Xiaomi has unveiled a new addition to its smartwatch lineup, the Watch S4 41mm, which offers an affordable yet stylish option for users looking for a compact smartwatch. Launched earlier this week, this model is a more compact version of the original Watch S4, first introduced in China last year. One of the standout features is the inclusion of Xiaomi’s in-house developed Xring T1 chipset, which was also part of the ’15th Anniversary Edition’ Watch S4 released in May. 
This marks a significant step for Xiaomi as they debut their own custom chipset in a competitive market.
The Watch S4 41mm may be smaller in size, but it doesn’t compromise on design. It maintains a premium feel despite its budget-friendly price tag, reminiscent of the minimalist designs seen in Skagen’s smartwatches. The stainless steel construction weighs just 32g, which is remarkably light considering its durable material. For comparison, the 40mm Galaxy Watch 6, made of titanium and plastic, weighs around 28g.
Available in four colors-black, quicksand gold, mint green, and white-the Watch S4 41mm comes with a unique touch, particularly the gold model, which features a Milanese strap and six-point cultured diamonds embedded in the crown, adding an elegant touch to its design.
The smartwatch boasts a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. The Xring T1 chipset inside is claimed to be 35% more power-efficient than the chip in the original Watch S4. Xiaomi promises that the Watch S4 41mm can last up to 8 days with network connectivity, a notable improvement over the original model’s 6-day battery life. However, users opting for the always-on display will see their battery life drop to around 3 days.
For those looking for even more battery life, the Watch S4 41mm can stretch to 15 days with raise-to-wake enabled while connected to a phone. The price for this smartwatch is extremely affordable, with models ranging from 999 yuan ($140) for the fluororubber strap version to 1,499 yuan ($205) for the Milanese strap model. Currently, it’s only available in China, but Xiaomi is expected to bring it to international markets soon.
Although the Watch S4 41mm may not rival the performance of premium models like the Samsung Galaxy Watch series, its combination of style, features, and low price makes it a solid choice for anyone seeking a budget-friendly smartwatch.