Redmi Watch 5 vs Watch 4: Xiaomi Smartwatch Comparison 2025

Redmi Watch 5 vs. Redmi Watch 4: Xiaomi’s 2025 Smartwatch Showdown – Which One Wins?

Choosing a new smartwatch can feel like navigating a minefield of specs and features. But Xiaomi makes it a little easier, offering high-quality smartwatches at surprisingly affordable prices. The Redmi Watch line is a prime example of this, and with the release of the Redmi Watch 5 in 2025, we’re faced with a tough decision: Redmi Watch 4 or its shiny new successor? This detailed comparison dives deep into design, display, performance, health and fitness features, battery life, software, connectivity, and price, drawing on reliable sources like Xataka, Versus.com, Gizmochina, and Planeta Xiaomi, to help you pick the perfect Xiaomi smartwatch for 2025.

1. Context and Market Relevance

Xiaomi’s ambitious “Human x Car x Home” ecosystem relies heavily on smartwatches as key integration points. The Redmi Watch 4, launched in 2024, quickly became a popular choice. Its design, inspired by the Apple Watch Ultra 2, coupled with a high-quality AMOLED display and competitive pricing, made it a real contender in the affordable smartwatch market. Now, the Redmi Watch 5, unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2025, raises the bar with notable upgrades to the screen, battery, and health features, all while staying true to Xiaomi’s commitment to accessible tech.

Both devices run on Xiaomi’s HyperOS, but the Redmi Watch 5 boasts HyperOS 2.0, promising a smoother and more customizable experience. Let’s break down the specifics to help you decide.

2. Design and Build

Redmi Watch 4

The Redmi Watch 4 sports a sleek and robust design. Its aluminum casing gives it a premium feel (though the base is plastic), and the flat screen—a departure from the curved glass of previous generations—is framed by slim bezels, maximizing screen real estate. Weighing in at a lightweight 31.5g (without the strap) and measuring 47.5 x 41.1 x 11.3 mm, it’s a generously sized watch, but comfortable even on smaller wrists. The stainless steel rotating crown, doubling as a home button, is a nice touch, providing satisfying haptic feedback and easing navigation. However, some users on X (@UX_Tech_FR) have noted accidental crown presses when resting their wrists on surfaces.

Available in Silver Gray and Obsidian Black, the Redmi Watch 4 features interchangeable straps for personalization. Its 5 ATM water resistance makes it suitable for swimming in pools, though not for high-pressure activities like scuba diving. The screen, protected by durable glass (though Xiaomi doesn’t specify if it’s Gorilla Glass), has shown impressive resilience after weeks of use, according to Xataka reviews. https://www.xataka.com/analisis/xiaomi-redmi-watch-4-analisis-caracteristicas-precio-especificaciones

Redmi Watch 5

The Redmi Watch 5 refines the design further, prioritizing a larger screen and lighter build. It maintains the 31.5g weight (without strap) of the Watch 4, but its overall volume is reduced by 6.92% (20.53 cm³ vs 22.06 cm³), making it slightly more compact. At 10.5 mm thick – 0.8 mm thinner than the Watch 4 – it’s more comfortable for extended wear, especially during sleep or sports activities. https://versus.com/es/redmi-watch-5-vs-xiaomi-redmi-watch-4

The aluminum frame remains, but with smoother lines and a more refined aesthetic, in Obsidian Black and Silver Gray. The rotating crown is retained, with improved haptic feedback according to Planeta Xiaomi, and interchangeable straps ensure plenty of personalization options. Water resistance is also 5 ATM, maintaining suitability for moderate water activities.

Design Comparison

Both watches boast a premium aesthetic with aluminum frames and interchangeable straps. However, the Redmi Watch 5 is slightly slimmer and more compact, a benefit for those with smaller wrists or a preference for a less bulky design. The rotating crown is a standout feature on both, but the Watch 5 improves ergonomics and minimizes accidental activations. In terms of durability, both seem robust, though the Watch 4 has garnered more extensive feedback regarding its screen’s resilience after heavy use. Your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more compact design (Watch 5) or a slightly larger, more rugged one (Watch 4).

