In the dynamic landscape of wearable technology, two titans stand out in 2025: the Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport and the Apple Watch Series 10. These smartwatches epitomize the best of their brands, combining state-of-the-art technology with stylish aesthetics. But which one truly deserves a place on your wrist? In this comprehensive comparison, we will explore their design, performance, health tracking capabilities, battery life, and overall ecosystem. Let’s dive into this thrilling face-off!

Design: Where Style Meets Functionality
Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport: The Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport boasts a striking 1.43-inch AMOLED display, featuring a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels. Its sapphire glass ensures durability, making it ideal for active users. The titanium alloy case not only looks premium but also keeps the watch lightweight at just 36g (excluding the strap). With a 47.6mm diameter, this smartwatch offers a bold yet elegant appearance. Users can customize their device with interchangeable bezels and straps, ranging from sporty silicone to refined leather. Additionally, it’s equipped with 5ATM water resistance, allowing it to withstand depths of up to 40 meters, making it perfect for swimming and diving enthusiasts. The dual-button navigation simplifies usage, although it lacks the tactile crown found in some competitors.
Apple Watch Series 10: Apple continues its legacy with the Series 10, featuring its signature square design with rounded corners. This model comes in two sizes, 42mm and 46mm, and is Apple’s thinnest smartwatch at just 9.7mm thick. The edge-to-edge OLED display offers a generous screen area of up to 1220 sq mm, ensuring vibrant visuals. Available in aluminum or titanium finishes, the Series 10 radiates sophistication. Weighing only 35.3g (in aluminum, GPS), it’s impressively light. With a water resistance rating of 50 meters and a new depth sensor, this watch is ready for aquatic adventures, although it doesn’t match the diving capabilities of Xiaomi’s model. Seamless navigation is made possible through a digital crown and a side button, while the always-on display shines brightly at up to 2000 nits.
Verdict: Xiaomi’s circular design and customization options cater to those who appreciate a classic look with rugged functionality. In contrast, Apple’s sleek, minimalist aesthetic and larger display appeal to urban trendsetters. Ultimately, the choice depends on personal preference: bold versatility or refined elegance.
Performance and Software: Under the Hood Power
Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport: The heart of the Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 processor, delivering impressive speed and responsiveness. It operates on Wear OS 3.5, enhanced by Xiaomi’s HyperOS interface. While it doesn’t feature the latest Wear OS 5, users benefit from Google’s essential apps, including Maps, Wallet, and Assistant, alongside third-party applications like Spotify. HyperOS adds an extra layer of polish with gesture controls and Alexa integration. However, Xiaomi’s update strategy is somewhat unclear, raising questions about future enhancements. The dual-frequency GNSS ensures reliable location tracking, although it falls short of Garmin’s precision.
Apple Watch Series 10: The Series 10 is driven by the S10 SiP chip, Apple’s fastest processor to date, paired with watchOS 11. This combination results in a smooth user experience, whether launching apps or processing Siri queries. The Apple ecosystem remains unparalleled, offering a rich third-party app store and seamless integration with iPhones. Unique features like Double Tap for one-handed control and a new Vitals app enhance usability. Additionally, the ultra-wideband chip allows for precise iPhone locating, a feature Xiaomi cannot match. However, the Series 10 is limited to iPhone users, potentially alienating Android enthusiasts.
Verdict: Apple’s robust ecosystem and superior software performance give it an edge for iPhone users, offering faster processing and a wider app selection. Xiaomi’s Wear OS versatility makes it appealing for Android fans, yet its older OS version and uncertain update path hinder its competitiveness.
Health and Fitness Tracking: Your Wellness Companion
Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport: Xiaomi emphasizes fitness with over 150 sports modes, ranging from running to niche activities like kite surfing. It features heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, sleep analysis, and stress assessment, providing decent accuracy for casual users. The dual-frequency GPS enhances outdoor tracking, although it doesn’t reach the accuracy levels of Garmin. Notably, the absence of ECG or advanced sensors, such as wrist temperature, is a drawback, and its fitness data analysis feels basic compared to premium competitors. Nevertheless, the dive-specific features, including water temperature sensing, cater to aquatic adventurers.
Apple Watch Series 10: Apple raises the bar with FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, ECG, blood oxygen monitoring (region-dependent), wrist temperature, and heart rate variability tracking. The Vitals app offers a comprehensive overview of health metrics, while watchOS 11’s training load feature and customizable Fitness app make it ideal for runners. Safety features like fall detection and emergency SOS add extra layers of protection. The Series 10’s GPS is highly accurate, and integration with Apple Fitness+ provides guided workouts. For women, cycle tracking stands out as a notable feature. However, it lacks advanced diving metrics.
Verdict: Apple’s extensive health suite and safety features position it as the go-to choice for wellness enthusiasts. While Xiaomi impresses with its diverse sports modes and diving capabilities, its simpler analytics and missing sensors limit its appeal.
Battery Life: Who Stays Charged Longer?
Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport: Xiaomi excels with an impressive battery life of up to 15 days under typical usage conditions. Even with GPS tracking, the watch can last several days, making it ideal for long adventures. Charging is quick, taking about an hour, but users will find themselves needing to plug in infrequently.
Apple Watch Series 10: Unfortunately, battery life remains a weak point for Apple. The Series 10 offers between 18 and 36 hours of use, depending on settings, requiring daily charging for most users. Although fast charging (0% to 75% in just 30 minutes) alleviates some inconvenience, it still pales in comparison to Xiaomi’s endurance.
