Buy the Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm if you want the stronger specification sheet: it has a larger, higher-resolution display, a much larger listed battery, a stainless-steel body, a slimmer stated profile, and newer outdoor-navigation features. Choose the Xiaomi Watch S4 when interchangeable bezels matter more than those upgrades or when you find the exact S4 model at a substantially lower verified local price.
That recommendation reflects Xiaomi’s published specifications and product claims, not an independent head-to-head test. Battery endurance, GNSS accuracy and health-tracking accuracy have not been independently established for these two watches.
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At a glance: Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm versus Watch S4
| Category | Xiaomi Watch S5 46mm | Xiaomi Watch S4 | What the difference 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 smaller and thinner, but slightly heavier. Xiaomi’s measurement notes differ, including how protrusions are excluded. |
| Display | 1.48-inch AMOLED, 480 × 480, 323ppi; 1,500 nits HBM and 2,500 nits peak | 1.43-inch AMOLED, 466 × 466, 326ppi; 1,500 nits HBM; 2,200 nits peak on Xiaomi’s product page | The S5 gives you more screen area and more pixels. HBM and peak brightness are separate measures. |
| Battery | 815mAh; up to 21 days light use, 14 days normal use, or 9 days with always-on display in Xiaomi’s stated scenarios | 486mAh; up to 15 days typical use in Xiaomi’s published estimate | The S5 has the larger cell and longer advertised runtimes, but the test conditions are not identical. |
| Materials and bezel | Stainless-steel body; bezel and trim materials vary by style, including stainless steel, ceramic or forged carbon | Aluminum-alloy frame with interchangeable bezels as a central design feature | The S5 emphasizes fixed, premium case options; the S4 emphasizes physical customization. |
| Software | HyperOS 3 | HyperOS 2 on Xiaomi’s specification page | Both are listed for Android and iOS, but features can differ by phone platform, region and software update. |
| Sports and navigation | Xiaomi advertises 150+ sports modes on the product page and 160+ in its FAQ, plus offline maps, route guidance, retrace route and cycling features | 150+ sports modes on the product page | The S5 has the newer advertised outdoor feature set, although Xiaomi’s own pages use different mode counts. |
| Water rating | 5ATM; intended for pools, near-shore swimming and shallow-water activity under Xiaomi’s guidance | 5ATM with similar shallow-water limitations | Neither rating makes the watch suitable for diving, sauna use, hot showers or fast-moving water. |
| NFC | Availability varies by region | Availability varies by region | Check the exact country model and supported payment or transport services before buying. |
For the full manufacturer specifications, see Xiaomi’s Watch S5 46mm specifications and Watch S4 specifications.
What changed in the Watch S5?
A slimmer stainless-steel case replaces the S4’s lighter aluminum design
The S5 46mm measures 46 × 46 × 10.99mm and weighs approximately 46g without its strap. Xiaomi lists a stainless-steel watch body, with style-dependent bezel or trim materials that can include stainless steel, ceramic or forged carbon. The S4 is listed at 47.3 × 47.3 × 12.0mm and approximately 44.5g without a strap, using an aluminum-alloy frame. The S5 therefore is not the lighter watch, despite its smaller stated footprint; its advantage is a slimmer profile and more substantial case material.
#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.
Do not treat the dimensions as laboratory measurements that can be compared to the last decimal place. Xiaomi’s specification notes differ in how they handle protrusions, so the practical fit depends on the case shape, crown and the strap position on your wrist. Confirm the regional style before buying: bezel and finish options are not necessarily identical across markets.
Interchangeable bezels are the S4’s distinctive design feature
The S4 was marketed around interchangeable bezels. That lets an owner change the watch’s visible ring to alter its appearance without replacing the entire watch. The S5 instead presents a more integrated fixed-bezel design with different case-material choices. If you regularly match a watch to formal and casual clothing, the S4’s physical bezel system can be more valuable than the S5’s material upgrade.
