Xiaomi Watch S5 vs Watch S4 — what has really changed?

Xiaomi Watch S5 is the newer choice: brighter 1.48″ screen (2500 nits), longer battery life up to 21 days, 316L stainless steel case, and eSIM variant — for 749 zł. The cheaper Xiaomi Watch S4 (from about 449 zł) tempts with a flagship, user-replaceable bezel and almost identical set of health features. Both have AMOLED, dual-band GPS, NFC, and 5ATM. The main differences are battery, brightness, and eSIM.

If you care about maximum battery life, eSIM, and the brightest display, the extra cost for the S5 makes sense. If budget is a priority and you like changing the watch’s appearance, the S4 is still a great purchase. Below we break down both models into their components, with tables, specific numbers, and recommendations based on needs.

Note: Specifications come from official Xiaomi materials and data confirmed at launches. Prices may vary depending on the store and variant.

Looking for accessories for your Xiaomi watch? Check out straps and accessories for Xiaomi Watch at Home Screen, from protective glasses to straps in various colors. Dedicated accessories for the Watch S4 are discussed later in the article.

Xiaomi Watch S5 vs Watch S4: key differences

Before we get into the details, the key differences in one table:

ParametrXiaomi Watch S4 (46 mm)Xiaomi Watch S5 (46 mm)
Ekran1,43″ AMOLED, 466 × 466 px1,48″ AMOLED, 480 × 480 px
Jasność szczytowa2200 nitów2500 nitów
Bateria486 mAh, do 15 dni815 mAh, do 21 dni
Czas pracy z AODkrótszydo 9 dni
Kopertaaluminium, wymienna ramkastal nierdzewna 316L, ramka 2,6 mm
eSIM / LTE✅ (wariant eSIM)
SystemHyperOS 2HyperOS 3
Cena (od)ok. 449 zł749 zł

Krótko: S4 to lepszy stosunek ceny do możliwości i wymienna ramka dla lubiących zmiany. S5 to dłuższa bateria, jaśniejszy i większy ekran, stalowa konstrukcja oraz eSIM, za dopłatą ok. 300 zł.

Pełna specyfikacja: Xiaomi Watch S5 vs Watch S4

ParameterXiaomi Watch S4 (46 mm)Xiaomi Watch S5 (46 mm)
Premiere26 September 2025 (Poland)28 May 2026 (Poland)
Screen1.43″ AMOLED, 466 × 466 px (~326 ppi)1.48″ AMOLED, 480 × 480 px (~323 ppi)
Brightnessup to 1500 nits (HBM), 2200 nits (peak)up to 2500 nits (peak)
Always-On Display
Casealuminum316L stainless steel
Bezelinterchangeable (quick release system)2.6 mm, 40% narrower, variants: steel / ceramic / forged carbon
Dimensions47.3 × 47.3 × 12 mm46 mm, thickness 10.99 mm
Weight44.5 g (without strap)approx. 46 g (without strap)
Battery486 mAh815 mAh
Battery Lifeup to 15 days (typical)up to 21 days (eco), up to 14 days (typical / eSIM), up to 9 days with AOD
Chargingmagnetic 2-pinmagnetic 2-pin
Water Resistance5ATM5ATM
Heart Rate Measurement✅ improved (accuracy 98.4%)
SpO2 (saturation)
ECG
GPSdual-band, 5 GNSS systemsdual-band, 5 GNSS systems (improved)
Sports Modesover 150over 150
NFC (payments)
eSIM / LTE✅ (eSIM variant)
Bluetooth5.35.3
Speaker and Microphone (calls)
SystemHyperOS 2HyperOS 3
CompatibilityAndroid and iOSAndroid and iOS
Colorsblack, silver, Rainbowblack, silver, Jungle Green, Ceramic Blue
Price (from)approx. 449 PLN749 PLN

Pełne, niezależne dane techniczne znajdziesz w bazie GSMArena oraz na oficjalnej stronie Xiaomi.

Ekran — czy 0,05 cala i 300 nitów robi różnicę?

Oba zegarki używają okrągłego ekranu AMOLED z Always-On Display, ale S5 ma przewagę na papierze i w praktyce. Różnica jest mniejsza, niż sugerują liczby, ale zauważalna w słońcu.

