Xiaomi Watch 5 Launches with 1.54-inch OLED Display and eSIM Connectivity
Xiaomi has expanded its wearable lineup with the official announcement of the Watch 5, a new smartwatch that combines premium design with advanced features. Launched alongside the Xiaomi 17 Ultra smartphone, the Watch 5 marks a significant step forward for the company in the competitive smartwatch market, offering a blend of high-end specifications and practical functionality.
Premium Design and Display
The Xiaomi Watch 5 features a stainless steel case that houses a 1.54-inch circular AMOLED display. The screen boasts a 480x480-pixel resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and can reach up to 1,500 nits of brightness for excellent outdoor visibility. Both the front and back of the watch are protected by synthetic sapphire crystal glass, adding durability to the 12.3mm thick, 56g (without strap) device. The watch offers 5ATM water resistance and runs on Xiaomi's HyperOS 3.
Performance and Battery Life
At its core, the Watch 5 utilizes a dual-chip architecture, pairing the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 SoC with a Hengxuan 2800 low-power chipset. This combination is designed to balance performance with efficiency. Powering the device is a 930mAh battery, which is claimed to deliver up to 6 days of battery life under normal usage conditions. In power-saving mode, this can extend to an impressive 18 days.
Health, Fitness, and Unique Features
The smartwatch is equipped for comprehensive health and fitness tracking. It supports continuous heart rate monitoring, ECG, SpO2 measurement, stress monitoring, and sleep tracking. Over 150 sports modes are available for various activities. A notable innovation is the use of the ECG sensor for navigation via hand muscle signals, enabling users to perform actions like answering calls, dismissing alarms, controlling music, or taking photos remotely. The watch also includes full-color offline maps for runners.
Connectivity and Variants
A key highlight of the Xiaomi Watch 5 is its robust connectivity suite, which includes Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi, NFC, GPS, and eSIM support. The eSIM functionality allows for standalone cellular connectivity, enabling calls and data without a paired smartphone. The watch is available in silver or black case colors, with multiple strap options: a standard rubber strap, a leather band (exclusive to the eSIM variant), and a premium 3D-printed titanium strap made from TC4 titanium alloy.
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi Watch 5 starts at CNY 1,999 (approximately $285) for the model with a rubber strap. The eSIM variant with a leather strap is priced at CNY 2,299 (around $330). The optional 3D-printed titanium strap costs an additional CNY 799 (about $110) and comes in black and silver to match the watch cases. The device is currently available in China, with global availability yet to be confirmed.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi Watch 5 presents a compelling package for smartwatch enthusiasts, combining a vibrant OLED display, versatile eSIM connectivity, and extensive health tracking in a durable design. Its dual-chip architecture and substantial battery life address common wearable concerns about performance and endurance. While its initial launch is in China, the Watch 5 signals Xiaomi's continued ambition in the wearables segment, offering features that compete directly with established premium smartwatches.