Neither Xiaomi’s published material nor its specifications establishes that S4 straps or charging docks fit the S5. Treat accessories as model-specific and verify fit for the exact regional product listing.
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The S5 uses a 1.48-inch AMOLED panel at 480 × 480 resolution and 323ppi. Xiaomi lists 1,500 nits high-brightness mode (HBM) and 2,500 nits peak brightness. The S4 has a 1.43-inch AMOLED display at 466 × 466 and 326ppi; its specification page lists 1,500 nits HBM, while its product page separately states 2,200 nits peak brightness. The S5 gives you a larger viewing area and a higher total pixel count, which should make maps, notifications and workout screens less cramped.
HBM and peak brightness are not interchangeable measurements. HBM describes a specified high-brightness operating mode, while peak brightness is a maximum figure that may apply only to limited content or conditions. Comparing the S5’s 2,500-nit peak directly with the S4’s 1,500-nit HBM would be misleading; use the same measurement type when judging the two panels. Xiaomi’s published figures do not establish how long either watch sustains those levels in everyday 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
The S4’s slightly higher pixel density does not cancel the S5’s size advantage. At normal watch distances, the practical choice is whether you prefer more usable area for text and navigation or the S4’s marginally denser panel.
Battery: a major paper advantage for the S5, not a proven real-world result
The S5 lists an 815mAh battery, compared with 486mAh for the S4. Xiaomi’s S5 product information gives up to 21 days in light-use conditions, 14 days in normal use and 9 days with always-on display under its stated normal-use scenario. Xiaomi’s S4 product page gives up to 15 days of typical use and notes that the figure comes from internal laboratory testing and can vary.
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These estimates are not a controlled comparison. The two pages use different scenario definitions, and actual runtime changes with display brightness, always-on display, notifications, Bluetooth calling, workout frequency, GNSS use, cellular or Wi-Fi behavior and temperature. The S5’s larger cell should reduce charging frequency for a heavy user, but Xiaomi’s numbers alone cannot prove a particular number of days in your routine.
Xiaomi’s S5 FAQ describes the battery as offering a “68% capacity increase” over the S4. That is Xiaomi’s stated comparison, not an independently calculated result; the listed capacities do not mathematically produce that percentage. Use the capacities and the published scenario estimates as separate facts rather than repeating the percentage as your own calculation. The claim appears in Xiaomi’s Watch S5 FAQ.
Choose the S5 for battery headroom if you use continuous workouts, navigation or an always-on display. Choose the S4 only when its price or bezel system outweighs the likelihood of more frequent charging.
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.
Software, phones and regional features
Xiaomi lists HyperOS 3 for the S5 and HyperOS 2 for the S4 specification page. Both list compatibility with Android 8.0 or later and iOS 14.0 or later. That broad operating-system support does not mean every function is identical on Android and iPhone. Notifications, background synchronization, calling features, app availability and health-data integration can be restricted by the phone platform or by regional software.
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Features and services can also change with firmware updates and country-specific editions. Before ordering, check Xiaomi’s page for your market and confirm that the companion app, language support, payment service and any advertised phone-dependent function are available on your handset. A global specification page is not a guarantee that an NFC payment feature works in every country.
NFC is not universal
Xiaomi states that NFC availability varies by region for both models. Do not buy either watch specifically for contactless payments until the exact regional model and supported service are confirmed. The same caution applies to transit cards and other NFC functions that may be enabled in one market and absent in another.
Sports, GNSS and maps: newer features on the S5, limited independent evidence
Xiaomi’s S5 FAQ advertises more than 160 workout modes, while the S5 product page says more than 150. The S4 product page also says more than 150. Because Xiaomi’s own pages disagree, “150+ modes” is the conservative number to use when comparing the watches; the higher S5 figure should be described as an FAQ claim rather than a settled specification.
The S5 FAQ also describes offline maps, route guidance, a retrace-route function and cycling integration. Those capabilities make the S5 the more compelling choice for hikers, cyclists and runners who want navigation tools on the wrist. They describe available functions, not measured accuracy or reliability in a particular forest, canyon or city.