Xiaomi Watch S4 oferuje 1,43-calowy AMOLED w rozdzielczości 466 × 466 pikseli i jasności szczytowej do 2200 nitów. To wciąż czytelny, ostry ekran, który w codziennym użyciu nie zawodzi.

Xiaomi Watch S5 dostał nieco większy 1,48-calowy AMOLED (480 × 480 px) i wyższą jasność szczytową 2500 nitów. Co ważniejsze, smuklejsza o 40% ramka (2,6 mm) sprawia, że ekran wydaje się większy i bardziej nowoczesny, mimo podobnej średnicy koperty.

Wniosek: Jeśli często korzystasz z zegarka w pełnym słońcu (bieganie, rower), jaśniejszy ekran S5 to realny atut. Dla użytku biurowego i wieczornego różnica jest kosmetyczna.

Battery and charging — here S5 clearly wins

The battery is the strongest argument for the newer model. A larger cell and HyperOS 3 optimizations translate to a noticeably longer working time.

Xiaomi Watch S4 has a 486 mAh battery and lasts up to 15 days with typical use. This is a good result for a smartwatch with AMOLED. Charging is done via a 2-pin magnetic dock, and 5 minutes of charging provides about two days of use.

Xiaomi Watch S5 increases the cell to 815 mAh and achieves up to 21 days in power-saving mode, about 14 days with typical use (also in the eSIM variant), and up to 9 days with the Always-On Display enabled. In power-saving mode, this is about 6 days more than its predecessor, although the difference in typical use between both watches is small.

Tip: If you are annoyed by charging the watch every week, S5 with a battery lasting up to 21 days realistically changes the comfort of use, especially when traveling, where every hour without a charger counts.

Materials and design — interchangeable frame or steel and ceramic?

Here the philosophy of both models diverges. S4 focuses on personalization, S5 on premium materials and a slimmer screen.

Xiaomi Watch S4 — interchangeable bezel as a hallmark

The flagship feature of the Watch S4 is the interchangeable bezel. The quick-change system allows you to change the watch’s appearance in seconds, without tools, just by purchasing a different bezel. This solution is for those who like to match their watch to their outfit. The case is aluminum, and the whole thing weighs a light 44.5 g.

Xiaomi Watch S5 — 316L steel, ceramic, and forged carbon

The Watch S5 leans towards a classic, premium watch. The case is made of 316L stainless steel, and depending on the variant, the bezel is steel, ceramic (Ceramic Blue), or made of forged carbon. The bezel is 40% narrower (2.6 mm), which increases the visible screen area. Materials are chosen at the time of purchase. It’s less fun to change than in the S4, but offers a more refined, jewelry-like effect.

Conclusion: Choose S4 if you value easy customization of appearance. Choose S5 if you prefer a solid steel construction and a more elegant, slim front.

Health, sport and GPS — almost a tie

In health measurements, both watches are very similar. The S5 adds refined algorithms, but the foundation is the same.

Both models measure heart rate, saturation (SpO2) and sleep, offer over 150 sports modes and dual-band GPS supporting five GNSS systems (GPS, Galileo, Glonass, BeiDou, QZSS). Neither of them has ECG.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 has an improved heart rate monitor with a claimed accuracy of 98.4%, better sleep algorithms, and a more precise GPS module. In practice, it’s an evolution, not a revolution. If you have the S4, the sensor alone is not a reason to upgrade.

Note: Neither the Watch S4 nor the Watch S5 offers ECG measurement. If this is a key health feature for you, you need to look for it in a higher tier.

Connectivity: eSIM, NFC, and Calls

This is the second area, alongside the battery, where the S5 clearly outperforms its predecessor.

The most important novelty is the eSIM in the Xiaomi Watch S5, the cellular connectivity variant allows you to make calls and use data without a phone nearby. The Xiaomi Watch S4 does not have this option; it works exclusively in tandem with a smartphone.

Additionally, both watches support NFC contactless payments, Bluetooth 5.3, and phone calls thanks to the built-in speaker and microphone. Both are compatible with Android and iOS.

Conclusion: If you dream of running or training without a phone, the eSIM in the S5 is a real advantage. For everyday payments and notifications, either model is sufficient.

Price and Availability

The price is the main argument in favor of the Watch S4. The generational difference also means a difference in your wallet.

Xiaomi Watch S5 debuted in Poland on May 28, 2026, at a price of 749 PLN for the basic variant (the eSIM version costs more). Xiaomi Watch S4, available since October 2024, currently costs around 449 PLN, and can be even cheaper during promotions.

