Xiaomi Watch S5 review: Great battery life, but not really smart
The new Xiaomi Watch S5 is positioned as a wearable that prioritizes battery life and athletic tracking. On paper, the specs are promising: a premium build, a bright AMOLED display, and dual-band GNSS. However, in practice, the device acts more like an advanced fitness tracker than a full-fledged smartwatch. We tested whether these compromises hold up in real-world usage.
Design and Ergonomics: Premium Look, Light Feel
Visually, the Xiaomi Watch S5 looks classic and high-end. The 46 mm stainless steel case feels robust, and the rotating crown and two buttons provide satisfying haptic feedback. Despite its premium appearance, the device is relatively lightweight at 46g (without the strap), making it comfortable for continuous wear and workouts.
The controls are intuitive, utilizing a combination of the touchscreen and physical buttons. The HyperOS interface is smooth, though it feels slightly less consistent in certain areas compared to established platforms from Apple or Samsung. A notable advantage is its compatibility with iPhone, pairing easily via the Mi Fitness app.
Health and Fitness: Strong Performance with Limitations
In terms of health monitoring, the Xiaomi Watch S5 delivers impressive results. In our tests, heart rate accuracy was comparable to the Polar H10 chest strap, and SpO₂ measurements were also highly reliable. However, the device lacks certain advanced features like ECG, blood pressure monitoring, or a temperature sensor.
For athletes, the watch offers over 150 sports modes, including running, cycling, and swimming. Thanks to dual-band GNSS (supporting GPS, Glonass, BeiDou, Galileo, and QZSS), it can record outdoor activities without a smartphone. That said, there are drawbacks: the watch does not support external chest straps, and the built-in offline maps are quite basic, lacking detailed hiking trails or points of interest.
Display and Battery: The Main Selling Points
The display is a standout feature. The 1.48-inch AMOLED panel, with a peak brightness of up to 2,500 nits (though slightly lower in our tests), remains perfectly readable even in direct sunlight. One caveat for sensitive users is the 60 Hz PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation) frequency, which may cause eye strain for some.
The 815 mAh battery is the device's trump card. In our testing, with health features and sleep tracking enabled, the watch lasted 15 days. Even with Always-on Display (AOD) active, it managed 10 days of use, significantly outperforming most mainstream smartwatches.
Verdict: Who is it for?
The Xiaomi Watch S5 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize long battery life, reliable sports tracking, and a high-quality display. However, if you are looking for a versatile smartwatch with third-party app support, advanced navigation, or the ability to reply to messages (you can only read notifications), the Xiaomi Watch S5 will require significant compromises.
Гика
