Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 in a short test: A cheap smartwatch for sports and everyday life at the same time

Manufacturer Xiaomi has gone a step further with the new Redmi Watch 4. In contrast to the previous model Redmi Watch 3, the new smartwatch offers some additional practical features. If you have been thinking about buying a new smartwatch that is not that expensive, the Redmi Watch 4 may be exactly the right model for you.

Especially if you are very enthusiastic about sports, tracking your health data is one of the many functions that the Xiaomi smartwatch can impress with. In our short test we explain the most important advantages and disadvantages of the handy fitness tracker.

Price and availability

A big selling point of the Redmi Watch 4 is its affordable price. You can buy the smartwatch in the colors Obsidian Black and Silver Gray for just 99.99 euros. You also get a magnetic charging cable with a USB port as an accessory. An adapter is not included in the packaging, which is why the setup was a little delayed in our case.

Display and design

The Redmi Watch 4 has a 1.97-inch AMOLED display and is therefore larger than conventional smartwatches. The rounded, rectangular frame is made of aluminum alloy, which makes the device look elegant. New to this model is the rotating crown, which is used as a power button, for scrolling and as a home button.

Xiaomi makes changing your nylon bracelets very easy with the quick release. With a simple click system you can easily remove the bracelet to use another one. This way you can also match the color of your bracelet with that of your clothing if you feel like it.

Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 in pictures

This is what the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 looks like.

The band also fits comfortably on the wrist and has many adjustable sizes. What we noticed negatively was that it was a bit awkward to tighten the strap with one hand. This guarantees that your smartwatch doesn’t slip or sit too loosely.

Are you looking for a lot of variety? No problem! You are offered many individual customization options for your smartwatch. More than 200 wallpapers divided into different categories. So you can always easily choose whether you prefer a simple look or something more flashy.

If you are worried that the Redmi Watch 4 will look too conspicuous due to the large display, we personally didn’t notice that. Despite its size, the smartwatch feels light on the wrist and fits well.

Setup and compatibility

The Redmi Watch 4 is not only suitable for your Android cell phones, but can also easily be connected and used with an iPhone and the Apple iOS operating system. When it comes to compatibility, the smartwatch can shine and doesn’t require that you necessarily need a smartphone or other Xiaomi devices.

Mi Fitness

To set up the Redmi Watch 4, you need to download the free Mi Fitness app from the App Store or Google Play. This is made easier for you by scanning a QR code on the smartwatch.

In the app you must first agree to the terms and conditions. However, when setting up the smartwatch, we noticed that the acceptance fields were not well marked. They are located to the left of the terms of use in case you also have difficulties with this and also use dark mode on your smartphone.

In the software you also have an overview of your health data that your smartwatch has measured. You can also transfer your Zepp Life and Health data to your iPhone.

PPG sensors track health data

Xiaomi has once again surpassed itself with PPG sensor monitoring. These PPG sensors are installed on the underside of the Redmi Watch 4 to track your health data. The manufacturer has expanded the system to 4 channels in order to be able to evaluate your data even more precisely.

The sensors measure your pulse and oxygen saturation all day long. Your current stress level is also recorded and can be reduced again through conscious breathing exercises. This information about your own body on the smartwatch is not only helpful when doing sports, but is also very useful in everyday life if you focus on a healthy lifestyle.

The battery life

In addition to the PPG sensor, the Redmi Watch 4 also has a longer battery life. With the default settings, your battery will last up to 20 days. This is almost twice as long as the previous model, the Redmi Watch 3. With the power saving mode you can use the smartwatch for 30 days and with the AOD mode (Always On Display) for 10 days without having to charge it.

Smartwatch vs. water

In addition to the improved battery life and PPG sensors, the Redmi Watch 4 offers other features. This includes that the smartwatch is waterproof up to 5bar. You can keep your device on during numerous water sports and in everyday life when simply washing your hands. This is mainly possible thanks to the water drainage function.

Perfect for social media

Modern smartwatches can be synchronized with your cell phone with just a few clicks and thus serve as a practical addition. This is also the case with the Redmi Watch 4, which you can connect to your smartphone camera. For example, if you want to take group photos but one person always has to stand behind the camera, then this problem is solved with the Redmi Watch 4.

All you have to do is click on your smartwatch and your smartphone camera will respond. It’s best to set a timer so that you can’t be seen tapping on your smartwatch in the photo. Especially if you use social platforms like Instagram and TikTok, this function saves you a lot of time and effort.

Ideal for sports enthusiasts

The Redmi Watch 4 is ideal as a fitness tracker in your everyday life. Using a GNSS multisystem, the smartwatch tracks your location and can therefore display the route you have walked.

This function is particularly practical for joggers and sports enthusiasts among you who want to get a better overview of their route. It is also very useful that your messages and calls are shown on the display of the Redmi Watch 4. This means you can accept incoming calls and even make calls with the smartwatch using the built-in microphone.

If you get into a critical situation, you can alert a (selected) emergency contact via the Redmi Watch 4 by pressing the crown button three times in a row. This means that the smartwatch always ensures you feel safe when you are traveling alone and need to react quickly.

Conclusion from Netzwelt

Our conclusion is that the Redmi Watch 4 offers a variety of practical functions for a low price. If you are looking for a handy smartwatch that you want to wear while exercising, you will receive sufficient health data and a good overview of your running route.

But the Redmi Watch 4 also solves small problems in everyday life, such as taking group photos, and can inform you about messages and phone calls at a glance while you’re on the go. The only complaint is that there is no power supply and some users might be bothered by the size of the display. But overall you can’t go wrong when buying the Redmi Watch 4, as the price-performance ratio with this smartwatch is exceeded.