The difference of about 300 PLN is a significant amount in this segment. The question is: are the longer battery life, brighter screen, steel case, and eSIM worth the extra cost? For most users looking for long battery life, yes. For those who are budget-conscious and value customization, not necessarily.

Which one to choose? Recommendations based on needs

A brief summary of who should choose which model:

  • Choose Xiaomi Watch S5 if: you want the longest battery life (up to 21 days), the brightest screen, a steel case, and eSIM connectivity for calling without a phone.
  • Choose Xiaomi Watch S4 if: you care about a lower price, enjoy changing the look with an interchangeable bezel, and 15 days of battery life along with a full set of health features are sufficient for you.
  • Already have Watch S4? Upgrading to S5 makes sense mainly for the battery and eSIM. If these two things don’t concern you, S4 still holds up great.

Our choice: For most people buying a new Xiaomi watch in 2026, the Watch S5 is a worthwhile investment — mainly due to the battery and eSIM. But the Watch S4 remains the best budget choice in this family.

Accessories for Xiaomi Watch S4: straps, frame, and screen protection

Regardless of which model you choose, it’s worth securing the screen right away and having a spare strap. A full set of accessories is available for the Watch S4, including protective glass, cases, and straps in various widths. Check out accessories for Xiaomi Watch S4, where you’ll find protection for the 41 mm and 46 mm versions.

Looking for a new strap to refresh the look of your watch? Check out watch straps in standard widths of 20 and 22 mm, as well as the full category of smartwatch accessories at Home Screen.

Summary

Xiaomi Watch S5 vs Watch S4 is a classic showdown between a new model and its predecessor with an excellent price-to-performance ratio. The key takeaways:

  • Battery: S5 up to 21 days vs S4 up to 15 days — the biggest, real advantage of the newer model.
  • Display: S5 is brighter (2500 vs 2200 nits) and slightly larger (1.48″ vs 1.43″) thanks to a slimmer bezel.
  • Connectivity: only S5 offers eSIM — calling without a phone.
  • Design: S4 has an interchangeable bezel for personalization, S5 opts for 316L steel, ceramic, and forged carbon.
  • Price: S4 from about 449 PLN vs S5 for 749 PLN — a difference of about 300 PLN.

If you’re buying a watch for years and want the longest battery life and eSIM, pay extra for the S5. If you’re looking for a solid smartwatch at a good price, the Watch S4 is still one of the best buys in this range. Regardless of your decision, complete your protection and straps in the Xiaomi Watch accessories category at Home Screen.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Xiaomi Watch S5 and Watch S4?

The main differences are the battery (up to 21 days in S5 vs up to 15 days in S4), a brighter and larger display (1.48″ / 2500 nits vs 1.43″ / 2200 nits), a 316L steel case, and eSIM support in S5. The Watch S4 compensates with a lower price and a signature interchangeable bezel.

Is it worth paying extra for the Xiaomi Watch S5?

Yes, if you care about the longest battery life, the brightest screen, and eSIM for calling without a phone. The extra cost is about 300 PLN. If budget is a priority and 15 days of usage is sufficient for you, the Watch S4 remains a very good choice.

Does the Xiaomi Watch S5 have eSIM?

Yes, the Xiaomi Watch S5 is available in a version with eSIM, which allows you to call and use data without a phone nearby. The Xiaomi Watch S4 does not have cellular connectivity and works only in conjunction with a smartphone.

How long does the battery last in the Xiaomi Watch S5 and S4?

The Xiaomi Watch S5 lasts up to 21 days in power-saving mode, about 14 days with typical use, and up to 9 days with the Always-On Display turned on. The Xiaomi Watch S4 achieves up to 15 days with typical use.

Do straps and accessories for the Watch S4 fit the Watch S5?

Straps in standard widths of 20 and 22 mm are usually compatible between models, but protective glasses and cases are tailored to the specific screen diameter. Accessories dedicated to the Watch S4 can be found in the Xiaomi Watch S4 category on Home Screen.

Do the Xiaomi Watch S4 and S5 have EKG?

No, neither the Xiaomi Watch S4 nor the Watch S5 offer ECG measurement. Both measure heart rate, saturation (SpO2), and sleep, and have dual-band GPS and over 150 sports modes.

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