3. Display

Redmi Watch 4

The Redmi Watch 4 features a 1.97-inch AMOLED display with a 390 x 450-pixel resolution and a 302 ppi density. Its maximum brightness of 600 nits ensures good outdoor visibility, and the 60Hz refresh rate delivers smooth transitions. Always-on Display (AOD) mode is supported, reducing the refresh rate to 5Hz to conserve battery power while adapting to the chosen watch face for visual consistency. According to Xataka, the screen is one of the Watch 4’s strengths, with vibrant colors and an easy-to-read interface, even in direct sunlight. https://www.xataka.com/analisis/xiaomi-redmi-watch-4-analisis-caracteristicas-precio-especificaciones

Redmi Watch 5

The Redmi Watch 5 ups the ante with a larger 2.07-inch AMOLED display—the largest in the Redmi lineup to date—boasting a resolution of 432 x 514 pixels (26.52% higher than the Watch 4) and a density of 324 ppi (7.28% improvement). Maximum brightness reaches 1500 nits, guaranteeing exceptional visibility even in the most challenging light conditions. The 60Hz refresh rate is retained, along with AOD support, and the screen offers a more immersive experience thanks to its increased size and sharpness. Planeta Xiaomi highlights its suitability for viewing notifications, health data, and custom watch faces in exquisite detail. https://planetaxiaomi.com/guia-smartwatches-xiaomi-2025/

Display Comparison

The Redmi Watch 5 clearly wins in terms of size, resolution, and brightness, making it ideal for users who prioritize clarity and outdoor visibility. The Watch 4, while still offering a high-quality display, lags behind in resolution and brightness, which might be noticeable in bright conditions. If you crave a more immersive visual experience, the Watch 5 is the clear choice, but the Watch 4 is more than adequate for most users.

4. Performance and Software

Redmi Watch 4

The Redmi Watch 4 runs on HyperOS, based on a proprietary real-time operating system (RTOS) rather than Wear OS. This limits some advanced features like mobile payments or voice assistants (Alexa or Google Assistant). However, Xiaomi has optimized the experience with smooth navigation and customizable widgets, according to Xataka. Useful apps like a to-do list, voice recorder, and smartphone camera remote control are included. The rotating crown makes interaction easier, though the software lacks the depth of Wear OS. The experience is consistent but basic for a watch in this price category. https://www.xataka.com/analisis/xiaomi-redmi-watch-5-analisis-caracteristicas-precio-especificaciones

Redmi Watch 5

The Redmi Watch 5 features HyperOS 2.0, an improved version of the operating system. While still an RTOS, it offers a more polished and fluid experience. Planeta Xiaomi notes that HyperOS 2.0 enhances customization with more options for watch faces and widgets and adds basic voice control—a feature absent in the Watch 4. Integration with the Mi Fitness app is more robust, enabling more detailed analysis of health and activity data. Though lacking mobile payments and advanced voice assistants, the software is more intuitive and responsive. https://planetaxiaomi.com/guia-smartwatches-xiaomi-2025/

Performance and Software Comparison

The Redmi Watch 5 provides a more refined software experience thanks to HyperOS 2.0, with improvements in customization and voice commands unavailable on the Watch 4. Both lack advanced features like NFC for payments or Wear OS, but the Watch 5 feels more modern and versatile. If you value a more up-to-date operating system and better integration with the Xiaomi ecosystem, the Watch 5 is superior.

