Along with the Xiaomi 17 series, Xiaomi also introduced the Xiaomi Watch 5 smartwatch for the global markets, after it was introduced in China last year. The global version runs Wear OS 6, the latest version of Google’s wearable operating system.
Designed to integrate standard smartwatch hardware with Google’s software ecosystem, the device introduces new sensor-based gesture controls and upgraded battery technology.
Software and Google Integration
Running on Wear OS 6, the Xiaomi Watch 5 provides direct access to Google applications, including Google Calendar, Google Play, and Google Maps. The device also includes NFC support for contactless payments via Google Wallet.
Notably, it is the first Xiaomi smartwatch to include Google Gemini out of the box. This integration allows users to access voice-assisted information, navigation, and everyday task management directly from the device without requiring a smartphone.
Hardware and Battery Life
The watch utilizes a dual-chip architecture to balance performance and power consumption:
- Primary Processor: Snapdragon® W5 Gen 1
- Co-processor: BES2800 low-power chip
Powering the device is a 930mAh battery featuring a 10% Silicon-Carbon composition and Xiaomi Surge Battery technology. According to Xiaomi, this configuration provides up to 6 days of battery life in standard smart mode and up to 18 days when utilizing the power saver mode.
Design and Build
The exterior of the Xiaomi Watch 5 is constructed with a stainless-steel frame. It features a 1.54-inch display with narrow bezels, and the screen is protected by sapphire glass on both the front and the back of the watch case to improve durability.
Advanced Gesture Controls
The device introduces a sensor suite comprising Electromyography (EMG), Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors to enable advanced, hands-free quick gestures.
Users can control the watch using five distinct hand movements:
- General Gestures: Pinch Twice, Rub Twice.
- Customizable Gestures: Snap Fingers, Shake Wrist, Rotate Wrist.
These gestures can be programmed to perform various tasks, such as dismissing calls, silencing alarms, launching workouts, remotely triggering the camera for photos and video, or opening compatible apps like Google Gemini, Google Wallet, and YouTube Music.
Connectivity and Health Tracking
For cross-device functionality, the watch utilizes Xiaomi HyperConnect, which allows for remote camera access, and the Xiaomi Smart Hub for managing other connected smart devices.
On the fitness and wellness front, the Xiaomi Watch 5 includes:
- One-tap health checks.
- Advanced training metrics and insights.
- Dual-band GNSS for precise outdoor tracking and offline mapping capabilities.
Xiaomi Watch 5 Specifications
- Display: 1.54″ AMOLED, 480×480 px, 312 PPI, 1500 nits brightness, 60 Hz refresh rate
- Design: Stainless steel case, synthetic sapphire crystal (front and heart rate lens), fluoroelastomer or leather strap
- Operating System: Wear OS 6 by Google; dynamic watch faces
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 Platform (4 nm manufacturing process), BES2800 Low-Power Processor 6nm manufacturing process
- Sensors: Heart rate (with SpO₂), ECG, EMG, accelerometer, gyroscope, geomagnetic, ambient light, barometer, temperature sensor, depth sensor
- Health & Fitness: 150+ sports modes, 80+ gym equipment-based courses with 3D animated guidance, outdoor full-color offline maps, post-exercise reports with muscle heat maps, continuous monitoring of heart rate, SpO₂, stress, sleep quality, one-touch health scanning covering eight indicators, ECG and AI-based sleep analysis
- Audio: Microphone (call + ambient), speaker, vibration motor
- Connectivity: Dual-mode Bluetooth BLE/BT 5.4, Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, NFC
- Positioning: GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS
- Durability: 5ATM water resistance
- Size & Weight: 47.4 × 47.4 × 12.3 mm; ~56 g (without strap); strap fit 135–205 mm
- Battery: 930 mAh lithium-ion polymer, magnetic charging; up to 6 days regular use, 18 days power-saving, Magnetic charging
Pricing and Availability
The Xiaomi Watch 5 comes in black and juniper green colours and is priced at 299.99 euros (USD 354 / Rs. 32,115 approx.). It is already on sale in Europe.