Xiaomi Watch S5 Review: Premium Style and Epic Battery Life for €179

Xiaomi is expanding its wearable lineup again, and the new Xiaomi Watch S5 might just be the ‘Goldilocks’ option many have been waiting for. Priced at €179, it sits comfortably between the budget-friendly Smart Band 10 Pro and the high-end, WearOS-powered Xiaomi Watch 5. It’s designed for those who want a premium look without the daily charging anxiety of a full-blown smartwatch.

What’s in the Box?

Our review unit arrived in the eye-catching Jungle Green colorway. It’s a refreshing departure from the standard black and silver, featuring a unique strap that blends fluororubber with a nylon braided texture. It feels durable yet breathable on the wrist. If green isn’t your vibe, don’t worry—the watch uses standard 22mm straps, so you can swap it out for a leather or silicone band in seconds.

Inside the packaging, things are kept simple and functional. You’ll find:

• The Xiaomi Watch S5 unit
• A specialized Jungle Green hybrid strap
• The standard two-pin magnetic charging puck

A Screen That Actually Handles Direct Sunlight

The standout feature when you first power it on is the 1.48-inch AMOLED display. With a peak brightness of 2,500 nits, it’s remarkably easy to read even under harsh outdoor light. Xiaomi also added a touch of flair to the hardware: the bezel features a forged carbon element circling the glass, giving it a sophisticated, sporty aesthetic that punches way above its price point.

Built Like a Tank (and Feels Like One)

The entire body and bezel are crafted from stainless steel. It has that reassuring ‘premium heft’ you’d expect from a traditional timepiece. On the right side, you’ll find a tactile rotating crown for scrolling through menus and a dedicated shortcut button for quick access to your favorite workouts or apps.

The Software Experience: HyperOS 3

It’s important to note that the Watch S5 runs on Xiaomi HyperOS 3 rather than Google’s WearOS. While you won’t get the massive app library of the Play Store, you get incredible efficiency in return. Xiaomi claims the massive 815 mAh battery can last up to 21 days on a single charge. For many, trading third-party apps for three weeks of battery life is an easy deal to make.

The watch handles all the essentials perfectly, including:

• Comprehensive health and sleep tracking
• Heart rate and SpO2 monitoring
• Onboard speaker and microphone for Bluetooth calls

Note: The international version we are testing currently lacks cellular connectivity and NFC capabilities found in some regional variants.

The Verdict is Coming Soon

Is the Xiaomi Watch S5 the new king of mid-range wearables? We’re currently putting that 21-day battery claim to the test and diving deep into its fitness tracking accuracy. Stay tuned for our full, detailed review to see if this is the right upgrade for your wrist.