Xiaomi launches its new Watch S5 globally with bigger battery and brighter AMOLED display

After refreshing its T-series smartphones, Xiaomi is now targeting smartwatch buyers with its premium mid-range Xiaomi Watch S5 (46mm) in the global market. This new watch comes with a huge battery capacity, along with major upgrades to the display, software, and brightness compared to its predecessor—the Xiaomi Watch S4. In this article, I will discuss the Xiaomi Watch S5 in detail, including its expected price in Nepal, specifications, and availability.

Xiaomi Watch S5 Overview

Design and Display

Starting with the design, Xiaomi opts for stainless steel for the Watch S5's frame. While it also comes with ceramic and forged carbon bezels alongside the stainless steel, it depends purely on which version of the watch you are purchasing. The form factor of this watch is a circular 46mm case that is 10.99mm thick and weighs 46 grams, so you can easily wear it throughout the day without feeling heavy on the wrist. 

Here, they give you a choice between the “Black”, “Silver”, “Ceramic Blue”, and “Jungle Green” finishes. Here, the first two variants have a fluoro rubber strap, whereas the other two have blue leather and green nylon braided fluoro rubber straps, respectively. It also has a 5-ATM water resistance rating, so you can even use it while swimming without much stress. 

For display, the Watch S5 uses a relatively large 1.48-inch AMOLED panel, which is a slight bump up from the 1.43-inch screen of the Watch S4. This display can hit up to 2500 nits of peak brightness, and it also has a 1500-nit HBM mode—which is definitely a good deal if you frequently work outdoors. And this screen also comes with drop-proof protection that keeps your watch safe even when you accidentally drop it on the floor. 

Battery and Software

Moving on to the battery, the Xiaomi Watch S5 packs a huge Li-Po 815mAh cell, which is quite a substantial upgrade over the 486mAh cell in its predecessor. With this battery, Xiaomi claims up to 14 days of normal use, and up to 21 days if you use it casually. The always-on display (AOD) mode can also let this watch survive up to 9 days. This means you don't have to worry about charging it every single day, even with heavy use. For charging, you can use a 2-pin magnetic charging dock that quickly snaps onto the back of the watch. 

And to keep you connected on the go, it comes with dual-mode Bluetooth 5.4, a built-in speaker, and a microphone. So you can answer Bluetooth phone calls directly from your wrist. 

On the software side, the watch runs on the newer Xiaomi HyperOS 3 right out of the box to deliver a smooth and fluid user interface. With this software, the Watch S5 is compatible with smartphones running Android 8.0 or later and iOS 14 or later. 

Health and Fitness Tracking

For health and wellness, the Xiaomi Watch S5 brings a bunch of sensors to keep close tabs on your daily vitals. It has an upgraded heart rate sensor combined with an SpO2 sensor for continuous, round-the-clock monitoring. Along with these, you get an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, and barometer sensor to track everything from your daily steps and sleep quality to stress levels and atmospheric pressure changes during high-altitude activities.

When it comes to fitness, this watch offers 150+ sports modes for almost every outdoor activity. It also has advanced running and cycling modes. If you are a trail runner or hiker who needs route navigation and backtracking, Xiaomi claims it also comes with full-color vector offline maps that you can download via the app. To top it off, Xiaomi claims that the Watch S5 comes with running courses and a brand-new “Passion Mode” that tracks your physical cheering gestures as workout data while you watch your favorite sports. 

• Also Read:
• Xiaomi 17T with a 5x telephoto camera is now available for pre-order in Nepal
• Xiaomi 17T Pro goes official with Leica-tuned cameras and flagship Dimensity 9500 chip
• Realme Watch S5 launched with built-in GPS, AMOLED display and 110+ sports modes

App compatibility and more

For easy access, you can use the Mi Fitness app available on both the Play Store and the App Store. Once you connect the Watch S5 to your phone, you can use features like remote photo capture, the “Find My Phone” tool, and local media, such as earbuds, from your wrist. The trade-off with this watch is that it runs on an RTOS, which limits third-party application support. While it also has a downside, it offers decent data flexibility by natively supporting synchronization with popular third-party health platforms like Strava, Apple Health, and Suunto.  

Xiaomi Watch S5 Specifications:

• Design, build: 46 x 46 x 10.99 mm, 46 grams (without strap), Glass front, Stainless steel frame with steel/ceramic/forged carbon bezel option, 5 ATM rating
• Display: 1.48-inch circular AMOLED touchscreen, 480 x 480 pixel resolution, 1500 nits (HBM), 2500 nits (peak), Always-On-Display
• Chipset: RTOS
• Software: HyperOS 3
• Memory: Unspecified
• Sensors:
  • Health: Upgraded heart rate and SpO₂, sleep, stress
  • Normal: Accelerometer, gyro, E-compass, Barometer, Ambient light
• Training Features: 150+ sports modes, Dual-band 5-system GNSS positioning, Full-color vector offline maps, On-wrist running course, Passion Mode
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, BT calling
• Battery: Li-Po 815mAh, up to 14 days (Standard usage), up to 21 days (Casual light smart mode), up to 9 days (AOD)
• Colors: Black and Silver (Fluororubber strap), Ceramic Blue (Blue genuine leather strap), Jungle Green (Green fluororubber nylon braided strap)

Xiaomi Watch S5 Price in Nepal and Availability

Xiaomi has launched its premium mid-range Watch S5 in the global market, priced at EUR 179.99 (~INR 18,999) for Black and EUR 149.99 (~ INR 16,666) for Silver. Similarly, the Jungle Green variant costs EUR 199.99 (~INR 22,299), and the Ceramic Blue variant costs EUR 169.99 (~INR 20,000). If this launches here, we expect the Xiaomi Watch S5 black variant to cost NPR 47,999 in Nepal.

• Meanwhile, you may like our review of the Apple Watch Series.