The Xiaomi Watch S4 has officially launched globally, and for avid runners, its arrival raises essential questions about how its performance in tracking metrics stacks up against established competitors. I took it upon myself to put the Xiaomi Watch S4 through its paces during several runs, placing it side-by-side with my reliable Garmin Forerunner 955. Here’s a closer look at how the Xiaomi performs in the real world.
Xiaomi’s GPS Accuracy Stands Strong
One of the first aspects I evaluate when reviewing a smartwatch is the GPS functionality. Quick and reliable GPS lock is essential for runners aiming for precision in tracking distances. The Xiaomi Watch S4 consistently demonstrated prompt signal acquisition, typically locking onto GPS with remarkable speed—only once did it lag for a few minutes before connecting. Given that even top-tier models can occasionally experience delays, this minor setback didn’t detract from my overall impression.
However, connection speed is only half the battle; accuracy is where the real value lies. During a demanding 7.5 km run through dense urban terrain—often a challenge for GPS—Xiaomi measured the distance at 7.49 km, closely mirroring Garmin’s reading of 7.50 km. The 10 meters of difference is negligible considering the environment. Overall, the GPS accuracy of the Xiaomi Watch S4 is impressive, consistently yielding results that align closely with established models.
Heart Rate Tracking—Mostly Reliable
Transitioning to heart rate monitoring, the story maintains a similar level of engagement, though with slight caveats. In moderate running conditions, the Xiaomi Watch S4 performed admirably, matching Garmin’s heart rate readings closely. For instance, during the aforementioned 7.5 km run, Xiaomi indicated an average heart rate of 134 bpm, reaching a max of 161 bpm. Garmin recorded the same average with a slightly lower peak of 157 bpm; such small discrepancies are common in fitness tracking.
However, the differences became more noticeable during high-intensity sessions. On a vigorous 5 km run, Xiaomi recorded an average heart rate of 159 bpm and a max of 181 bpm, while Garmin’s data showed a significantly lower average of 151 bpm and a max of 167 bpm. This inconsistency might be attributed to design factors: Xiaomi’s metal bezel and protruding heart rate sensor can make achieving a snug fit challenging, particularly on smaller wrists. A crucial point to note is that Xiaomi doesn’t support external chest straps, an option that could enhance accuracy for serious athletes.
Advanced Metrics and Running Dynamics
Moving beyond basic metrics, the Xiaomi Watch S4 offers an impressive suite of advanced tracking features such as ground contact time, vertical amplitude, vertical ratio, training effect, training load, and VO2 Max. These running dynamics insights are particularly surprising and accurate enough to be genuinely useful, placing the watch closer to dedicated sports trackers.
If you compare the Mi Fitness app with Garmin Connect, the differences become apparent. Garmin, being a specialized sports watch, provides more comprehensive data. That said, Xiaomi still delivers substantial insights which are beneficial for evaluating running performance and fitness progress. While I would categorize the Xiaomi Watch S4 more as a fitness watch than a full-fledged sports tracker, its capabilities are commendable.
A Beautiful Display and Intuitive Navigation
Where the Xiaomi Watch S4 truly shines is in its display. With a peak brightness of up to 2,200 nits, it surpasses even flagship models like the Apple Watch Series 10. The watch design also features enhancements such as a rotating crown and a flat button, making navigation intuitive after an initial adjustment period.
In summary, while the Xiaomi Watch S4 might not dethrone established sports watches like Garmin, particularly for hardcore runners due to heart rate tracking discrepancies during high-intensity workouts, it proves itself as a robust option for general fitness tracking and casual running. Its stunning aesthetics, coupled with an excellent display and rich functionality, highlight the device as a formidable entry in the fitness tracking market.
The Xiaomi Watch S4 is available for purchase from Xiaomi’s official store.*
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