Xiaomi's latest smartwatch offers a premium feel at a mid-range price point, with standout battery life and solid health tracking features, positioning itself between the Smart Band 10 Pro and the WearOS-powered Xiaomi Watch 5.
Xiaomi has sent us their latest smartwatch, the Watch S5, which promises to deliver a premium experience at a competitive €179 price point. Positioned between the Smart Band 10 Pro and the full-fledged WearOS-equipped Xiaomi Watch 5, this device aims to strike a balance between affordability and premium features.
The Watch S5 immediately impresses with its premium build quality. The stainless steel body and bezel give it a reassuring heft that belies its mid-range price point. A particularly stylish touch is the forged carbon element around the screen, adding a distinctive aesthetic that sets it apart from many competitors in this price bracket. The Jungle Green colorway we received features a unique strap made from a mix of fluororubber and nylon braided materials, though users can easily swap it for any standard 22mm strap to personalize their look.
Display technology is another strong suit. The Watch S5 features a 1.48-inch AMOLED screen that delivers impressive brightness with up to 2,500 nits peak local brightness. This ensures excellent visibility even in direct sunlight, a significant advantage for outdoor activities. The display comes preloaded with a nice selection of watch faces, and the sharp resolution makes for an enjoyable viewing experience.
Perhaps the most impressive specification is the massive 815 mAh battery, which Xiaomi claims will last up to 21 days on a single charge. If these claims hold up in our full testing, this would place the Watch S5 among the longest-lasting smartwatches on the market, significantly outperforming many competitors that typically require daily charging.
On the right side of the watch, users will find both a crown element and a shortcut button, providing intuitive navigation and quick access to frequently used functions. These physical controls enhance the user experience compared to touch-only interfaces, especially during workouts or in wet conditions.
The Watch S5 runs on Xiaomi HyperOS 3, which means it doesn't offer all the advanced features you'd find on a WearOS-powered device. However, it covers all the essential smartwatch functions and includes Xiaomi's comprehensive suite of health and activity tracking features. The watch also includes an onboard speaker and microphone for taking calls directly from your wrist, though our international review unit notably lacks cellular connectivity and NFC capabilities.
In terms of Xiaomi's ecosystem strategy, the Watch S5 represents an important middle ground. It offers more premium materials and features than the Smart Band 10 Pro while being significantly more affordable than the WearOS-powered Xiaomi Watch 5. This tiered approach allows Xiaomi to capture different segments of the market with devices that cater to various price points and feature requirements.
The package includes only the two-pin magnetic charging puck, which is standard for Xiaomi smartwatches. While minimal, this is consistent with the company's approach and keeps the retail price competitive.
Our full review is already underway, where we'll put the Watch S5 through its paces to verify Xiaomi's battery claims, test the accuracy of its health tracking features, and evaluate the overall user experience. Early impressions suggest that Xiaomi has created a compelling offering that combines premium design with impressive battery life at a price point that makes advanced smartwatch technology more accessible to a broader audience.
For more information about Xiaomi's smartwatch lineup, you can check out their official product page.
Comments
Please log in or register to join the discussion