Last year’s budget smartwatch champion, the Redmi Watch 4, faces a new challenger—the Redmi Watch 5 Lite. Can this new contender dethrone the reigning king? Let’s dive into the details and find out which smartwatch suits you best.
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Health Tracking: A Tie in Features
Both the Redmi Watch 4 and Watch 5 Lite excel in health tracking, packing a robust set of features for their budget-friendly price tags. Here’s what they offer:
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Accurate and customizable tracking frequency, making it ideal for keeping tabs on your daily health.
- Sleep Tracking: Includes advanced REM stage detection and daytime nap monitoring, ensuring comprehensive insights into your sleep patterns.
- Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2): Both watches offer on-demand and 24/7 tracking, though enabling the latter impacts battery life.
- Stress Monitoring: A valuable addition for maintaining mental well-being, helping users manage stress levels with actionable insights.
These features make both smartwatches reliable companions for fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike. In this category, neither smartwatch edges ahead; both deliver impressive health tracking performance that belies their affordability.
Sports Modes: Personal Trainers on Your Wrist
When it comes to sports and activity tracking, both smartwatches are feature-packed and versatile:
- Over 150 Workout Modes: These cover a wide range of activities, from common exercises like running and cycling to niche sports such as rowing or even dance.
- GPS and GNSS Support: Accurate outdoor tracking ensures you get detailed data for your runs, hikes, or cycling sessions.
- Training Courses: Customizable workout settings available through the Mi Fitness app make it easy to tailor your routine.
- Achievement Sharing: Integration with Strava and other fitness platforms allows users to share progress and compete with friends.
The detailed insights available via the Mi Fitness app make both smartwatches excellent tools for tracking your fitness journey. Given their nearly identical capabilities in sports tracking, this round also ends in a draw.
Design & Build Quality: Premium vs. Practical
Redmi Watch 4
- Build: Aluminium alloy frame and a rotating crown for navigation add a touch of elegance and durability.
- Look & Feel: Premium materials provide a sophisticated appearance that’s ideal for both workouts and formal occasions.
Redmi Watch 5 Lite
- Build: Lightweight plastic-centric design that prioritizes functionality over luxury.
- Look & Feel: While practical and functional, it lacks the premium touch of its predecessor, making it better suited for casual use.
For users who value aesthetics and durability, the Redmi Watch 4 clearly outshines its successor. Its rotating crown, a feature not found on the 5 Lite, adds an intuitive way to navigate menus without smudging the display.
Winner: Redmi Watch 4, with its superior build quality and premium design.
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Display: AMOLED Brilliance, but With a Catch
Redmi Watch 5 Lite
- Display Size: 1.96-inch AMOLED screen with tempered glass protection offers vibrant colors and excellent sharpness.
- Brightness: Lacks an ambient light sensor, meaning no auto-brightness. Users must manually adjust the brightness, which can be inconvenient in varying lighting conditions.
Redmi Watch 4
- Display Size: Slightly smaller but includes an ambient light sensor.
- Auto-Brightness: Seamlessly adjusts to different environments, enhancing usability and conserving battery life. Whether you’re outdoors under bright sunlight or indoors in dim lighting, the display adjusts automatically for optimal visibility.
For outdoor enthusiasts or users constantly on the move, the auto-brightness feature is a game-changer, ensuring a hassle-free viewing experience.
Winner: Redmi Watch 4’s auto-brightness feature gives it the edge, especially for on-the-go users.
Battery Life: A Technical Tie
Both smartwatches house a 470mAh battery, providing similar battery performance. On paper, their battery life is evenly matched, lasting up to 12 days on typical use and about 8 days with heavy usage.
However, the absence of auto-brightness in the Redmi Watch 5 Lite could lead to higher power consumption if users manually increase screen brightness. This is particularly noticeable during outdoor activities or in brightly lit environments.
For both models, enabling 24/7 SpO2 or GPS tracking will drain the battery faster, but their efficient software ensures a balanced power usage.
Winner: Tie, though the Redmi Watch 4’s auto-brightness could translate to better real-world efficiency.
Smart Features: Calling and Assistants
Both smartwatches feature a speaker and microphone for Bluetooth phone calls and integration with smart assistants. However, there are some key differences:
Redmi Watch 4
- Assistant Support: Alexa integration in supported regions, allowing voice commands for smart home control or quick queries.
- Calling Features: Reliable call relay via Bluetooth ensures hands-free communication, perfect for when you’re on the go.
Redmi Watch 5 Lite
- Assistant Support: Lacks the versatility of Alexa, which may limit functionality for some users.
- Calling Features: Matches the Redmi Watch 4’s capabilities for handling phone calls but doesn’t offer additional enhancements.
For users who rely on smart assistants, the Redmi Watch 4’s Alexa support adds significant value, making it a more versatile option.
Winner: Redmi Watch 4, thanks to Alexa support.
Software and UI: A Seamless Experience
Both watches run on Xiaomi’s hyper-optimized RTOS-based system, offering:
- Customizable Widgets: Tailor the interface to your preferences with a wide range of widgets for health, fitness, and lifestyle.
- Mi Fitness App Integration: Provides detailed insights into health and activity data, making it easy to track progress.
- Navigation: Intuitive UI ensures ease of use, with smooth transitions and quick access to essential features.
The software is nearly identical on both devices, delivering a polished and user-friendly experience. However, the rotating crown on the Redmi Watch 4 adds an extra layer of convenience for navigating the interface.
Winner: Tie, though the Redmi Watch 4’s hardware enhancements slightly elevate the experience.
Price and Availability
Redmi Watch 5 Lite
- Price: Budget-friendly, perfect for cost-conscious users looking to enter the smartwatch market without breaking the bank.
- Availability: Widely available through Xiaomi’s official channels and third-party retailers.
Redmi Watch 4
- Price: Slightly more expensive, typically costing $20-30 more than the 5 Lite.
- Availability: Similar distribution network, but may occasionally see discounts on older models.
If you’re strictly budget-focused, the Redmi Watch 5 Lite is an excellent choice. However, the Redmi Watch 4’s additional features and premium build justify the higher price tag for those who can stretch their budget slightly.
Winner: Redmi Watch 5 Lite for affordability; Redmi Watch 4 for overall value.
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Additional Considerations: What’s Missing?
While both watches deliver exceptional value, there are areas where Xiaomi could improve:
- Auto-Brightness on Redmi Watch 5 Lite: This omission feels out of place, especially when lower-tier devices like the Mi Band series include it.
- Rotating Crown on Redmi Watch 5 Lite: Adding this feature would elevate the navigation experience.
- Global Availability: Xiaomi’s limited regional support can be a hurdle for international buyers. Ensure you purchase the global version for full functionality and language support.
- Third-Party App Support: While the Mi Fitness app is robust, adding support for more third-party apps could make the watches more appealing to a broader audience.
Conclusion: Which Watch Should You Choose?
If you prioritize build quality, display adaptability, and additional smart features, the Redmi Watch 4 remains the better choice. Its premium materials, auto-brightness, and Alexa support make it a standout. For just a modest price increase, you get a smartwatch that feels and performs like a premium device.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option without compromising too much on health and activity tracking, the Redmi Watch 5 Lite is a solid contender. It’s lightweight, feature-rich, and perfect for users new to smartwatches.
Ultimately, both watches deliver exceptional value. Choose based on your budget and priorities, and you’ll find a reliable companion in either option. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!