HyperOS 3 vs HyperOS 4: What Has Changed?

Xiaomi has announced HyperOS 4 as the follow-up to HyperOS 3, featuring a more refined visual design, enhanced AI capabilities and a number of system-level improvements. HyperOS 3 had placed a strong emphasis on smoother animations, performance, AI tools and connectivity between devices. But HyperOS 4 goes a step further by introducing a new glassy-style interface inspired by iOS 26’s liquid glass and offering deeper AI integration.

So, let’s see how HyperOS 4 stacks up against HyperOS 3 and the actual changes made.

HyperOS 3 vs HyperOS 4: Design and UI

HyperOS 3 included a redesigned home screen, new icons, improved widgets and more than 100 per cent refined system animations. While Xiaomi also introduced features such as AI Dynamic Wallpapers, personalised lock screens and Xiaomi HyperIsland.

On the other hand, HyperOS 4 features a more apparent visual change. Xiaomi has introduced a new Soft Light Glass design language. It uses translucent surfaces, blur effects, lighting, and depth to give various sections of the interface a glass-like look. The effect is somewhat similar to Apple’s Liquid Glass approach, though Xiaomi implements it differently.

The updated interface also includes more customisation features, such as redesigned clock faces on the lock screen, stacked notifications, widgets and folders. As a result, HyperOS 4 appears more visually distinct from HyperOS 3 than a minor user interface update would.

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HyperOS 3 vs HyperOS 4: Performance and Smoothness

HyperOS 3 had already been focused on improving performance, with Xiaomi emphasising a faster, more stable graphics system, better rendering, and more refined animations to achieve a smoother user experience.

For HyperOS 4, Xiaomi is placing a greater focus on system optimisation and stability. There are reports that some of the system applications are being ported to new technologies. This includes Rust-based ones, and Xiaomi is also carrying out kernel-level optimisations. The aim of these changes is to enhance responsiveness, speed up app loading and improve overall system efficiency.

The actual difference in performance will therefore be largely determined by the smartphone’s chipset, its RAM, and the way it has been optimised. As a result, users should not expect all HyperOS 4 devices to be considerably faster than HyperOS 3 devices.

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HyperOS 3 vs HyperOS 4: AI Features

AI was a major component of HyperOS 3, with Xiaomi introducing various features, including AI Writing, AI Search, AI Speech Recognition, AI Translate, and DeepThink mode in the Notes app. Furthermore, HyperOS 3 supports Gemini features such as Gemini Live, which enables camera and screen sharing on compatible devices.

With HyperOS 4, Super XiaoAi 2.0 is introduced, this being based on Xiaomi’s MiMo large language model. The assistant is intended to carry out more complex tasks and operate across various sections of the device. Additionally, Xiaomi is including AI-powered features for notes, recordings, image editing, translation and content creation.

What this shows is that HyperOS 4 is not merely about giving the interface a different appearance; Xiaomi is aiming to make AI a more integrated part of everyday smartphone use.

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HyperOS 3 vs HyperOS 4: Multitasking and Personalisation

HyperOS 3 included floating windows, improved multitasking and provided better tablet support; furthermore, Xiaomi introduced more flexible Gallery layouts and search features.

The newer HyperOS 4 features customisable large folders, stacked widgets, and a more streamlined notification layout; there are also reports of an AI-powered floating island and further adaptive interface elements.

The changes will make the software seem more flexible, especially on large-screen phones and tablets.

HyperOS 3 vs HyperOS 4: Which Is Better?

HyperOS 3 was a significant achievement for Xiaomi, particularly for its emphasis on performance, AI, HyperConnect, and visual improvements. Yet HyperOS 4 appears to be a more ambitious update.

The main differences lie in the Soft Light Glass UI, greater AI integration, enhanced customisation, and system-level optimisation. With HyperOS 3, the focus was on making Xiaomi’s software smoother and smarter, whereas with HyperOS 4 the aim is to make it more visually refined and intelligent.

Even so, HyperOS 4 is still in the early stages of rollout, and certain features may vary by device and region. The first beta version is currently only available in China, and Xiaomi has not yet announced a full rollout schedule for the global market or India.

HyperOS 4 Eligible Devices

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Last Words

Lastly, while HyperOS 3 focused on refinement, HyperOS 4 builds on that refinement by also introducing significant visual and AI improvements. The update should feel familiar to existing HyperOS 3 users, so they won’t face a steep learning curve, while also offering enough new features to make the upgrade worthwhile.

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