5. Health and Fitness Features

Redmi Watch 4

The Redmi Watch 4 offers 121 sports modes, including running, cycling, and swimming, with a GNSS, GLONASS, and Galileo-compatible GPS chip for accurate route tracking. Monitoring includes heart rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), sleep tracking, and stress monitoring. Xataka reports that measurements are consistent, though they don’t reach the precision of medical devices or specialized sports watches. The lack of a specific padel mode has been a recurring complaint, but the watch is suitable for amateur users seeking basic tracking. It also automatically detects activities like running, though advanced features like auto-pause or heart rate zone editing are absent. https://www.xataka.com/analisis/xiaomi-redmi-watch-4-analisis-caracteristicas-precio-especificaciones

Redmi Watch 5

The Redmi Watch 5 expands capabilities with 150+ sports modes, including personalized plans for runners, while maintaining GNSS, GLONASS, and Galileo support. According to Versus.com, it adds altitude quantification, useful for activities like hiking or climbing stairs. Health monitoring includes heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and stress, with improved accuracy thanks to optimized sensors and HyperOS 2.0 algorithms. It also incorporates heart rate variability (HRV) tracking—an advanced feature for assessing stress and recovery. Integration with Mi Fitness allows for more detailed reports, ideal for users seeking in-depth activity analysis. https://versus.com/es/redmi-watch-5-vs-xiaomi-redmi-watch-4

Health and Fitness Comparison

The Redmi Watch 5 surpasses the Watch 4 with more sports modes, altitude tracking, and HRV, making it more suitable for users seeking a more comprehensive analysis of their physical activity and health. The Watch 4 remains a solid option for casual users but lacks the advanced features offered by the Watch 5. If advanced fitness tracking is your priority, the Watch 5 is the better choice.

6. Battery

Redmi Watch 4

The Redmi Watch 4 packs a 470mAh battery, offering up to 20 days of battery life in typical use without GPS, or around 15 days with Always-on Display, according to Versus.com reviews. A full charge takes approximately 1.5 hours, and the magnetic charger is easy to use. Battery life is one of the device’s strengths, ideal for those who prefer infrequent charging. https://www.xataka.com/analisis/xiaomi-redmi-watch-4-analisis-caracteristicas-precio-especificaciones

Redmi Watch 5

The Redmi Watch 5 significantly improves battery life with a 550mAh battery (17.02% larger), offering up to 24 days of battery life in typical use, according to Planeta Xiaomi. In mixed use (occasional GPS, sleep monitoring, and sports), real-world battery life hovers around 18-20 days. A full charge still takes about 1.5 hours, but the device supports more efficient charging, recovering 40% in 30 minutes. https://planetaxiaomi.com/guia-smartwatches-xiaomi-2025/

Battery Comparison

The Redmi Watch 5 has a clear advantage with greater capacity and extended battery life, ideal for users who want even fewer charging interruptions. The Watch 4 is still impressive, but the extra 4 days offered by the Watch 5 make a difference, especially for those using intensive features like GPS or AOD.

7. Connectivity

Redmi Watch 4

The Redmi Watch 4 includes Bluetooth 5.0 for stable connections with Android and iOS smartphones and supports Bluetooth calls. However, it lacks NFC for mobile payments, Wi-Fi, and cellular connectivity (3G/4G). The integrated GPS chip supports GNSS, GLONASS, and Galileo, providing accurate outdoor route tracking. The absence of ANT+ support limits its use with accessories like heart rate chest straps. https://www.xataka.com/analisis/xiaomi-redmi-watch-4-analisis-caracteristicas-precio-especificaciones

Redmi Watch 5

The Redmi Watch 5 upgrades to Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster and more energy-efficient connectivity. It also supports Bluetooth calls with a dual-microphone system for improved audio quality and adds basic voice control. Like the Watch 4, it lacks NFC, Wi-Fi, and cellular connectivity, but retains GNSS, GLONASS, and Galileo support. The absence of ANT+ remains a limitation for advanced users. https://versus.com/es/redmi-watch-5-vs-xiaomi-redmi-watch-4

Connectivity Comparison

The Redmi Watch 5 has the edge with Bluetooth 5.3 and better audio quality for calls, improving the connectivity experience. Both lack NFC and ANT+, limiting them in mobile payments and advanced sports accessories. If Bluetooth calls are important to you, the Watch 5 is the better choice.

