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

Xiaomi Watch S5 is the newer choice: brighter 1.48″ display (2500 nits), longer battery life up to 21 days, 316L stainless steel case, and eSIM variant — for 749 PLN. The cheaper Xiaomi Watch S4 (from about 449 PLN) 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:

Parameter	Xiaomi Watch S4 (46 mm)	Xiaomi Watch S5 (46 mm)
Screen	1.43″ AMOLED, 466 × 466 px	1.48″ AMOLED, 480 × 480 px
Peak brightness	2200 nits	2500 nits
Battery	486 mAh, up to 15 days	815 mAh, up to 21 days
Battery life with AOD	shorter	up to 9 days
Case	aluminum, interchangeable bezel	316L stainless steel, 2.6 mm bezel
eSIM / LTE	❌	✅ (eSIM variant)
System	HyperOS 2	HyperOS 3
Price (from)	approx. 449 PLN	749 PLN

In short: S4 offers a better price-to-performance ratio and an interchangeable bezel for those who like changes. S5 features a longer battery life, a brighter and larger screen, a steel construction, and eSIM, for an additional cost of approx. 300 PLN.

Full specifications: Xiaomi Watch S5 vs Watch S4

Parameter	Xiaomi Watch S4 (46 mm)	Xiaomi Watch S5 (46 mm)
Premiere	September 26, 2025 (Poland)	May 28, 2026 (Poland)
Display	1.43″ AMOLED, 466 × 466 px (~326 ppi)	1.48″ AMOLED, 480 × 480 px (~323 ppi)
Brightness	up to 1500 nits (HBM), 2200 nits (peak)	up to 2500 nits (peak)
Always-On Display	✅	✅
Case	aluminum	316L stainless steel
Bezel	interchangeable (quick change system)	2.6 mm, 40% narrower, variants: steel / ceramic / forged carbon
Dimensions	47.3 × 47.3 × 12 mm	46 mm, thickness 10.99 mm
Weight	44.5 g (without strap)	approx. 46 g (without strap)
Battery	486 mAh	815 mAh
Battery Life	up to 15 days (typical)	up to 21 days (economical), up to 14 days (typical / eSIM), up to 9 days with AOD
Charging	magnetic 2-pin	magnetic 2-pin
Water Resistance	5ATM	5ATM
Heart Rate Measurement	✅	✅ enhanced (accuracy 98.4%)
SpO2 (saturation)	✅	✅
ECG	❌	❌
GPS	dual-band, 5 GNSS systems	dual-band, 5 GNSS systems (enhanced)
Sport Modes	over 150	over 150
NFC (payments)	✅	✅
eSIM / LTE	❌	✅ (eSIM variant)
Bluetooth	5.3	5.3
Speaker and Microphone (calls)	✅	✅
System	HyperOS 2	HyperOS 3
Compatibility	Android and iOS	Android and iOS
Colors	black, silver, Rainbow	black, silver, Jungle Green, Ceramic Blue
Price (from)	approx. 449 PLN	749 PLN

You can find complete, independent technical data in the GSMArena database and on the official Xiaomi website.

Display — does 0.05 inches and 300 nits make a difference?

Both watches use a round AMOLED display with Always-On Display, but the S5 has an advantage on paper and in practice. The difference is smaller than the numbers suggest, but noticeable in sunlight.

The Xiaomi Watch S4 offers a 1.43-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 466 × 466 pixels and a peak brightness of up to 2200 nits. It is still a readable, sharp display that does not disappoint in everyday use.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 received a slightly larger 1.48-inch AMOLED (480 × 480 px) and a higher peak brightness of 2500 nits. More importantly, the 40% slimmer bezel (2.6 mm) makes the display seem larger and more modern, despite a similar case diameter.

Conclusion: If you often use the watch in full sunlight (running, cycling), the brighter S5 display is a real advantage. For office and evening use, the difference is cosmetic.

Battery and charging — here the 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 runtime.

The 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.

The Xiaomi Watch S5 increases the battery 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, the S5 with a battery lasting up to 21 days realistically changes the comfort of use, especially while traveling, where every hour without a charger counts.

Materials and design — interchangeable frame or steel and ceramic?

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

Xiaomi Watch S4 — interchangeable bezel as a hallmark

The flagship feature of the Watch S4 is the user-replaceable bezel. The quick-change system allows you to change the watch’s appearance in seconds, without tools; you just need to purchase a different bezel. This solution is for those who like to match their watch to their outfit. The case is aluminum, and the total weight is a light 44.5 g.

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

The Watch S5 leans towards a classic, premium watch. The case is made of stainless steel 316L, and depending on the variant, the bezel can be 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. There’s less fun with changing than in the S4, but a more refined, jewelry-like effect.

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

Health, Sports, 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 feature 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 will 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 new feature 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 only in conjunction 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 your 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). The Xiaomi Watch S4, available since October 2024, currently costs around 449 PLN, and can be even cheaper during promotions.

A 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 the 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. However, 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, protective glasses, cases, and straps in various widths is available for the Watch S4. Check out accessories for Xiaomi Watch S4, where you will 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 the new model and its predecessor, offering 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, while S5 focuses on 316L steel, ceramic, and forged carbon.
• Price: S4 from approx. 449 PLN vs S5 for 749 PLN — a difference of about 300 PLN.

If you are buying a watch for years and want the longest battery life and eSIM, pay extra for the S5. If you are 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 its 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 variant with eSIM, which allows you to make calls 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 usage, and up to 9 days with Always-On Display enabled. The Xiaomi Watch S4 achieves up to 15 days with typical usage.

Do the 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.