Xiaomi's customizable smartwatch makes a comeback, and this time it features a crown.

      The Xiaomi Watch S4 has been released featuring a refreshed design that includes a crown on the case to enhance usability. Despite retaining many similar features to its predecessor, is this a downside? We've had the opportunity to test the budget-friendly smartwatch to find out.

      Crowning feature

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      While the Xiaomi Watch S3 relied on two buttons alongside a touchscreen for navigation, the Watch S4 now includes a crown located at the two o'clock position, which has a twist-to-scroll function. It emits a noticeable vibration when turned, and the software responds promptly, marking a significant improvement. However, I don’t recall the Watch S3 being particularly difficult to navigate without it.

      This smartwatch largely mirrors its predecessor. The innovative removable bezel feature has returned, providing much more customization than a standard smartwatch, with each bezel paired with its own coordinating strap and watch face. This functionality is genuinely enjoyable, and changing the bezel is straightforward: you simply twist and click to secure it.

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      I wasn't particularly impressed with the main bezel and strap that came with my Watch S4 model; the rainbow colors gave it a somewhat cheap appearance. It's certainly not akin to an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak with a rainbow bezel. The rubber strap, with its multi-color stitching, is comfortable but does not suit my style. I also received an orange strap reminiscent of the Sport Loop band for the Apple Watch, which was both comfortable and quite striking. The Xiaomi Watch S4 truly allows for a personalized look with its easily interchangeable bezel and strap.

      What about the specifications?

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      There haven’t been significant changes in the specifications. The 1.43-inch display boasts a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and offers impressive brightness at 1,500 nits in sunlight, peaking at 2,200 nits. Viewing it has not been an issue at all. The case is crafted from aluminum, while the bezel material varies based on the model, with several options available in ceramic. It features a 486mAh battery that can last up to 15 days on a single charge. Charging is done using a plastic puck that magnetically connects to the watch's back. Caution is advised however, as the magnets aren't particularly strong, and it can attach even when the charger's pogo pins aren't properly aligned.

      On the rear, there is a heart rate sensor, and the watch connects to the Mi Fitness app on Android devices, with Xiaomi stating that the algorithm has been updated. It monitors heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress, and sleep, and offers a health overview feature that provides a 60-second check-up to alert users to any irregularities. The OnePlus Watch 3 also offers a similar feature.

      The software is Xiaomi’s own HyperOS 2, incorporating some unique connectivity features with other Xiaomi products. For instance, there are gestures like making a fist to navigate through presentation slides on a Xiaomi tablet and snapping fingers to decline a call. Since I wear a watch on my left wrist and cannot snap my fingers with that hand, this feature would go unused for me. The software works adequately but has a somewhat awkward layout. Unlike Google’s Wear OS, it doesn’t feature a side swipe system, but instead utilizes the rotating bezel to scroll through a list of cards. Swiping left brings up a watch face customization page, which seems unnecessary.

      Is it worth buying?

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      I still find the interchangeable bezel feature appealing, although I suspect that once I find a combination I like, I might stick with it. However, the option to switch it up over time adds much appreciated longevity to the design.

      The price of the Xiaomi Watch S4 has not yet been announced, but given that the Watch S3 was priced at around 130 British pounds (approximately $160), it should be significantly lower than the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and OnePlus Watch 3.

      Its main competitor will be the CMF by Nothing Watch 2 Pro, which also features a swappable bezel. Nonetheless, the Xiaomi Watch S4 appears to be of higher quality, and despite its quirky software, it has proven to be reliable. As long as the price of the Xiaomi Watch S4 doesn't suddenly increase, it looks like an excellent value smartwatch that offers clever customization, solid performance, and all the health technology most users require.