Introduction
The smartwatch market continues to grow, and Xiaomi's Watch S series stands out for offering stylish designs and an impressive suite of features at an affordable price. The Xiaomi Watch S5 maintains the brand's reputation for delivering solid smartwatches without breaking the bank. In this review, we will delve into its design, features, health tracking abilities, and overall performance, comparing it to its predecessor and exploring whether it is worthy of a place on your wrist.
Unboxing
The Xiaomi Watch S5 is an alluring addition to the smartwatch family, starting at just €150 on Amazon. It is available in four elegant finishes: Black, Silver, Jungle Green, and the premium Ceramic Blue. The watch comes packaged with a strap and a two-pin magnetic charger, which connects via a USB-A port.
- Design, Display
- User Interface
- Health and Fitness Tracking
- Battery Life and Charging
- Final Thoughts
Design, Display
The Xiaomi Watch S5 presents a sophisticated mix of materials, featuring a scratch-resistant crystal display and a sturdy 316L stainless steel case on all models. Distinctive finishes are available, with the Ceramic Blue model showcasing a ceramic bezel and the Jungle Green model featuring a forged carbon bezel.
Refined and compact, the 46mm case is just 11mm thick, with a 40% reduced bezel size compared to the previous model, allowing for a larger 1.48-inch display. The classic design includes standard 22mm straps and a rotating crown that enhances usability.
The AMOLED display offers vibrant colors with a resolution of 480x480px, providing sharp visuals even in bright sunlight. Users can opt from numerous watch faces available in the Mi Fitness app, ensuring personalization options are extensive.
User Interface
Running on the proprietary HyperOS 3, the Xiaomi Watch S5 offers a smooth experience with quick access to notifications, music controls, and an expansive app range. Swiping gestures enhance navigation, although customization options for buttons are limited.
Health and Fitness Tracking
The Xiaomi Watch S5 excels in fitness tracking, boasting over 150 sports modes. Accurate dual-band GPS ensures fast signal acquisition and precise tracking. The advanced heart rate and blood oxygen sensors offer reliable health monitoring, while improved sleep tracking provides insights on overall rest quality.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the standout features of the Watch S5 is its impressive battery life. With a new 815mAh battery, users can expect an extended endurance of up to 21 days under optimal conditions. Even with extensive use, the watch can easily last 15 days on a single charge, making it a durable companion for daily wear.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Xiaomi Watch S5 impresses with its refined design, comprehensive features, and excellent battery life. While it lacks a smaller model and customizable buttons, the aesthetic appeal and performance make it a compelling purchase, particularly for those who appreciate a larger smartwatch.
Pros
- Elegant design with improved build quality
- Four appealing model choices
- Incredible value for the price
- Bright and legible display
- Exceptional battery life exceeding 14 days
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking features
- Accurate monitoring capabilities
- Compatible with standard 22mm straps
- NFC payments available (dependent on region)
Cons
- Absence of a smaller variant
- Non-swappable bezels may disappoint some users
- Lack of custom button functionality
- Outdated charging solution with USB-A
