Xiaomi has just launched its next-generation smartwatch in the wearable market, which is getting a lot of attention because it focuses on health innovation and advanced sensors. The Xiaomi Watch 5 was officially launched on December 25, 2025, with the brand new Xiaomi Buds 6. The Watch 5 is the real showstopper as it is packed with a brand new muscle-sensing feature that everyone is talking about.
This is not just a basic fitness tracker; it is a premium device which is designed to change how we think about smartwatches. The launch was a double treat for fans, as the new Buds 6 also debuted with professional sound and a sleek, comfortable design.
While I haven’t had the chance to wear it yet, the official launch details give us a very clear picture of its power. In this article, I will walk you through the top features, medical-grade sensors, and the sleek new design of the Xiaomi Watch 5. Whether you are a fitness fan or a tech lover, this article covers everything we know about Xiaomi’s latest smartwatch.
Design
The first thing you notice about this Xiaomi Watch 5 is its premium build. Unlike the budget-friendly Redmi models, this watch uses a case that is forged from high-grade 316L stainless steel. It has a classic round dial, which is protected by synthetic sapphire glass, making it incredibly hard to scratch.
This watch comes in a polished silver and black finish with black and green rubber bands or light blue and classic brown leather bands.
Those who want something truly unique can go with an optional 3D printed titanium strap. It uses a lattice-grid structure that is 50% lighter than regular steel, which makes the Xiaomi Watch 5 smartwatch feel almost weightless on your wrist. It also comes with a 5ATM water resistance rating, which means it is safe for showering as well as swimming.
Display
If we talk about the display, then Xiaomi has packed a stunning 1.54-inch AMOLED display into this watch, which comes with a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels. What I like most about this watch is that it comes with 1500 nits of peak brightness that ensures you read the notifications even under direct sunlight.
The display of this watch comes with a 60Hz refresh rate. It also comes with Always-On Display (AOD), so that you can check the time without even lifting your wrist.
Software Experience
The Xiaomi Watch 5 really shines when it comes to software. This watch runs on the brand-new HyperOS 3, which is designed to connect seamlessly with your other Xiaomi devices. It uses a dual-chip system in which a powerful Snapdragon W5 chip is used for smooth apps and a low-power chip is used to keep the battery running longer.
Even the interface is simple to navigate and this watch also supports eSIM technology. This means the new Xiaomi Watch can make calls, send texts, and even use apps without being connected to a phone.
Features
Heart Rate, SpO2 and Stress Monitoring
This watch provides continuous heart rate and blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking. It also comes with a Class II medical-grade (in China) ECG sensor that can record your heart rhythm in just 30 seconds and the reports can be taken from the Xiaomi Health app.
Sleep Tracking and Recovery Insights
Xiaomi has improved its AI-based sleep analysis. The watch tracks your sleep stages and even provides muscle heat maps after workouts to show which parts of your body need more recovery.
Fitness and Sports Modes
With over 150 sports modes, the Xiaomi Watch 5 covers everything from basic walking to professional trail running. It includes full-color offline maps and dual-band GPS, allowing you to navigate trails even without a mobile signal.
Built-in Speaker and Mic
This watch comes with a built-in speaker and 2 noise-canceling microphones. This setup helps to make your phone calls sound loud and clear as the two mics work together to filter out background noise like the wind or the traffic while you are speaking.
NFC
This watch comes with built-in NFC, which lets you leave your wallet at home. You pay for the things just by tapping your watch at the store and you can even use the watch as a digital key to unlock your smart home door.
EMG Sensor
The Xiaomi Watch 5 uses a world-first muscle sensor to turn your hand into a remote control. By detecting tiny signals in your wrist, the watch lets you answer calls, dismiss alarms, or snap photos just by clenching your fist or tapping your fingers in the air.
Since it is powered by Xiaomi’s HyperOS, you can even use these simple gestures to control your smart home, like turning off lights or fans without ever touching a screen.
Battery
Battery life is usually a weak point for smartwatches, but Xiaomi Watch 5 claims to solve this problem. It comes with a big 930 mAh battery. Xiaomi officially claims that it can last up to 6 days in full performance mode (with all features active) or up to 18 days in power-saving mode.
This watch comes with a magnetic charger that attaches to the back for quick, easy charging.
Connectivity
Beyond health, the Xiaomi Watch 5 is a great daily companion as it includes Bluetooth 5.3 and also comes with a built-in GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) chip that supports 5 major positioning systems:
- GPS (The most widely known system that the United States operates)
- Galileo (Europe’s GNSS)
- GLONASS (Russia’s Global Navigation System)
- BeiDou (China’s Satellite Navigation System)
- QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System is a regional satellite system from Japan that is designed to enhance GPS performance in the Asia-Oceania regions).
This makes the watch a great option for my weekly hiking sessions. It will give me the confidence to explore the outdoors with some of the best GPS tracking smartwatches available.
Price and Availability
The Xiaomi Watch 5 is priced at 1,999 yuan (approximately $284 USD) for the standard rubber strap version. The eSIM model, on the other hand, which comes with a leather strap, costs 2,299 yuan (approximately $327 USD).
If you want that fancy 3D printed titanium band, then it costs an extra 799 yuan (approximately $113 USD).
This watch is currently available in China via the Xiaomi China Online Store. However, looking at past releases, it will likely become available in the US through third-party sellers like Amazon and Furper in the coming months.
Final Verdict
The Xiaomi Watch 5 looks like a fantastic all-arounder watch. It is perfect for someone who wants the high-end build of a luxury watch but also needs the advanced health sensors of a medical device. If you are already in the Xiaomi ecosystem, this is a no-brainer. However, if you are on a tight budget, the Redmi Watch 5 series might be a better value for money.
The Xiaomi Watch 5 is a huge move for the company and I can’t wait to get it on my wrist to see how it handles a busy day and my long trails.
