Xiaomi has launched the new Xiaomi Watch 5, marking a significant advancement in the smartwatch industry. This device integrates premium health sensors and advanced connectivity features, raising the bar for wearable technology.
The smartwatch is equipped with both ECG (electrocardiogram) and EMG (electromyography) sensors. These sensors offer medical-grade health monitoring, typically found in high-end devices like the Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic. The EMG sensor enables innovative gesture control by detecting electrical signals from muscles, allowing users to perform tasks such as changing music tracks or rejecting calls with simple finger movements.
Premium Design and Display
The Xiaomi Watch 5 retains a 47mm casing size but features a thinner bezel that enlarges its AMOLED screen to 1.54 inches. This display achieves a peak brightness of 1,500 nits, ensuring clear visibility even under direct sunlight. The 60Hz refresh rate promotes smooth animation and responsive interaction. Crafted from stainless steel with a sapphire glass display, the watch offers exceptional scratch resistance and durability, typical of luxury timepieces.
Users can personalize their smartwatch with various 22mm straps, including fluoroelastomer for sports use, genuine leather for formal settings, and exclusive 3D-printed titanium for a futuristic look.
Performance and Battery Life
Powered by a dual-chip setup, the Xiaomi Watch 5 combines a Snapdragon W5 chip for high-demand tasks with a Hengxuan 2800 chip optimized for low-power background functions. This balanced architecture enhances processing speed without sacrificing energy efficiency. As a result, the watch delivers up to 6 days of battery life in full-performance mode with always-on display and GPS activated. In power-saving mode, it can last as long as 18 days, which significantly outpaces many competitors on the WearOS platform.
Advanced Health Monitoring Features
The ECG sensor records heart electrical activity within 30 seconds and can detect critical conditions such as arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AFib), and early signs of heart attack. Users can export these ECG readings via the Mi Fitness app to share with healthcare professionals.
The EMG sensor represents a pioneering use in consumer smartwatches, measuring muscle and nerve electrical signals through skin contact. This feature supports innovative applications, including gesture-based control and grip strength analysis. The capability to control device functions through discreet hand motions opens new possibilities for hands-free navigation and interaction.
Additional health monitoring includes continuous heart rate tracking, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), in-depth sleep analysis (covering REM and deep sleep phases), stress level assessment with breathing exercise guidance, skin temperature measurement, and extensive sports tracking with more than 150 activity modes. The watch supports swimming up to 5ATM water resistance and offers gym features with 3D animated exercise guidance and real-time performance evaluation.
Standalone Connectivity with eSIM and HyperOS 3
Unlike its predecessor that ran WearOS, the Xiaomi Watch 5 operates on HyperOS 3, Xiaomi’s proprietary system optimized for their device ecosystem. This OS improves UI fluidity, integrates seamlessly with Xiaomi smartphones, and includes the "Super XiaoAi" voice assistant capable of setting alarms, checking weather, and sending messages.
The highlight is the eSIM functionality. With eSIM, the watch functions independently of a paired smartphone. Users can make and receive calls, send texts, make NFC payments through Mi Pay, and stream music directly from the cloud. This independence makes the Xiaomi Watch 5 ideal for active users who prefer not to carry their phones during workouts or quick outings.
Availability and Pricing
The Xiaomi Watch 5 is currently available exclusively in China. The standard model is priced at approximately $290 USD, while the eSIM version costs around $335 USD. Although no international release date has been announced, Xiaomi’s expanding global market presence suggests that a wider rollout could happen within the next few months.
Overall, the Xiaomi Watch 5 combines clinical-grade health sensors, impressive battery endurance, standalone communication capabilities, and a premium build. This smartwatch positions itself as a formidable challenger to top-tier wearables in 2025, appealing to users who desire comprehensive health tracking, stylish design, and phone-free convenience.
