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Redmi Watch 4 Full Review: The Affordable Smartwatch with a Metal Frame
Redmi’s latest offering in the smartwatch market, the Redmi Watch 4, has garnered significant interest, primarily for its metal frame and impressive features at an affordable price point. With smartwatch technology advancing rapidly, the Redmi Watch 4 aims to balance cost and functionality, offering a sleek design, practical health and fitness tracking, and enhanced customisation options. But how well does it actually perform? Here’s an in-depth look at what the Redmi Watch 4 has to offer.
Design and Build Quality
One of the most striking aspects of the Redmi Watch 4 is its new metal frame, a noticeable upgrade from previous models’ plastic construction. The aluminium alloy casing not only enhances its durability but also lends it a more premium look and feel, which is rare in this price range. Its 1.75-inch AMOLED display has an impressive 450 x 390-pixel resolution, making visuals sharp, vibrant, and easy to read, even under bright outdoor conditions. With a slight curve to the edges of the screen and minimal bezels, the display integrates smoothly with the watch frame.
In terms of aesthetics, the watch has a clean, minimalist design that suits both casual and professional settings. The strap, made from a comfortable silicone material, is lightweight and breathable, ideal for workouts or prolonged wear. The Redmi Watch 4 also features a rotating button on the side, adding both convenience and style. This button allows you to navigate through apps and settings smoothly, a helpful addition for those who prefer tactile controls.
Display and Customisation
The AMOLED display on the Redmi Watch 4 is a significant step up, delivering vibrant colours and crisp visuals. The display’s responsiveness is also commendable, ensuring that taps and swipes register accurately. Another highlight is the always-on display option, which is a rare find in budget-friendly smartwatches. This feature means you don’t have to raise your wrist or tap the screen to check the time or view notifications, a nice touch for those who value convenience.
Redmi has also enhanced the customisation aspect, offering over 200 watch faces to choose from in the companion app. From simple digital faces to more elaborate, animated designs, there’s something for every style. Users can also set their own photos as backgrounds, providing a personal touch that is often reserved for more expensive smartwatches. This level of customisation helps the watch cater to a wide range of users, allowing it to blend seamlessly into various aesthetics.
Health and Fitness Tracking
Redmi’s focus on health and fitness tracking is evident in the Watch 4’s array of sensors and monitoring options. It supports over 100 sports modes, covering popular activities like running, cycling, swimming, and yoga, as well as less common options like skateboarding and mountain climbing. The watch provides real-time data on metrics such as heart rate, distance, and calories burned, making it suitable for both casual users and more dedicated fitness enthusiasts.
One of the standout features is the SpO2 monitor, which measures blood oxygen saturation. This feature is particularly relevant given the recent emphasis on respiratory health, and while it isn’t a replacement for medical advice, it’s a useful tool for users wanting to monitor their oxygen levels. Additionally, the Redmi Watch 4 includes 24-hour heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and stress monitoring. The sleep tracking function offers detailed insights into sleep stages, including light, deep, and REM sleep, which can be particularly useful for those looking to improve their sleep quality.
Another positive point is the built-in GPS, which provides accurate tracking for outdoor activities without the need to carry your smartphone. The GPS system locks onto satellites quickly, providing precise location data, which is especially useful for runners and cyclists.
Battery Life and Performance
Battery life is often a critical factor for smartwatch users, and the Redmi Watch 4 does not disappoint. With typical usage, it can last up to 12 days on a single charge, making it ideal for those who don’t want to worry about frequent charging. Even with the always-on display enabled and moderate usage of health tracking features, the watch still manages to hold up well, delivering around 8 to 9 days of battery life. This is a respectable performance compared to other smartwatches in its price bracket.
Charging is also relatively quick, taking around two hours to go from 0% to full. Redmi has chosen a magnetic charger that securely attaches to the back of the watch, making charging hassle-free. The efficient battery and charging setup mean that users can rely on the Redmi Watch 4 for extended periods without interruptions.
In terms of general performance, the Redmi Watch 4 operates smoothly, with minimal lag while navigating through apps and notifications. The operating system is intuitive and easy to use, although it’s worth noting that some third-party apps may not be available. However, for basic needs like notifications, fitness tracking, and customisation, the Redmi Watch 4 delivers a solid performance.
Smart Features and Compatibility
Despite its budget-friendly price, the Redmi Watch 4 includes several smart features typically found on higher-end devices. It supports notifications for calls, messages, and apps like WhatsApp and Instagram, although users cannot reply directly from the watch. Music control is available, allowing users to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume of music on their connected smartphone, which is especially convenient during workouts.
The watch is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, and the pairing process is simple through the Redmi Wear app. The app itself is user-friendly, providing a clear overview of health metrics, workout history, and customisation options. However, it does lack support for NFC and mobile payments, which may be a downside for users looking for a more versatile smartwatch experience.
Another notable feature is the IP68 water and dust resistance rating. While this doesn’t make the watch entirely waterproof, it can handle splashes, sweat, and rain without any issues. It’s also safe for swimming, making it a practical choice for athletes and active users.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sleek metal frame for a premium look and feel.
- Vibrant 1.75-inch AMOLED display with always-on option.
- Extensive health and fitness tracking, including SpO2 monitoring.
- Long battery life of up to 12 days.
- Wide range of customisation options with over 200 watch faces.
- Built-in GPS for accurate location tracking.
- Affordable price point.
Cons:
- No NFC or support for mobile payments.
- Limited third-party app compatibility.
- Cannot reply to notifications directly from the watch.
Verdict: Is the Redmi Watch 4 Worth It?
The Redmi Watch 4 offers a highly competitive package in the budget smartwatch market. Its metal frame, sharp AMOLED display, and comprehensive health and fitness tracking make it a strong contender, especially at its price point. While it lacks some advanced features like NFC payments and third-party app support, it delivers on the essentials and excels in areas such as battery life, display quality, and customisation.
For those looking for a smartwatch that combines style, functionality, and affordability, the Redmi Watch 4 is undoubtedly a worthwhile option. Its durability and array of features make it suitable for a broad range of users, from fitness enthusiasts to those who want a reliable, attractive wearable. Redmi has struck a fine balance between cost and quality, making the Watch 4 a valuable addition to the world of affordable smartwatches.
Where can you buy this watch:
https://www.harveynorman.ie/connected-health/activity-trackers-en/redmi-watch-4-silver-grey.html
