guarantee
Battery life depends on display brightness, always-on display, notifications, Bluetooth calling, workouts, GNSS use, sleep tracking, cellular behavior on the connected phone, and software updates. Xiaomi’s S5 scenarios and S4 typical-use scenario are not defined identically in the material available here. You should therefore compare them directionally, not as a controlled test proving that one watch lasts a fixed number of days longer.
Rank #3
- Stunning images, smooth touch: Immerse yourself in brilliant clarity with the large 1.72-inch AMOLED display.Vacuum filling sealing technology enables symmetrical 2.0mm ultra-thin bezels, expanding screen-to-body ratio from 66% to 73%. Enjoy incredibly smooth and seamless interaction with crisp, color-accurate images, right on your wrist.
If you dislike frequent charging, the S5 is the clear specification-based choice. If you charge every few days and the S4 is considerably cheaper, its smaller cell may not matter enough to justify upgrading.
Software, phones, and regional support
The S5 specification page lists HyperOS 3; the S4 page lists HyperOS 2. Both watches list compatibility with Android 8.0 or later and iOS 14.0 or later. Those operating-system floors do not mean every feature works identically on Android and iPhone. Notifications, call controls, health-data synchronization, voice functions, and payment features can depend on the Xiaomi companion app, phone permissions, operating-system APIs, and local services.
Software labels also change as Xiaomi distributes updates. Verify the current companion-app requirements and the functions supported in your country before purchasing, especially if you use an iPhone or an older Android handset. NFC is explicitly regional on both models; an NFC-equipped watch is not automatically a payment watch in every market.
Sports, GNSS, and navigation
Mode counts: use the conservative number
Xiaomi’s S5 product page says “150+ sport modes,” while the S5 FAQ says “160+.” The S4 product page also says “150+.” Because Xiaomi’s own pages are inconsistent, “150+” is the defensible shared floor. A mode count tells you that activities are represented in the software; it does not tell you how detailed the metrics are for each activity.
The S5 adds advertised outdoor tools
The S5 FAQ describes dual-frequency satellite positioning, offline maps, route guidance, a retrace-route function, and cycling integration. Xiaomi says the upgraded dual-frequency GNSS offers “faster and more accurate tracking.” That is a manufacturer statement, not an independent comparative result. No third-party head-to-head measurements establish that the S5 records a more accurate route than the S4 in cities, forests, or open terrain.
Rank #4
- Compatibility: only supports smartphones with Android 8.0 and above, iOS 12.0 and above
- 1.96" AMOLED ultra-clear large display with rich, natural colours. Boasts a 75.80% screen-to-body ratio with a larger interface on a similar watch size. Also supports AOD to provide a comprehensive and elevated user experience.
- A receiver-independent built-in five-system GNSS chip supports satellite positioning, for more convenient workouts without the need to bring your smartphone along.
- With the Bluetooth calling function*, dual-mic noise cancellation and 80cm* directional audio pickup, it supports an extended call range with wider coverage for clearer and more flexible communication.
- 150+ workout modes for a healthy training Experience sports modes like running, walking, and cycling. Follow the instructions to warm up* and get into the workout zone faster. Plus, join our pro running courses!
Choose the S5 for the feature set if you regularly follow routes or want map-related tools on the watch. Choose it for measured accuracy only after finding independent testing for the exact firmware and region you plan to use; the published specifications alone cannot provide that assurance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Water resistance and everyday durability
Both watches carry a 5ATM rating. Xiaomi’s guidance limits that rating to activities such as pool swimming, near-shore swimming, and shallow-water use. It does not recommend hot showers, saunas, diving, or exposure to fast-moving water. Water resistance is not permanent: seals can age, and impacts, chemicals, temperature changes, or repairs can reduce protection.
Rinse and dry the watch after swimming according to Xiaomi’s care guidance, and do not operate the buttons underwater unless the instructions for your specific model permit it. A 5ATM label should be read as a controlled-use rating, not a promise that every water encounter is safe.
Which watch should you buy?
Buy the Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm when these priorities lead
- You want the larger 1.48-inch, 480 × 480 display for maps, notifications, and workout data.
- You value the 815mAh battery and Xiaomi’s longer published light-use, normal-use, and always-on-display scenarios.
- You prefer a stainless-steel body or one of the S5’s premium material variants.
- You plan to use the S5’s advertised offline maps, route guidance, retrace route, or cycling features.
- You are comfortable checking regional software and NFC support rather than assuming every feature works everywhere.
Buy the Xiaomi Watch S4 when these priorities lead
- You specifically want interchangeable bezels and the customization they provide.
- You find the S4 at a substantially lower, verified price for your region.
- Your use is mainly notifications, basic workouts, sleep tracking, and timekeeping, so the S5’s larger battery and navigation tools would not change your routine.
- You already own S4 accessories and are willing to keep them, while recognizing that fit with the S5 is not established.
Use price as a tie-breaker, not a fixed number
No dependable retail price or stock figure is established for this comparison. Compare the exact 46mm S5 and S4 regional packages, including tax, shipping, warranty, strap, and charger contents. A modest S5 premium is easier to justify when you will use its display, battery, or navigation features; a large premium makes the S4’s bezel system and lower cost more compelling.
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- They do not prove that the S5 lasts 21 days for every owner. “Up to” figures are scenario-dependent manufacturer estimates.
- They do not prove a measured 68% battery-capacity increase; that percentage is Xiaomi’s FAQ wording, while the listed capacities are 815mAh and 486mAh.
- They do not prove better GPS accuracy, health-sensor accuracy, or workout-recording quality. Xiaomi’s improved-GNSS language is an advertised claim without an independent head-to-head statistic.
- They do not prove that the S5’s peak-brightness number is directly comparable with the S4’s HBM number.
- They do not prove cross-compatibility for straps, bezels, or charging docks.
A practical buying and setup checklist
- Identify the regional model. Check the country version, case size, included strap, bezel or material, warranty, and whether NFC payments are supported where you live.
- Confirm phone compatibility. Verify that your Android 8.0-or-newer or iOS 14.0-or-newer phone can install the current companion app and that the functions you need are supported on that platform.
- Match the hardware to your routine. Select the S5 for its larger display, battery, stainless-steel construction, or advertised mapping tools; select the S4 for interchangeable bezels or a lower price.
- Check accessory fit before checkout. Search for the exact model name when buying straps or chargers. Do not assume an S4 accessory fits the S5.
- Read the water-use limits. Treat 5ATM as suitable for the stated shallow-water activities, not for diving, saunas, hot showers, or high-speed water.
- Set expectations for battery life. Compare your settings with Xiaomi’s scenario definitions, then expect runtime to change with always-on display, GNSS, brightness, notifications, and workouts.
Verdict
For most new buyers, the Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm is the better on-paper choice: it combines a larger, higher-resolution display, an 815mAh battery, stainless-steel construction, a slimmer stated profile, and newer advertised outdoor features. The S4 remains a rational purchase when interchangeable bezels are important or the local price gap is large enough to outweigh those upgrades. Make the final decision using the exact regional price and feature support, and regard Xiaomi’s battery and GNSS statements as manufacturer claims rather than independent proof of superior real-world performance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