8. Price and Availability

Redmi Watch 4

The Redmi Watch 4 is available for around €54.99 on sale, according to Planeta Xiaomi, though its standard price is closer to €99.99. It’s widely available at retailers like Amazon, Fnac, and El Corte Inglés, making it accessible in multiple markets. https://planetaxiaomi.com/guia-smartwatches-xiaomi-2025/

Redmi Watch 5

The Redmi Watch 5 has a standard price of €99.99, with options like Amazon (€79 on sale), Fnac (€94.50), and El Corte Inglés (€99.99). Its launch at MWC 2025 ensures global availability, though prices may vary by region. https://www.xataka.com/analisis/xiaomi-redmi-watch-5-analisis-caracteristicas-precio-especificaciones

Price Comparison

The Redmi Watch 5 is more expensive at its standard price, but sales bring it closer to the Watch 4’s cost. Given the Watch 5’s significant improvements in display, battery, and software, its price is justifiable for those seeking the latest technology. The Watch 4 remains a more budget-friendly option.

9. Pros and Cons

Redmi Watch 4

Pros:

• Premium design with an aluminum frame and rotating crown.
• High-quality AMOLED display with AOD.
• Excellent battery life (up to 20 days).
• Competitive price, especially on sale.
• Accurate GPS for outdoor activities.

Cons:

• Limited software (RTOS, no NFC or voice assistant).
• Lower resolution and brightness compared to the Watch 5.
• Lacks advanced features like HRV or altitude quantification.

Redmi Watch 5

Pros:

• Larger and brighter AMOLED display (2.07 inches, 1500 nits).
• Longer battery life (up to 24 days).
• HyperOS 2.0 with improved customization and voice control.
• More sports modes (150+) and advanced features like HRV.
• Slimmer and more compact design.

Cons:

• Slightly higher price.
• Still lacks NFC and Wear OS.
• Absence of ANT+ for sports accessories.

10. Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the Redmi Watch 5 and Redmi Watch 4 depends on your priorities and budget:

Choose the Redmi Watch 5 if:

• You want the best possible display (larger size, higher resolution, and brightness).
• You value longer battery life (24 days) and more efficient charging.
• You seek more advanced health features, like HRV and altitude quantification.
• You prefer a slimmer design and more up-to-date software (HyperOS 2.0).

Choose the Redmi Watch 4 if:

• Your budget is tighter and you’re looking for great value for money.
• You don’t need the advanced features of the Watch 5 (like HRV or voice control).
• You’re happy with a high-quality display, even if it’s not the brightest.
• You prefer a robust design and don’t mind a slightly thicker watch.

Both watches are excellent options in the affordable smartwatch segment, but the Redmi Watch 5 is the ideal choice for those seeking the latest technology and are willing to pay a little more. The Redmi Watch 4, however, remains a solid purchase for users who want a feature-rich watch without breaking the bank.

11. Conclusion

The Redmi Watch 5 and Redmi Watch 4 exemplify Xiaomi’s commitment to accessible innovation, offering premium features like AMOLED displays, integrated GPS, and exceptional battery life at competitive prices. The Watch 5 stands out with its larger and brighter display, longer battery life, advanced health features, and refined software, making it the more modern and complete option. However, the Watch 4 remains a compelling alternative for those seeking a reliable and affordable smartwatch without needing the latest innovations.

In 2025, Xiaomi continues to strengthen its “Human x Car x Home” ecosystem with devices like these, seamlessly integrating with other products such as the Mijia Pro Energy-Saving Standing Air Conditioner or the LineHope E8 Smart Switch. Whether you opt for the Redmi Watch 5’s improvements or the Watch 4’s value, both offer a solid and versatile experience reflecting Xiaomi’s philosophy: advanced technology for everyone.