Xiaomi Watch S5 is on the way with a slimmer build
Xiaomi has pulled back the curtain on the Watch S5, giving us our first proper look at what’s coming. The design is noticeably slimmer this time around, and Xiaomi is clearly going for a more premium feel. Also, new sensors are on-board.
What we know
Starting with design, and the case is 316L stainless steel. This is a step up from the aluminium alloy used on the S4, and the crown gets a concentric circle texture that adds a bit of character. Watch face options include designs inspired by classic mechanical watches, with some using Roman numerals and others featuring a moon phase complication. As can be seen from the images in this article, the watch looks very thin. So that’s another plus.
Xiaomi says the sensors have been fully upgraded across the board, with the claim being improved accuracy in health monitoring. Smart ecosystem features also get a mention, with the S5 able to act as a control hub for compatible smart home devices and connected cars.
As far as battery life, you can expect 21 days on a single charge. Which is excellent and largely a result of the lightweight operating system.
How does it compare to the S4
Having reviewed the Xiaomi Watch S4 about a year ago, there are some clear points of comparison worth drawing out, even with the S5 specs still only partially confirmed.
The S4 scored well for design, with its interchangeable bezel system and rotating crown making it one of the more customisable options in its price range. The S5 appears to move away from that bezel approach in favour of a more conventional look, with the stainless steel case giving it a bit more presence on the wrist. Whether that is a trade-off you would welcome depends on whether you valued the S4’s modularity.
Battery life is where the S5 looks like it takes a clear step forward. The S4 managed around 15 days with typical use, which was already solid. A jump to 21 days, if it holds up in practice, would put the S5 ahead of most of its direct competition.
The S4’s sensor package performed well in testing, with GPS accuracy coming within 10 metres of a Garmin Forerunner 955 on a steady run, and heart rate tracking holding up well at moderate intensity. The S5 claims upgraded sensors, but until those are tested in real conditions it is difficult to know what that improvement actually amounts to.
Pricing looks set to stay in a similar bracket, which is good news. The S4 offered decent value, and if Xiaomi can deliver on the claimed improvements without pushing the price up significantly, the S5 should be a reasonable step forward rather than a bloated upgrade.
Two versions, one with eSIM
Xiaomi is planning two variants. One connects via Bluetooth in the usual way, while the other adds eSIM support, meaning you can make calls and receive notifications without your phone nearby.
Pricing in China is expected to come in around 999 yuan for the Bluetooth model, with the eSIM version at roughly 1,199 yuan. There is no confirmed global launch yet, though international availability seems likely at some point.
Sources: Xiaomi on Weibo (2, 3)
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