The Xiaomi Watch S5, released in July 2026 alongside the flagship Watch 5, signals a shift toward hardware-optimized battery performance. Priced at 2 600 kr, the device prioritizes longevity over the ecosystem flexibility of Google’s WearOS. By utilizing the proprietary HyperOS 3, the S5 achieves up to 14 days of battery life in normal usage scenarios, effectively bypassing the daily charging requirements common among high-end smartwatches.
Battery Efficiency vs. Ecosystem Flexibility
According to the product specifications, the Watch S5 features an 815 mAh battery, significantly larger than many competitors running WearOS. While WearOS is favored for its app library, it is frequently cited for its energy-intensive nature, often limiting devices to 2–4 days of operation.
Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3 allows for more aggressive power management, resulting in an estimated 14 days of normal use or 9 days with the Always-On Display (AOD) enabled. For light users, Xiaomi claims up to 21 days is possible. While these figures represent manufacturer estimates, the reliance on a proprietary OS means users sacrifice access to the Google Play Store and the deep integration of third-party WearOS applications.
Pro Tip: When testing fitness trackers, manually start and stop your workout sessions. Automatic detection, while convenient, often suffers from inconsistent precision across various manufacturers, including the Watch S5.
Design and Hardware Ergonomics
The Watch S5 is constructed with a 46 mm stainless steel casing and a 1.48-inch AMOLED display. The screen supports a peak brightness of 2 500 nits locally, with a High Brightness Mode (HBM) of 1 500 nits, ensuring visibility in direct sunlight. The design includes two physical buttons on the right side: a rotating crown for menu navigation and a secondary rectangular button for quick access.
The device utilizes 22 mm quick-release straps, allowing users to swap the included fluorgummi (fluororubber) bands for third-party alternatives. While the hardware feels robust, the user interface navigation—specifically swiping gestures—has been noted for feeling less intuitive compared to established industry standards. The watch is 5 ATM water-resistant, making it suitable for swimming in pools or shallow coastal waters, though it is not intended for high-pressure water sports or sauna use.
Health Tracking and Data Accuracy
Equipped with a two-channel GPS, the Watch S5 tracks outdoor activities including cycling, running, and hiking. Data collected from the watch syncs to the Mi Fitness app, which provides maps and heart rate metrics. While the GPS accuracy is generally reliable, users may experience a slight delay in initial satellite acquisition.
The health suite includes over 150 training modes, ranging from traditional sports to niche activities like board games and card games. The inclusion of these non-athletic modes serves to monitor stress levels and pulse stability during high-pressure scenarios. However, the sleep analysis functionality presents limitations. Testing indicates that the Mi Fitness app sometimes struggles to aggregate multiple sleep periods, such as naps, into a coherent daily summary, which may hinder users looking for comprehensive rest data.
Did you know? The Watch S5 supports dual-mode Bluetooth (BLE/BT 5.4), which contributes to its improved battery efficiency by maintaining a stable connection with the smartphone while using minimal power for background data syncing.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
The Watch S5 is compatible with Android 8.0 and iOS 14.0. While core fitness and health data tracking remain consistent across both platforms, iPhone users may face limitations regarding notification management, music control, and other secondary features. The device does not include 4G/LTE connectivity, meaning users must remain within Bluetooth range of their smartphone to receive calls or notifications. When used as a remote for calls, the microphone quality remains clear, provided the watch is kept at a reasonable distance from the mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Xiaomi Watch S5 support Google Play Store apps?
No. The device runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS 3, which does not support WearOS apps or the Google Play Store.
Is the Watch S5 suitable for swimming?
Yes. The watch carries a 5 ATM water-resistance rating, meaning it is safe for swimming in pools and shallow water, though it should not be worn in saunas or for deep-sea diving.
How long does the battery actually last?
While Xiaomi claims up to 21 days for light use, real-world testing suggests 14 days is a more realistic expectation for standard usage patterns.
Can I use the Watch S5 without my phone?
The watch lacks independent 4G/LTE connectivity. You must have your phone nearby for functions like incoming calls, notifications, and full GPS mapping data transfer.
Looking for more insights on wearable technology? Explore our fitness tech archives for in-depth comparisons and buying guides.
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