Verdict: Xiaomi’s remarkable battery life is a significant advantage for users who dislike frequent charging. While Apple’s fast charging is convenient, the necessity of daily top-ups is a drawback.
Ecosystem and Value: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck
Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport: Priced between $200 and $250, the Watch S4 Sport offers excellent value for its premium features and build quality. Its compatibility with both Android and iOS (with better functionality on Android) broadens its user base. HyperOS integrates well with Xiaomi’s ecosystem, although it lacks the cohesiveness of Apple’s environment. For budget-conscious buyers, it represents a high-value option.
Apple Watch Series 10: Starting at $399 for the 42mm GPS model, the Series 10 is a premium investment. Upgrading to LTE models or titanium finishes increases the price. While its iPhone-only compatibility limits versatility, the seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem—spanning iCloud, Fitness+, and Apple Pay—remains unmatched. For loyal iPhone users, the value lies in the polished experience.
Verdict: Xiaomi takes the lead in affordability and cross-platform compatibility. Apple justifies its higher price with superior software and ecosystem benefits, but only for iPhone users.
Conclusion: Which Smartwatch Should You Choose?
The Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport emerges as a rugged, budget-friendly option, boasting impressive battery life and features tailored for adventurers. It’s ideal for Android users or anyone seeking a customizable smartwatch that won’t break the bank. However, its older Wear OS version and basic health tracking capabilities prevent it from reaching true flagship status.
On the other hand, the Apple Watch Series 10 is the ultimate choice for iPhone users, blending sleek design, rapid performance, and industry-leading health tracking features. Its ecosystem is a dream for Apple fans, but the daily charging requirement and higher price are notable trade-offs.
Choose Xiaomi if you value long battery life, a classic design, and great value, especially in mixed-device households. Opt for Apple if you are deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem and prioritize comprehensive health features and a polished app experience.
In this epic showdown, there is no one-size-fits-all victor. The Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport caters to adventurers, while the Apple Watch Series 10 appeals to urban sophisticates. Which smartwatch best fits your lifestyle?
Comparision Table
Feature | Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport | Apple Watch Series 10 |
---|---|---|
Price | ~$200–$275 (€159.99–€200) | Starts at $399 (42mm, GPS); $429 (46mm, GPS); LTE and titanium models cost more |
Release Date | July 2024 (China, global availability TBD) | September 2024 |
Design | Circular, 47.6mm titanium alloy case, 36g (w/o strap), interchangeable bezels/straps | Square with rounded corners, 42mm/46mm, aluminum/titanium, 35.3g (42mm, GPS, aluminum) |
Display | 1.43″ AMOLED, 466 x 466, 326 PPI, 1500 nits (2200 nits peak), sapphire glass | 1.45″ OLED (42mm: 374 x 430; 46mm: 396 x 484), ~326 PPI, 2000 nits, sapphire crystal |
Water Resistance | 5ATM, dive-rated to 40m | 5ATM, swim-proof to 50m, depth sensor (not dive-certified) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 | Apple S10 SiP |
Operating System | Wear OS 3.5 with HyperOS overlay | watchOS 11 |
Compatibility | Android (preferred), partial iOS support | iOS only (iPhone) |
Battery Life | Up to 15 days (typical), 5–10 days (heavy use), 486mAh; 5-min charge for 2 days | 18–36 hours (36h in low-power mode); fast charging (0–75% in 30 min) |
Charging | Magnetic charging, ~1 hour to full | Wireless (Qi-compatible), ~30 min to 75% |
Health & Fitness Tracking | Heart rate, SpO2, sleep, stress, 150+ sports modes, dual-frequency GNSS, no ECG/temp | ECG, SpO2, wrist temp, sleep apnea, HRV, fall/crash detection, 50+ sports modes, GNSS |
GPS | Dual-frequency GNSS (GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, Beidou), offline mapping | High-precision GNSS, no offline mapping |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, NFC (Google Wallet), eSIM (select regions) | Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC (Apple Pay), optional LTE, ultra-wideband chip |
Smart Features | Google Maps, Wallet, Assistant, Alexa, gesture control, limited third-party apps | Siri, Double Tap, Fitness+, translations, Vitals app, robust third-party app support |
Safety Features | SOS, severe weather alerts | Fall detection, crash detection, emergency SOS |
Customization | Interchangeable bezels, 20mm straps, 200+ watch faces | Multiple bands, watch faces, case finishes |
Unique Features | Dive metrics (water temp), collaboration with Suunto, long battery life | Sleep apnea detection, Double Tap, iPhone precision finding |
Key Takeaways
- Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport: Offers incredible value with a premium titanium build, exceptional battery life (up to 15 days), and dive-ready features. Its Wear OS 3.5 and HyperOS combo supports Android better but lacks the app ecosystem and advanced health sensors of Apple. Ideal for adventurers and budget-conscious buyers.
- Apple Watch Series 10: Excels in health tracking (ECG, sleep apnea), software polish, and iPhone integration. Its sleek design and robust app store are unmatched, but daily charging and iOS exclusivity are drawbacks. Best for iPhone users prioritizing wellness and ecosystem.
Choose the Xiaomi for affordability, battery endurance, and outdoor versatility, or the Apple Watch for cutting-edge health features and a seamless iPhone experience.
Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport vs Apple Watch Series 10
Discover the ultimate comparison between the Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport and Apple Watch Series 10, focusing on design, performance, and health tracking.
Xiaomi, Apple, smartwatch, Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport, Apple Watch Series 10, wearables