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- 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!
Xiaomi says the S5 has “improved GNSS performance with upgraded dual-frequency satellite positioning for faster and more accurate tracking.” That is a manufacturer statement. No independent comparative statistics establish that the S5 is more accurate than the S4, locks satellites faster in all conditions or produces better track files. If route precision is your deciding factor, look for independent testing of the exact firmware and regional model rather than treating the claim as a measured result.
The S4 remains suitable for buyers who mainly need ordinary workout recording and do not need the S5’s advertised map and route functions. Mode counts alone do not indicate the quality of heart-rate, pace, elevation or GPS data.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Water resistance: what 5ATM does and does not cover
Both watches carry a 5ATM rating. Xiaomi’s guidance limits that protection to activities such as pool swimming, near-shore swimming and shallow-water use. Water resistance is not permanent and can decline through aging, impacts, repairs or seal wear.
- Do not use either watch for diving or high-pressure water sports.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas and steam rooms; heat and pressure can damage seals.
- Rinse and dry the watch after swimming, and avoid pressing buttons while wet unless Xiaomi specifically permits it for your model.
- Check the regional manual for cleaning and depth guidance before exposing the watch to water.
The 5ATM label is therefore a similar baseline on both models, not a reason to select one over the other.
Which watch should you buy?
Choose the Xiaomi Watch S5 when these priorities fit
- You want the larger 1.48-inch, 480 × 480 display for maps, messages and workout data.
- You prefer a stainless-steel body and a slimmer stated case profile over the S4’s lower weight.
- You want the larger listed battery and Xiaomi’s longer advertised light-use and normal-use estimates.
- You expect to use offline maps, route guidance, retrace route or the S5’s advertised cycling features.
- You are buying new and the local price difference is modest after checking the exact regional model.
Choose the Xiaomi Watch S4 when these priorities fit
- Interchangeable bezels are a core reason you want this watch.
- You find an S4 at a substantially lower verified local price and do not need the S5’s navigation features.
- You prefer the S4’s aluminum construction or slightly lower listed bare-watch weight.
- Your use is mainly notifications, basic workouts and general smartwatch functions rather than long navigation sessions.
Do not decide on these assumptions
- Do not assume the S5’s advertised GNSS improvement has been independently measured.
- Do not assume the quoted battery days will match your always-on display, workout and notification settings.
- Do not compare a peak-brightness number on one model with an HBM number on the other.
- Do not assume NFC, payment services or software features are identical across countries or phone platforms.
- Do not assume an existing S4 strap or charger fits the S5 without model-specific confirmation.
A practical buying checklist
- Identify the exact edition. Confirm that the listing is the 46mm S5 or the standard S4 model you intend to buy, and note the included bezel, strap and charger.
- Check local software and NFC support. Use Xiaomi’s regional product page and verify Android or iOS compatibility on your own phone.
- Compare complete prices. Include shipping, taxes, warranty coverage and replacement-accessory costs. No universal street price or stock level can be stated because they vary by country and date.
- Match the watch to your routine. Heavy navigation and frequent workouts favor the S5’s larger battery and advertised map functions; style customization favors the S4.
- Confirm accessory fit. Buy straps and charging docks that explicitly name your model rather than assuming cross-generation compatibility.
- Check return and warranty terms. This is especially important when buying an imported regional version with different NFC or software support.
Bottom line on upgrading from S4 to S5
The S5 is a meaningful specification upgrade: a larger, higher-resolution screen, a stainless-steel case, a larger listed battery and newer advertised navigation features. It is the better default purchase when the price gap is reasonable and those changes match your use. The S4 is not obsolete; its interchangeable bezels and potentially lower local price give it a clear niche.
Neither watch has a proven advantage in real-world battery endurance, GNSS accuracy or health-tracking accuracy based solely on Xiaomi’s published material. Make the final choice using the exact regional price, phone compatibility, NFC availability and the features you will actually use.
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.
