Unboxing the Redmi Watch 4: A Leap in Design
We at “Xiaomi for All” eagerly awaited the Redmi Watch 4’s release, especially after its debut at the Redmi 10th anniversary event. This watch marks a significant shift in the budget series, now boasting a robust metal frame, a first for the line.
Upon unboxing, the Redmi Watch 4 immediately impresses with its high-end feel, reminiscent of the Apple Watch. This model undoubtedly tops the charts as the most Apple-Watch-like design of 2023. The previous iteration, the Redmi Watch 3, despite its attempts, fell short with its plastic frame, drawing criticisms for its lackluster appearance. The Watch 4, however, learns from its predecessor, introducing an aluminum frame that adds a touch of luxury to this popular line.
Despite its metal build, the watch remains lightweight at around 32 grams without straps, akin to a typical smart band. The matte finish of the metal surface effectively wards off fingerprints, and the stainless steel crown, with its subtle texture, complements the finely processed frame, hitting all the right notes in design.
The flat front face with sharp edges, however, raises concerns about potential scratches and scuffs from daily wear and tear. A word of caution: handle with care.
Enhanced Display and Software: A Closer Look
Display Features: Bright and Vivid
The Redmi Watch 4 features a 1.97-inch AMOLED display, boasting a 74.8% screen-to-body ratio. This results in a more comprehensive information display and improves the overall user experience. The display quality shines with vivid colors and decent resolution. The auto-adjustable brightness, peaking at 600 nits, ensures clarity even in bright outdoor conditions. The variable refresh rate, switching between 60Hz for smooth operation and down to 5Hz in display-off mode, enhances power efficiency, especially in Always-On Display (AOD) mode.
Software Upgrades: Introducing HyperOS
Xiaomi‘s latest HyperOS elevates the Redmi Watch 4, making it the second line of Xiaomi wearables to feature this advanced software. The dial market is expansive, offering a wide range of personalized displays to suit any style preference. The user interface remains clean and intuitive, with easy navigation through swipes on the dial page. However, the watch lacks a shortcut button for quick access to frequently used actions, relying solely on the crown for navigating the app menu.
Health and Sport Tracking: Comprehensive and Versatile
Health tracking capabilities on the Redmi Watch 4 remain robust, with an upgraded heart rate sensor for more accurate readings. Continuous blood oxygen monitoring, sleep tracking, stress management, female cycle reminders, and breathing exercises are all part of the package.
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the support for over 150 sports modes, encompassing a wide range of activities from water sports to ball games. However, caution is advised for contact sports like basketball and football, as the watch’s sharp edges may pose a risk.
Additional Features: Navigation and NFC
The watch is equipped with an independent GNSS chip, supporting the main five satellite positioning systems, allowing for accurate outdoor tracking without a phone. Its 5ATM waterproof rating makes it suitable for water sports like swimming. The NFC feature, though more beneficial in China, adds convenience with secure offline payments and transportation card simulation.
Battery Life: Impressive Endurance
The Redmi Watch 4 boasts a 50% to 80% improvement in battery life. In typical AOD mode, it can last up to 10 days, and up to 20 days in standard mode with factory settings. Our initial usage, with most auto-tracking features and AOD activated, showed only an 11% battery drop, which is quite remarkable.
Concluding Thoughts: Still the Top Affordable Smartwatch Contender
The Redmi Watch 4 continues to reign as a leading contender in the affordable smartwatch category. However, it falls short in fully exploiting Xiaomi’s multi-device connectivity, offering limited smart home control options.
Table Summary of Redmi Watch 4 Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Design | Metal frame, premium feel, lightweight |
| Display | 1.97″ AMOLED, 74.8% screen-to-body ratio |
| Software | Xiaomi HyperOS, extensive dial market |
| Health Tracking | Upgraded sensors, comprehensive features |
| Sport Modes | Over 150 modes, versatile |
| Navigation | Independent GNSS chip, 5 satellite systems |
| NFC | Convenient for payments and transportation |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 days (AOD mode), 20 days (standard) |
Redmi Watch 4 Review
Dive into our comprehensive review of the Redmi Watch 4, the top affordable smartwatch of 2023, boasting a metal frame and advanced features.
Tags: Xiaomi, Redmi Watch 4, Smartwatch, Affordable, Metal Frame, AMOLED Display, HyperOS, Health Tracking, Sport Modes, GNSS, NFC, Battery Life.
